XJS Convertible – Topping up the Hydraulic Hood System

Started 1st June 2026 at 08:17 · Brian Spencer

Hi,

I have a question about the hood hydraulic system, what fluid do you use in the system in the UK or anywhere else actually. I think we may have a leak in our car’s system which I have to investigate over our winter (Australia) and I don’t want to put the wrong fluid in the system if it needs topping up.

It is one of a few jobs I have to tackle on the car, we have had all the main things rebuilt such as engine, transmission, back end, suspension and even a new set of wheels to replace the wires which had come to the end of their life. It’s just all the ancillary bits that are starting to play up a bit now which is to be expected on a 37 year old car.

Brian

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- 2nd June 2026 at 15:03 #25862
  
  Laurence Jones
  Keymaster
  
  Hi Brian,
  
  According to my enquiries you must not use brake fluid, as there is a specific fluid for the Convertible’s Hood’s hydraulics.
  
  The advice is to go to Jaguar direct and buy the specialist fluid from there, do not risk using other products.
  
  Hope that helps,
  
  Laurence
- 3rd June 2026 at 04:42 #25867
  
  Brian Spencer
  Participant
  
  Thank you Laurence for sourcing that information and excellent advice, it is much appreciated. I will definitely go down that path.
  
  Cheers, Brian
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