Re: Convertible top problems (archive)

I had similar problems with my '98. The original hydraulic fluid had a tendency to get gummy. The top would then operate very slowly, or sometimes not at all. My dealer replaced the latching mechanism in the top of the windshield, purged the fluid, and replaced it with a new fluid that supposedly does not have the same problem. It has been fine since.

I have two intermittent (and possibly related) problems with the operation of the convertible top on my '98 XK8. When closing the top, sometimes the latch-hook is very slow to rise, which means I have to release the power button and wait for the latch to fully extend. Once extended, I can hit the power button again and it will then grab the bar and close the top properly. Sometimes it works fine; other times it doesn't, and there doesn't seem to be a common cause e.g. outside outside temperature, etc.
The other problem, which is equally intermittent but happens more frequently, occurs when retracting the top. The latch doesn't seem to want to release the bar, and the top literally "hangs" on the hook until it finally pops loose with a loud thunk. On rare occasions I've been unable to retract the top at all - the motor starts and I can see the top begin to lift slightly; then it suddenly reverses and closes itself without ever separating from the windshield frame. Very strange.
If anyone else has had similar issues with their convertible tops, I'd sure appreciate some guidance or helpful hints before I take the car to the dealer for troubleshooting. Thanks!

Follow Ups:

[ Follow Ups ] [ XK8 Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.