What is required for the convertible top to lower? I hit the switch,the rear windows drop and you hear what sounds like the top motor begin ,then nothing. The latches are automatic right? New to the car. Have no idea. just looks like a fully automated system. and of course I can't find any latches. Thanks for all replies. Jeremy

 

Try using the key in the door and unlock the door and hold it there. It should/might lower the top

 

The top operation is dependent on power, switches, hydraulic pump and fluid, body and security processer all working together. This car is known for the hyd hoses failing at the header/latch we need to know what is going on. If you are hearing the pump run in the trunk I would first check the hyd fluid level and if the petcock is closed on the pump. The pump is located on the right just above your CD changer and navigation system in the trunk. Your car is a 97 and fluid may be a problem, check it to see if it is green in color, brown is not good. This link should help Jaguar XK8 & XKR 1997 - 2006

 

I just got the car running after buying it with the engine in pieces. Prev owner had chain failure and had the engine disassembled to show the secondary chain failure. The tech called the engine dead and the car was sold. I bought the car from the buyer after the fact. Used boroscope to show no piston contact,replaced all the chains/guides etc and the car runs fine. The top motor does not run. I have rear window drop then a drain on the battery for a sec then nothing. After I finish engine assembly and run the car with coolant etc I will get back to you nice folks with the particulars about the top. I have read there is a manual mechanism for top drop? Is this so? I just wanna drop it for what's left of the summer. Them fix in winter. I love this car,sweet ride for 3 grand plus parts. Thanks for the replies.I'll keep you posted about results of engine,top.

 

Not a problem but not as easy as you think, you need to consider a few things. Check your PM.

 

If the pump only runs for a couple of seconds and stops, try pushing up on the top during this phase and see if it doesn't continue opening the top. I found that it must open about 1/4" before continuing to open.
I believe one of the microswitches controlling the top sequence doesn't always trip causing the pump to shut down.

 

update. top works perfectly. Was not aware you have to keep the button pressed for all the things to happen. That was why I wanted to know what needs to happen for the top to work. I hold the button down and it takes a few seconds for the rear windows to drop,the front latch to let go and then the top to drop. But it works fine and all is well. Almost. The engine runs fine-except 1 cylinder is low on compression so drivers head removal is in the future. These engines burn valves? Should I remove both and do valve job or just fix the bad one? I'm probably going to pull the drivers side and inspect,then determine if I have to pull the passenger by the condition of the drivers side head.Is the drivers side more of a bitch than the passenger side? If so how come? Thanks for all and any replies. I LOVE driving this car. What a hoot.

 

Don't remove the driver's head! It's probably not his fault.

 

Glad to see you fixed it.