Couldn't have bought my (new-to-me) XK8 convertible at a better time - UK weather has been unusually good and the top has been down pretty much every day since I got the car a few weeks ago.
I'm beginning to find my way around it, and check a few essential things.
Paperwork shows that the roof hydraulic system was serviced some years ago. Checked the reservoir today, and it is obviously down a little from the lower line so will top it up but ...... can anyone tell from the picture whether or not I have the Pentosin Fluid or the earlier "Green Shower" Fluid in the system at present.
Also, while I was in there, I noticed a couple of "unused" connectors. I am pretty sure that the Three Pin black block connector (2) is for a power supply, but does anyone know what the "Econoseal" 2 pin connector (1)(Brown/Yellow and Brown/Orange) might be for, and also the single spade connector (Green/Red).
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Cheers,
David.

 

SORRY - Having read back through various posts, I realise that the Pentosin IS the green shower fluid ! Is that what I have got ? - doesn't look yellow to me, but would be grateful for reassurance !

 

Congratulations. Timing is everything!

I cant help with the "spare" connectors but can assure you I have the "new" pentosin fluid and my reservoir looks to be exactly the same color as yours (translucent dark green/blue through the tank). I am 99% sure you are OK in that regard. You may want to check behind the corners of the back seat to see if the cylinders that raise the top are leaking a bit. Jac

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...removal-77554/

 

don't worry about unused connectors in back trunk area, behind battery, they were used for factory transport for easy battery connections and other things . Each car has a couple , one small black and one bigger gray plug.
Good luck and
Happy Motoring...

 

One of the connectors seems to be for an auxiliary power socket, see here: JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

Jouko

 

So, does the reservoir level need checking (like the engine oil level) and if so, exactly where is the reservoir located & if it needs topping up, how & with what for an '05 vehicle?

Thanks in advance.

 

Jon,

Here's the JTIS info on level checking. I'll leave it to the convertible experts to comment on the fluid recommendations.



(click on the image to enlarge it)

It's times like this I offer up a prayer for my tin roof!

Graham

 

Hi.

The top fluid does not need regular checking unless you have a leak. I only check mine once a year or so. The easy way to fill it, is to use a large syringe or hand pump being careful not to spill any fluid on the CD-changer.
Some of the early -97s have hoses marked 600 bar, which, knock wood, seem to hold up fairly well. You may however, still have a leak at the top latch.
Despite all problems, it is a nice system especially with the remote top operation made by "white xkr".

( GGG: He won't hear you through your iron roof. You have to have a convertible to get contact. )

 

Jon,

Yes - it's worth checking the fluid level - in theory it should not need topping up but if it does, it might indicate the presence of a small leak in one of the connections or in the hydraulic mechanism. There was an issue with very early cars - the fluid they used tended to turn to jelly and cause problems. The correct fluid is 'Pentosin CHF 11s' which I think, by 05, was "factory fitted".
The pump is behind the carpet on the right hand side of the boot / trunk above the CD player. You can pull the carpet back sufficiently to see whether or not the level of the fluid is at the correct level.
Cheers,
David.

 

Jaguar changed to the Pentosin fluid in '98. I use a 'turkey baster' with a foot of plastic tubing to do such tasks. Also works well for removing brake fluid from the master cylinder, coolant from the reservoir or power steering fluid with the appropriate piece of tubing. A standard tool box item in Georgia.

The baster is available at the Dollar Store or, I suppose, in GB the Pound Store.

 

I might just steer clear of Georgia at Thanksgiving.

Graham

 

Our Georgia turkeys are just fine, although you do have to be careful of the shotgun pellets getting stuck in your teeth!

 

All I can see around the CD player & Sat Nav unit is some beautifully fitted carpet???

 

The carpet panel can be carefully pulled out to get access to the pump behind it.

 

Yes - I'm afraid you have to "un-fit" the carpet. Not sure if its the same in the later cars, but if you remove the floor panel over the spare wheel area, take out the 'L' shaped carpet-covered panel over the battery, then remove the plastic cover over the lighting unit and the wiring connector, then you can carefully peel back the carpet - it fits around the CD player but goes back with no problem.
David.

 

In terms of checking the hydraulic fluid level, in theory, unless it's leaking it shouldn't need to be checked. But even so, I find that if my level gets even a few drops low, it will tell me as I get a pronounced whine when I take the top up and down. This lets me know to top it off. Whine disappears after adding just a few drops or so.