Searched a bit for this but looking for the easy answer, Finally got to take a short trip in the new to me XK I picked up in December. My top operation seems sluggish, I have checked the fluid and it's fine, tho I have not yet tried lubing anything but... How long should the normal open and close cycle take? I just don't want to be chasing a problem I don't have. Love the car thus far but still waiting for better weather here in PA...

 

IIRC it’s around 15 seconds if my car is running. Slower if the car is not running (especially the window up operation), and slower yet if the battery is weak.
What time are you seeing?

 

Around 20 Seconds, certainly not much more, with the car running. including windows. Never tried it with the engine off (tho I read here it might be advisable to not run the engine when operating the top?) My battery is borderline, so I never tried without the engine running, but even then, I only put the top down maybe 3 times total. I am getting a new Bat Monday, so I'll try after a good drive, weather permitting, or a night on the battery maintainer. But 20 seconds is not far off, so I am not so concerned as I was, but I will check with a fresh battery. Could it just need a little "exercising" since its not been cycled much? The top seems in good shape but I do want to get it cleaned well and some conditioner on it too, that might be today. Thanks.

 

You sound fine. I wouldn’t ‘exercise’ it, unnecessary wear on the top fabric.

 

Define "borderline". A drop in the capacity of the battery will have ill effects... even if the engine is running.

 

After not driving for 3 days and with the battery maintainer not having been connected, it measures about 12.3 v, a few hours after driving, maybe 12.6v or so. I am planning on a new Battery soon, untill then I leave the maintainer on unless I am planning to drive it the next day. The current one is an off-brand I don't recognize and per the date tag on the top, it is just over 5 years old.

 

That battery is done.

 

12.3 is better than I get with new battery...

drainage is an issue for me and others

but at 5 years get a new battery...

 

After a nice drive Sunday with the top dropped (it hit 80 here in Pittsburgh, today there is frost...) the top struggled to come up out of the boot, just kinda hung about halfway to the straight up position where the tonneau cover closes. I actually gave it a little help by hand to get it closed. Fluid was good at both positions, and the only thing I've got to do so far is check for any obvious leaks - none found. I had cycled the top prior to taking the ride and stopped mid-cycle to kinda look things over and wipe down the frame and inside of the tonneau etc then it cycled fine (?) So a bit concerned and not sure what to look for the next time I drop it, But like you said, I don't want to just raise and lower the top unnecessarily if I can help. It almost seemed it hung up physically on something as it unfolded. After it got a little past the hang point, it worked normally. I have to wait for some better weather again tho as my garage is quite low, seems it might just clear or might just hit the lights...
Any tips would be appreciated - thanks.