Cold weather is here, Im getting frustrated with doors freezing and latches staying in the open positions, the other day I had to drive holding the door closed with my hands. What lubes are you guys using to prevent this problem?

the latch doesn’t have a safety mechanism and when latch is stuck open the door simply won’t latch.

 

Hello ricardoa1,

Very familar where i live. I just use WD40 by spraying it into to the opening appears when pulling outside door handle out. (opening the door outside) I do this everytime after an wash and i don´t have a problem with doors.
You have to do it when it is not frosen, so if you have it frosen now, find a warm place for your car for few hours.

 

Where is the sticky parts is it near the outer handle or in the latch mechanism? I almost think it’s the door handle area it has no resistance then it’s stuck.

 

Hi,

It is the mechanism what the outer handle operates right behind the handle. When moisture greep in and froses on, your pulling power is enough to operate the mechanism, but the spring are not strong enough to pull it back. You enter on sitution where handle feels loose and door mechanism are stuck on open position. Like somebody keep pulling the handle.
I try first work with the locking latch, (my better half have Ford Focus where this are the case) but nothing happened even i try heatgun. (for latch, not her) Then i point heatgun on handle area and i hear "clank" when mechanism was released by it´s spring.
Stay safe!

 

I have the same ongoing problem with my 2013 XJL every winter. As soon as temps reach freezing, some doors won't unlatch, and when they do open, they don't won't latch closed. Even the central locking system is ineffective. If I run the car for a short time, heat on in the cabin, the doors begin to latch.The temperature outside remains the same so I don't believe the outside door handles are any warmer. I have to drive holding the door closed until it will latch.
Also when experiencing the problem, sometimes a door will open and close, but later it won't. I don't necessarily think it's only a latch or handle problem, because I've had some replaced. There may be a problem with the central locking system at these temperatures. Problem always occurs when there is a chance of freezing. Once car is started, (sometimes I climb through the window), the amber external temperature warning light (snowflake) is illuminated. Last time it occurred, the outside temperature was 28 degrees Fahrenheit. I've tried the heat gun, WD-40, and other things. Nothing helps. Problem occurs even if I haven't had the car washed.
No codes are set, therefore mechanics can't fix.

 

When it is cold you need to use a graphite lube as opposed to a petroleum lube. I spent 36 years in the Army in such places as Ft. Drum, NY and Ft. Carson, Co and we used specific graphite lubes in various weapons systems from pistols to main battle tanks. Petroleum lubes either freeze up or slow the mechanism down to the point where it does not function properly. The door locks do not work because of the petroleum lube and maybe water getting into the locking mechanism and therefore the electric cannot overcome these obstacles to lock or unlock the door.

 

I'm not sure where I heard this, but years ago there was an issue with the cable that attaches from the outer door handle to the actuator that water could get into the cable housing and freeze. I'm not sure of the fix. But it does explain the issue and maybe someone on the forum will remember the fix.

 

Off dear... Climbing through window dosent sound fun at all. You might have water/moisture in deeper on the system. Either in the door lock motor or cable from internal handle. -> Based on your experience that only short drive will release system, i put my penny for the cable, because it runs from ´outer´part of the door to ´inner´ part of the door. It is not a bad job to access the cable. There are lot of posts how to remove inner door liner.

 

Thanks for the information. I still have an extended warranty on the jag. I'll let the dealership know of the fix.

 

It’s not an electrical issue. If there is a cable running from the outer handle to the latch that makes more sense it’s the cable and sleeve. Friction is keeping the cable stuck to sleeve/tube. Like someone is holding the handle open. Most cars it’s a solid metal rod.

 

Very common on all jaguars , fix is to replace the door modual

 

The cable is available separately..

 

If i remember right from posts people have changed the locing motors, the outer handle have rod. Cable is from inner handle to the lock motor assembly.

 

I knew I saw this somewhere and it is the cable as there are 2 one for each inside and outside door handles

 

Great find XJsss!
I did not think the door latches changed but the bulletin only has 2012-2013 listed for the XJ?
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I own a 2016 Jag XJL Portfolio AWD, the grandmother chauffeured version.

How does someone find the contents of SSM72734, X351 Door Latch System Diagnosis Procedure, Bulletin Date: 04-20-2016?
Not sure of the SSM prefix, but assume it is a Service Manual (Supplemental?).
The initial issue was when the temperatures dropped below freezing the driver's door latch mechanism would not hold the door closed without repeatedly exercising all of the door's locks and handles. The bad behavior vanished when the temps rise above freezing. Then the problem evolved into the latch refusing to hold the door closed (door swings freely) regardless of temperature. I was getting ready to disassemble the door when I discovered two weeks remaining on my warranty. I took it to the dealer yesterday, but haven't heard back.



Jag XJ interior door latch and lock parts

This is my suspect parts list
#3: C2D29684 Cable. Door Latch Lock Release.
#4: C2P14342Handle Cover. Front Left Outer. Handle base. Left. Base or mount to which the door Handle attaches. Cover for Exterior Door Handle.
#11: C2D29685 Door Latch Cable. Lock cable
#14: C2D29682 Door Latch Cable Cable.
#15: C2D49433 Lock. Latch. Actuator. Door. Front Left. Latch. Central Locking System. Includes: Door Lock. Mechanism to secure Door to chassis. Motor to Lock and unLock car Door. Power Door Assist w/soft close.
#19: C2D56409 Actuator and Cable.
#30: C2D35741 Door Lock Control Module door power. Front Left Module. PartQualifier: door power.

In the Service Bulletin listed above in XJsss' response, they identify Qty 4 C2D10041 Interior door panel clips, due to potential damage during removal. My questions: are these clips in addition to, or replaced by the C2P7160 Clip, Panel Trim Retainer? I can't find pics for the C2D10041. And is the TOPIx Workshop Manual section 501-14 for the 2016 XJ available anywhere on the forum?

 

Finally got the car back from the dealer. They had to order and replace the C2D49433 Lock-Latch. Apparently it had succumb to repeated freezing and excessive use. Car has 35.5k miles.
There were other issues for the dealer to address adding to the delay. My warranty expires in 4 weeks.

 

Thanks for the information! I contacted the service manager of my Jaguar dealership with the TSB. He responded quickly, ordered the parts and got me in quickly. He gave me a loaner and best all, no charge!

 

The best method for thawing a frozen car door lock is to spray it with defrosters. To save some money, you can either buy or manufacture your own defroster. Mix one-third water and two-thirds isopropyl alcohol in a bottle. Shake vigorously before using.