My convertible top on my '93 XJS does not seem to work via motor so I am assessing what might be the cause of it. I have tried looking everywhere in the trunk for the motor/valve to turn it to manual mode.

Does anyone know where I can access this? I have been trying to rip out the back carpet panels to find it, only found the fuses on each side. Is it behind the battery? Do I have to take off the spare and the battery to access?

 

Have you engaged the parking brake. The top will not function without the parking brake engaged. This goes for raising and lowering the top.

 

Already tried this. The glass comes up not the top.

 

To add to this, the motor makes whirring noise so it is "working" but no movement from the top. Ive tried to pull manually but the shocks or whatever they are called are not letting me pull up. That is why im trying to find the manual mode lever in the trunk.

 

I'm not sure about face lifts, but in my '91, it's in the "utility box" on the starboard side. I would assume it's similar in your case, but not sure about the back seat.

 

On my 94 the "motor" or "pump" and the bypass valve are on the right side on top of the battery and relay rack, under the carpeted battery cover.

 

Cant seem to find it. Is it behind the battery area? That carpeted area is really hard to pull out for some reason.

 

I believe it's behind the passenger seat in the cubby area. The 94 and on cars have it above the battery, it's very obvious.

 

THANK YOU! I did not see the tan plastic cover inside that cubby area before. Just unscrewed the panel screws with a flathead and there I saw it near some fuses! Cover ended up having some rips but its better than nothing!

Now how would one put more hydraulic oil in that tank? I see the hole but not sure if it requires a pump or something? It was really hard to tell if it had anything in it... so maybe that is the main issue there.

ALSO, I had to get the car safety/emission inspected. I wanted an oil change as well. Is synthetic going to be okay for this engine? It is at 50k miles at the moment.

Any additional help is appreciated but my main problem is solved!

 

If the oil level is going down, it means you have a leak somewhere, so you better fix that first. You might see a puddle of oil under the pump. The oil is a very light hydraulic oil, the easiest source is usually aircraft hydraulic oil, called 5606. For example: https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catal...clickkey=60375

To fill it, just use a small funnel or a large vets syringe. Whatever is easier for you. There is a plug that needs to be removed, I can't remember if it is threaded or just held in place with O rings.

Yes, synthetic is fine. If you have a 6 cylinder, I'd probably go with 5W40, for a V12 5W50.