2000 XKR Convertible Top/Hood Wont Latch - RESOLVED
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 245
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From: Hampton Roads, VA
I am very interested in your recent top closure issue. My 99 xk8 top is stuck in the raised position. Getting that "top not latched" message. Rear quarters down and will not respond. I have read dozens of posts here RE this problem and have attempted several times to "reset" the sequence via manual close. The hoses are relatively new and no visible leaks. Fluid is good and at top line. I can not find any blown fuses, but honestly am not sure which one to check specifically as I do not see it spelled out in owners manual. I have tried manual lock with allen wrench a dozen times.
So I tried Gus's suggestion to manually lower top. I turn key on, open pet ****, release with wrench. Then the problem. As hard as I try, and I am a pretty strong guy, I cannot get cylinders to budge. I read you say you did it 15 times, so it just should not be to difficult. I am wondering if I am missing something? Its like the pressure will not release on pistons.
I assume you were reaching over back seat and pushing down on the roof frame at top of piston with your hands? You were not using any type leverage tool were you?
Any suggestions.
So I tried Gus's suggestion to manually lower top. I turn key on, open pet ****, release with wrench. Then the problem. As hard as I try, and I am a pretty strong guy, I cannot get cylinders to budge. I read you say you did it 15 times, so it just should not be to difficult. I am wondering if I am missing something? Its like the pressure will not release on pistons.
I assume you were reaching over back seat and pushing down on the roof frame at top of piston with your hands? You were not using any type leverage tool were you?
Any suggestions.
I used 2 tie down straps, 1 for each ram and cranked them both slowly a few times each until they both released near the same time. I have attached a few photos thanks to Gus showing the tie down attached to the ram linkage from here: JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource . In these pictures his speakers were removed, the tie down straps can be used to lower the rams with the speakers in as well.
My vehicle is still partially taken apart as I figured I'd upgrade the speakers so let me know if you need more detailed pictures of anything.
Last edited by seawind; Apr 30, 2014 at 10:15 AM.
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 54
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From: Athens, Ga
That's good news to me! I really thought I was just missing something and was almost expecting it to just drop open. I'll give your method a try. Also thanks for the pictures as well. Truly a thousand words.
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 54
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From: Athens, Ga
The straps worked great. Top dropped open. Did hard reset and now all is working wonderfully. So while I have the back seats removed, I also replaced the speakers with new Infinity's. Sounds great now. Going to do a deep cleaning of the leather and then put everything back together Saturday.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 245
Likes: 24
From: Hampton Roads, VA
The straps worked great. Top dropped open. Did hard reset and now all is working wonderfully. So while I have the back seats removed, I also replaced the speakers with new Infinity's. Sounds great now. Going to do a deep cleaning of the leather and then put everything back together Saturday.
Which Infinity's did you go with? I'm trying to figure out what the best speakers I can get are...
Yes you are missing a few parts. This illustration shows the cover you are missing look and see if it fell off in the car
Link JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource
Link JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource
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99xk8guy
XK8 / XKR ( X100 )
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