95 XJ - Exterior Door Handles

[KristinaU102]

So I'm having an issue with the left (drivers side) back door not opening unless you put some major muscle into it. I'm told it's the outside door handle because there is NO problem opening the door from the inside.

I'm also having an issue where the power lock does not disengage on the passenger side back door when I flip the switch.

Both of these issues are annoying the crap out of me more than anything else on my bad-boy lately. Unfortunately this is way beyond my comfort level to do myself. Would I need a body shop to fix it? or will a standard mechanic be ok?

Ugh I feel stupid even asking this. lol:bang:

[4.3LXJ]

No stupid questions Kristina. The problem is just dry grease in the mechanism. The fix is simple, pull the panel and squirt some penetrating oil on the door mechanism, work it a few times and then button it back up. You don't need a body shop for this. Any mechanic should be able to accomplish this without new parts. Shop around for this so someone doesn't say "dumb broad eh, how much can I run up the bill?" Not that I think you are by any means, but you know what I mean. If you want to pull the panel yourself, it is easy.

[XJ Wheeler]

X2 and i've even had good results with just spraying the latch from the outside. I've had the same problem with the lock not fully disengaging with the power button before.

Sent via messenger pigeon - i talk, he types.

[KristinaU102]

So squirt the penetrating oil on the handle that is sticking or on the lock that is sticking? lol or both? I can oil it up good. Give me something to spray and I'm comfortable with that.

I always feel so much better when it's something I can do myself.

[4.3LXJ]

The door mechanism is the main thing. It contains the lock and latch

[nickyg]

I had the same problem. My fix was easy. I simply got rid of all my friends, now there's no need to open the rear doors at all. And as a bonus I have full control over the radio station selection.

[KristinaU102]

New Question: Can I change the exterior door handles to pull handles instead of the button???? I hate the buttons. Getting ready to tackle replacing one handle and if I can change them all out for the pulls I'll do that while I do the other.

[4.3LXJ]

It could be done I suppose, but Jeep never made any for the XJ. So a practical answer would be no