All

I note that my 2004 owner's manual does not list any of the lamps fitted, instead preferring to advise me to go to the dealer to have any lamps replaced. I have read through the lighting section of the 2004 workshop manual and so far as I can see, it does not list any lamps at all.

So my question is this, is there a table that lists the lamps (bulbs) fitted to the XLR and if so where? If not, has anybody put one together on this forum, if so I haven't been able to find it so far!

This question arises because I am used to carrying spare lamps and fitting them myself if and when required.

Reading the workshop manual also suggests that the discharge headlamps also have a component a bit like a lamp that is different from the igniter, can anyone confirm this too?

TIA

Here is the interior lamp information you seek:

Location Qty OEM Bulb LED Replacement Info
Rearview Mirror 2 194
Under Dash 2 194
Glove Box 1 194
Door Courtesy Lights 2 194
Front Side Marker 2 194
Back-up/Reverse 2 3156
License Plate 2 2825LL
DRL 2 3757
Front Parking 2 3157
Front Turn Sig 2 3757
Trunk 1 PC168 Any WLED series or 194 style
Hood 1 Rigid Loop Festoon 44 x 10.5mm

This list doesn't line in columns after it's posted, so I apologize in advance for any confusion.



I started upgrading my OEM bulbs to LEDs a few years back with some great tips from a CTS-V forum I frequent. I never cared for the dim yellow light cast by the XLR cabin lights -especially when trying to use the map lights to read anything by. I upgraded to 5000k white LEDs and ended up changing out the rest of the interior bulbs as well. The LEDs compliment the interior, and provide a more modern, hi-tech look that suits the XLR nicely. Because LEDs work differently than incandescent bulbs, you will lose the majority of the dimming effect on power-down at night.

Before you select an LED, be aware of the illumination pattern of the old bulb. Some LEDs fire photons straight out and some shoot from the sides. These "flank" LEDs are great for the side door markers, under-dash and hood positions among others.

One tip if you plan to do this. Removing the map bulbs can cause accute impatience, resulting in really foul language. One bulb popped out and the other wouldn't budge. Due to the concave reflector, getting a grip on the bulb is challenging at best. If you are cursed with this situation, I recommend installing a slightly oversized piece of heat shrink tubing over the length of the bulb from Hell, and applying a heat gun. After allowing the heat shrink to cool, it's a cinch to pull the bulb out with a slight tug, allowing you to save your choice words for golf or teenagers.

Two (LED) sources: www.superbrightleds.com
www.v-leds.com

I hope this helps!

CC :cheers

[snip]

I hope this helps!

CC :cheers

What a star you are, it certainly does help. Also, that trick with the heat shrink, that I will have to remember, it is a great trick. If the lamp is on, does it give enough heat itself to shrink the tube or is a separate heat source needed?

Whatever, that is a 'cool' technique!

Re the discharge lamps, is the "lamp" (actual light source) bit separate from the (expensive) igniter component do you know?

I've seen the fog lamp part numbers on this site someplace, I'll go look that up when I get a chance.

BTW, where did you get this list from? Manual labor on your part or is there a list someplace?

Regards,

Here is one OEM bulb replacement source: http://www.sylvania.com/

Its list isn't perfect, but its close. The courtesy marker lamps in the door can be substituted with PC168s, but in later models need to have a 1/2" socket adapter installed. Wedgetail 194s are used thoughout the XLR and I went through several types/colors before experimenting with LEDs awhile back.

The map light bulbs probably generate more than enough wattage to activate heat shrink. I only use aerospace-quality 3-M polyolefin, but generic Radio Shack shrink should work fine.

Other owners have replaced their HID bulbs, so it's do-able. I like mine the way they are, so it isn't something I've researched deeply.

Overall, this is a fairly cheap mod that gives good bang for the buck, like the rear stabilizer bar installation.

CC :cheers

Other owners have replaced their HID bulbs, so it's do-able. I like mine the way they are, so it isn't something I've researched deeply.

Overall, this is a fairly cheap mod that gives good bang for the buck, like the rear stabilizer bar installation.

CC :cheers

Thanks for the reference.

Looks like
HID is a D1S (I assume 4500-5000K, it is possible to get higher temperature colors, i.e. 6,000K and 8,000K)
Fog is a 9045

(I have a 2004 XLR and I have not personally checked this data, it has come off the Sylvania website)

However another posting on this site states that "these [the 9045 fog] can be hard to find and so you can replace it with an H12/9055" (http://www.xlrforum.com/archive/index.php/t-5790.html)

I note also that the LED DRL is not recommended for GM applications as it suffers rapid failure.

Regards,