Tried to lift the roof on convertable XK8 and hydraulic oil started to leak from the ceiling arounf the light cluster. How do I get at it to fix the leak/problem

Low on hydraulic lift motor fluid due to a leak in the lift piston or pistons

You have likely lost hydraulic pressure due to low fluid from a leak in the system. It will take a dealer to isolate this leak and repair it.

BEHIND THE INNER COVER AT THE RIGHT OF THE TRUNK.U MUST TAKE OUT THE COVER..

1 - Flap for convertible roof compartment Note
t The variable convertible roof compartment must be in the bottom position. t To remove flap for convertible roof compartment -1-, hinges -2- do not have to be removed. t Arrow points in direction of travel. q Bend flap for convertible roof compartment -1- on one side at hinge and disengage flap for convertible roof compartment -1- at hinges. q Fold down flap for convertible roof compartment -1-. q Disengage flap at hooks -4- (2x) by sliding it towards front. 2 - Hinge (2x) q Bend flap for convertible roof compartment -1- on one side at hinge and disengage flap for convertible roof compartment -1- at hinges. q Unscrew bolt -3-. q Disengage hinge -2- from body. 3 - Bolt (2x) 4 - Hook 5 - Variable convertible roof compartment

THEN REMOVE THESE..

1 - Side trim (right-side) t Removing - Take out floor covering in luggage compartment. - Remove rear cross panel trim ? Chapter. - Remove trim for handle mounting ? Chapter. - Remove flap for convertible roof compartment ? Chapter. - Remove luggage compartment light ? Chapter. - Unfasten clip -2-. - Pull off side trim (right-side) -1- in direction of arrow. t Installing Note
t Following installation, make sure seal is properly in position over trim. - Install trim in reverse order of removal. 2 - Clip

UNDER THIS TRIM U WILL FIND THE MOTOR WITH THE TANK.USE HYDRAULIC OIL THAT U PUT AT THE STEERING RESERVOIR......BEWARE THE SAE OF THE OIL!!!!!
GOOD LUCK

I had the roof leak issue once and found Liquid roof
Watch Corporate Video to fix the leaks. It helped me hope it will help you also. Thanks

The system is operated by hydraulic pressure the pump you hear is the hydraulic pump running, but your fluid has leaked out due to a problem in the lines or the cylinders that lift the top, you have to tear it apart and find the leaking parts.

it sounds like the lift mechanism/regulator has worn out or siezed and needs replacing

have you looked for oil leaks on the floor under the seats? My hose burst just above the windscreen filled the courtesy lights panel with oil :( the hoses go down the left A pillar into the footwell then under the seats etc, you have to get the seats out. It was an €800+ at Jag Luxembourg :(

To check the oil level open the boot - at the very back remove the 4 plastic clips that hold the carpet in place. Slightly to the left of the center there are 2 holes - shine a light in the bottom and look through the top one to check the level.
To add oil - fold down the seat backrest. Remove the plastic trim - held on by 4 screws and 2 pop out plastic cllips. Undo the 8 large bolts that hold the cover in place - 2 on top and 3 on front and back.Then lift up the cover from the front edge. You will then be able to get to the resevoir - you will need a funnel to poor fluid in.

The problem in my Jag was the hydraulic cylenders that raise the top. The seals in the cyl's leak by, and there isn't enough pressure to lift the top. No external fluid leaks, just internal to the cyl's. I had estimates from 2 shops to replace the units. $1,500 at both shops. I purchased the cylenders for $750 and replaced the myself. Required refilling the tank on the pump in the trunk, passenger sideb behind carpeted panel. Works like new again.
Good luck.

The tops on the XKRs work on a hydraulic system, not electric like most american convertibles. Find the source of that leak in the wheel arc and youll probably find why your tops not working.