🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Cadillac

Model:

XLR

Year:

2005

Chassis Code:

XLR (Y-Body)

Engine Code Primary:

LH2

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Sports Roadster / Personal Luxury Car

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz SL, Porsche 911 (996/997), BMW Z4, Jaguar XK, Lexus SC430.

Platform Sharing:

Shared platform and many components with the C6 Chevrolet Corvette.

Body Style:

Two-door retractable hardtop convertible.

Design Inspiration:

Designed to compete with established European luxury roadsters, focusing on performance, luxury, and advanced technology.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Regions:

North America

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (Software-based, not a fixed page count)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Online Software/Web-based Access (Licensed)

Licensing:

Officially licensed, derived from OE (Original Equipment) materials.

Software Provider:

RepairSurge

User Interface:

User-friendly, accessible via a standard web browser.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete engine diagnostics, repair, overhaul, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (5-speed 5L50-E) diagnostics, repair, fluid service, torque converter, control systems.

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive system, driveshaft, differential, axle shafts, wheel bearings.

Brakes:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS, EBD, traction control, brake fluid service, caliper, rotor, pad replacement, parking brake.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, steering system integration.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion, steering angle sensor, power steering fluid.

Electrical:

Complete electrical system, battery, charging system, starter, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power accessories, body control module (BCM), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Body:

Body panel removal/installation, doors, windows, convertible roof system (retractable hardtop), interior trim, seats, bumpers, exterior trim.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control, refrigerant service, compressor, evaporator, condenser, blower motor.

Wiring:

Detailed wiring diagrams for all major systems, component locations, connector pinouts, troubleshooting guides.

Comfort Features:

Heated and ventilated seats, keyless entry, push-button start, power adjustable steering column, memory seats.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspection, belt inspection and replacement, spark plug replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for all vehicle systems, symptom-based troubleshooting, DTC interpretation and resolution.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems, including engine teardown, transmission rebuild, suspension replacement, brake caliper overhaul.

Installation:

Procedures for installing replacement parts and accessories.

Calibration:

Calibration procedures for various sensors and modules (e.g., steering angle sensor, ride height sensors if applicable).

Diagnostics:

Advanced diagnostic procedures using scan tools, circuit testing, and component testing.

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and full component rebuilds. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, and alignment procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Software Compatibility:

PC, Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet (via web browser)

Access Duration:

1 Year (with discounts for renewal)

Print Capability:

Printable sections (quality dependent on user's printer)

Binding:

Not Applicable (Software)

Paper:

Not Applicable (Software)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

V8, Naturally Aspirated

Engine Size:

4.6 Liter (4600 cc)

Engine Code:

Northstar LH2

Valvetrain:

DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 Valves per Cylinder

Bore X Stroke:

93.0 mm x 84.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

320 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque:

310 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

ECM Type:

GM ECM (Specific model number usually found on unit)

Ignition System:

Coil-near-plug ignition.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic

Transmission Model:

5L50-E

Shift Modes:

Driver Shift Control (DSC) manual shifting mode.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron VI (or equivalent specified by GM for this application)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approx. 8.5 Quarts (8.0 Liters) (Refer to manual for exact fill procedures and capacities)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.5 inches (4508 mm)

Width:

72.7 inches (1847 mm)

Height:

50.1 inches (1273 mm)

Wheelbase:

105.7 inches (2685 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3700-3800 lbs (1680-1725 kg)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 8.8 cubic feet (249 Liters) with roof up; reduced significantly with roof down.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:

5-Star (Typically for GM vehicles of this era, consult specific NHTSA data for precise confirmation)

Traction Control:

StabiliTrak (Traction Control System)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Ebd:

Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, side-impact airbags.

Rollover Protection:

Pop-up rollover protection bars.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Bose premium audio system with AM/FM stereo, CD player, and potentially a navigation system (optional).

Display:

Infotainment screen for audio, climate, and navigation (if equipped).

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available (optional feature on some trims).

Onstar:

OnStar communication system typically standard or optional.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, or based on Oil Life Monitoring System.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Recommended at 50,000-100,000 miles, or based on severe usage or warning signs. Refer to manual for specific guidance.

Coolant Flush:

Typically every 5 years or 100,000 miles, but always consult the manual for the specified coolant type and interval.

Engine Oil Specification:

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

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 7.5 Quarts (7.1 Liters) with filter change. Refer to manual for exact capacity.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 (or DOT 4 if specified for improved performance/temperature)

Power Steering Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent specified by GM)

Common Issues 2005 Xlr:

Early Northstar engine issues (though the LH2 in the XLR generally improved reliability), retractable hardtop mechanism gremlins, some electrical component failures, potential for oil leaks from gaskets and seals.

📚 Vehicle History

Cadillac Legacy:

Cadillac has a long history of producing American luxury vehicles, known for innovation and comfort.

Xlr Debut:

Introduced for the 2004 model year, the XLR was Cadillac's first major entry into the luxury roadster segment in decades.

Xlr Design:

Styled by Bob Boniface, it featured a distinctive Art and Science design language with a retractable hardtop.

Production Plant:

Assembly at the Bowling Green, Kentucky plant, shared with the Corvette.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Awards:

The XLR received critical acclaim for its design and luxury appointments.

Performance Awards:

Often cited in automotive press for its V8 performance and handling, especially the later supercharged 'V' variant.