I have a 1999 XK8 Convertible. I need to lower the top manually. The front of the top will lift up about an inch and no further. I already backed off the hydraulic release, and I tried pressing down on the rear top hinges but it is still stuck.
I've been working on this for a least a week. I've watched many videos and read many posts. I tried to find the answer by searching

thx.

 

I had the same problem, and finally removed the three fasteners supporting the top on the right side. It was then easy to unlock the hinges. This requires removing the rear seat and the interior panel, a lot of bother, but if you can't get the hinge to release it at least works without breaking anything.

 

You need to PRESS down or PULL down on the hinge point where the rams are connected.
The hinge 'cams-over' and locks.
When the rams pull down, they pull on the hinge points.
Duplicate the action to get it freed to collapse the frame.
The frame will bend/damage if the hinge point is not unlocked.

 

I was able to do that on two other cars, but there was just too much tension on my 2006.

 

Thanks for the reply.
I tried pushing down on the hinge points but maybe I didn't press hard enough. I'll definitely try that first thing tomorrow.

 

I already have everything taken apart due to a fuel pump switch. Where are the three fasteners? Are they part of the hinges?

 

Just follow the bow down to where it goes behind a plate. You should see the three fasteners in there and will need an extension to reach them. I think they are 13mm heads.

 

Open the petcock on the pump to release the fluid pressure then unlock the roof linkage on both sides and it will open.

Gus
JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

 

I found a great video that shows exactly where to push. The demo starts at about 1 min 20 secs into the video. I haven't tried it yet, but I'll bet it'll work. It's just too cold here right now to try. It's 15 degrees F or -10 C.