Picked up a 98 xj and I can’t figure out why the door locks won’t work. They are in the unlock position, but the linking rod seems to be at its limit and won’t move to the lock position.
If I take the door panel off I can operate the locks form the loose linkage rod.
I’ve tried swapping a new link rod in to no success.
Any ideas what the issue could be?

Sadly having door panels off and on more then I care to admit I find that I have to have the button on the door in just the right position before I hook up the lock rod.
Otherwise they won't move at all or the position of the button looks a little off.
Kind looks like it is unlocked even when it is.
Or vice versa.