Hopefully TM will see this a report back on the particulars of *how* his solenoid failed...which might answer your question as to whether or not external lubrication might help.

I have no direct experience with the X300 lock solenoids but in *some* other cases I've been able to find a way to sneak some lubricant into a theorectically sealed component and free it off. You'd almost certainly have to remove it from the door to even try.

It might not be a solenoid issue at all in your case. Perhaps something else in the latch mechanism is sticking. In most cases sticky/binding latches can be slathered with aerosol penetrating spray/solvent (like WD40) followed by your favorite aerosol lubricant. I've resurrected many this way over the years

Not sure what you mean by window sleeves. Years ago I had one of my front door latches removed (to repair the micro switch) and don't recall, off hand, having to mess about with any window parts. It was several years ago, though, so the details are a bit foggy.

Cheers
DD

 

So how do you get the door open when it fails in the locked mode?

 

Thanks Doug. I think you may be right. I am going try some Wd40 inside and out to see if this helps before replacing the actuator. I just to have to time find the time.

 

if it was a safety issue (which in this case it is) jaguar must be informed and maybe a safety and recall bulletin may be due.

 

Again let's hope that TH posts back as he should have X300 specifics.

I've faced this problem on various *other* cars, though, including an older Jag, and eventually met with success.

The *first* step is removing the trim panel on the door that still opens so you can observe exactly how everything is arranged and how it actually works.

Removing the door trim on a stuck-closed door can be a bear. Usually adjoining trim panels have to be removed and often the seat unbolted and shifted about to provide working room and room to lift the panel off. Same for the steering wheel. Very awkward work.

Sometimes a door trim panel can be removed without damaging anything; sometimes not.

An alternative to all this labor and frustration is to locate a nice used door trim panel for $75-$100 and then cut the existing door trim off. Fifteen minutes of labor versus hours.

Anyhow, with the knowledge gained by simply observing how the system operates on the still-operational door you should be able to figure out how to trip the latch on the stuck door....once you get the trim panel off.

Cheers
DD

 

Make that a big maybe.

Apparently Jaguar is aware of the issue and isn't concerned. A voluntary recall seems unlikely.

As for a mandated recall, such as one coming from the NHTSA, I'm not sure what criteria they use to determine if a problem rises to the level of being recall-worthy. Might be interesting to research. But, considering that every car on the road has systems that can eventually fail, and many of those failures would present a safety risk, it seems that the NHTSA is very selective.

In my limited research I found no safety standard that requires fail-safe lock mecahnisms, though it might be a very good idea.

Cheers
DD

 

Slim Jim won't work. One of my best friends is a professional car thief (retired now) and he advises that a Slim Jim in this case would have done more harm than good that's why I didn't try.

 

Based on my experience it would be hard for me to comment and give you a complete answer. The best bet is to remove the lock and see what's up with it to be sure.


The failure mode for my lock was for the lock solenoid to start to fail, the fuse for the door locks blew, fuse was replaced, door locks actuated, the solenoid froze and when it did, the actuator fried itself and voila, the door lock froze with the car door closed. No amount of fiddling with the lock would fix it. The cure was to get into the door panel just enough to take a long drill bit and drill out the latch mechanics freeing the door. The trick was how to get into the door without making a real mess and where to drill out the mechanics.


TM

 

There are standards and they apply now but in 95 it is doubtful it was a real issue. There are many NHTSA reports of lock failures that precisely describe mine to a T and NHTSA's stance is that it is an unacceptable failure mode.

 

Where do we find that in writing? I'm asking, not arguing

Cheers
DD

 

I suppose there are any number of circumstances in an accident that might prevent one from escaping through the doors. Considering the human factor in design, we should all probably keep a good size hammer under the seat to knock the windows out with... In regards to getting the jammed door latch loose ... on my 95 XJ6 I was able to take the top trim panel from the door, from inside the car, thus I was able to get to the outside door handle... I was then able to remove the handle and manipulate the rods to open the latch .. hope this helps someone.

 

I'm curious....I have a 96 Vanden Plas and I'm having a problem with my door locks????? When I put the car in gear, all the doors lock but will not unlock when put in park. I can however unlock the door using my fob. The lock button on the dash will not unlock the doors. The only way to get out of the car is to unlock with the fob. My independent Jaguar specialist is telling me I'm in need of a drivers door lock assembly at the cost of 635.00 and after that's replaced we will have to see if it functions as intended or if other parts need to be replaced also. 635.00, that sounds crazy high! Is this one in the same problem that I've read about on this thread? Is there an aftermarket lock assembly that is made better than factory? If I'm going to pay this kind of money I'd like to be sure it's only once!

 

This is what can happen when electric door locks fail in the locked condition:
Texas Man, Dog Found Dead Inside Corvette After Doors Apparently Fail to Unlock | KTLA

 

That's awful. Not to blame the victim or speak ill, but I think I'd find a way out of that car even if the doors were locked. I guess since he was elderly he couldn't manage to break the glass though.

The following makes it even more senseless:

.

 

When I was at Boling Green, the Corvette factory they bragged about the electric door lock system. I asked as to what would happen if there was a loss of battery power and the spokesman had no answer. I think it is time for the NTSB to take action on this issue for all cars, including ours.

Just one question. If the drivers door jams on the X300 in the locked position can all other doors be operated?

 

Is one unable to reach across to one of the other doors, lift up the door lock plunger and get out?

.

 

In my case my door locked me out but it could have easily locked me in. Also to be fair the other locks were functional. The point is like with the Vette owner is that locks need to fail in a certain fashion. It's unfortunate that the owner died in this case when a little education could have easily saved his and his dog's life. It will be interesting to see how any lawsuit might play out, if that indeed happens. It's examples like this that make the case for mechanical door locks that work in the absence of power regardless of the car condition.

 

I ALWAYS carry a firearm with me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I suppose that is not legal in some areas but it is in Texas and it is legal for ME!!!!!

I will shoot out EVERY window if I have to BUT I will get OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They have devises for cutting seatbelts and 'punching' glass to break it. It might be good to keep in the cubby????

bob gauff

 

Bob,

Is there any preventative measure that we can take to keep this locking problem from happening? What if one dribbled a little silicon down the lock knob on the drivers side?

 

If the lock actuator in the plastic case attached to the latch assy fails and seizes, then all the lube in the world will not allow the lever to move to unlock.

I have seen door lock actuators get stiff and the pull knob seems useless but I have never seen all 4 doors fail at once.

If there is a genuine fear of this happening, I guess all the actuators could be disconnected/removed and you can manually lock each door????

The latch assy can be lubed occasionally. The best way is to remove the door trim interior panel. Penetrating oil can loosen but it evaporates eventually. A spray grease will stay in place.

bob gauff