Hello everyone.

I live in Calgary, Alberta and i am planning on purchasing a 04 black XLR in the next two weeks.

I have read alot on the forum and some of my questions have been answered, however i have some other questions that i would love to have answered so i know what to look for.

1) Could someone post a link or email me the file for the XLR owners manual. I found the post here, but the link has unfortunetely expired.
2) I have read of the problems of the top. Mainly the switched and solienoids need to be replaced with the newer model ones and the computer needs to be reflashed. How often do these tops need to be realigned? Scratches caused by roof as it is folding?
3) If you were to be buying a used XLR what would the most important things that you would look for on the car, the most common failure parts, the components that need the most work/maintenence?
4) This last one is super stupid. The guy whom i am buying the car from has never had the top down in the car, thus i am certain that he does not know how to open the top either. I remember sitting in one years ago and at the dealership and the slaesman couldn't figure out how to open the top either. Could someone walk me through it.

Thanks alot for all your help and i am looking forward to enjoying the XLR experience.


Adrian Karolko

Adrian:

First welcome to the XLR Forum!!!

I'll try and guide you through your questions and if I miss something we have lots of very helpful members who will fill in the missing information.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

--Please be sure that there is a clean Carfax on this car.
--What is the mileage??
--What about the Cadillac Service History?? (available fron his local Cadillac dealer)
--Is there a current Cadillac Factory warranty on the car?? If so be sure that it can be extended via the GMPP warranty program BEFORE you buy the car.
--Be sure to check the tires and brakes as I mentioned in my previous post so you don't bear the cost of replacing these items in a few months after your purchase ($2,500 +-.)

4. Make sure all GM recalls and replacements have been completed on the car.

The link for the online manual was removed by GM because they no longer make the car and are not supporting any information on thier web sites. Does the owner have the owners manual with the car--I would hope so or he can purchase a new one through his dealer for you.

LOWERING THE TOP--
1. Open the trunk and be absolutely sure there is nothing in the storage area.
2. Make sure that the small folding screen is in place and that the tabs on each end of the screen are firmly inserted in the small gaps on the raised tower. This is a safety measure and if this screen is not in place the top will not go up and down until they are.
3. Close the trunk.
4. Start the car. (NEVER operate the top without starting the car first in puts too much drain on the battery).

5. Locate the "rocker" button on the center console next to the passenger side.
6. Move this button to the rear and hold it in place;
When properly done there will be a short pause and then the windows will go down and the trunk will raise and the top lowering sequence will begin. DO NOT STOP IT FOR ANY REASON unless it stops itself. If so, pay very careful attention to what is displayed in the area just below the MPH numbers on the dash. If you are not sure if it is working properly, push the front portion of the same "rocker" button and hold it until the top is back in it's "UP" position. Then take the car to the dealer and let them figure out what if anything is wrong.

When successfully completed, the trunk will close as the last step in the process and a "ding" will be heard inside the cabin.

PUTTING THE TOP UP--
1. Start the car. (NEVER operate the top without starting the car first in puts too much drain on the battery).
2. Reverse the procedure and use the front portion of the rocker switch on the center console.
3. When you hear the "ding" then release the swiitch briefly and then proess it again and both windows will go up together.

I am sure you already know this but if you aren't comfortable with all of the above information BEFORE you buy the car then back away.

It is important to suggest that the local dealer should be able to go over the car for you at a minimal cost and let you know what needs attenton. A great idea if you are unsure of these type of things.

Good fortune and I hope all turns out well for you.


Please keep us updated and don't hesitiate to ask any and all questions you may have.
Jerry

If you've checked through this site you have noticed many problems concerning the '04. Being a first-year model it has to be expected.

Make doubly sure you follow ALL of Jerry's suggestions!!

Do your due diligence before writing a check or it could be a very expensive purchase.

Good luck!!

Floyd

Hello everyone.

I live in Calgary, Alberta and i am planning on purchasing a 04 black XLR in the next two weeks.

I have read alot on the forum and some of my questions have been answered, however i have some other questions that i would love to have answered so i know what to look for.

1) Could someone post a link or email me the file for the XLR owners manual. I found the post here, but the link has unfortunetely expired.
2) I have read of the problems of the top. Mainly the switched and solienoids need to be replaced with the newer model ones and the computer needs to be reflashed. How often do these tops need to be realigned? Scratches caused by roof as it is folding?
3) If you were to be buying a used XLR what would the most important things that you would look for on the car, the most common failure parts, the components that need the most work/maintenence?
4) This last one is super stupid. The guy whom i am buying the car from has never had the top down in the car, thus i am certain that he does not know how to open the top either. I remember sitting in one years ago and at the dealership and the slaesman couldn't figure out how to open the top either. Could someone walk me through it.

Thanks alot for all your help and i am looking forward to enjoying the XLR experience.


Adrian Karolko

Actually, I bought my owner's manual off Ebay... there are usually quite a few manuals. Just search "2004 Xlr owners manual".