That's the design for US rear door latches-one pull unlocks and the next opens the door.
If that is what it's doing, it is normal.

 

Thanks.

The actuator was faulty when I bought it and wasn't automatically locking the door, so I didn't have to double pull.

 

The double pull on the inside handle only applies when the door is locked, if the door is locked it won't open with the outside handle no matter how many times you pull it.

 

Under normal circumstances, yes, the double pull trick on the outside latch won't open the door. However, the double pull trick on the outside handle may work if you have a malfunctioning control module and the lock isn't fully seated down into the lock position. The first tug it will seam locked, but if you watch the latch will pop up the rest of the way so that the 2nd tug will open the door (and the alarm will blare). I do know this first hand... ;-)

 

Overseas lock modules have one pull, and when the alarm is activated they are dead bolted internally and cannot be opened at all, inside or out.

 

Mine is ROW (Overseas to you) when my doors are locked (not deadlocked) they work the same as yours, first pull unlocks second pull opens the door.

 

Tested with wife yesterday - passenger door opens with one pull from inside when locked... is that normal?

 

No. Normally when locked (not deadlocked) using the inside handles, the first pull unlocks and the second pull opens.
When locked, the doors can't be opened with the outside handles. If deadlocked the doors can't be opened with any handles.

 

There were different versions of the locks on these cars and I suspect you just bought one that has a different functionality than the original. I don't think you can do anything about it, other than replace it again.

 

Anyone know the part number for single-pull, left front?

 

I have never heard of a B5/5.5 door lock that will open with one pull when locked, and I don't believe there is such a lock module.
They should open with one pull when un-locked.

You can use VCDS to re-code the CCM so it doesn't auto lock while driving.

NOTE: gigi123 has a habit of making up stories when he doesn't know or understand the situation.
See this thread: http://www.passatworld.com/forums/volkswagen-passat-b5-discussion/464346-2004-1-8t-running-hot-3.html

 

I just installed a new driver's door lock module in my '99 B5 and it only takes one pull to unlock the door from the inside and open the door. I'm pretty sure it worked the same with my old module.

Just confirmed this at lunchtime. Locked the doors and the driver's door opened with a single pull on the inside handle.

 

What needs to be made perfectly clear is that we (OP) are talking about FRONT doors. Right?

From MY experienice in my 99 b5 and my 04 b5.5, the front doors always open from locked on a single pull to the inside handle. The REAR doors ALWAYS take two pulls from locked on the inside handle to open the door. Once to unlock and a second time to open. It's a nice safety feature.

 

What needs to be made perfectly clear is that we (OP) are talking about FRONT doors. Right?

It is good to clear that up.

It appears that in the US some (maybe all original) front doors open with a single pull on the inside handle when locked.

Mine (ROW) require 2 pulls on all 4 doors, and can't be opened with the handles when deadlocked.