All, I've owned my XJS convertible for years but have never driven it much. The soft top won't open either electrically or manually. Even when I unlatch and put my shoulder into it. What's the procedure for manually lowering the top?

 

Turn the pump valve to manual. It's a T-handle on the top of the pump.

Turn the two-T-buckle clips 90 degrees on the pump trim cover in the boot. (Be careful, you can't buy those clips)
Wiggle the trim cover out.
You'll see the pump. The T-valve is on the top and is marked where to turn it to manual.
Then you can lower the roof. It's quite stiff as you're pushing the fluid manually through the struts

The failure of the roof operating can be a number of things, but is more likely to be the switch on the handbrake not making than contact than anything else.

Good luck

Paul