Cadillac XLR - How to Manually Open and Close the Top

Klaus of Top Hydraulics, Inc. walks you through the steps necessary in order to manually open and close the Cadillac XLR convertible hard top in case of hydraulic system failure.

[casperinmd]

I don't have this car, don't care about it, but yet I watched the full video.

Your steps are clear, paced out, and multiple angles with a steady camera and clear audio.

I commend you on an excellent tutorial! YouTube needs to learn from you. ❤️

[jackpinnell]

What a GREAT video!!! Best ever tutorial on an XLR!!!

[robertclark]

Thankyou for a great video. Very good explanation of everything really detailed easy to follow 👍

[aeroscout]

Update. Got my hydraulic pump back from Top Hydraulic rebuild and a roof top module. Thanks for a great job. Everything workrd fine until last week. fine. The roof top latch is not releasing the top for retracting. Watching your video helps me to understand what's not happening. Thanks again for a very thorough presentation. I may be sending you my hydraulic cylinders for rebuild...

[nowakezoneforever]

I am the original owner of a 2004 XLR with 10, 750 miles on it. This awesome video helped me diagnose and repair the top closing problem. The right hinge on the tonneau cover somehow went too far back and became stuck. I was able to free it, lubricate it, and operations returned to normal.

I have a 10 mile paved road on my property. I average about 500 miles per year with the car, many miles have been at all normal city and highway speeds on that road. Honestly, it is just starting to perform great. The only mod I’ve made is to get rid of the run flat tires. Terrible things they were.

[jaxcell]

Thank you so much for the detailed video. Excellent Job!
You recently rebuilt a cylinder for my XLR and I needed this exact help in getting everything back in place.
Team Top Hydraulics is the Best.

[aeroscout]

This is probably the best "how to" video I've seen in a long time. The pace is top notch with demonstrations and explanations that are on point. I'm looking at a XLR that has a convertible hard top module. The "service ride control" message illuminates as well. Gotta do some research on that one. I was a little disappointed about the one I was looking at, but I haven't completely ruled it out.... Thanx again for an excellent video...

[soflix]

Mr. Klaus you're the best 4get the rest looking forward to getting my hydraulics done ASAP.

[robertgiese]

Thanks for your response by earlier comments. My mechanic tells me you got the parts on order but he doesn’t know when they’re coming in. My question to you is how much is a complete set of cylinders do you have them in stock and how soon can I get them? Thanks very much, you have a very good videos and I do appreciate what you’re doing for us.

[jaytee]

Thank you so much. My trunk was totally stuck open!

[keeponcruisin]

Wow! I have a 2001 SLK320 with a 6sp manual. It's way easier than this!! As cool as the xlr is, I know manual operation isn't anywhere near as fast as it is on my SLK. I was THISSSS CLOSE!!! to trading it for an xlr. Figured I'd look you up since the top won't open. I think it takes me maybe 20 seconds with window action.

[mightyduc]

Thank you for the informative video. I recently acquired an XLR and am attempting to sort through a few minor issues with the folding top and trunk. The owner's manual lists the steps for this procedure exactly as you have depicted, but does it not make sense to leave the bypass valve open for the entire process rather than closing it after stowing the rear tonneau?

[craigmckenzie]

Hi Klaus, thank you for the great video. I have an 04 that I need to replace the front latch cylinder, top is in the closed position. I can't seem to get the latch to disengage manualy. It turns about 1/4 turn and then stops, I don't want to force it and break anything, is there something I am missing. Thanks

[mit]

Hello, this is my second comment. As before, it stops moving in the middle of opening and closing. I can't get my hands on the potentiometer 19210515, so I'm going to try opening and closing it manually. I think the lock on the latch on the front window side is essential when driving with the roof closed, but is it also necessary when driving with the roof stored in the trunk? I think the wind won't affect it while driving if it's covered by the trunk. Is there any risk of problems such as warning displays or alarms remaining on?
I would be grateful if you could answer.

[michaeldriggers]

I am currently looking to purchase an XLR but have read about the primary roof panel coming off of some XLR's while at freeway speed. Having reviewed you presentation and noting the roof panel may be accessed with the head liner removed is there anything that can be done to eliminate the issue of the panel coming off? I cannot say how much I appreciate the videos regarding the XLR!

[lincolnman]

I ll be honest it didnt look that scary patience is key and thank god gm made it simple

[mit]

Hello Thank you for the great information. I would like to ask a question from Japan.
I have an XLR that stops while opening and closing the roof and is no longer able to move fully.
The problem occurs as soon as I put the tester readings back to normal.
I asked Mr. Takahashi, a roof repairman, to help me, but he said that Micro Switch 19210515 was faulty but no parts were available.
He used a solvent to clean it as a first aid measure, but it stopped working again.
Is there any way to get Micro Switch 19210515?　Or if you have any information on rebuilt parts etc. please let me know.

[mohammedalharbi]

My dear brother, I will buy a Cadillac in the coming days. The important question is: Can I open the roof manually if it is broken down or not working because I cannot pay the cost of repairing it? I will only open it on certain days. Can I do that?

[jefferyspringer]

My top won't go up I just had it at the stealership a month ago and they charged me 180.00 to sync the convertible top doea anyone know how to do this?

[mohammedalharbi]

I want to buy this car, but I am afraid of the retractable roof because they say it is complicated and the cost of repair is very high. I also want to ask about the effectiveness of the air conditioner. Is it good in summer? I want to use the car on a daily basis to go to work.