I have a 98 a4 with a problem with the electric locking system. An alarm system is also incorporated with the keyless locks. Lately one of the rear door locks failed to lock. I took the panel off and managed to reset the locking system as the child lock would not function and this seemed to cause the problem of the locking. This issue was resolved but now the alarm system and locking system keeps blowing the fuse 6 on the fuse panel. Today there was smoke in the trunk. I think the vacuum pump is working hard to close the doors. The driver door will not lock except when the car is running. When running the doors automatically lock and I can not get out of the car. The inside door handle will not open the door when the car is turned off. I can not figure out if the problem is electrical or mechanical from the symptoms. Any help from the community would be greatly appreciated.

 

Smoke in the trunk would indicate electrical issues. Since there was smoke in the trunk I caution you to be vigilant that you don't have any electrical fires. This is corroborated by the fact that you are blowing fuses..which would indicate either a short somewhere or the motor is over amping. A good multimeter and some electrical savy would give you some conclusion.