Upon receiving my 1999 XK8 I found that the top did not work and hydraulic fluid was all over the rear of the car. I immediately released the pressure valve on the hydraulic tank to relieve the pressure.

Now came the search to find out how to lower and raise the top manually. After a lot of research and phone call I found that the following procedure works.

1st release the roof clamp above front window with an Allen wrench. The power button will not do this as there is no fluid in the lines.
Next find the rear pillar pistons behind the rear windows and push down. Not hard to accomplish. Lower roof.
To raise, open roof clamp, raise pillars (passenger side 1st). Once both are raised clamp roof down. Press UP button, and rear windows should close. If they don't you have to re-lower and start over.

My problem was not enough strength to raise the pistons so I had to use a pry bar. This cause issues with the leather covering over the rear speakers.
To solve this issue I placed clamps on each piston in the extended (closed) position. Released piston from roof assembly noting that piston did not move downward. Placed pistons down against wheel wells. I then pushed assembly to the downward position ( I know the reduces the integrity of the frame, but the roof couldn't handle a roll over either way.)

Now all I have to do to lower top is release clamp, lower top. To raise I just raise top, clamp down and raise rear windows.
Hope this might help those owners who have the same hydraulic issues as I had.

 

David,

This suggests you don't have a Driver's Handbook?



If not, you can download the full Vehicle Literature Pack for your XK8 from here:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...006-faq-67827/

Graham