🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Cadillac

Model:

XLR

Model Year:

2004

Market:

North America

Generation Designation:

XLR First Generation (XLR)

Generation Start Year:

2004

Generation End Year:

2009

Vehicle Identification Number Vin Location:

Typically on the driver's side dashboard near the windshield and on a sticker in the driver's side doorjamb.

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

Luxury Personal Sports Roadster. Competed in the premium convertible segment.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz SL, BMW 6 Series Convertible, Porsche Boxster, and Jaguar XK Convertible.

Key Features:

Retractable hardtop, rear-wheel drive, V8 engine, Magnetic Ride Control, StabiliTrak stability control, Bose premium audio, advanced infotainment features for its time.

Retractable Hardtop Mechanism:

Fully automatic two-piece hardtop made of aluminum, offering coupe-like security and quietness when raised, and open-air motoring when lowered.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Features, Controls, Maintenance Schedules, Do-It-Yourself Activities, Towing, Safety Considerations

Page Count:

Estimated 200-300 pages (typical for an OEM owner's manual of this era)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Electronic Version Benefit:

Searchable, printable, and accessible on multiple devices.

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine, Powertrain, Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, Steering, Electrical System, Interior Controls, Exterior Lighting, Climate Control, Infotainment System, Safety Systems (Airbags, ABS, Traction Control), Security System, Convertible Top Operation, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Convertible Top:

Detailed operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for the retractable hardtop.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control operation, troubleshooting HVAC system functions.

Procedures Included:

Basic maintenance checks (oil, coolant, tire pressure), fluid level checks and top-offs, tire changing, jump-starting, bulb replacement, fuse replacement, convertible top operation and care, infotainment system basic operation, setting driver preferences, towing preparation, emergency procedures

Towing Considerations:

Includes specific guidance on towing the XLR, including whether it can be flat-towed or requires a trailer, and recommended towing procedures.

Security System Operation:

Information on the factory anti-theft system, key fob operation, and alarm settings.

Technical Depth:

Covers operational and basic maintenance aspects for the owner. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures, component removal/installation, or in-depth repair information typically found in a Service Manual.

Diagnostics Covered:

Limited to driver-level interpretation of dashboard warning lights and basic troubleshooting steps for common issues. No technical diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) or repair procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchable Text:

Yes, standard PDF functionality allows for text searching.

Compatibility:

Windows, Mac OS, Linux operating systems

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing clear text and images.

Binding Type:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Displacement:

4.6 L (281 cu in)

Engine Type:

Northstar V8 DOHC 32-Valve

Horsepower:

320 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque:

310 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Engine Code:

L37 (Northstar V8)

Fuel System:

Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Emission Controls:

Catalytic converter, EVAP system, OBD-II compliant.

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

4T80-E (modified)

Gear Ratios:

Refer to specific service information for detailed ratios, but typical for a performance automatic of the era.

Transmission Features:

Driver Shift Control (manual shifting capability)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.7 inches (4513 mm)

Width:

72.7 inches (1847 mm)

Height:

50.1 inches (1273 mm)

Wheelbase:

105.7 inches (2685 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 5.1 inches (130 mm)

Track Width Front:

Approx. 61.6 inches (1565 mm)

Track Width Rear:

Approx. 62.4 inches (1585 mm)

Curb Weight:

approx. 3,850 lbs (1746 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Not typically specified in owner's manuals, but generally around 4500 lbs.

Cargo Volume Trunk Top Up:

11.2 cu ft (317 L)

Cargo Volume Trunk Top Down:

approx. 4.0 cu ft (113 L)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

Not explicitly rated by NHTSA as a specific model year rating due to its niche production volume and platform sharing. Refer to platform equivalents.

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), StabiliTrak Vehicle Stability Enhancement System (VSES), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Brake System:

Power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes with ABS.

Passive Features:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags, Side Impact Airbags (integrated into seats), Active Head Restraints, 3-Point Seatbelts with Pretensioners, Reinforced Passenger Compartment

Seat Belts:

Three-point active seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Bose 9-speaker premium sound system with AM/FM, CD player, and auxiliary input. Navigation system was optional.

Display Type:

LCD screen integrated into the dashboard for climate control, audio, and navigation (optional).

Driver Assistance:

StabiliTrak stability control, Magnetic Ride Control adaptive suspension (optional), Cruise Control

Parking Assist:

Rear Parking Assist (optional, RPO code UD7)

Suspension System:

Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) with real-time damping adjustment based on road conditions and driving input.

Connectivity:

OnStar telematics system (subscription-based service)

Other Features:

Keyless Entry, Push Button Start, Head-Up Display (HUD) (optional)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Refer to manual for severe conditions.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles

Engine Coolant Flush:

Refer to manual; typically around 100,000 miles for the first interval on Dex-Cool.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Refer to manual, typically around 100,000 miles for iridium plugs on Northstar engines.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SM or higher)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5.5 quarts (5.2 L) with filter change

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron VI (for 2006+ models, refer to manual for 2004/2005 which may specify Dexron III/H)

Coolant Type:

GM P/N 12346290 (Orange) or equivalent Dex-Cool OAT coolant

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific recommendation)

Power Steering Fluid Type:

GM Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/VI (refer to manual)

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 is recommended for a wide range of operating temperatures.

Known Issues:

Northstar engine oil leaks (rear main seal, valve cover gaskets), active suspension system issues (Magnetic Ride Control), convertible top hydraulic system leaks or motor failures, infotainment system glitches, interior trim durability concerns.

Paint And Interior Wear:

Some reports of wear on steering wheel, shifter, and seat bolsters due to materials used. Convertible top fabric/weatherstripping maintenance is crucial.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Cadillac, America's longest-standing luxury automotive brand, known for innovation and premium vehicles.

Model Evolution:

The XLR was Cadillac's re-entry into the luxury roadster market, developed on the GM Y-body platform, sharing components with the Chevrolet Corvette (C6) and Cadillac STS.

Platform Basis:

GM Y-body platform, sharing significant elements with the C6 Corvette but with a unique body and interior.

Production Location:

Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA (same facility as Chevrolet Corvette)

Model Production Years:

2004-2009

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

While specific awards for the 2004 model are not as widely documented as later iterations, the XLR as a model line was recognized for its design and luxury features in automotive press during its production run. The Northstar engine itself received accolades over its lifespan.