When you press the roof switch on the center console, does it take a little while to activate. I have a 1998 XK8 and I thought the switch was bad, so I've been using the key in the door lock to raise/lower roof.

I just found that if I hold the button for about 30 seconds, it works...Not sure if this delay is normal, but guess I may not need to replace the switch.

 

30 sec. seems a bit much, but there is a delay of a few sec.

 

See http://jagrepair.com/images/TSB/XK8/...c%20System.pdf.

 

Mine often takes more than a few seconds to activate as well. The rear windows will go down instantly but the roof sometimes does not start right away. And on occasion, I have to reclose windows and start again. I also find that if you gently help it open by pushing the head rail above the windshield, it will always open right away. It seems that it sometimes seals so well that it has trouble separating and there is a sensor that will prevent it from opening if it takes too much effort.

 

My rear windows drop immediately but also have a few second delay to pop the roof latch. Some delay is normal, but not 10-30 seconds for that first bit! Check the hydraulic fluid level on your pump. If it's within spec with the top closed/down, one of the hoses may be starting to leak (re: losing pressure, slower operation).

Are you aware of 'the green shower'? :O Hopefully that's not the case soon. Make sure there aren't any dribbles at the hose connections on the pump as well!