Another item I need to attend to : door won't lock with the others- button won't push down manually. I assume this is a linkage issue am wondering if anyone else has experience in resolving this problem.
Thanks, Jim

 

I am trying to understand the problem. Does the lock work normally using the remote or the electric lock? Is it only the manual locking that has a problem?

 

The lock is unresponsive both with the key and manually trying to push it down - I'm grateful it's not stuck in the locked position. Hope this is of some help.
Jim

 

If its not the mechanism ,thats been bent .

I had a problem with my passenger side door lock latch actuator fail ,there was a electrical problem with it ,got another one on ebay .

 

Check out this folder, it's got a ton of pictures of my door lock. In my case the door locked manually but not electrically.
I'd take the door apart and see if anything is bent or seized.
XJR Door Lock Photos by avt007 | Photobucket

 

Agreed. Sometimes a good lube of the inside gubbins can do wonders. It did for me last month.

 

5 Piece Auto Trim and Molding Tool Set


You can find a trim removal set at most any auto parts store or Harbor Freight.


While you have the door opened up , you might want to change the door cable. This won't fix your current problem, but will save you from doing it later. Welsh Enterprises sells on Ebay too. This is the direct link to the cable.
Welsh Enterprises, Inc - Jaguar XJ8 (98-03) Body Fittings Front Doors Parts - XJ8 Front Door Handle Repair Cable

 

I had a similar issue on my driver's door. It would only lock sometimes and other times it was impossible to manually or automatically lock it (it would however always unlock once locked). It ended up being the lock actuator was "sticking" so I replaced the entire door latch mechanism. No issues so far.