Hi all --
Cold weather, 20'F -4'C, passenger door closes but won't latch. Working the lock mechanism, pulling on the door handles (inside and out) won't "set" the latch so the door won't latch closed.
I could tie a rope to the inside (where) and drive it to Florida, but this isn't very practical. It's acted up in the past: I assume it's just "frozen" or maybe the latch needs to be adjusted...
Ideas welcome...
Good procedure for latch adjustment here:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...oor-faq-48827/

2006 X-Type...

 

If it only happens when cold it sounds like old grease has
gummed up. Clean it off by spraying and wiping off.
Once you have established that it functions well again,
relubricate with the proper lube.

 

Thanks plums.
Can I just spray WD-40 through the latch on side of the door?
The car is in Boston with my daughter (a University Junior), hoping I can get her through to spring, get the car back to my garage in New Jersey and then take the door skin off and fix with a proper lube job (and maybe clip replacement/adjustment per other threads on the forum).

 

that's the way i'd do it myself as the first attempt.

 

iv had that with my x type in cold weather. my drivers door handle was broken into a few months ago and i had to find a replacment what i got was a black door handle , a different colour but it works . in freezing weather it opens but freezes and wont close . warm water on the door handle works for me

 

Will try the water on the door handle next time it freezes - thanks for the tip.

 

I've attached a picture of a latch here. It sounds like that black metal retainer (in the center of the gold plate) is not returning to the down (latched) position. This could be because it is frozen in place in the upper position, or the door is not closing completely due to ice/snow buildup. Have your daughter take a picture of the latch and post it, and then someone here can probably figure this out.
As a side note, I feel your pain here because I had two daughters that went to school in the Boston area and tried to do the long-distance car repair. Now that both have graduated, I'm, well, still in the same situation. Last month I had this conversation:
Daughter: "Dad, I'm driving the car and the oil light came on"
Me: "Well, stop immediately and check the oil level"
Daughter: "How do I check the oil level?"
Me: "Open the hood and look for the dipstick"
Daughter: "How do I open the hood?"
Me: "OK, just drive it to the nearest garage-repair type looking place and have them check it"