Own a vw cabrio. key goes in door but button does not go up and down. took door panel off and I'm thinking there is a piece missing but nothing was in the door bottom. If you think there a possibilities that a piece is missing what would it be called? Or do I have to get a new lock?

Your key fob might need a new battery.Check this link out. Programming VW Golf Passat Cabrio key fobs in VW

Look for a vacuum leak under the rubber bellows at the door hinge area. This generation VW had vacuum actuated loor locks and the connections could come apart, typically in the hinge areas where flex occurs.

If you would like to fix this yourself, you will be needing to pull the door panel off that side and finding the problem inside the door, but, before you do, here's what you are looking for:
The door latch is fastened to the door jamb with screws.
There are several wire-like levers that come to the door latch and tell it whether to lock or not, to open or not, etc.
The wire type levers come from the two handles, ( inside and out,) and the locking mechanisms, inside and out.
One of your has broken or come apart.
Maybe a bushing has failed at the end of one of the levers.
Be blessed.

chances are you broke the 10cent pot metal piece ($30 at dealer) that attachs to the tumbler behind the scene where the key inserts and engages the locks. The good news if your handy you can fix this. The bad news is probably it will break again (from personal experience). To fix it --- simply disengage the alarm with your fob --- remove door panel (need a star wrench to remove the parts holding the panel) -carefully pry the outer panel of the frame --- peel back the plastic to acess the cavity of the door - - locate the broke piece and replace (make sure you keep track of the sequence, meaning take a picture of the unit befoe you start and as you dismantle it) hopefully this helps!

i have a 2002 vw cabrio and won't start after i took out the battery everbody is telling me that anti-theft is lock mode how do i rest it so i can start my car

Is your key worn down? Perhaps you should have another key made and see if thats the problem.

You have to put hydraulic fluid (power steering fluid will work too) in the convertible top motor. The motor is in the trunk, on the left hand side, under a panel. Pull the panel off and that is the electric motor for the top. You'll see a reservoir where you put in the fluid. Put in the fluid and you'll be good to go.

You can take the door handle off the drivers side and replace the tumblers in the key slot or just remove the tumbler pieces and then any key will turn in the lock. What really matters is that you have to center the door latch lock piece with a lock or a flat screw driver.the line up should be straight up and down in side the door you can see it when you get the door handle off.

THis is common Too common. As I posted before.

As I posted in the Passat questions.

The jetta may slightly differ.

Yes. If your window has fallen down and will not roll up.
99% Chance you car is suffering the Infamous VW plastic clip.

The door panel comes off With a T-10 torx or a Hex (Allen) wrench
that will fit and A large Philips Screw Driver..

Remove the Plastic cover on the inside Door handle.
And the Screw or Screw along the Bottom of the door panel.
Then remove the screws that hold the handle the the door.
They are located behind the Plastic plate you removed with a tiny screw driver earlier... Be careful not the mark up the cover whaytprying it up. It is best to pry from underneath. Where marks if made can not be seen

After the screws are out 4 I believe. The Use of a CLip tool ir best.
For getting behind the panel to pop it off. A screw driver will work.

After all the clips are released. Pull the light at the bottom of the panel down and out. Disconnect it ur push it back thought the hole it came from..

Now you need a 10mm socket, or wrench to remove the 12 bolts that hold the metal plate to the Door. Remove all the 10mm bolts, If the widow has not already fallen in the door. It should be released. By removing the Black 2" plugs. THe loosen the bolts that clamp the window the the arms. DO NOT LOOSEN THEM ALL the way, .
Disconect the all the wiring.. THe Door lock cable,can be a pain.
I think it pulls down,.
Next remove the Metal plate. that is the regulator.

reverse to install

SKETCHLAB.com

there should be a wire linkage between the door lock and the button that could be the missing/broken piece ??