Can’t open door from outside

[Tonkski]

Leon Mk3 SC Fr 2015. I couldn’t open the driver’s side door from the outside this morning. The handle moved normally but the door felt locked. It worked fine from the inside though. I tried various frantic locking and unlocking, spare remote, checked the fuse. Eventually it just fixed itself.
I’ve seen this reported as a common problem on Mk2 Leons which is fixed by removing the inner door panel, drilling a hole in the plastic actuator case and squirting in some WD40. I haven’t seen this recommended for Mk3 Leons though.
This morning was probably the first of the winter when the overnight temperature has been below zero.
Any suggestions for what to try? Thanks.

 

[andy1146]

So it was a lock issue and not a door stuck to the seal issue?

 

[Tonkski]

So it was a lock issue and not a door stuck to the seal issue?

Yes. The door opens fine from the inside, no sticking seals at all. It did it again this morning.

 

[DaveS]

I think I may have had this when the temperature is well below zero. If it is just frozen then it is not a big problem unless you live somewhere that has low temperatures regularly.

 

[DEAN0]

I have just had this on my 2018 Cupra.
Driver door not unlocking with the remote but would unlock using the key manually.
Only happens in cold weather.

Did all the checks, codes read ( none ), lubed the actuator, checked the wires between door and car - nothing.

Ended up replacing the door lock actuator.
All fixed.

 

[Tonkski]

I have just had this on my 2018 Cupra.
Driver door not unlocking with the remote but would unlock using the key manually.
Only happens in cold weather.

Did all the checks, codes read ( none ), lubed the actuator, checked the wires between door and car - nothing.

Ended up replacing the door lock actuator.
All fixed.

I think I might end up doing the same. Water must have got into the actuator.

 

[Momochi]

Leon Mk3 SC Fr 2015. I couldn’t open the driver’s side door from the outside this morning. The handle moved normally but the door felt locked. It worked fine from the inside though. I tried various frantic locking and unlocking, spare remote, checked the fuse. Eventually it just fixed itself.
I’ve seen this reported as a common problem on Mk2 Leons which is fixed by removing the inner door panel, drilling a hole in the plastic actuator case and squirting in some WD40. I haven’t seen this recommended for Mk3 Leons though.
This morning was probably the first of the winter when the overnight temperature has been below zero.
Any suggestions for what to try? Thanks.

A common issue for VAG vehicles.

It also happened to my previous car, Audi A4 (B8 / 8K). Within my 11-ish years of ownership I had all 4 door actuators replaced. Also same issue for the fuel door actuator which I had to replace TWICE.

Another similar issue was the keyless entry sensor, resulted in fault code for central locking module. Had all 4 sensors (inside the door handles) replaced.

Luckily I was living in Hong Kong at that time, thus able to get plenty of good quality low priced VAG OEM parts from China (ordered via Taobao).

Below diagram (for my previous A4) shows the front door actuator as item "1". Be aware of the 2 versions for the front due to LHD/RHD.