Hi all,
As I am awaiting parts for my x308 (problem diagnosis does by x308 forum) I decided to turn my thoughts to my XJS V12 Convertible. My question how do I check the fluid and other items for the top. I have googled but to no avail. The top worked when I got the car but has since quit. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks

 

Have you checked the relays? That is the most common cause of issues with the top. They are located behind a panel inside the parcel box on the left side. Sometimes, just pulling the relays and reseating them can do the trick.

Also, does the warning light come on for the hand brake?

EDIT - Hold the phone, your sig says a 1985 convertible? That is a beast that doesn't exist as Jaguar model. If it is indeed a 1985, that would be an aftermarket conversion so it will be hard to know how to troubleshoot.

 

You are correct it's an 89 I'll correct that. I have not checked the relays. I am assuming you are talking about the compartment where I switch it to manual up and down. I'm 6'5" kinda hard to ride with top closed. I'll check relays and post again

Thanks

 

Hi David

If you lift the Lid of the 'Cubby Box. behind the Front Seats, you will see the Hydraulic Motor for the Soft Top, with a sight gauge to show the Fluid Level.

If it needs topping up you take out a Plug by means of a Allen Key and fill it from there.

But make sure you use the Correct Fluid, or you can ruin the pistons and seals in the Pump and a New Pump costs a Fortune! so you have been Warned!

There are differing opinions as to what Fluid to use, so I will let others jump in on that.

BUT: If you have had the Soft Top Down for some time, if you assist it into position by hand a couple of times, you 'may' find that the problem cures itself.

I leave my Soft Top down 'All Summer' as I keep her in the Garage but when Winter comes along, my Soft Top gives the same trouble.

Where assisting it up and down a few times, has always cured the problem.

So its really best to Actuate the Soft Top from time to time which should hopefully help to prevent that problem happening.

 

i purchased the car last year it had been up for about 6 years. With my checking of the vehicle I put the top down no problem. It just hasn't worked without doing it manually since then. My first thought was the fluid. I will check the relays and fluid tomorrow. I'll keep the thread updated.

Thanks

 

Don't forget to check fuses too!

Good luck

 

There are 4 relays, top up, top down, windows up and windows down. It's a bit different, as for example when putting the top up, the motors ground through the top DOWN relay.

The contacts burn over time, replace them with 40 amp relays ( standard auto relays are 30) and they should last quite a while.