Help! Cadillac XLR Headlights

[rsqrd930]

So, what should I do? After reading all these threads...

SO, with my new to me 2005; I don't think I have an issue with the headlights ... yet.... what *should* I do to prevent issue? Run without the DRL? Replace the bulb with ... what?

If i can prevent the problem I would like to, but maybe I missed the suggestion although I thought I read it somewhere I cannot find it now....

Any advice from those wiser and longer in the XLR tooth...

 

[DaveH]

SO, with my new to me 2005; I don't think I have an issue with the headlights ... yet.... what *should* I do to prevent issue? Run without the DRL? Replace the bulb with ... what?

If i can prevent the problem I would like to, but maybe I missed the suggestion although I thought I read it somewhere I cannot find it now....

Any advice from those wiser and longer in the XLR tooth...

Hi rsqrd930,
congrats on your new XLR
just do a search for threads like headlight assembly, We have solved the XLR Headlight Issue, etc. etc. plenty of info on the forum.
take a look at some of the headlights on ebay plenty of them have this issue.

Best regards,
Dave

P.S. if you don't see this issue on your XLR it may already have the bulbs and/or headlight assembly replaced by a prior owner, Do some research on the your XLR to see what service records etc. you can find. Example; I was lucky the first Cadillac dealer I contacted in Austin had been doing the services on my "new" XLR. Also you could do a carfax search which help me locate a lot of past history on my XLR.

 

[mickeytee]

headlight

SO, with my new to me 2005; I don't think I have an issue with the headlights ... yet.... what *should* I do to prevent issue? Run without the DRL? Replace the bulb with ... what?

If i can prevent the problem I would like to, but maybe I missed the suggestion although I thought I read it somewhere I cannot find it now....

Any advice from those wiser and longer in the XLR tooth...

If your upper lens is not burnt I would suggest replacing the factory bulb with an led. Some people go into a lot of explanation that they will flash faster etc but I have installed them and they seem to work just fine as a direct replacement. I think the problem is if your taillights have any leds out or starting to go the front bulb can cause some issues with the taillight. The leds are much cooler . The factory had a recall and did replace the sockets on the 04 and 05 with a newer one and attempted to repair the issue. Some worked ,some did not. You can tell the dealer repair as the wiring plug will show signs that it has been cut and spliced and a black shrink sleeve placed over the wire. I have heard that the factory fix was also supposed to include an inline resistor to drop the voltage (jump in and help me learn what to call it correctly ccclark) but I have not seen one in all the headlights I have had. The headlight will most likely have to come out to change the bulb or drop the lower liner or have a really small hand that will reach thru the hole and change it.

 

[rsqrd930]

Gotcha!

If your upper lens is not burnt I would suggest replacing the factory bulb with an led. Some people go into a lot of explanation that they will flash faster etc but I have installed them and they seem to work just fine as a direct replacement. I think the problem is if your taillights have any leds out or starting to go the front bulb can cause some issues with the taillight. The leds are much cooler . The factory had a recall and did replace the sockets on the 04 and 05 with a newer one and attempted to repair the issue. Some worked ,some did not. You can tell the dealer repair as the wiring plug will show signs that it has been cut and spliced and a black shrink sleeve placed over the wire. I have heard that the factory fix was also supposed to include an inline resistor to drop the voltage (jump in and help me learn what to call it correctly ccclark) but I have not seen one in all the headlights I have had. The headlight will most likely have to come out to change the bulb or drop the lower liner or have a really small hand that will reach thru the hole and change it.

Yep, this is EXACTLY what I wanted to know; thanks for consolidating it into a sound bite. I am on my way back to Phx after two weeks away, and will finally have a chance to LOOK at the car (wife has been tooling around for a fact!) and I will see what is in there and then what I need to do.! Thanks so much....

 

[rsqrd930]

Update on the XLR 2005 Headlights

Yeah, I know this is like "Hey, have you guys heard about this internet thing??" - old news, boss.

Anyway, checked headlights (see photos)... Driver side 'looks' ok but I can just start to see the beginning of some orange burn color.
Passenger... uh oh, but JUST starting... this forum helped me out, so I caught it in time I think and I can live with the small spot.

Yanked BOTH bulbs, no sign of any splices in the sockets nor do they look burned? (My Porsche 911 used to COOK these things)... so never touched by a recall etc.

So, I will look here at the posts for the best idea on a part number for LED replacements that doesn't upset the computer in the car.. unless someone has a specific part # that works ok

 

[nerkpowers]

Do a search on LED replacements for DRL’s. I wrote an extensive how to last year. You have to install resistors to avoid hyper flash.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mickeytee]

apparently the bulbs I have must have the resistor made In them as they flash the exact same speed as the old bulbs. I have used these in all my cars with no problem, I put some on my trailer and they flashed fast but I found out that was because I needed a bigger flasher in my fuse box and now they work fine. They are not the 1$ a piece china bulbs but the 5$ apiece china bulbs that the parts store sells for 25$ apiece .You can get them at bulbs are us or batteries are us I think they changed their name. I have them in 4 xlrs in the area no problems at all. I will try and find a box to post the part number . here is a quick fix fro those that do not want to try. Just buy this bulb adaptor for a plug and play easy installation. I just looked and the bulbs I bought and have been using are now 25$ each on ebay as they are a factory replacement bulb for Italian cars.

TEQStone Car 7440 Socket LED Decoder Warning Canceler with 50w 8ohm Resistor | eBay

 

[rsqrd930]

My search function needs work

Do a search on LED replacements for DRL’s. I wrote an extensive how to last year. You have to install resistors to avoid hyper flash.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah, when I search in advanced search for LED it comes up empty. I think my browser doesn't like me. I will try again.

 

[nerkpowers]

Yeah, when I search in advanced search for LED it comes up empty. I think my browser doesn't like me. I will try again.

https://www.xlr-net.com/forums/cadi...ed-turn-signals-drls-post68494.html#post68494


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[XLRATING]

Can’t recommend Tim’s how-to info enough - we used it to replace the DRL’s lights on both of ours with great success. This really is becoming a must-do for any year XLR, since as time goes on some of the later models are also developing problems.

 

[rsqrd930]

LED's and thanks again

LEDs are in, I have a lift in my garage so wheels off, panel off and headlight out made it a breeze. (FYI the SLK 55 AMG requires the same thing to put bulbs in)...

Resistors on order to solve the fast blink. No more melted headlights ever. Right?

I don't know much about Cadillacs (but learning) but *darn* I walked by one the other day, and that headlight LOOKED like it would fit .... guess not, otherwise someone here would know. c'est dommage

 

[XLRATING]

I don't know much about Cadillacs (but learning) but *darn* I walked by one the other day, and that headlight LOOKED like it would fit .... guess not, otherwise someone here would know. c'est dommage

I know what you mean! I thought that about DTS headlights, someone on here checked it out & it’s a no go. Same for 2d gen CTS headlights.

 

[mickeytee]

thats funny

When I first saw the problem with getting lights a couple of years ago, I made a template and carried it with me every time I went to Caddy to pick up parts. I thought several lights looked close enough to make them work. One model was real close until you say it out of the car and there is about 6-8 inches more of the light that tucks under the fender and is not seen. I did the same with the Taillights and was lucky enough to find one that is perfect . it is a little smaller so I made a holder that matches the car body and that the light fits into. Now when I buy a wreck I just install my custom OEM light. Works great for me.

 

[ronnybench]

In June of 2016, two very big black walnut trees fell on my cars and garage. My XLR was between the Garage and my wife's Suburban. I took this picture after the trees guys cut the trees back.

The Suburban was crushed but miraculously only the drivers headlight was cracked on the caddy.
I got the site for a Corvette speed shop in Michigan that had ten sets of converted lights from Europe in stock. I had to buy a set of two for three thousand dollars. They do look and work great and passed the Va inspection for two years (so far). Without them the car would have been totaled by the insurance company.
I checked the site later and they were sold out. Perhaps they can help you. I got the site address off this forum.
SMC Performance and Auto Parts - Your C5 C6 Chevrolet Corvette and XLR Cadillac Specialist

 

[XLRATING]

Wow, the XLR angels were looking out for you! That’s amazing!

I was guessing those headlights would be ok for Va inspection because they look OEM. The only time we’ve had a problem with lights & inspections is a car with aftermarket tail lights that obviously weren’t OEM.

 

[ronnybench]

Wow, the XLR angels were looking out for you! That’s amazing!

I was guessing those headlights would be ok for Va inspection because they look OEM. The only time we’ve had a problem with lights & inspections is a car with aftermarket tail lights that obviously weren’t OEM.

Thats probably true, the only give away is that they do not have a DOT number stamped on them.

 

[XLR-V4ME]

XLR HEADLIGHTS

Acknowledging this is an older thread, but the headlight issue is a major problem for XLR owners. Foremost, it's a safety issue. Recalls have been issue on other autos for seemingly minor things, but if a car is manufactured with defective headlights that melt the lenses, diminishing night vision, replacement parts should be made available, at a reasonable cost. from what I can tell, XLR owners have few options other than to drive in daylight.

Anyone have anything further on this. Want to take a stand for our unique classics?

 

[cubby558]

As a former XLR, XLR-V owner of the past 12 years, I feel your pain and frustration; however the lenses don't melt, they only craze. It also only affects the daytime running lights; which can be converted to LED to stop the crazing; which many here have done. None of this affects the HID headlights or keeps them from working at night, so there really is no safety issue.

Acknowledging this is an older thread, but the headlight issue is a major problem for XLR owners. Foremost, it's a safety issue. Recalls have been issue on other autos for seemingly minor things, but if a car is manufactured with defective headlights that melt the lenses, diminishing night vision, replacement parts should be made available, at a reasonable cost. from what I can tell, XLR owners have few options other than to drive in daylight.

Anyone have anything further on this. Want to take a stand for our unique classics?

 

[rexster314]

Acknowledging this is an older thread, but the headlight issue is a major problem for XLR owners. Foremost, it's a safety issue. Recalls have been issue on other autos for seemingly minor things, but if a car is manufactured with defective headlights that melt the lenses, diminishing night vision, replacement parts should be made available, at a reasonable cost. from what I can tell, XLR owners have few options other than to drive in daylight.

Anyone have anything further on this. Want to take a stand for our unique classics?

Waste of time......Cadillac holds the patent on the headlights. They've shown the XLR is a bastard child now, there's no record of them in legacy products on their website. No one else can make headlights. I was actually surprised that they made the 3rd brake light assembly again

 

[mickeytee]

need to watch for dust in headlight

To make matters worse. I have seen several headlights with a light film of dust inside the housing. Upon closer inspection I see where the outer lens is starting to delaminate from the reinforcement. Once it breaks it seal its only a matter of time before it comes off. I saw this at a car show recently with several newer cars that had very low miles and were kept inside. SO it does not seem to be an age thing. Any moisture or dust is a bad sign on these lights