TheSamba.com :: View topic - DID all late vanagons have central locking?

Fri Jul 18, 2008 7:27 am

Or was it just the carat's?

Fri Jul 18, 2008 8:14 am

Was optional with a power package , P/L, P/W & P/M, on 87' Westy's. I've seen later model Westys with power locks and no PWs, so may have been optional?

Fri Jul 18, 2008 8:16 am

I don't know the answer to the question, but my '88 Wolfsburg (basically a Carat) shipped with power locks and power mirrors, but not power windows.

Fri Jul 18, 2008 9:03 am

My dad's 91 Syncro (L?!?) did not have power anything, except power assisted steering. But it did have A/C. Had the jump seats, no table, and a rubber mat in the passenger area, what a wonderful rig. I wish he never sold it, it would be mine, now.

Fri Jul 18, 2008 9:48 am

My 1987 Syncro GL has power locks and mirrors, but windows.

Fri Jul 18, 2008 10:04 am

All Carat style vans: 87-88 Wolfsburg, 89 Wolfsburg, 89-91 Carat all had the central locking as standard. It was always optional on GLs.

David

Fri Jul 18, 2008 12:30 pm

My Syncro, had no power options, except power steering, and power mirrors.
no A/C either, but had the diff lock.

Fri Jul 18, 2008 10:39 pm

Like Paul and Mofus my 88 wolfsburg has power locks and mirrors but not windows.
Paul

Fri Jul 18, 2008 11:01 pm

My 89 Wolfsburg has (had) power locks, mirrors, and windows. The windows work (passenger side barely), and the driver's side mirror works. The locks do not, so I guess you could say I have manual locks, now.

Sat Jul 19, 2008 12:54 pm

Would the wiring be there in a GL? Although Im not sure it doesnt have it There is no key to the drivers or passenger door.

Sat Jul 19, 2008 1:17 pm

I'm not sure if its there or not, check your Bentley and see if the corresponding colored wires are present. I just recently upgraded my speakers, and while I was running new speaker wire, I also ran new wires for the door locks. I plan to purchase an after market CDL system mentioned in this forum and just run all new wires. My lock solenoids are corroded and useless.

Sat Jul 19, 2008 3:10 pm

well I think it would be very convinient to have.

Sat Jul 19, 2008 3:16 pm

My 87 Syncro GL did not have the wiring. When I added the power mirrors and locks (on the front doors) I had to install the wires from the donor van.

Sun Jul 20, 2008 10:34 am

probably didnt then. How hard was it to install or would it be easier to buy and aftermarket kit. Basicly I hate having to go all the way around the van to check and see if it is all locked up. would be a major time saver to hit a button.

Sun Jul 20, 2008 12:58 pm

My '90 GL has power locks but my '91 GL did not- they were a option. To lock the van with power locks the drivers door or passenger door is locked. The wiring harness for the power door locks and power mirrors are bundled together. If you don't have either on your van from the factory you don't have the harness needed. The front doors are the easy part. The rear hatch has a different lock mechanism and hardware along with a solenoid that needs to be mounted. The oblong hole for the sliding door contacts needs to be cut in the body and slider. I don't really remember how the sliding door actuator is attached to the mechanism. The best thing would be to find a donor and pull everything. Don't forget the solenoids are about $150 each if they need to be replaced.

Sun Jul 20, 2008 10:42 pm

Go aftermarket. Someone on here would be able to tell you where to find the inexpensive set, its like A-1 Electric or something. Do a search and you will find a great write-up someone did, but they did have power locks to begin with, so you will have to run all the wires. Quite a daunting task for just the front doors, I can't imagine how hard it will be to run them to the other doors. Open your sliding door and if you see a plate with four brass contacts, then your van may have had power locks to begin with.

I did pick up a set of used aftermarket solinoids at a Vintage VW show yesterday, I still need to check and see if they work, but for only $5, I think I got a pretty good deal.