Front door handle
 

I Have a 1981 XJ6 ad the rit exterior door handle does not go back in after opening. Is there a spring on the inside that make it go back? Picture included Thanks Jerry

Common problem.

I can't honestly remember the spring return action comes from a spring in the handle assembly itself (I think so) or from the linkage and springs inside the door latch.

Anyhow....

Use some WD40, liberally, to clean the pivot points. Exercise the mechanism; follow up with your favorite aerosol lubricant. Repeat in 10 years :). This is best/most easily done from the backside of the handle but is possible from the exterior side.

Cheers
DD

Door handle
 

Yes I just removed the handle and the spring inside is fine there I gunk and rust built up at the pivot points, so I cleaned it and sprayed some lub it works fine. It was just difficult to get off and back on Thanks Jerry

When time and ambition allows, remove all the door trims and give the other handles the same treatment, and same for the latch mechanisms and all the linkages from the handles to the latches. I've never met and old Jag that doesn't benefit from this :)

Cheers
DD

Door handle
 

Always a good idea. Thanks Jerry