There are several possibilities.  The most likely is corrosion in the lock.
We are seeing that quite a bit this time of year.  The second possibility is
a key that is worn to the point of almost being incorrect.  As you didn't
mention problems withn any other locks, I'd bet on the corrosion.  That
generally requires disassembly of the lock, cleaning, replacement of any
badly corroded springs and wafers, lubrication and reassembly.  It can done
in 1 day, and should not cost in excess of $15.
Steve Sandlin
http://www.steveslockshop.com
'84 Wolfsburg Westy
'79 Transporter
'00 New Beetle

>From: KG KG <ppg1@HOTMAIL.COM>
>Reply-To: KG KG <ppg1@HOTMAIL.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: hatch lock stick(some vana content)
>Date: Mon, 5 Feb 2001 15:13:42 -0600
>
>Hi list,
>I am having some trouble with the hatch lock on the winter car, the 85
>Golf.
>   Sometimes it locks and unlocks easily, and sometimes it just doesn't
>want
>to lock.  No, the lock is not frozen, and I have sprayed it with silicone
>lubricant quite a few times.  Any ideas on how to fix this? Should I just
>change the lock core?  Any advice appreciated.
>Vanagon content-Bessie my van should be able to come out of winter storage
>at the end of March!yippee! Time for the spring tune up!
>Thanks,
>Kim
>
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