I had this same problem when I first got my XJ and it happened again. If the driver door is locked and I push the button on the outside handle to try to open it the thing inside the button will sometimes just stay in that position as if I'm pushing and holding the outside handle button. I can't open the door like this from the outside or inside after this happens and it pi$$es me off to no end. I have to pry the door panel off while the door is shut and push the rod to release the latch. None of the rods are disconnected so that's not my issue. I think its something to do with the latch in the door as the latch hits the open end of the stem in the door jamb. Can I buy a longer stem?

 

i solved that problem by soaking the white plastic locking mechanism on the inside of the door with WD-40. Didn't even need to remove the door to do it.

 

The first time I fixed it I sprayed lithium grease.

 

Im having a problem with the doors also. When I go to open three of my 4 doors I have to push the button all the way in with some serious strength. Do you think if I used the grease on the latching part in the door it would fix it or would I need to replace the latch itself?

 

I think that lubing it up and inspecting it all before you do anything else.
It sounds like something just isnt lining up or engaging all the way to open the latch.

 

My latch was stiff when I got my Jeep. I sprayed some lithium grease on that and it's been fine ever since. I found the problem with my door handle was the previous owner put a new outside handle and hardware just inside there. It wasn't properly lubed. Some WD-40 has fixed my original problem with the outside button sticking.

Maybe the linkage between your door handles and latch mechanism are loose or need to be bent to take some slack out of them.

 

Do not spray lithium grease on parts that are exposed to dust, it will attract dust and grind it in, ultimately making whatever lubrication (or lack of) problem you have worse.

 

Thanks for the help I will let you guys know when I get to it.

 

There is an adjustment for the travel of the outside button.

Plus, normal cleaning and lubing is recommended.

 

Pull the panel, clean up the moving parts and look for excessive wear, alignment(R/R as needed) and lube. Use the lube that makes you happy. In 40 years of working on cars I haven't found a lube yet that repels dust and dirt.

 

Good advice here^^.

See that little oval hole at an angle kinda below the latch?
Probably has a plug in it. Remove the plug.

Insert a 5/32" allen wrench through the hole and into the latch release lever adjustment screw head and loosen the screw.

Press and release the outside door latch release button several times to release any restriction due to mis-alignment.

Release the button and tighten the adjustment screw.

Test the release handle button and key lock cylinder for proper latch release lever operation.

 

The latch I have at my house now I took off the driverside door. It seamed like it was broken and needed to be replaced but after reading what you guys wrote I went out and hosed it down with WD40 and its like a brand new part. It was just binding up and just needed to be oiled. I hope it works for all four parts. Thanks guys

 

Amazing what a little maintenance will do for ya.

 

I got my XJ from my father in law and I have driven it once. Trust me if it were mine I would have never let it get this bad. I'm doing a build thread on it and I should be driving it as soon as I get everything back together.

 

This is what worked for me as well