So few months back, I started noticing that the interior door handle is not retracting all the way back like it used to. Here is the pic:



I figured the spring maybe getting lose, and was gonna work on it "eventually". Well, this morning, while trying to get out of the car, grabbed the handle, pulled, and SNAP....!!! Well this sucks... The handle is still there (I didn't snap it off...) but it's no longer doing anything. I have to roll down the windows to open the door for myself, or get out through the passenger door...
Question: do you guys think its the link inside the door that snapped, or just the hinge/hook at the door handle itself... I've already located the door handle assembly in eBay, and was wondering if anybody could give pointers on how to remove the door trim without too much damage...

Thanks!

 

First off, it's a cable between the handle and latch assembly. I suspect the cable broke or more likely, one of the lugs came off the end of the cable. I wouldn't buy anything until I got it apart and saw what the problem is. To remove the door handle the shortest answer is to download the JTIS manual from this site and follow directions. Or you could do a thread search for door panel removal, I've seen a few. It's not too bad once you know where the various catches are. I suggest picking up a set of trim tools from harbor freight (<$10) or somewhere cheap like that. Worth their weight in gold for prying off panels etc. If you've got time, and can wait till mid-week, I could e-mail instructions from JTIS manual. Just advise if needed. I've may have the parts you need for cost of shipping, once you know what you need. Good luck.

 

There's 2 screws, one in the handle cup pictured behind a round grommet, you need a needle ended pry/pick to get the grommet off. It's a phillips screw, the 2nd one is underneath the arm rest, a longer phillips.
There are 6-7 clips holding the card to the door, great advice on the trim tools I use Bojo ones, plastic so not to damage paint.
The last thing holding the card is a strong bent metal clip, and plastic insert. It'll need a firm tug to release the door card, hold it by the arm rest and pull directly towards you.
After that it's swap out the broken bowden cable and clip it back

 

Gonna try on my 2000 xj* vdp

 

Takes very little to remove the panel.

 

Most of what has been posted so far is great directions. The one thing you have to deal with is the wood trim piece. To remove it you have to slide it to the rear. in two places it is hooked into brackets and has to move to the rear to get out of them. Some have been fortunate to not remove the wood but it is risky.

 

I had the same problem the other day.
Quick solution.... I put the back door handle in the front, wanted to try fixing it with epoxi as the handle came off completly and the 2 plastic pillars were broken.
This one lasted for just 2 days and now I have 2 broken inner door handlles!!!.

I will remove the panel and check it well to see if I can find anything rare... or issue at the latch cable's end. The end connecting with the handle looks perfect.

I am considering using the epoxi to create some kind of stop or barrier so the handle doesn't travel so much and brakes again.
or change a little bit the angle as I can see there is extra plastic surface that seems to be there to stop the handle of over travelling and braking...
Any idea what could be the root cause?

Thanks!

 

Likely the cable, the plastic stopper/collar on it gets old & fails, readily available on eBay. Be sure you note which door you need.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Jaguar-XJ8-...L/311717659767

There's in-depth threads here on the forum w/ instructions.