Well the top had been down and tonight I was putting the top up on my 2005 XKR. I vaguely noticed the latch starting to close before the top was completely up but it did not register with me quickly enough. So now the latch is in the closed position but not engaging the top and I get the 'Convertible not latched' message. Pushing the convertible switch either was does nothing and I also think the window switches are inoperable. Is the system basically locked up until I get the the top properly closed?

I guess I have to go through the manual procedure (closing the pump **** and using the allen wrench)? Any other way to reset? And what caused this mis-timing between the latch mechanism and the top?

Thanks for anyone's help.

Doug

 

well I was going to tell you to call me and Ide walk you through it but that wouldnt benefit anyone else so hopefully I wont get errored and **** me off.....
Open the pump petcock (T handle on side of pump) all the way, take the allen wrench and remove the small cover in the header rail. It helps to have 2 people push up on both sides of the top since its still hard even with the valve open. What youre trying to do is raise the top off the latch mechanism so you can relatch it. Once you do that you can either lock it back down manually or I usually reopen and run it through the full op's, AFTER you reclose the T handle tightly. Just watch the latch and make sure it doesnt do it again, it usually a result from it sticking slightly.
I like to spray a light oil in the latch like WD40.
Make sure your reservoir is full to correct level

 

Okay, I think I understand. Go through the manual closing procedure described in the owner's manual. Then reclose the hydraulic pump **** and try operating normally? If the top works correctly a few times then I should assume it was a fluke?

Thanks,

Doug

 

only a fluke if it doesnt do it agaain, if it does, flush top latch hoses and latch for gelled fluid

 

Doug, your top lines were replaced by a dealer, right? I'd say if it happens again, return it to the dealer to diagnose and fix. Brutal, any chance the timing thing is just 'off'?.

 

Actually, I did the manual thing and then tried the top and it happened again so I went through the manual thing again. But I figured out the problem has nothing to do with the hydraulics. I discovered that what happens when the top is opened and then I push the close is that the top comes up and the latch pops up out of its hiding place. But I noticed the latch was popping up only about half way so I nudged it with my finger and it popped up all the way. The latch mechanism is sort of articulated and seems spring loaded. Maybe all I need to do is spray some lubricant and move the mechanism back and forth with my finger.


BY THE WAY: I broke one of the plastic clippy things that holds the allen wrench in the boot. Are these things readily available somewhere?

Doug

 

That's good news. Could be just dirty and need to be 'exercised' with some lubricant.

 

I believe that to be the case. The mechanism was just binding a bit so I will try to lubricate next time I get the chance.

Anyone able to tell me what the plastic clips are called that hold the allen wrench and where I can get these?

Doug