prescue

Just bought a 2003 A6 4.2. Left it in my garage yesterday with key in my pocket. Went to garage later and noticed door buttons flashing red. Figured I must have accidently locked with remote. Unlocked car (here comes the bad part) and left key in ignition (only one key came with the car). I habitually leave keys in my cars when they are in my locked garage. Went to the garage this am and.........red lights flashing. Car has locked itself. What do I do now? HELP!

SloopJohnB@mac.com

Get the vin # and get your dealer to give you another key.

Or if you need to get in it toot sweet call a locksmith who will pick the mechanical door lock.

SloopJohnB@mac.com

PS: Do it quickly before the parts/service department closes on Saturday!

prescue

Immediate problem solved. Locksmith came to my house and opened the car ($80).
I am certain I have a defective door sensor. I locked and then unlocked with the remote, opened driver door, closed it and waited about 30 seconds. Car locked itself. Repeated same test with passenger door and car remained unlocked.
Also,opening driver door does not turn courtesy lights on and I have not chime when I unbuckle seat belt or leave key in ignition. Clearly car does not sense open/close of door.
Can anyone tell me what part to replace? I want to do the labor myself and do not want to try any of the other fixes I have seen posted.

Peter Badore

As a start you should scan the convenience control module or central locking control module whichever is on your A6 with VAG-COM. The module is located under the driver's seat and is vulnerable to moisture damage.

prescue

I don't have VAG-COM and don't intend to buy one. Are you saying I should go to the dealer? I am confident that the sensor is not telling the control unit that the door is open or closed. What I need to know is exactly what part I need to replace. The entire latch assembly? Or is there a separate electronic component?
I am capable of removing the trim panel and doing an R&R of the part. Just want to know which part contains the sensor.

SloopJohnB@mac.com

If you are so certain you have a defective door sensor you should replace the module that includes the door sensor.

And yes, go to the dealer or an independent with a vag-com if you don't wish to buy one.

I can see you don't need a vag-com since you are sure you have a defective door sensor.

meternerd

My owner's manual says that if the key is left in the ignition and the driver's door is not opened within a short time, the car will automatically lock itself. Mine does. You can leave a window open if you want to keep the keys in the car.

meternerd

I found my manual. I had it wrong......It says "After unlocking the vehicle, you have 60 seconds to open a door or the rear lid. If you wait longer than 60 seconds, the vehicle will automatically lock itself once again. If your door sensor failed, that would explain the self-locking.

J. Patterson

On Audi TTs there is a micro switch in the door latch. They are a common failure as the cars get up in years. I expect yours is the same. Unfortunately the micro switch is integral to the latch assembly. Some have been able to find a similar switch at electronics stores and adapt it. I did one myself about 10 years ago.