So Im officially an XKR owner. This is my second XKR where the green fluid comes out from the latch. The first XKR I had I sold it a month later and got another one. This XKR has been flawless I love my car. But the green monster came yesterday I didnt open my roof it was just leaking the green fluid while my roof is closed. I usually open my roof with the "Key In Door" way. I feared the green monster while in the drivers seat. So I tried to drop the top today and green monster went all over my interior and the A-Pillar. Nevertheless the roof does not open the latch just pours out green fluid. I dont know what the next move Imma make but I got some crucial decisions on how I should go about this. Im a young XKR owner under 25 btw. I love my Jag.........

 

The next move is to get it fixed. My advice is to find a local experienced Jaguar Garage to fix it. I used a great one here in Orlando and saved almost $1200 on the repair. Gus on here does offer a metter replacement set of hoses for almost the same price as Jaguar hoses which are under rated for the job required. That hose choice is yours to make but I certainly wouldn't have the dealer do the job unless they were you only option.

Gus' site does give you the directions needed to replace the hoses, but like some others I chose to pay someone else to forgo this unpleasant job myself.

You can release the pressure onthe pump to prevent any firther from dripping out and also it was suggested to pull down the overhead lights and stuff a few paper towels in there to catch any fluid that does still drip. Not good to have that part ruined as it is expensive to replace as well.

 

The roof doesnt open btw it just pours green fluid thru the latch. So if I get the hoses replaced will the roof work ? The reason Im asking is because my last XKR poured fluid when only opening and closing the top I would keepo paper towels everywhere. But my current XKR the top doesn't open. Any solution ?

 

I just finished this job yesterday..replaced the hydraulic latch hose in my 99 XK8. It's a pain, but can be done yourself if you take your time. I did it myself for around $250 just bought the parts.

Open the petcock on the roof pump to let out the pressure so no more oil leaks out. Then you can manually move the roof. You might have to press or pull on the pistons to release them.

Good luck, I know it's a mess...

 

Yeah Im gonna have to find a shop to take it into. How much should a job like this cost ? I hear its an all day job. If any of the forum members want to come up to visit the Northeast I will pay for fare, hotel, and labor plus provide some food. How about that.

 

You can go to my page http://www.gusglikas.com/autorepair.htm and see all the info I have on the roof operation and hose evaluation http://www.gusglikas.com/AutoRepairH...lOperation.htm and info on hose replacement if you elect to do it yourself http://www.gusglikas.com/RoofHoseReplacement.htm The east coast is a big area!

 

How much does labor usually cost to fix this ? I can buy the hoses online for $300 but how much labor should I be paying a Jag shop ?

 

with hoses, fluid and labor and taxes etc., I paid $800

 

What about the top ? I mean when I press the button the top didnt move it just poured out fluid. So is the top not moving because the hose leaking ?

 

The top latch and top hydraulic cylinders (rams) are fed off the same pump but different circuits. The circuit to the latch is electrically operated and operates before and after movement of the rams but I suspect that leaking fluid anywhere would affect the operation on the other if only because you are now low on fluid.

 

Correct...Like Gus will say, and has said, the top must do everything in sequence in order for it to work. Without the hose working properly on the top latch, the latch will not open. It is that green hydraulic fluid that is pushed into the latch to make it work. The roof won't move past that because it doesn't register that anything has happened (which nothing has happened at that point other than the rear windows going down)

When the two hoses are replaced (The one that goes TO the latch and the one the goes FROM that latch) and the hydraulic fluid filled back up, the roof will work normally (assuming that everythign else is fine)

 

Xk8 Orlando, what is name of the shop that fixed your top?

I went to one here near Miami and i was charged $2,000.oo!!!!

 

All Jaguar in Longwood, FL. They only work on Jaguars. Owner has been Jaguar Mechanic for 35 years. Very good work. My car came back looking better than when I took it in..no finger prints, smudges etc ANYWHERE and was completely washed and cleaned before picking up.