I am considering the purchase of a 1990 Jaguar XJS convertible which will need a new top and some work on the hydraulics. The current owner says he can put it up or down manually and that the small side windows will go up and down with the switch and the latch hook also works, but the top will not go up or down as it should. Diagnosis?

Thanks,

Scott

2001 Jaguar S Type 4.0
1997 Jaguar XK8 Convertible

Submitted by jcpim@cogeco.ca on Sat, 04/20/2013 - 08:53

Steven:
Thanks....I now have one of my pilot pals on the lookout for some of this good stuff!
My plan is to suck out what is remaining in the pump reservoir (which I suspect is common automatic transmission fluid), and replenish with the MIL-H-5606A.,
Joe

Submitted by stevejag@sbcgl… on Sat, 04/20/2013 - 00:27

Here is a cheat sheet I made a few years back. I had to research a fluid that would work because of Jaguar discontinuing it.
You might have to check out a local regional airport to source it, general aviation is its most common use.

Good luck!

Submitted by jcpim@cogeco.ca on Fri, 04/19/2013 - 23:38

Steven (or whomever):
I am having similar difficulties when trying to power my convertible top, up. All else is okay except, the fluid level in the pump is quite low. What hydraulic fluid would you recommend be used to top it up? The specified fluid from Jaguar is no longer available. They recommended an equivalent fluid available from a local Saab Dealer at $85 per 0.5 L!!!!
Thanks,
Joe

Submitted by stevejag@sbcgl… on Thu, 09/01/2011 - 11:59

We need to know a few things first, Scott. Number one, the park brake needs to be pulled up so the Park Brake lamp is on in order for the top electrics to engage. Does the pump run when trying to raise/lower the top?? There is a black valve handle that has to be closed so hydraulic fluid is forced to the cylinders, is it set correctly?? There is a 30 amp fuse next to the six relays that are beside the top pump, is it OK?? The two thermal breakers by the relays are OK because the windows work. After those items, it's on to the relays and the pump itself; how about fluid level??

Whatever happened with your XK8 windscreen, by the way???

Cheers,