I'm in the process of doing my build on my 1990 XJ, and my locks on
my two rear doors have always been tough. You have to push them manually because they're so stiff that the power from the drivers switch isn't enough. Anyways, my back door on the drivers side is locked shut. I can't get the lock to budge into the unlock position and it's the only door jam I haven't sanded yet. Help! I need this door to open. Alao, any idea on how to fix the sticky/stubborn locks all the way around?

 

slim jim

 

HAHA HEY! Im about 99% sure you are on MM right?

 

Hey man! Yeah that's me, did the same user-name and avatar photo give it away? Hahahah!

Anyone? Help on the this topic? Im having to skip steps because I can't get this door open...

 

Nice, I figured it was. Welcome to CF!

I would try to get a slimjim inside to unlock it. I mean that will be the easiest way with out destroying anything on the inside.

It wont unlock by hand? It is just stuck in the lock position? If so try hitting it with your palm.

 

You can remove the rear seat very easily. Remove it then you should have access to remove the door panels. Once the panels are off, you can mess with the linkage, or manually unlock it.

Mine aren't locked solid like that but I have the same issue where the actuators aren't strong enough to lock or unlock the door. I need to do the same thing and lube up the linkage. All four of my doors are the same way.

 

Would just WD-40 be good to free up the linkage? If lube is all the locks need, I'll just remove all the panels while I'm replacing the interior right now and lube all of them, because they all stick.

 

Well that might fix it. My dads did something similar when the actuator locked up. If thats the case you may have to remove the actuator. That seems to me to be the only part that would cause it to lock up like that. I have manual locks in mine and they are WAY easier to move than my dads old power locks.

 

I guess it really depends what the issue is. I'm personally unaware of actuators locking up.

Regardless I think PB Blaster or WD40 would help loosen it up. You can shot both into the actuators too without harm, but for a permanent fix, I'd use some white lithium grease.

And Tuxfan, good to see another OSS supporter here. Been a Linux user/admin for over 12 years now.

 

my rear drivers side door locked up like that. the actuator would work intermittently until it finally craped out and stopped working all together.
It was stuck in the lock position and no matter how much i pushed on the lock it wouldn't open.

I took the door panel off and was able to pull the rod to unlock the door with a large pair of pliers. once the door was open I took out the actuator. its pop riveted in and needs to be drilled out.
I found a replacement on ebay for 5 bucks and just used bolts to install it.
haven't had a problem since.
if you just want manual locks just take out the actuator and your done.

 

Hmmm,...well there you go. Sounds like thats your problem (and mine as well)