THat is exactly why I beleive.  So you dont lock your keys in.  
 > Date: Wed, 9 May 2012 17:15:46 -0400
> From: greenvanagon@GMAIL.COM
> Subject: Re: Door locks only work when doors are closed?
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> 
> Our '84 is the same way for the drivers side door, but not the passenger
> side door.
> 
> I have always assumed it was to ensure that you don't lock your keys in the
> car.
> 
> 
> 
> On Wed, May 9, 2012 at 4:53 PM, craig cowan <phishman068@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> > On my '87 syncro, which does not have power locks, I can only seem to lock
> > the doors when they are closed. A key will only lock the door if it's
> > closed, and the locking "button" can only be depressed with the door
> > closed.
> > This is proving to be extremely annoying and is not the case on my other
> > two busses.
> > This isn't normal right?
> > How do I fix it?
> >
> > The doors lock and unlock fine and with little effort while closed
> > though...
> >
> > -Craig
> > '87 SUNROOF SYNCRO WESTY ZETEC
> > '90 GL "NEW BUS"
> > '85 Residence
> >