Hello. I have a ‘96 XJS convertible and have had continuous issues the the convertible top. First off, the parking brake. Half of the time I engage it the switch for the top does nothing so I keep resetting the brake. Eventually the switch activated and the top starts moving.

I consistently have have an issue with the sail panel windows. Sometimes they won’t go down, sometimes they won’t go up. Voltage wise, they have power and when power is applied they function normally. Can this all be stemming from a bad convertible switch or is there a separate sensor?

 

More likely badly adjusted handbrake microswitch

 

 

It is under he black cover over the lever fulcrum.

 

The windows are likely caused by the relays being at the end of their life. The up window circuit grounds through the down relay, and vice versa. Replace those relays ( the row of them above the battery in the trunk) with 40A relays (standard auto relays are 30A) and your problem should be solved.

 

 

There is a delay in the up motion for both windows so keep that in mind.

 

 

As stated above it sounds like the relays. On mine just cleaning the contacts of the relays and their receptacles was enough to restore proper function.

 

Hi Jet

Have you checked the Oil Level in the Hydraulic Soft Top Motor, as Oil Starvation can produce those symptoms where the 'Side Windows' will sometimes only go halfway up or down, as can the Soft Top itself

 

Both my windows were found unplugged when I was troubleshooting my rear windows not moving in either direction. In that case, it's easy to remove the two side panels where the seat belt goes. First remove the back seat both bottom and back cushions. Then just pull forward to release the snaps on the door jamb side, then lift slightly and move the enclosure inboard to reveal the hydraulic actuator and window mechanism and connector. Unplug and plug in the connector several times or just clean them and then try it.

 

Side windows are electric motor driven and controlled by the top ECU. Having no oil in the hydraulic pump, or even having the pump removed will have no effect on the side window operation.

 

Hi Jagboi

Then it must have been a coincidence as neither the side windows or the soft top roof would go up or down on 'Carmen' my 1995 4.0L until I topped up the Hydraulic Oil Pump

After which everything worked as it should, so wondering if the Windows won't work unless the Soft Top itself goes up and down

Maybe one won't work without the other?

 

I don't have a working top as there must have been a leak before I bought the car last year. The pump works, just no oil. After changing swapping relays around, as i said, nothing worked. I found both window motor connectors unplugged. Now they both work without needing the top going up and down. I have the hydraulics bypassed to manual right now. The pump still works with no oil (i should fix it soon so i don't run it dry). When I press the top down switch after handbrake is set, both windows go down right away. When i select top up, after I put the top up manually, after a brief delay as it should, both windows go up as they should. So, the top doesn't have to function as far as the pump is concerned. it's the selection of the switch to the ECU and the ECU sends the ground to the relays for the top and windows.

 

I got the fluid from Aircraft Spruce, it was the cheapest source for me. It's generically called 5606 fluid, and there are 2 versions: Spec A and H. H is the current spec for "super clean" aircraft hydraulic systems, A is the older spec. A works just fine for us.
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catal...clickkey=60375

 

Jagboi, Good to know 5606 can be used. I know it well being in the aviation business myself. I know I have a small leak at the pump so I'd rather wait till I do a reseal job on it before filling it up and having it continually leak over the battery. Have you resealed your pump, what to know, parts, etc.?
Thanks for the tip!

 

My pump was fine, I had an O ring fail on one of the hydraulic rams that raises the top. I recall someone here has gone though a pump and showed photos.

 

My rams are dry. Just oil seen on the motor/pump tray. A project over the winter or next spring.