So, my spiffy new (old?) toy has a few issues.
I was expecting issues, but could use some advice on 1.

My driver's side lock seems stuck.
One of my keys goes in and twists a bit, but it doesn't unlock or lock the driver's side door. I have to crawl through the passenger side to unlock it.

Anyone have any tips?
I have an appointment at the dealership next week, but this seems like one of those issues that there might be a "trick" for.

Thanks in advance.

 

Malkynn,

I would take the interior door panel off and go over all of the linkage rods and connections with WD40 or some alternative first. See if you can just simply loosen the linkage/connections by manually moving the linkage rod with your hand and observe what is happening with the linkage.

Not too much to this, turn the key, it lifts a lever, which pulls the linkage rod up and initiates the door lock actuator.

The dealership will probably try to sell you a new handle....don't do it.

Do you have a Haynes manual to assist in removing the panel?

 

There is a write up in the "how to" thread at the top of the XJ40 page.

 

The driver's door handle does seem a bit wonky, and the door is difficult to open.
Would it still be a bad idea to have the handle replaced???

 

Malkynn,

If the door handle doesn't release the latch smoothly, then I would venture to guess it probably needs adjustment as well. This is done by loosening the turnbuckle on the door handle rod, adjusting the length of the rod, then tightening everything back up. It will be real obvious to you when you see it.

That said, if the door handle rod has been previously adjusted and there is no more room left to adjusted the turnbuckle, it will be only a matter of time before the handle assembly breaks.

If you are interested in the detail of how-to, let us know. As Jeh indicated, there are plenty of threads on the forum by owners that have accomplished the task.

In regard to my little dig at the dealership, they will charge you plenty for a job you can accomplish. There are handles available out there on ebay, both used and refurbished. There are too, vendors on the web that offer re-engineered handles where they have eliminated the original faults that cause most of the problems, and they are less expensive than the dealership. I have replaced all of my handles with the re-engineered ones because I have purchased the refurbished and ended up replacing them again.

You may want to call them and get a quote for the handle only from the dealership. Report back what they say.

 

Thanks so much Rob.

The service manager at the dealership is a good friend of mine, so I get pretty good rates on parts and service.

I'll open up the door (when it stops bloody snowing here) and take a look to see if I can adjust anything myself first though.

There are so many little finicky things though, it's going to be interesting.
For example, every seat adjustment button works except the forward and backward button...y'know, the most important one.

I cruised it around in a snow storm today though, and it was great, so I have no regrets, even though I know i'll be spending a small fortune on repairs.

 

Malkynn,

It's good to have connections, hope he's gentle on you.

Are you talking about the drivers seat not moving F/Bward? I had that happen once many years ago. Went to a restaurant in Phoenix and the valet decided he needed to move my seat. When I got in, I couldn't move it forward. Fiddled with the valet switch (left side of seat bottom) and then got in the back seat and applied some pressure with my feet while someone operated the switch.... it came free and hasn't locked up since.

 

Thanks again Rob!

I'll try that when I get back to Ottawa, it would be amazing if that worked.

 

Update:

Okay, I feel like a moron, but I cannot figure out how to activate my automatic locks.

They seem to have a mind of their own.
Sometimes my key locks and unlocks all of the doors, sometimes it doesn't.
It also locked me out while running the other day.

Anyone have any clue?