Hi guys,

I just got a 2004 xj8. My wife getting the kids today pulled the plastic pull handle and unlached the handle, without coming off the car, it is just loose but stable enough .....look like it needs to be reset. any thoughts with out taking the door apart? is this a common issue?
r
Also any cool assessories for the xj8? i got the mesh grill...


Frank
2003 MB ML 500
1964 MG MGB
2004 XJ8
2000 Lotus V8

 

First I have heard that happening, but most likely the door panel will have to be removed to see what happened to it.

 

I just had the exact same thing happen to my 2004 XJ8 to the right rear passenger door . . . my 9 year-old little girl yanked it while locked. The door works fine from the inside, but the exterior handle is stuck in the "open" position but inoperative.

 

I had this same thing happen to my passenger rear door. Basically my 6yr old yanked when locked. The fix is a little time consuming, but NO new parts are required. Basically there is a clip that needs to be reset in the handle.

 

Did you have to remove the door panel?

 

freefal, I'm almost positive you'll have to take the panel off...its not too bad, really. Be patient your first time and get all of the screws first (not sure how many, my xk8 had only three...and its a big door.

 

The problem I'm experiencing is that the actuator does not work on the rear door, the door is locked shut and is not affected by the key operation. I cannot open the door from the inside at all. Any assistance would be most welcome.

 

Child locks on? Just asking. You didn't say if it could be opened from the outside.

 

Just for clarification the door is inoperable completely, inside or outside. I have never used the child locks, in fact not sure how to. I have spoken to a dealership and they suggest the only way is to destroy the inside panel and gain access that way. Seems a bit radical.

 

I have a door handle assembly here someplace and will try to work out a way for you to be able open the door without damage if I can.

That is if I can find where I have put it. I used it in the first place to learn how to change all mine that showed bleamishes in the chrome. I will be back.

 

Okay here you go try this. Hopefully there is enough room for you to move/wiggle the handle/strap.

Pull the door handle/strap forward as far as you can without breaking it. (That is in a direction away from the hinge part of the handle/strap). Then push the handle/strap in as far as you can get it. Then while holding the handle/strap in the full in position, push backwards towards the hinge part of the handle/strap. It should then feel it relocate itself behind the release mechanism.

The handle doe not locate with the mechanism very well and if the handle is pulled forward just slightly, it can allow it to become unattached.

Hopefully this will work for you.

 

Thought I should mention I am only talking about movements back and forth of only 1/16th to an 1/8th on an inch. That is all it takes.

 

The first picture shows the latch fully connected with the Handle/Strap. The second picture shows it totally diconnected. The third picture shows the handle/strap passing the latch towards being fully connected again.

These pictures I hope explain better. You can see that the handle/strap (black) part has pulled out past the latch (silver coloured) of the catch. You have to manage to move the handle over a little so that you can slide the black part of the Handle/strap past the latch (silver coloured) to be able to relocate the handle/strap (Black) it back behind the latch (silver colour) in order to be able to operate it correctly.

 

Hi Bob,

Not sure if we are at cross purposes here as I cannot gain access to the inside of the doors workings. I'm attaching a few photos to give you an idea as to what I can see.
Outside of LH door.
Inside of LH door.
Opposite(RH) rear door.
Decal for XJ6

Cheers

Peter

 

Yes I realised that. My instructions were intended to be all done from outside the car, just by manipulating the position of the door handle/strap.

(Jaguar lists the Handle as a "Strap" in the parts book. Believe it or not they list the latch mechanism that sits inside the door as thehandle.)

I just included the pictures to make it easier for you to understand what was happening inside the door even though you could not see it.