Well mates...I took the leap into the XJS arena. Found a marvelous 1993 XJS convertible finished in jade with light jade interior, black top. I checked this car thoroughly. Pushed every button to ensure everything "works"..and it did until I brought him home and sure enough..cannot get the top to go back up. I have looked everywhere on the forums to find a specific topic and also find info for where the bloody fuse box is relating to the top. I know the top has sequences of events that must happen. As I said..I put that top up and down several times and it went up and down with no effort...now nothing..no sound nothing..I would appreciate all and any help at this point..I will be checking the thread between clearing a spot for the new jag in the garage...Thanks mates! Hope to hear from ya!

 

My convertible is an '88 Hess & Eisenhardt, so I can't help you on the inline fuse location...

However there should be a bypass valve near the pump that you can open, allowing you to manually raise and lower the top in the meantime...

Follow the hydraulic lines from the pump... they should both tee off with a crossconnect hose going between them and a valve in the center. Open the valve for the manual bypass.

Cheers,

- Will

 

Parking brake has to be on for top to work.

 

Are the rear windows raising when you press and hold the top switch?

 

Although I had several issues with my system, the first problem I had was similar to yours - no hydraulic pump sound but also no window movement (hence jagvilly’s question). In mine this was caused by a (really) dirty rocker switch which was solved by prising it out, dismantling it, emptying out the crap (there was a lot in it), cleaning the contacts and reassembling. It then sent power to the motor and the windows.
As Scotlad points out, handbrake must be applied for power to get to anything.

If the windows are operating but the pump is not, checking that power is going to the hydraulic motor is easy as there’s a connector behind the panel that the seatbelt goes through that you can check with a multimeter when you operate the switch. The problem may be a fouled commutator or possibly worn brushes. Removing, dismantling, cleaning and reassembling the motor is easyish and if you’re doing it I suggest changing the oil seal while you are in there. I have no idea about a fuse but suggest checking for power to the hydraulic motor connector first. Good luck!

 

Thanks mates for the input. Being new to the XJS I was unfamiliar with the convertible top operation and there unfortunately was no owners manual with the car as the previous owner misplaced it. It turns out it was my parking brake needing to be set. With that said I was able to get the top back up again. I am excited (nervous) about owning this vintage of cat so I will be here more foten so I can learn all that I can about my new car. Completely different from our 2001 XJ8. Thanks again mates. I am always humbled by the outpouring of support this site offers. CHEERS!

 

The easy fixes are the best! Thanks for the update.