Pulled the pump this afternoon to top off the fluid and the wiring bracket to one of the rams had seperated. I have make a repair but the rear windows will not go up. Contacted the jag show and they stated that I needed to bring the car in to reprogram the computer. Any ideas. Thanks jim

 

" . . . the wiring bracket to one of the rams . . . ."

I assume that you mean one of the solenoids on top of the pump assembly. Does the top move both up and down after your repair?

I would guess the reason the windows do not go up is that the top has not fully closed and latched. Both the micro switch at the top of the right ram and the ones at the upper latch must report closure before the windows will raise. Try cycling the top and if that does not change the window situation use the manual 'key' to unlock and relock the top latch.

There is nothing to 'reprogram' in getting this to work other than the physical and complete operation of the top latch.

 

Thanks Test Point and you are right it is the solenoid, and my repair did not work. I guess my next option is to replace it. I could get the top to open/close only when i would manually open/close the latch. Back windows still would not open or close. Do you know of any sources other than the dealer that might have the soleniod? I assume its pull and replace? Have been trying to find a repair manual any recommendations? Jim

 

One of the solenoids directly controls the latch hydraulics...so that much makes sense. Most likely once the automatic sequence is back operating the windows will also work, although if your battery is low the rear windows can also give you problems, as can a bad microswitch.

If your car is out in the weather let us know...I can give you a fairly easy way to raise the rear windows in an emergency.

The pump and solenoids are normally sold and replaced as a unit. A used one is probably your best bet. I would be interested to hear if anyone has ever successfully attempted a solenoid only replacement. What exactly is damaged on your solenoid? If you post a picture of the problem you will probably get the best suggestions.

 

Everything was fine till I removed the pump from the bracket. The The wires that plug in to the seloniod are fine, the plastic plug (tan in color) makes a 90 turn in to the seloniod. This is where it broke. There are 2 copper wire coming out of the selonoid about the size of a hair, tried to soder them back to the termimal. Wires were to fine. Also there is capsitor in the tan 90 degree plastic plug. Tried a couple of parts shops, no luck. Will make a trip to the dealer in the morning to due some r/d. They gave me I hope some incorrect info, the called it a ram and gave be a price of $300. plus $175 to reprogram the computer. If it hand a brand name on it I could save a few buck. Will let you'll know what I find out. Jim

 

I bought my first XK8 cheap due to the previous owner breaking off the plastic connector just as you did. That part is not going to be available anywhere. I tried . . . hard because the pump assembly is $1600 at the Jaguar parts counter. The PO had torn the connector off the solenoid trying to remove the other half of the connector. Finally found an used pump from a recycler that had a damaged plastic reservoir due to a right quarter panel impact for $100. Put my reservoir on and everything worked.

I would spend some quality time attempting to reconnect the hair sized wire as the alternative is going to be expensive. A working pump is going to be a lot more than my $100 one.

There is a lacquer insulation on the wire that must be removed before any attempt to solder. Hobby stores sell tiny copper and brass tubes that a half inch of which might be used as a crimp on connector rather than solder.

Good luck!

Heloise

 

Thanks for the info, found a company on ebay that rebuilds the pumps, sent them an email. I would assume that if they rebuild them they may have access to the seloniods. Will let you know. The interesting thing is I have several JCB backhoes in my fleet and look they are made in england and thier selonoids look the same??? If I could get some data i should be able to maybe be able to customize one. My boss (the wife) wants MY car back. Jim

 

Another alternative is to find a used pump on ebay. Some of the used parts dealers on ebay can be bargained down considerably from their asking price.

 

The windows can be closed when the right rear ram is extended. Reach in the right rear and push up on the linkage for that ram. For additional information just go to my page Jaguar hydraulic roof manual operation xk8

 

Went to the dealership this morning the price he gave me for a new pump assembly was within $3000 dollar of what I paid for the car!! Test point, I purchased the hobby kit, if that doesn,t work I will have to purchase a used one.

Gus thanks for the link I will see if I can get the windows up tomorrow if the repair fails. Jim

 

Back on the road again. Went the radio repair shop that we use at work and showed them the broke el. plug on the soleniod. They told me to bring the pump in and they might be able to fix it. Well they work a little magic and 30 minutes later the top was working prefectly. Cost of the repair zero. I felt bad and went to the adult beverage store and picked up a bottle of Jack. After all this was only 10% on the cost of a used pump!!

 

Kudos to you on the road again.

 

Need any other repairs done?