-- i have an '83 TDT wagon and the driver door lock will not open any longer - from the outside i cannot lock or unlock it - however from the inside it works -- what's up with this ?

if i follow you, the cylinder in the drivers' door lock is seized, but the actual lock mechanism works. try dousing it with wd-40 and use a spare key to try to free it up (don't use your primary key!!). if that doesn't work, i guess the lock cylinder is toast and you will need to remove and service/replace.
do a search on it.

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1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP

Had to replace mine and just did it with a replacement handle and lock. Therefore, my door lock and key switch lock don't match.

But at least I can lock and unlock the car now.

Don

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DAILY DRIVERS:
'84 300DT 298k (Aubrey's)
'99.5 Jetta TDI IV 251k (Julie's)
'97 Jetta TDI 127k (Amber's)
'97 Jetta TDI 186k (Matt's)
'96 Passat TDI 237k (Don's
'84 300D 211k Mint (Arne- Undergoing Greasecar Conversion)

SOLD:
'82 240D 229k (Matt's - Converted-300DT w/ 4 speed