Went to go put the top down on a nice evening and it was able to unlatch but it hesitated then stopped. Went to check the reservoir and it was empty! Saw a lot of people talking about the top latch drip but I haven’t seen any of that. I did find a stream coming out behind the rear passenger wheel arch. Any help is appreciated

 

Sounds like a ram/lift hose or the ram seal.

Gus
JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

 

Taylor,

Take off the trunk carpet trim on the right hand side, which will reveal the hydraulic pump.

As you’ve got drips from the right rear wheel, I would guess that a pipe connection has broken at the pump. The black pipes has a known weakness at the crimped joint to the end connector.

How do I know... I had exactly the same problem. Cleaning up all the split oil in the trunk is a pain, especially as there’s a lot of electrical connections in the area plus body grounds.

 

as Gus and David have stated - sounds like the ram hoses have failed. Best to get the higher rated hoses from either Cabriolet Hydraulics or Top Hydraulics. Both have a comparable pressure rated product and offer great support, I used Cabriolet Hydraulics just due to proximity to me and able to get hoses faster at the time. Price was the same.

It is a DIY job so check the link Gus provided as it will get you through!!

 

i have confirmed that the retracting top line going into the pump has blown off on the fitting. I stuck it back in and actually was unable to get it out by hand so I tested the motor. I filled the reservoir and ran the top down and back up. As soon as it latched the same hose blew off. Is there a way to get a new fitting for that? The fitting goes into a T and then into the motor. If a guy could put a fitting in and crimp the line it’s be done and done.

 

Your best option would be to replace the hose.

Gus
JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource