1999 Jaguar XK8 Convertible Top not working

SAM CARTER

MEMBER
1999 JAGUAR XK8
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
29,000 MILES

I purchased this car new and have given it loving care and good service. At 29,000 it is showroom condition. Yesterday when I started the car the dash display stated "convertible not latched" even though the top was up and had not been down for a week or two. I took the car to the Jag dealer who said "it appears the timing is off and it will cost you $75 to retime it". However after getting it into their garage they called and said "one of the two swithces is bad, however, the switch is not replaceable and we will have to install a Right Side Convertible Top Ram and it will cost you $1,000." In checking it they had "reset the time" (for $75, 00) so it is drivable and the warning light will stay off as long as I don't put the top down. I told them I would have to think about it and left their shop.

Question: are they being straight with me and the switch cannot be replaced, and my only choice is for the $1,000 Top Cam?

1 Reply

JAMES W.

MECHANIC
2,394 POSTS

Be fore I opened this post, I did a little research. I have an XJ6 (my baby), but it's not a convertable. My last convertable was a '56 Roadster. Anywat, in readiong up on the workings of your top problem, all the limit and micro switches that are used in the control system seem to be serviceable without changing the entire ram assembly. The part you need may take a while to get, but according to my research, it should be available. Let me know and I'll try to get some part #s.