Rear door latches freeze

[bbigskipper]

Anyone else have this issue?

Rear door latches seem to always stick in winter, once the weather gets below freezing. It's usually the outside handle that won't open the door, so then I have to use the inside handle. But also sometimes the latch mechanism then sticks open, and I can't keep the door closed. It happens frequently enough in the winter that I now drive around with WD40 in the trunk. I'll spray the inside of the latch mechanism the best I can, but it's never a permanent solution. I never have this issue with the front doors though.

Any better solutions?

[MongoMcG]

If it is the latch white lithium grease is a better lubricant (hinges and other metal to metal, too). Locks should use a graphite lubricant. Plastic parts should use a thin coating of silicone lubricant.

Without knowing any other information, my gut tells me it's a sticky latch actuator cable inside the door. For my 2011 B8 the cable mechanism is covered in section 2.16 Interior Door Mechanism Cable, Removing and Installing of the Body Exterior Factory Service Manual, titled "D3E80143784-Body_Exterior.pdf", published 2/2022. If you do not have the FSM's for your car, they can be downloaded with a 1 day subscription ($35) at https://erwin.audiusa.com/. To buy the subscription: at the link point to "My Account" on the far right of the top navigation bar on the page and select "Subscriptions". Once your subscription comes through there is a spot to enter your VIN and they'll provide a list of download links for the FSMs that apply to your car.

I would give the white lithium a try before you start pulling things apart. If you start leaning toward the cable, the part number for my 2011 A4 is 8K0839085A and it's about 40 bucks. At the following link it is part number 8 in the diagram: https://audi.7zap.com/en/usa/audi+a4.../8/839-839030/

The 7zap site is an online version of the Electronic Parts Catalogue, (aka ETKA) and includes nice diagrams of parts. I use 7zap for parts research, but not shopping because it appears the site is based in Russia.