My 1996 XJ6 has been such a wonderful vehicle for me. I really need some help with my drivers door. It will not allow me to lock it manually there is resistance with the plunger. (The key fob no longer works) I tried restting the system with the windows down & then locking in order.
I removed the door panel and can see that the whole actuator I believe is encased in the black unit attached to the lock that has 3 screws on the door jam, I can hear it buzzing but not working. My rear drivers door went out about 6 mos ago & still buzzes but wont lock or unlock.
My question now is can I replace the actuator and how is it done. Will the key turn to the lock position once its replaced? A mechanic told me I had to undo the window rail but I dont see it. I have found replacments so I can give it shot with some instruction. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

 

I don't have the answer. Just want to say my car is doing the same thing. Its hard to lock but even harder to open.

 

When you opened the door panel, was the wire that connects the inside and outside handles intact?

 

This is a common question.....someone pls post a link to a fix...96 xjr..door lock actuator removal.....too many posts on here about dumb stuff...cant sort thru the argguments to get info.

I have removed all but the metal bars...thats all that keeps me from removin it....question is...HOW?

 

I was lucky, all my car needed was warm dry weather and some Wd40. I think yours has a more difficult problem.

 

Pretty straightforward to change out the actuator, just be careful and make sure you clean and properly reconnect the plugs. If the key won't turn in the lock, that is a common issue because people rarely use the key. Spray a puff of graphite powder in the keyhole and work the lock for a while, often loosens things up.

If you don't already have the service manual, I would advise downloading it but here is the page from the manual about renewing the actuator.

door actuator.pdf

 

I had three doors with the problem. Two were unreliable and the passenger rear door did nothing. All doors were difficult to pull the unlocking tab compared to the good door. I immediately suspected mechanical issues so I removed door liners to access the locking mechanisms. Cleaned all with degreaser then lubricated them with lithium spray lubricant. They all improved mechanically and two worked well with central locking. The problem rear passengers door actuator has burnt out so I have to replace it. This all took less than an hour.

 

Do you get the job done? I have similar issue, except I can't see how to disconnect key lock cylinder rod. That is the only thing preventing me from removing the actuator.

this goes up to control rod to lock cylinder.


in side that black housing is the lock cylinder control rod.