VW Beetle door won't open

It is a known issue.

https://www.google.com/search?q=98+beetle+door+locks+stick

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Anti-theft needs to be reset

need to take panel off and check the little plastic clip that hold the rod in place probably broke or fell off

1) Key turns but dose not unlock door. This means that the rod that goes to the back of the lock has came off. This also means that is the reason door is not unlocking with the remote as it pops the lock rod inside the door which pushes the lock open.
2) Key does not turn lock at all but works passengers side door. This means that the locks has been changed in the door, but that doesn't sound like the problem as you say the remote doesn't open the drivers side door so more than likely the rod has came off the back of the lock

If you can't open the door from both sides (inside and outside) you have to replace door lock otherwise check the status of the rod.

from inside or outside ? if won't open from inside your child safety lock is probably tripped. if won't open from outside you probably have a lock rod that popped off inside the door, in which I would have the dealer fix it, it involves taking door pad off and when you can't open door to take pad off ,most of the time it damages it.

It sounds like the connecting rod popped out of its plastic connector. Pull the door panel off and check both ends of the rod. It must be unhooked at one end or the other.

your linkage rod to the outside door handle has disconnected , if you open up the door panel to access the lock linkage rods you will find the rod that is disconnected . There is a plastic bushing the rod is secured with if it is broken you must replace it , if the rod will not stay in place replace the bushing , hope this helps you out

since it is the drivers front door it could be the outside door handle , the rod that goes from the handle to the lock asbly or the lock asbly its self take the door trim panel off and then loos inside the door and latch the door with the door open. open the door with the outside door handle and watch the rod and the lever that the rod is pushing down the lever might not be pushing the lever down far enough to release the lock. If the lock does not open try pushing down on the lever and see if the lock releases if it does ck the outside door handle for cracks along the hinges of the handle I have found that most of the time that it is the outside door handle cracked and the rod is not moving the lever far enough to release the lock.

lock rod has probably come off from door lock, try to get inside panel off or have someone with slim jim try and reach the rod to unlock the door