x351 2016 rear soft close door lock not working, replacing with new?

[adrianloker]

2016 x351 soft close rear door lock doesn't close so preventing all locks from operating.
Have a new unit to replace it but having stripped the door to the point of removing the window mechanism, "Topix" says put in "service" mode, but doesn't explain how. Any one help on that please?

[SilverXKR]

I trust you solved the issue back in May 2023
I'm about to embark on replacing the soft close driver door latch on my 2016 x351. Any advice would be much appreciated. Unfortunately I cannot access Topix which presumably gives access to maintenance manuals.
Regards
Ken

[adrianloker]

Hi Ken,
Before you start do you know which part of the soft close is not working? Does your door latch, but not close itself? or does the latch itself not work? I ask because, surprisingly there are two completely separate parts to the system. I mistakenly assumed the latch was faulty as it didn't pull the door gently closed. So I bought the latch itself, an expensive mistake! we stripped the doors internal fittings, that's a job, replaced the latch, reassembled and bingo, no difference! In re-stripping the door we followed a cable (just like a bike cable)to the opposite lower corner of the door to find another mechanism which pulls this cable that interacts with the latch and bingo the soft close works.
It is a very tricky job dismantling it all. There's very little space to work in and the window mechanism to move but you can avoid removing the window itself by gaffer taping it to the top of the frame. I would not recommend anyone who is not very handy with tools and hasn't a covered workspace to attempt it. It could be worth buying a scrap door to practice stripping and it may supply a decent replacement part at a much better price than Jaguar.
If this doesn't put you off trying drop me a line here and I'll see if I can remember where I found the detail I got.
Good luck,
Adrian