just bought a 2008 black XLR-V from a relative, it only has 14,000 miles on it and I love it. The only problem she told me it ever had was with the top closing once. I have had it 3 weeks:
1) the top has gotten stuck with the trunk lid up already 3 times.
2) Would not start after sitting overnight "no fob's found"
3) While waxing it I noticed inside the left front headlight that the little clear plastic cover over the yellow turn signal bulb was just laying inside the headlamp assy.

Take it to dealer, and they have to order a new headlamp assy. While waiting for the headlamp to come in:
4) The left rear tail lamp has a row of led's that at the top that face the left side of the car, they were giving a laser light show each time they came on for about 5 mins,, and then just quit working.

The car just started "starting" ok so so far so good, I take it to dealer today to get the ordered headlamp installed and to show them the tail lamp issue, while waiting in the service line (inside) one of the service writers comes up and starts looking at my car ("first one she has seen yet"),, so I show it to her and show her how cool the top is,, only of course the deck lid opens and the flaps behind headrest,, and nothing else. You could hear motors trying to move something,, but deck lid was stuck in air with top still in place. Perfect! So they drive the car away across the parking lot to service with the deck lid sticking up in the air.
Hour later it comes back with top down, (all they could get it to do) and as I did not want to wait for 3 more hours to have them check it or install the headlamp I came in for, I left while they ordered the tail lamp. So I drove home with top down in 59 degree weather and parked it in my garage, and of course the top went back up perfectly. So now it sits again waiting for a headlamp and a tail lamp,, and I am afraid to use the top at all. I have had zero issues with me Escalade,, was buying an XLR-V (for a gazillion dollars) a big mistake???

No, you'll love the car. Find a dealer with a certified XLR mechanic--very important!!

Floyd

No, you'll love the car. Find a dealer with a certified XLR mechanic--very important!!

Floyd

Been there done that. The original position sensors are JUNK. Replace all 4 and it will work great. After I had them all replaced it has worked perfect. I put it up and down 2 times a day almost every day. It is also very good to learn how the system work's and learn how to put the top up and down manually. If you learn that it takes alot of the fear out of it. Mine has worked great but if it sticks I can put it up or down in about a minute.

awaterworld ;

The guys are right. You will like the car once the initial wrinkles are fixed.

I have a 2008 "V" after owning a 2004 for several years. Both had issues to be worked thru.

TOP--In the case of the "V" you want to be sure that the latest software upgrade is loaded into the car. Also the suggestion about the new 2nd design sensors is correct as well. I am also a believer of being sure that the connections have dialetic grease on them to eliminate any moisture problems in the circuits. Using the top--up and down--with the motor running is also a good thing.

I wrote up a post on opening and closing the top manually. I would suggest you locate it using the search function and become familiar with it and/ print it out and put it in a safe place just in case....Murphy's Law.

FOB's--Make sure there is a fresh battery in each one and also familiarize youself with the pocket in your glove box where you insert the FOB for the "Limp Home" capability.

THESE ARE NOT CARS YOU JUST TURN OVER TO THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET INTO!! DAMAGE WILL BE THE OUTCOME IF YOU DO.

TAIL LIGHT--Yours is the only other one besides mine that had this problem. I had the complete tail light assembly replaced and all is well.

You are in very good company here. Many of the members have considerable experience in most everything that has gone wrong with the car and are more than willling to help out.

EXTENDED WARRANTIES-You didn't mention it BUT--you need to see when your origional factory warranty expires. The reason is that you will want to be sure to buy the GMPP Warranty from Cadillac before it does. It will continue to cover everything on the car including the top and is the only warranty that does.

If you can't find something you are looking for here just ask.

Best Wishes

Jerry

As far as the top sensors go, you have an '08, I believe you have the up-to-date sensors. You just have to make sure they're adjusted properly.

Floyd

thanks all! I am hoping all is well and soon,, I have owned many cars (including vettes) and I love this car,, hopefully these bugs will get corrected soon. I know a car as complicated as is this,, will always have it's quirks. how do I know if it has the "latest software"? and what do you mean by that? the "top" software? or the entire car? If it does not do I ask them for it? I also read somewhere there is a bulletin on these tops? is that the new software? It is an 08,, and just 2 years and 15000 miles into it's original warranty, so i guess I have 2 years and 35000 more miles before it's time to extend the warranty? Again,, thanks,, I will continue to watch this site often,, as we are a rare group of owners that is for sure.

Also when you have a problem like that, top stuck down and will not go up, you shouldn't have to drive your car home broken.... period. Your dealer should provide you with a car to drive, preferably a Cadillac, until they have it fixed for you.

The software updates generally address any problems that have been found, the top software is included in these updates. The dealer is able to see if you have the latest updates. Yes, you have plenty of time to buy the extended warranty, just be sure to buy it before the original warranty ends. There are some cheap places to buy the warranty, search this site to find them. It doesn't have to be bought from a Cadillac dealer.

Right, you should have been given a loaner car.

Floyd

To answer your queston YES go to the dealer and ask them to confirm that the car is running all of the latest software....and sensors.

I had to work this issue with my 2008 "V" last year. Also there is a top software bulletin that says it applies to all XLRs up to the 2007. However it has also been used for the 2008 and 2009 models as well even though the title remains up to 2007.

Floyd you may want to clairfy your thought about GMPP Warranty purchases. Only GM dealers can sell it.

Floyd you may want to clairfy your thought about GMPP Warranty purchases. Only GM dealers can sell it.

Right, okay, I meant the warranty doesn't have to be purchased from a Cadillac dealer, although it does have to be purchased from a GM dealer. I have heard of Chevy dealers offering it for a very reasonable amount. Some have gotten a quote and brought it to their servicing dealer and they have met the price.

Hope this clears the air.

Floyd

No air to clear Floyd. We both just want him not to wait too long and lose the opportunity to get the GMPP warranty.

Unfortunatley we had a couple of bad stories here last year from owners who waited too long and also some who bought something other than the GMPP and had top issues that weren't covered.

Regards

Jerry