Clunky door handle

[Ben@SpeedBarn]

On our 03 A6 the driver's side door handle is pretty clunky. When opening from the inside or the outside it isn't smooth at all. Almost like it's catching on something when pulling the handle. Anyone else have this issue? Pictures of the mechanism, or even pictures of taking the door panel off?

Thanks.

[02 A6 2.7T]

Door latches on these cars can be problematic. The most common problems seem to be the door contact switch (interior lights, buzzer, door ajar, etc.) and the latch sticking.
This is a very detailed write-up on repairing the latch, with lots of great pics:
http://www.audiworld.com/tech/elec96.shtml
I am opting to replace the latch part number 4B1837015H, which I got for $130.76 from http://genuineaudiparts.com/

[Daft]

On our 03 A6 the driver's side door handle is pretty clunky. When opening from the inside or the outside it isn't smooth at all. Almost like it's catching on something when pulling the handle. Anyone else have this issue? Pictures of the mechanism, or even pictures of taking the door panel off?

Thanks.

This is exactly what my driver's door is doing too. I really have been meaning to get to the bottom of it lately. I have noticed that it happens on both handles (In & Out) but, there are times that it works normally.

Just from a mechanical standpoint, if the latch wasn't tight and the handle were lifted, you probably would feel some resistance until the latch was moved enough to release the door. It definitely seems that the latch is the issue in this type of problem.

The strike plate/bar that the door latches onto shows no signs of abnormal wear or marks that are too far towards the top/bottom.

[02 A6 2.7T]

This is exactly what my driver's door is doing too. I really have been meaning to get to the bottom of it lately. I have noticed that it happens on both handles (In & Out) but, there are times that it works normally.

Just from a mechanical standpoint, if the latch wasn't tight and the handle were lifted, you probably would feel some resistance until the latch was moved enough to release the door. It definitely seems that the latch is the issue in this type of problem.

The strike plate/bar that the door latches onto shows no signs of abnormal wear or marks that are too far towards the top/bottom.

I found that a liberal application of white lithium spray grease (in and around the striker pawl mechanism) will temporarily fix the sticky latch. Unfortunately, it hasn't done a thing for my broken/corroded door contact switch...I need to replace it before I leave the lights on and kill the battery .

[2000 A6 2.7t 6m]

I have similar issues. I spray it occasionally with white lithium which helps, but doesn't fix it. If you find a solution for under $130, please post it.

[Daft]

If you find a solution for under $130, please post it.

Does that mean that you were quoted $130 to replace your latch?

[Ben@SpeedBarn]

I think the latch itself is 130.

[02 A6 2.7T]

I think the latch itself is 130.

BINGO! See post#2 above... the AW tech article shows how to remove & install it.

[Ben@SpeedBarn]

The audiworld write up doesn't really describe removing the door panel. Do any of you have experience with that? I hate pulling on things when you don't know if there is another hidden screw you missed. I'm going to try looking at it this weekend.

[Daft]

I think the latch itself is 130.

Ahhhh.

I'll bet you that I can find it for waaaaaay less than that.

I'll report my findings.

[2000 A6 2.7t 6m]

Door panel removal isn't hard. Two screws, one on each side near the top of the door. The window switch can be popped out with a screwdriver in the little hole under the door handle. Disconnect the wiring, then the whole panel slides up.