Hello all. It's been a while since I've visited the forum, happy to say that there haven't been any problems with my XK8 for some time until today.


When I try to put the top down, I can hear the hydraulic motor running, however the top will not begin to come down unless I apply some upward pressure by hand.


I'm not sure if this indicates a problem with the latch not releasing fully, or if the pressure is too low to pull the top down. I can put the top up, and it will latch, without any problem.


I checked the fluid reservoir and the fluid level is right in the middle of the fill lines, so it's not a matter of low fluid.


Any ideas what might be causing this problem?

 

Update:


Now the top won't open at all. Also, the driver & passenger door windows are no longer going down automatically at the start of the sequence.

 

Just a thought. Are you doing the down with just the battery or is the motor running.
Not being low on fluid would indicate the hoses are OK. The windows give me the feeling the battery is low, that would be a better situation than the hoses.


Wayne

 

If you have a '99 or newer follow these instructions:

The top will 'reset' if you manually lower it. The owners manual shows you how, or see Gus' instructions here: JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource.

While it is down, try lubricating all the joints and latch with some light oil. Also. re-inspect the fluid level and make sure you do not have a developing leak. When you return to automatic mode, make sure the petcock on the pump is firmly clockwise.


If you have an older model, you may need to flush the fluid and reprlace it with Pentosin CHF-11S.

 

I tried both, first with the motor off (as I usually do) then with the motor running. Same results both times. The hoses should be OK, I replaced the factory hoses a few years ago with braided stainless hoses after the originals burst.

 

Thanks WhiteXKR, I'll give that a try tomorrow.


BTW it's a 2003 XK8.