I have a 1988 XJS Hess & Eisenhardt Convertible. The electric top is working intermittently. I press the switch and the top will go up or down part of the way and then I have to either press release the switch again or turn off the car and turn it back on and press the switch again. Does anyone have any thoughts on the problem? I read the small manual that came with the car and it mentions that this may mean low hydraulic fluid and "to see you Jaguar dealer." Can I check the fluid myself and if low, add it myself? thanks.
John Salla jsalla007atgmail.com

By the way, thanks to all who helped me with my distributor overhaul. The distributor is in and the car is running. I think it needs some fine tuning but considering that the distributor has be frozen for God knows how many years the car is running better than it has since I have owned it.

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Fri, 07/16/2010 - 13:22

John that sounds like a thermal limiter switch/relay. John in a previous post I asked if you hear the pump running--if your car was upgraded there will be a heavy breaker at the battery that was put in at 6-25-87. You may have to remove the fuel relay trim panel. Question--do you have power at the NEW top switch? Do you have power at the pump?

Submitted by jsalla007@gmail.com on Fri, 07/16/2010 - 13:08

I added hydraulic fluid and tried putting in a new switch. Neither one cured the problems. Does anyone have any other thoughts. Thanks.

John Salla jsalla007atgmail.com

P.S. I hear a clicking noise coming from underneath the dashboard. I heard this months ago and it went away. It is now back. Sounds like it is also in the trunk area near the convertible top machinery. It clicks about once every second.

Submitted by jsalla007@gmail.com on Thu, 07/15/2010 - 15:49

Thanks George. I looked. Is it a black rubber washer like object about the size of a dime with a hole in it on the side of what is a little bigger than a can of soda on its side? If so, do I put the fluid right in the hole?

George, thanks again for all of your help with my questions to the forum. You are without doubt a knowledgeable mechanic and an asset to the Association. Also, I received my book today. Thanks.

John Salla