Hello all,

This thread seemed like a good place for my question.

My 2002 XK8 convertible let out a sound and felt a lack of power steering assist twice today. I let the car cool down, then checked the reservoir and it looked basically dry.

There seemed to be a bit of fluid left that looked more yellow than green to me, but I'm not 100% sure.

I can't flush it now. I would like to buy fluid for it before I move the car, but am afraid of doing more harm than good. Can the "green" fluid be added if yellow was in previously, and wasn't flushed? If so, can I only use Pentosin CHF 11S? Are there any acceptable substitutes? I came across this listing from items available thru Autozone, but I'm not sure if any of these are safe for the car:

Search: power steering fluid | Power Steering Fluid and Additive | AutoZone.com

If more than one type is safe given all of the above, is there something I should be looking for, and also any types to avoid? Dexron III? Mercon? The car is in the garage, and I really don't want to move/stress it with the fluid so low (I was shocked it was), but need to use the car sometime later tomorrow.

Thanks in advance...

 

Whoa! You are confusing convertible top fluid with power steering fluid.

You want Dexron III for the power steering.

 

Whoa is right!

I had two thread opens, and kept reading along with this one thinking I was reading about a power steering problem. I thought this sounded like a strange sort of power steering fluid.

Anyway, much appreciated. I'll get something tomorrow.

I was reading the vehicle care manual earlier, and didn't see a specification for how much fluid the power steering reservoir holds. Do you know off-hand how much it should be?

 

Now WhiteXKR has hauled you back from the brink, here's the reservoir and dipstick locations:



And here's the Power Steering Reservoir:



The cap is also the dipstick. Clean the outside of the Reservoir BEFORE removing the cap and check the level COLD.

Graham

 

Yes, thank you. That much I found (which is how I saw it was low), but I appreciate it.

I was trying to figure how much I needed to buy before adding it to the car and measuring. I could always buy two bottles and return one...

 

Thanks to steveinfrance for splitting out my original question (I couldn't find a reply button within the PM screen).

 

If you need more than 500 ml you got a leak.

Graham

 

#4 reads "filter" but should read "filler"

 

an old thread...however...I’m new here (just bought a ‘05 XKR)...and would like to know how to check/ service the hydraulic top fluid and where it is located...?.....
many thanks to anyone that can help.

max

 

Max, fluid located above roof pump. Open trunk, pull off rug like cover on right side (surrounding your CD changer). See fluid resivour above pump. I always find it easier to unbolt amp rack (bolts at corners on floor), gently slide it out for unfettered access to resivour. Tough to top up if mounted in place, you have to use a hose and pump or something.

HEADS UP: Watch for razor sharp metal protrusions down by those amp rack bolts. Be gentle with any plastic connector or hoses - gets fragile with age.

I bought a can of Pentosin Hydraulic fluid for top.

Max, welcome. Just a friendly fyi- you'll find you get faster fasters if you start new thread for something like this. No harm done, just thought you'd be interested.

John

 

Max,

+1 to Johnken.

Here’s a pic of where the pump is behind the right hand carpet of the trunk. Ignore the tissues as I was dealing with a broken hydraulic line.



On the RHS, on top of the plastic reservoir, is a brass bolt which is the filling point. Note this fluid is different from the Power Steering fluid.

Johnken is right in that you should start a new thread. Forum members will typically help on matters they are experienced in and will respond as such. This thread is about power steering fluid, whereas you’re dealing with the hydraulic convertible top.

 

Jaguar workshop manual lists Dextron III.

Jaguar XK8 Bible (2003-2006MY X103/X104) by Gary R. VanRemortel lists Pentosin CHF11S 1405116 as the power steering fluid. I emailed Gary, and he said that he has been using Pentosin in his 2005 since 2011. You have to do a complete flush to get the Dextron III out.