Jaguar xj8. 1999. front passenger door will not open from inside. I have removed the paneling and have removed the flashing enabling me to see the cable that runs into the door lock unit. When i pull the cord, it will not pull the lever all the way in order to open the door. A piece has broken off that looks like it should go on the wire cord end, inside the latch. What is this piece called and where can i get parts diagram to order this part.

remove door panel and inspect linkages

If you are careful you can get the door panel off with a closed door.

You must remove the door panel with the door closed, sorry no other way.

No you don't need any special tool . Find all screws on out side of door trim panel and the window handle , the mirror cover plate , then just pull on edge of the panel .
Gently pry the front side door trim panel (3) from the front side door by disengaging the plastic retainers which secure the panel.
Position the door trim panel (3) away from the door in order to gain access to the front side window switch electrical connector, if equipped.
Disconnect the window switch electrical connector, if equipped.
Remove the door trim panel (3) from the vehicle.
Remove the front side window switch from the door trim panel (3) by releasing the 4 plastic retaining tabs, as needed.

Use a cloth in order to pull off the snap ring which secures the front side door window regulator handle (1), if equipped.
Remove the window regulator handle (1), if equipped.
Remove the front side master window switch, if equipped. Refer to Power Accessory Switch Panel Replacement .

Remove the front side door inside handle (1). Refer to Front Side Door Inside Handle Replacement .
Remove the outside rearview mirror opening cover (2).
Remove the screw which secures the front side door pull handle (4).

Front Side Door Inside Handle Replacement
Removal Procedure
Remove the screw which secures the front side door inside handle (1).
Slide the inside handle (1) forward in order to release the retaining tabs which secure the handle to the door.
Open the front side door inside handle rod retainer and remove the front side door inside handle rod from the inside handle (1).
Remove the inside handle (1) from the vehicle.

Check out youtube video showing how to do it !
How To Remove Install Front Door Panel Suzuki XL 7

The door has the child safety on possibly try opening from outside with a little leverage if not successful remove door panel to unlatch from inside with a small screwdriver on the latchy

you may have a linkage rod disconnected inside the door. you'll have to take the door panel off to gain access.

don't know about your trunk...
but for the passenger door, it sounds like the linkage connecting to the outer handle is broken...on the inside trim, you can remove screws that are by the door handle, arm rest, under door and side of door and then gently pull back on the panel as there will also be retaining clips attached and you don't want to break them. You'll need to lift the door panel upwards in order to get it off the window ledge.

need to remove the interior door panels and check all the linkages. One of them is a brittle plastic linkage that is famous for breaking, and bits get caught up in the travel path of the door handle. I had taht issue, and rebult all mine with aftermarket plastic linkages, and the metal parts I pulled from junkyard cars. No way to fix it without removing the interior door panels, but that is thankfully a pretty easy job.

You will need to remove the door panel from the inside and look for any missing links or bent parts that are causing the problem. Use a trim tool to get the panel off. Unscrew the arm rest. Have a magnet on a telescoping wand hand to fish any parts that fell to the bottom of the door out.

you may need to get a slim jim to open the door to make the repairs -jeff please rate