big day for my XLR

[Phrede]

You can turn off your DRLs by turning on your fog lamps as Stella mentioned. You just have to remember to do it each time you start your car. I did that in the beginning, but would forget from time to time. My V had about 40,000 miles on it when I got it so it already had a lot of hours on the lamps and the damage was done.

I bought replacment LEDs from www.vleds.com and installed them in place of the DRLs. Since the DRLs double as the turn signal you have to add a load resistor for the turn signal to flash at a normal rate. The other problem was they didn't offer any amber LEDs made for continuous duty as DRLs so I bought the 5K white LEDs which I like as DRLs better anyway. Some states may require an amber turn signal to pass a vehicle inspection so that may be an issue, but it hasn't been a problem here. The LEDs I bought are p/n 3157_21_W_5K and the resistors are LR_650_P. They offer 5 or 6K LEDs, the 5K match the stock Fog lamps and headlamps better. They do have a dual color white/amber switchback LED 3157_92_WA2_5K, but they will not work in the XLR as the turn signal is just pulsing the DRL, not a separate circuit and the amber portion of the LED is not ment for continuous duty as a DRL. They have introduced a continuous duty amber LED since I bought mine p/n V3_A_C which should work for anyone that wants to maintain the amber color DRL and turn signal.

Gizmo figured out a way to isolate the turn signal circuit from the DRLs which means the switchback LEDs may be able to be made to work with some rewiring, but I have not looked into it again since I first installed my LEDs.

I wonder if there is an electronic flasher available that eliminates the need for the load resistor? I've seen them used in other cars with LED replacements

 

[onalaska]

If not in the '06 model year, they for sure had the headlamp melting problem taken care of in '07. Mine have the original incandescent bulbs and have had no problems with melting. Although, I was sure that the problems were only in '04 and '05. Oh well...

The lens melting is probably linked to runtime as much as anything. Vehicles with low mileage or those being driven short distances may never have the lamps on long enough to generate the heat necessary to melt the lenses. We have taken ours cross country and put as much as 10 -12 hours of almost continuous running on the lamps. Since mine was a 2006 I ignored the warnings for the 2004 and 2005's melting, because I though the problem was fixed for the 2006 model and I wouldn't have the problem. I wouldn't take the chance again with headlamps priced at around $1,000 each!

 

[XLRATING]

The lens melting is probably linked to runtime as much as anything. Vehicles with low mileage or those being driven short distances may never have the lamps on long enough to generate the heat necessary to melt the lenses. We have taken ours cross country and put as much as 10 -12 hours of almost continuous running on the lamps. Since mine was a 2006 I ignored the warnings for the 2004 and 2005's melting, because I though the problem was fixed for the 2006 model and I wouldn't have the problem. I wouldn't take the chance again with headlamps priced at around $1,000 each!

That possible explanation is good to know - if I ever drive my '06 that long nonstop (which I hope not to do!), I'm going to turn on my fogs.

 

[Cadillac Tech]

it was a big day today for my XLR;

• picked up a Optima Red Top battery
• ordered headlamp assemblies, harnesses and the rear sway bar assembly (thanks MTRocket)
• ordered powder coated brake calipers in crystal red w/black brackets (thanks CadillacTech)
• ordered the Corsa exhaust and Volant CAI through my local performance shop (oddly, the cost was almost the same in Canada as the USA - something we rarely see!)

I'll install the Red Top this weekend but the other items are a few weeks away (plus I'll need good weather to make the run down to MTRocket's shop)

almost feels like Christmas

Your Crystal Red calipers are on their way to MT, they should arrive on Friday Feb. 1...ENJOY!

 

[mtrocket]

Your Crystal Red calipers are on their way to MT, they should arrive on Friday Feb. 1...ENJOY!

Thanks Bruce... I'll be on the lookout for them!!!

 

[CanadianViking]

Thanks Bruce... I'll be on the lookout for them!!!

those crystal red's are going to look terrible on your Infrared XLR, good thing I know of a Thunder Gray that they'll look great on!

 

[Phrede]

The lens melting is probably linked to runtime as much as anything. Vehicles with low mileage or those being driven short distances may never have the lamps on long enough to generate the heat necessary to melt the lenses. We have taken ours cross country and put as much as 10 -12 hours of almost continuous running on the lamps. Since mine was a 2006 I ignored the warnings for the 2004 and 2005's melting, because I though the problem was fixed for the 2006 model and I wouldn't have the problem. I wouldn't take the chance again with headlamps priced at around $1,000 each!

Maybe it has to do with the wind resistance heat generated by your re-entry type speeds?

 

[05 GRAND DADDY]

Maybe it has to do with the wind resistance heat generated by your re-entry type speeds?

I got both of my on 05 Roxy changed out for brand new ones for 500$ at my local Cadillac Dealer. They did tell me they are grand each and 500$ to install but they also said they investigated the cracking, yellowing matter and it was confirmed as crazing from the yellow colored bulbs and not heat from melting. Mine are equipped now with the new unit and will not happen again. They did this at this great price to gain me as customer as I had just bought her!

 

[mtrocket]

those crystal red's are going to look terrible on your Infrared XLR, good thing I know of a Thunder Gray that they'll look great on!

I won't know for sure until they arrive, but guess if I don't like them, I can always find someone??? who can use them...

 

[BusaMan]

"Left Over" Caliper Set

I won't know for sure until they arrive, but guess if I don't like them, I can always find someone??? who can use them...

Methinks they may look better on a Light Platinum car, perchance...



Tim

 

[Crimson Pearl]

Methinks they may look better on a Light Platinum car, perchance...



Tim

Yes, that Crimson Pearl / Gray combo looks good. In fact, that Crimson Pearl looks sooo good, let's paint the whole car Crimson Pearl and do the calipers in gray.

Yes, that sounds like an attractive combo, let's try that!



Oh wait a minute.......that's the way mine came from the factory!

 

[CanadianViking]

got the call from the local performance shop, the corsa and volant are in! going to call tomorrow and book an appointment to get them installed!

 

[CanadianViking]

shop got me in today, corsa and volant installed and I can't believe the difference! the sound of the corsa is incredible.

Now I just need the weather to hold so I can get down to Montana to see MTRocket!

 

[05 GRAND DADDY]

Hope you do very much enjoy your Corsa exhaust! my Roxy came with it when I bought her and damn glad it did! I just love mellow when cruzin and crackin when get on it!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Thanks Dan

 

[CanadianViking]

another good day for the XLR, today was window tinting day. I went with a 28% tint and it looks awesome, really happy with the outcome.

Need to get down to Montana to see Rod and get some more work done, then the forgeline wheels in a few weeks!

 

[mtrocket]

another good day for the XLR, today was window tinting day. I went with a 28% tint and it looks awesome, really happy with the outcome.

Need to get down to Montana to see Rod and get some more work done, then the forgeline wheels in a few weeks!

Problem is, I'm not realty sure as to when I'm going to have an area to do the work in? Still at the burn center in Colorado. I'll probably end here until mid-march or so. I will keep you posted!!

 

[Lola's Mom]

Problem is, I'm not realty sure as to when I'm going to have an area to do the work in? Still at the burn center in Colorado. I'll probably end here until mid-march or so. I will keep you posted!!

Hey, Rod ... you know the old saying "you can't keep a good man down?" .... well .... must have been you that was written for. Welcome back, my friend .

 

[rbweddle]

Okay, guys and gals, pardon my stupidity but what are DRL's? My 05 with 29,000 miles shows no signs of melting. My problem is that I don't like the head light bulbs themselves. There is a black void in the center of the beam. Is this normal? What type of bulb can I use for better visibility? Bruce

 

[cubby558]

DRL's are the amber, daytime running lights. Your headlamps are HID and must be replaced with HID lamps (High Intensity Discharge) and are operated with a corresponding ballast to boost the voltage to 'start' the arc tube inside the lamp. They may just need to be adjusted. There are insructions on this in the service manuals, don't know if they are in the owners manual. Or take it to your dealer or a good body shop and see if they will adjust them for you.

Okay, guys and gals, pardon my stupidity but what are DRL's? My 05 with 29,000 miles shows no signs of melting. My problem is that I don't like the head light bulbs themselves. There is a black void in the center of the beam. Is this normal? What type of bulb can I use for better visibility? Bruce

 

[monepit]

Tell me about the corsa's. I'm thinking Trixie needs them. How much are they and what do they sound like. The new boat has got all the toys lately. I'm thinking its trixie's turn.