I have a 99 XK8 and am at wits end with the convertible top. Is there a way to totally open and close this manually. I by passsed the latch process several months ago not I get nothing at all, All fuses look good. Now when I manually open the latch the windows don't move and nothing works. I have even put the rear windows down manually to see if this works. I have tried to reset the computer by leaving the battery unplugged for hours.

 

I don't know if this will fix your problem, but to reset the control units to their default settings, you must perform a hard reset. Essentially a hard reset is removing the battery cables from the battery, and touching them together for around 10 to 30 seconds for the memories to clear.

Then you attach the positive terminal first, followed by the negative.

You will need to reprogram your windows for the doors, by lowering them, and holding the button down until you hear a click. With the top up you need to do the same thing when you raise the windows. There are explanations all over the site, that say things better than me, but you get the idea......Good luck.....Mike

 

. . . and the top has its own learning curve. Mine forgot a few years ago and based on other forum coaching I manually cycled the top, lock to lock, a couple times and it remembered what it was supposed to do.

Later discussions indicate that you only need to ensure that the front latch is secured with the 8mm Allen key and that the ram micro switches are operated.

Gus, who is our resident hydraulic top expert, will be by in a bit to correct all the misinformation you have received so far.

 

Here is a link to the site Gus has that explains how to manually open the roof. Also on his site is a lot of great info for troubleshooting and repairing the roof system.
One other important thing is to have the petcock on the pump open to allow the fluids to return to the tank.

JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

 

Well after taking a much needed break. I systematically went through the process of elimination and found the root cause. Some how the wiring for the top button came loose and was not connected at all. All of your advice is great and will keep this in mind for any (I HOPE NOT) future events.