Doing some routine checks throughout the car, and decided to glance at the hydraulic fluid level for the vert roof.

Does it look as if I need to add fluid?
Top was closed, and car not running.

If so, please direct me.
Fluid type and detailed instructions would be helpful.

 

You need to add hydraulic fluid all the way to the embossed fill line on the tank (which is about halfway up). Looks like yours is significantly low....

The correct fluid is Pentosin CHF11S (colored green). NAPA sells it as do a number of other auto parts stores....

 

Of course my next question is....

Where dd it go?
No obvious leaks, and roof works fine.

And how do I add fluid?

 

If the fluid is NOT in the overhead console, then it will be in the floorboard under the lift rams behind the rear loudspeakers or under the pump itself.

bob

 

Feel the area where the rocker panels join the underside in front of the wheel wells. Any oil there is indication of a ram leak.

 

You add fluid by removing the brass bolt/plug in the top of the clear plastic tank and adding through that hole.

This previous post (in reply #7) includes a nice, clear diagram of the fill marks and fill plug. https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x.../#&gid=1&pid=4

I used some siphoning hose since I did have an appropriate funnel handy. I sucked the long-ish siphon hose mostly full, plugged it with my thumb, stuck the hose into the tank and released it.

 

Since I'll be purchasing a 1liter can of fluid, should I at least siphon out whatever I can from the reservoir before adding newer fluid?

 

The UNIVIS fluid degraded and caused problems but the Pentosin CHF11S is SYNTHETIC so just adding is fine.

If the fluid looks dark or debris is floating around you might drain the reservoir but otherwise just add.

bob

 

If you do find the cylinders (rams) leaking and want to DIY, one of the best repair sources is Top Hydraulics:

Jaguar Convertible Top Hydraulic System Rebuild/Upgrade Service - Top Hydraulics, Inc

 

Anthony, grab a big old turkey battery to add the new Pentosin fluid. It's an awkward angle.

John

 

A couple feet of hardware store plastic hose added to the turkey baster works better than the baster alone. Fairly small hole so keep the hose small enouth to insert.

 

Is that why some Turkeys charge you?

 

This is a link to how to refill your tank.

Link JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

 

Must be kin to the ENERGIZER BUNNY??

bob