Experience says - if it's pre 85, your outside door handle is breaking & not
turning latch enough. Lubing of all moving parts is also crutial. MAX

David Beierl wrote:

> At 08:33 10/16/99 , Sharon & Miguel Calvin wrote:
> >Volks,
> >
> >My sliding door is awkward to close.  When opened all the way, it latches
> >in place.  This is, of course, good and normal.  However, the latch can
> >only be released by turning the *inside* handle.  The outside handle does
> >not release it.
> >
> >Has anyone dealt with this problem before?  Any clues as to how to fix it?
>
> I've never seen it -- but the rear latch is operated by  a bowden wire
> coming directly from the front latch operating assembly.  Bentley doesn't
> get farther than a picture of the outside of it.  So a little birdie tells
> me you're going to have the inside skin off the door and the lock assembly
> out and in pieces -- or a new lock assembly.
>
> good luck
> david
> David Beierl - Providence, RI
>   http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon.htm
> '84 Westy "Dutiful Passage"
> '85 GL "Poor Relation"