Good Morning Memebers & Guest,

I finally decided to become a member. The wealth of knowledge that you offer, gave me no choice. I proudly purchased my 2005 XLR in April, 2009.
I have logged 2364 total miles on the car so far, and enjoy it thouroughly. I purchased it to replace my 88 Coupe Deville, Liberty Edition, but I could not part with it, so I have both. I finally got the car out of the winter garage for the season, and its been at the dealers' garage more than mine. I hope to get it back soon. Took it there for an inspection, fix second position roof delay, and FOB low on dash. Could not duplicate the problem. My dealer sent it to another dealer, whom has corrected it, but the power steering fluid leaked all over the place on the way to the second dealer to fix the first problem. Now the rack and pinion has to be replaced. Still waiting for the parts. I believe they left the cap off when they performed the 21 point inspection, at the time of the actual inspection. So, this is the end result.
My concern is if this will lead to more problems. Thank goodness I have the Major Gaurd Plan. Does the rack and pinion have that much sensitivity if the power steering explodes all over the place. Could you advise me of what else could be affected so that I may pose it to the dealer. I am worried it will turn to to a lemon. All insights would be appreciated, for I would love to have the car the rest of my life but I am concerned. Most Sincerely, Donna

Good Morning Memebers & Guest,

I finally decided to become a member. The wealth of knowledge that you offer, gave me know choice. I proudly purchased my 2005 XLR in April, 2009.
I have logged 2364 total miles on the car so far, and enjoy it thouroughly. I purchased it to replace my 88 Coupe Deville, Liberty Edition, but I could not part with it, so I have both. I finally got the car out of the winter garage for the season, and its been at the dealers' garage more than mine. I hope to get it back soon. Took it there for an inspection, fix second position roof delay, and FOB low on dash. Could not duplicate the problem. My dealer sent it to another dealer, whom has corrected it, but the power steering fluid leaked all over the place on the way to the second dealer to fix the first problem. Now the rack and pinion has to be replaced. Still waiting for the parts. I believe they left the cap off when they performed the 21 point inspection, at the time of the actual inspection. So, this is the end result.
My concern is if this will lead to more problems. Thank goodness I have the Major Gaurd Plan. Does the rack and pinion have that much sensitivity if the power steering explodes all over the place. Could you advise me of what else could be affected so that I may pose it to the dealer. I am worried it will turn to to a lemon. All insights would be appreciated, for I would love to have the car the rest of my life but I am concerned. Most Sincerely, Donna
Donna:

Welcome to the XLR Forum. We're pleased you finally decided to join us. We hope you find your experience here pleasurable.

There is a considerable amount of information on this site regarding your XLR. Just use the search function and you will turn up most everything you need to know.

If not just ask and one of the other very friendly and knowledgeable members will help.

Regarding you problems:

TOP--As you may have noticed there is some fairly new top software and sensors for your top. In my experience your issues will disappear when these newer components are installed.

Rack and Pinion--If they repair the leak which was the result of leaving the top off as you said then the new parts ought to be all right when the correct amount of fluid is contained in the system.

My experience is that these cars need to be driven frequently and the components used as well--top--etc. They seem to work more consistently and the car is more issue free.

So get it back for the dealer and drive and enjoy it. It will be a great experience.

Best Wishes


Jerry

I appreciate your reply, Jerry. I am anxiously awaiting my rocket back to experience all the pleasure it has to offer. Keep up the great sight~ it is an informative NEED. Thank you.:yesnod

We are looking forward to your next update which should be how much you are enjoying your XLR.

Regards

Jerry

Still waiting ,Jerry, the repair dealer stated by the end of the week. He said it was a complete mess upon delivery, and confirmed that the cap was off of the power steering fluid resevoir. He also did not know he was to fix the FOB, but I kindly asked. Wheew-
I just want it done! I'll keep you posted.
PS If there is a Pennsylvania meet- I like to know. Thanks, D

The FOB just may need a new battery in it. Tomorrow is "the end of the week" :lol :lol

Alas, the end of the week, and no rocket yet. It would have been awesome to drive that baby today into work, with the crisp air PA is experiencing this am. BTW, the batteries are good in the FOB's, I was told they need new transmitters. I added on additional service since I wrote in, "Water leaking into the trunk", which I learned the fix from this sight, and copy/pasted the service bulletin, and sent it right to the dealers. Thank you, again for the education, otherwise that fix would have been too prolonged. I hope the engine compartment is thoroughly cleaned from the power steering fluid exploding all over, otherwise you'll hear me all the way in Florida.!! Hee Hee!! :jester Patience, patience, and waiting. I hope I have it for the weekend. Thank you Jerry, have a great day. D

It is frustrating to have a new car and not be able to drive it. But in the end if they fix all of the issues you won't be going back and forth to the dealer to resolve things.

Have them check the headlight fogging issue too since you are under warranty. There are several postings on this in the technical section.

They can pull a service history for your car and give you a copy. The reason this is important is that there are several historical bullitens for the 2004-2005 cars that you will want to be sure are addressed.

It won't be long now.

Regards

Jerry

:cry
Well my dealer called and stated car was completed but they flat-bedded it back to the repair dealer for it was"smokin'" to the extreme! Another Weekend without my rocket! Boo-Hoo- it happens!!!

Hello Folks,
I went to the servicing dealer today to visit my xlr.:mad
The engine compartment was ladden with power sterring fluid and a small pool of it on the ground. The interior hood cover was saturated with it. So, obviously, I was not a happy camper. Previously, you were able to see my eye lashes in the engine, that is how clean it used to be. It never saw rain in my ownership. I talked with the techs there, but, as we all know, the regular techs are off on the weekends. I returned to the selling dealer and explained my disappoitments and it would not be acceptable for me to receive the car back in that condition. I want a new hood cover, and a clean engine, let alone to have the repairs completed from the tech leaving the cap off in the first place. They agreed and promised it would be pristine in and out. I feel better now, the selling dealership are good people. Keep you posted.

:yawn
Hello Everyone:
The poweer steering pump/hoses/ and resevoir was installed last
Friday, but a leak still existed. GM Technical Assistance advised to replace all powering steering components on the vehicle. They suspect an internal clog and do not want to risk failure in the future. I also learned, through some research that: Model years 04 & 05 with VIN numbers before:
55602327 were built with the first design plastic reservoirs. Cars after that VIN number were built with steel ones. So, for the public knowledge, if you ever need replacement refer to a bulletine numbered:PIC3691A for the tech guidance. All hoses (inlet/cooler) MUST be replaced for effectiveness.
To check recallls on vehicles you can go to:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/recallsearch.cfm
I also looked up service bulletines and that is how I found out about the change in resevoirs. Well, that's all folks. Good Night

I forgot to ask you-
Do you have any advice concerning the power steering fluid all over the engine? Will this lead to any potential problems? I was told it would require a detail engine cleaning-how effective is that- Please offer input. I am truly concerned about that. Is power steering fluid flamable if some is left in the engine??? Any and all advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

WOW!! Good job!! You've only been a member a few days and look at you.

This is real good "intel" for the early model XLR owners.

As far as cleaning the engine compartment and the motor itself they should be able to do it very well. If they mess it up, it will "throw codes" all over the place.

Relax you're almost done. Hang in there.

:yawn
Hello Everyone:
The poweer steering pump/hoses/ and resevoir was installed last
Friday, but a leak still existed. GM Technical Assistance advised to replace all powering steering components on the vehicle. They suspect an internal clog and do not want to risk failure in the future. I also learned, through some research that: Model years 04 & 05 with VIN numbers before:
55602327 were built with the first design plastic reservoirs. Cars after that VIN number were built with steel ones. So, for the public knowledge, if you ever need replacement refer to a bulletine numbered:PIC3691A for the tech guidance. All hoses (inlet/cooler) MUST be replaced for effectiveness.
To check recallls on vehicles you can go to:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/recallsearch.cfm
I also looked up service bulletines and that is how I found out about the change in resevoirs. Well, that's all folks. Good Night

This is my first post, but I felt this would be an appropriate start. First, I feel your pain. I bought my 06 V two weeks ago. Drove it home to St Louis from Nashville and the very next day the power steering pump belt imploded, got caught under the harmonic balancer and tore out the front seal. I finally got it back today. Dealer had to replace all the belts, both tensionerS, and had to remove the front suspension, steering rack and radiator to get the entire front case off to R&R THAT LITTLE SEAL. Long story short, like was mentioned above letting these cars sit for extended periods is not good for them. Mine was in a showroom for a YEAR.

GizmoQ

Welcome.

Hopefully your problems are behind you and you can start to enjoy the car as it was intended.

Well, GizmoQ, we are in a unique class. So sorry for your woes, but hopefully they are all gone, and you suffer no repercussions. That is truly my scare. My "permanent black cloud syndrome", I call it. Let me know how it is running after a month of these repairs, we'll share notes. In the meantime, enjoy it. I am still waiting for the "pick-up/delivery call". On a other note, I do store the car for the winters, the PA snow can be brutal, as it has been this past season. If there are steps to do, to preserve it during that time, I hope someone can offer the advice. I have a truck and my 88 coupe to get me through the winter. Good Luck to all.

Rocket in PA, I am also in PA (Harrisburg area) and have had many cars over the years that others would have stored for the winter. However my approach has always been to keep them garaged, but take them out on nice days, i.e. clear and sunny without rain, snow or ice. I have found that this works much better for me than going through all the prep work before and after storage. I have found that they never sit more than a couple weeks using this logic. I do use a battery tender on my XLR for extended garage time.

Rocket in PA, I am also in PA (Harrisburg area) and have had many cars over the years that others would have stored for the winter. However my approach has always been to keep them garaged, but take them out on nice days, i.e. clear and sunny without rain, snow or ice. I have found that this works much better for me than going through all the prep work before and after storage. I have found that they never sit more than a couple weeks using this logic. I do use a battery tender on my XLR for extended garage time.

Thank you Kahuna for your reply. Maybe I should try your approach for the upcomming season. Excuse me, for I am on my second scoth, it has been a blood pressure sort of day. I went to my selling dealer, after work today to get an update. The service manager made me blow a gasket in a calm, collective way, resulting in me to seek out the owner. I descibed to him, the entity. I was, promised again, things will be on the up & up. Servicing dealer contacted me and stated my concerns will be taken care of. I believe, and hope, all 's well that ends well. Just another weekend without my rocket!!!:cry .Thank you everyone.

Yea but now you can envision what NEXT WEEK will be like with the TOP DOWN.......

It was such a delight to receive a Birthday Greeting from the XLR Forum in my inbox today. Thank you!! I have not written in some time, so, here's the update. I got the car back July 1. Yes, you read it, 3 weeks out of commision. All repairs were completed, detailed in the engine, not perfect, but detailed to remove the power steering off the engine, with a new hood cover. But alas- I wrote to the Repairs department, to have it sent back this week, I failed to bring it back due to life's duties again. But, sadly the trunk seal did NOT avoid water leakage. After the last hand wash, thourough rinse, the trunk compartment utility box was filled with 2 inches of water. The "fix" for the roof delay, did not fix the roof delay from the second position. And lastly the trunk button, fell out of its holder again, second time, so it is dangling within the cavity of the rear deck lid. I am quite frustrated with this car, and have considered to get sell, it, but husband states, "keep it", it will be a valuable collectors piece. I guess he should know, he has exhuberated his workmanship on show piece vettes for over 55 years. In the garage is a custom vette,with a one of a kind paint job, and my xlr sits next to it, hugging each other! Hope all is well. Good night.

Sorry to learn of your continued problems especially on your birthday.

Tenacity will prevail and all will be well with your "collectors XLR" before you know it.

As always please let us know how we can help.

Best wishes

Jerry

It was such a delight to receive a Birthday Greeting from the XLR Forum in my inbox today. Thank you!! I have not written in some time, so, here's the update. I got the car back July 1. Yes, you read it, 3 weeks out of commision. All repairs were completed, detailed in the engine, not perfect, but detailed to remove the power steering off the engine, with a new hood cover. But alas- I wrote to the Repairs department, to have it sent back this week, I failed to bring it back due to life's duties again. But, sadly the trunk seal did NOT avoid water leakage. After the last hand wash, thourough rinse, the trunk compartment utility box was filled with 2 inches of water. The "fix" for the roof delay, did not fix the roof delay from the second position. And lastly the trunk button, fell out of its holder again, second time, so it is dangling within the cavity of the rear deck lid. I am quite frustrated with this car, and have considered to get sell, it, but husband states, "keep it", it will be a valuable collectors piece. I guess he should know, he has exhuberated his workmanship on show piece vettes for over 55 years. In the garage is a custom vette,with a one of a kind paint job, and my xlr sits next to it, hugging each other! Hope all is well. Good night.

This is not a happy story.

1/ Which trunk seal exactly has been replaced? The one I would consider suspect is the large one that runs round the bottom of the rear glass and under the front lip of the trunk lid. It directs water into internal channels and tubes that dump the water to the ground from just rear of the rear of the doors. Are those channels clear?

2/ That trunk close switch might look bad but is trivial to fix. A competent shop should fix that. What can happen is for the trim to be slightly displaced with respect to the metal bracket. The metal bracket has a single nut holding it in place and it matters just where it gets tightened so it is exactly aligned with the hole in the trim. If this is the case, the whole trim panel might need to be removed (it takes about 5 minutes and needs two people) and the bracket's position adjusted.

HTHs

Good Evening xlrlist01,
Thank you for your interest in this repair, and possible fix. I found on XLR's forum's tech bulletin ( TSB #07-.8-57-003A) descibing water leakage in to trunk, and to place Kent Automotive adhesive shim stock to the bond joints. But it did not work. I agree with you about the glass area. I always fill towels with water due to the water pooling there. I do not see any blockages. It is thoroughly cleaned by me, and garaged. The tubing appears to be in alignment, but it still fills. My driveway is on an incline, but I do not believe that should cause this issue. Anyway, my gut says sell the car, it is begining to feel like a lemon! My lust keeps stopping me. I am 50/50 on this issue. When the warranty runs out, I certainly don't want to be going through this! Thank you gentlemen, your knowledge it very appreciative. But the way, the dealership wanted me to sign paper work allowing them to water test the car. I thought that was unusually strange. Did you ever hear of that?
good Night, D

If they monsoon test your car, ensure they have someone in the trunk when they do it -that's how it's done at the factory. If the dealer tries to get you to waive labilty for damage incurred during the test, find another dealer.

To prevent water accumulation, drill a hole in the right side storage bin. It's a cheap fix and works great. Double-check the left side bin's drain hose to ensure it works as well. They can be pinched at the bottom.

The switch is a cheap fix as well. If it's falling out, it isn't mounted right or there's something broken on it.

Keep the battery charged during the winter and you're set! I had mine stored for seven months with a Battery Tender connected and it fired right up last month.

Keep the car and savor the ride!

CC :seeya

Good Morning CC,
Thank you for your assistance. I am going to double check the tubing today and see if there is a kink. Then, I guess, hubby will have to take over. He retired his specialtiy, but I may have to ask him to pass up on golf for one day. Suggestion for the forum. Develope a list of certified mechanics by zip codes, I am in the 18964 area. (hint, hint!) Secondly, develope a punch list, for the less mechanically inclined, of necessities/maintenance for the car. I just don't know if I can keep the faith with what I have gone through with these last to dealers! I know my 88' coupe's engine so much better than this one. I'll keep you updated as soon as I learn something. Thank you again, D

Donna,

If you've read the ancient technical posts here, you'll find that the 04-05 XLRs were blessed with unreliable radiators and power steering reservoirs. By the 06 model year as the issues mounted, failed components were replaced with upgraded V assemblies; mine even included a power steering cooler!

You can upgrade your XLR with a rear sway bar for <$200 which really improves the handling. The parts list is here on the site if you choose to go that route. It took all of an hour for me to do the install.

Battery care (especially during storage or if the car is left to sit for three weeks or more) is essential; here are two products to ensure your battery is kept in peak condition:

The Battery Tender: http://batterytender.com/automotive/battery-tender-plus-12v-at-1-25a.html

The Battery Minder: http://www.batteryminders.com/batterycharger/catalog/Automotive-Battery-Chargers-orderby0-p-1-c-3.html

CC :cheers

Good Morning CC,
I pulled the car out of the garage, did some vacuming detail, and crawel into the trunk. The Adhesive that the dealer placed at the joints, with some tannish looking muck, with black adhedsive style thick tape, is dry rotted already. The tubing around the windsheild looks good, but I would say it has been worked on before. I finally got to open the engine up, to put my tender on, since the power steering fluid explosion, and I am very dissappointed. The heat from the fluid accually blistered the silver engine cover near the cap area, and the black air intake covering, actually turned white. It was not apparant when I picked the car up, because the dressing disguised it. I tried four cleaners to remove it to no avail. When it is wet, it looks black, when it dries, it is white. As I looked further, there is white spotting all over the engine, hoses tubes, side walls. I am supremely mad, and got the ultimate srew. How do you fight this one!!! How do you fight for replacement parts! It certainly is not a show engine anymore! Ready to sell in PA!

Donna,

The plastic's surface has been chemically altered by the power steering fluid, so cleaners may remove the surface contaminants, but the discoloration will probably remain.

Griot's makes this product to revive black plastic, rubber and vinyl. It's worth a shot.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/car+maintenance/restoration/bumper+%26+trim+reconditioner%2C+4+ounces.do

They recommend you use their cleaner to remove old dressings (many of which contain silicon oil) before applying.

Griot's also has engine dressing that does wonders underneath the hood:
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/car+maintenance/restoration/engine+bay+dressing%2C+12.5+oz..do

I've been a big Griot's fan for years because they find and market the best products for a particular job and I like one-stop shopping. Their polishes and waxes are good as well, but for me, Zaino works the best and lasts longer than anything else I've tried. I polish the car twice a year and it always looks great. You can call their new Tacoma store and they'll steer you to the right product to fix the problem: 800-345-5789. They'll also send you catalogs forever, which I find handy to help Santa load his sled accordingly.

Your engine cover can be touched up or you can buy one off eBay; they show up occasionally.

Upgraded parts are only installed as replacements when a lesser part fails.

No need to sell your car. It's just down, --not out. Now drop the top, go for a drive and rekindle your lust!

CC :seeya

Okay CC I took your advice! Put the top down, cruised her for a bit, and got a slight fix!
Thanks for the web page, as I looked at them before when you suggested elsewhere on this forum. Flying to Florida, for the labor day weekend for a convention. So a different fix indeed. Hope everyone has a swell holiday. Peace and Good Night! D

Donna
I have been reading your thread and thinking how strong you must be hold it together and not blow your stack...I am not that strong.....I envy you...
I am also a recent buyer, but so far, trouble free. I wrestled with purchasing an extended waranty because of it's cost, but in the end I did buy it, and now after reading your thread, boy am I glad I did...
I wish you the best in the future...:cool