When I try to put the top on my 1990 up or down, the pump makes a noise and I can see fluid/air moving through the lines but nothing happens. How do I trouble shoot this?

 

Is the manual fluid directional valve turned to the right position?

 

No idea, never owned a convertible nor a Jaguar before so I dont even know where to start.

 

Dammit! I had 5 paragraphs of help written up for you and this damned site timed me out and lost it! In a nutshell, look for a bypass valve like the one pictured in this scan from my '96 Owner's Manual. Your valve should be in the position pictured for the power unit to raise/lower your top. If yours is clocked 90-degrees from what's pictured, you're in "bypass" position (for manually raising/lowering your top in an emergency)...your pump will run, but the fluid shortcuts thru the valve back to the pump and doesn't go to the actuator/cylinder that raises/lowers the top.

 

...Lemme know if this takes care of your problem.

 

The lever was in the bypass position however the top still doesnt work. I can see fluid and air bubbles go through the line but nothing moves. How can I bleed this system?

 

I've never been there, Keven, but I'd recommend you send a detailed email to this guy...email address is on the homepage. He'll know how to help you, and/or steer you to the right resources. I fixed my dash/taillight problem using the downloadable wiring diagrams he has posted on the site...promised him I'd be a future customer for any stuff I might need.

http://www.captainjaguarscathouse.com/index.html

 

Bumpp

 

The bypass valve is usually set to manual by a previous owner because there's a serious problem with the mechanism that they didn't want to fix. Leaving it in manual at least allows you to fold the top manually.

When you turn it to auto and try to run it check for hydraulic fluid leaking out under the car just in front of the rear wheels. The hood works using 2 hydraulic struts, one per side which sit in the wings infront of the rear wheels. If you look down into this space with the roof down you can see them. Stick a torch down and look for fluid all over the place. It seems it's usually these struts that fail/leak.

I have lots of bubbles in the lines under the carpet in the cubby box too (and my top works fine) and I think someone else asked about a bleed procedure and the answer is there isn't one.

 

The system is self bleeding. When it's bleeding from the rams, it usually runs down to the ground in front of the rear wheels. That's my guess on the outcome, once the system is refilled and the manual relief valve is closed.