In 2009 I purchased a 2001 XK8. It had 50,000 miles on it and service records revealed the previous year the "green shower" occurred and the hydraulic hoses were replaced under warranty. There did not appear to be any resistor or governor added to reduce pressure in the future.About three or four years ago the top began not opening properly. Every now and then it would begin the process but only open a half inch or so then give up. I would push the button to close it completely back down. On the second attempt it would open fine. Beginning last year, sometimes it would not close completely and I would push the button to open it back up a couple of feet then close it which worked every time. Now (with 93,000 miles) when I open it have to give the top a push to help it clear the latch and when I want to close it I usually always have to back it up and close it on the second try. Yesterday for the first time it took three attempts to close it. The pump shows there is sufficient hydraulic fluid in there.
Do I need a new pump? It appears relatively easy to just replace the pump? What is the best thing to do about the hoses and pressure relief at this time (I've read older previous threads about possible fixes)? I live 100 miles from a Jaguar dealer and one local mechanic who is very competent will do some small things on a Jaguar.
Thanks for your time in any help or advice you can give.

 

Lubricate the ram and latch shafts with WD40 then silicone spray then spray the center switch linkage at the latch. Chances are that they are dry and when it is open it does not travel far enough to clear the latch switch to tell it to open/lift the roof.

 

The situation you describe is exactly what I had on my 97 when I first got it. I had the old fluid turning to jello, pump just couldn't push it. Got that flushed/replaced and no problems ever after.

But I doubt this is your problem - you would assume when they did the hoses they would replace the fluid too - why wouldn't they? But I note it anyway just because what you are describing is EXACTLY what I had going on.

 

A 2001 car has the new fluid. No need to change it.

Gus
www.jagrepair.com

 

Just do as Gus said. He's one of the authorities on top malfunction problems. Be aware that if the dealer replaced the hoses they could be the old style ones that were in inventory and could fail again, as a member recently reported.

I don't offhand recall what the codes were on the faulty hoses but I think that Gus has that info, also.

 

Also check that the petcock on the side of the pump is fully closed

 

Thanks for all of the advice. The petcock was open but just a quarter inch (not a quarter turn - just barely barely open). I closed it and sprayed WD-40 in the center latch opening and it appears to have alleviated problem. The problem was inconsistent so I won't know for sure for several more days. Where are the shafts located? I assume for the one for the latch I would have to remove the covering and I saw nothing that looks like the hydraulic cylinder that retracts and extends the top.
Gus, could you provide me with information to determine whether the Dealer used the new ones when replacing the hydraulic hoses back around 2009?
Once again thanks to all for your prompt responses.

 

If you mean the shafts on the lift rams they are behind the hood liner at the rear seats - they operate on the hood frame. If you are not losing any fluid, as evidenced by the level in the pump reservoir staying constant, then the hoses, rams and center latch cylinder are not leaking. It should not require topping up unless one of the components is leaking. There is a slight difference in the level shown on the pump reservoir depending on whether the roof is up or down.

 

Yes the shafts are at the lifts on both sides of the rear seat connected to the roof linkage. To lubricate them properly the roof must be in the closed position to see the entire shaft. To see the one for the latch you will need to open the roof and remove the cover and you will a portion of the piston shaft however, you will need to operate the latch open manually with the allen wrench to lubricate it properly.

You may ask why lubricate, the seals are tight to keep the fluid in the cylinder that the outside is dry so a little lubrication will help the operation.

 

The dealer uses the only hoses they have in stock and they are under rated for the application. The only hoses rated higher are the aftermarket hoses.

 

Hey Gus (or anyone). Just wanted to know if the rams are accessible to lubricate without tearing the car apart and, if so, how?

Thanks,

Doug

 

With the top up you can see the rams between the head liner and roof. Just spray your fingers and rub it on the ram shaft. Now the latch shaft you will need to remove the header cover to spray it and at the same time you can check the hoses to the latch.

Gus
www.jagrepair.com

 

Still can't see or feel where these are.

 

Check your PM.

Gus
www.jagrepair.com