2003 XJ8 Door latches sticky
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From: Central Florida
2003 XJ8 Door latches sticky
Just picked up a 2003 XJ8.
Left Front Door: Needs a new handle assembly as the plastic pivot piece is broke. Before I make that repair, I want to fix what i think caused it. The latch seems a bit stuck. From the outside, you have to pull up really hard on the latch until there is a loud click, then the door opens.
Right Front Door: Same thing.
Right Rear Door: Opposite problem. The door is shut and latched but when you open it, it feels like there is no latching at all. Feels like it wasn't shut. My 2000 XJR had teh same issue on the same door.
So on the drivers door, I'm trying to adjust the latch alignment. It seems that the part of the latch mounted in the door isn't adjustable. I tried adjusting the part of the latch that is not on the door. Repositioning it up/down, further in/ further out. I'm not getting anywhere.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Stephen.
Left Front Door: Needs a new handle assembly as the plastic pivot piece is broke. Before I make that repair, I want to fix what i think caused it. The latch seems a bit stuck. From the outside, you have to pull up really hard on the latch until there is a loud click, then the door opens.
Right Front Door: Same thing.
Right Rear Door: Opposite problem. The door is shut and latched but when you open it, it feels like there is no latching at all. Feels like it wasn't shut. My 2000 XJR had teh same issue on the same door.
So on the drivers door, I'm trying to adjust the latch alignment. It seems that the part of the latch mounted in the door isn't adjustable. I tried adjusting the part of the latch that is not on the door. Repositioning it up/down, further in/ further out. I'm not getting anywhere.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Stephen.
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 907
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From: Tulsa, OK, United States
When I got my XJ, the rear door didn't close easily, and made a terrible noise. I looked at the door jamb and found there wer deep scratches into the door jamb paint.
One of the screws that holds the latch in place was loose, and hitting the door jamb. There are 3. I tightened it up, and it fixed the problem!
One of the screws that holds the latch in place was loose, and hitting the door jamb. There are 3. I tightened it up, and it fixed the problem!
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,636
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From: Southington CT
Hi
Have you tried using WD40 to clean the door latch mechanism? It might unstick it. Also use silicone spray after clean it.
I found this advice in 2 other articles on the internet.
Jim Lombardi
Have you tried using WD40 to clean the door latch mechanism? It might unstick it. Also use silicone spray after clean it.
I found this advice in 2 other articles on the internet.
Jim Lombardi
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 30
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From: Central Florida
Thanks guys.
Ian: I've checked all latches are tightly bolted. Nothing hitting the door jamb, no signs of a tight fit. I'm convinced it's a bad latch/lock alignment. Repositioning the portion of the latch affixed to the jamb, seems to improve the condition but not fully solve it.
Jim: I will try the WD40/Silicone spray but I'm pretty sure thats not it. With the door open, I close the latch as if the door was shut. I then put a screw driver into the latch, simulating the bolt part of the latch. Then I open with the door outside door handle. The "Stickyness" is not there. It seems is not a latch operation issue. It feels more like an alignment issue.
Ian: I've checked all latches are tightly bolted. Nothing hitting the door jamb, no signs of a tight fit. I'm convinced it's a bad latch/lock alignment. Repositioning the portion of the latch affixed to the jamb, seems to improve the condition but not fully solve it.
Jim: I will try the WD40/Silicone spray but I'm pretty sure thats not it. With the door open, I close the latch as if the door was shut. I then put a screw driver into the latch, simulating the bolt part of the latch. Then I open with the door outside door handle. The "Stickyness" is not there. It seems is not a latch operation issue. It feels more like an alignment issue.
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