GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2009 🢒 XLR 🢒 Preface 🢒 Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions 🢒 Folding Top Header Latch Hydraulic Cylinder Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Warning: Refer to Eye Protection Warning in the Preface section.

    Warning: Refer to Folding Top Hydraulic Pressure Warning in the Preface section.

    Warning: Refer to Servicing Electrical Components Warning in the Preface section.

  1. Manually open the folding top so that the folding top panel is resting unlatched on the windshield header. Refer to Folding Top Manual Operation.
  2. Place a protective covering over the interior and the adjacent body panels.
  3. Remove the headliner. Refer to Folding Top Headlining Trim Panel Replacement.

    4. Object Number: 1130554 Size: SH
  4. Remove the C-clip (4) from the latch actuator shaft.
  5. Remove the spring-clip (3) from the cylinder retainer cover.
  6. Remove the cylinder retainer cover (2). Pull the retainer cover down off the mounting pin and slide the cover forward.
  7. Remove the cylinder and actuator arm (1) from the latch.

Disassembly Procedure

    Caution: Refer to Cylinder Hoses Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1247299 Size: SH

    Note: Once the cylinder hose or the port plug has been removed, do NOT move the cylinder rod. This will cause fluid to squirt out of the ports.

  1. Ensure that the ignition switch is in the OFF position and that the folding top has not been operated under power for at least 6 minutes.
  2. Remove the reservoir filler plug (1)

    3. Object Number: 1226132 Size: SH

    Note: Remove the 2 hose connections one at a time. This procedure is repeated later for the second hose.

  3. Using a small flat-bladed tool, release the retainer clip (1) from one of the cylinder hoses.

    4. Object Number: 1226135 Size: SH

    Note: Before disconnecting the cylinder hoses, have the replacement cylinder ready.

  4. Remove the cylinder hose retainer clip (1).

    5. Object Number: 1226139 Size: SH
  5. Remove the cylinder hose (1). Use a clean shop towel to control any hydraulic fluid leakage.

    6. Object Number: 1226143 Size: SH
  6. Remove the cylinder hose O-ring (1).

    7. Note: Replacement cylinders are filled with fluid. Do NOT remove the port plug from the cylinder until you are ready to connect the cylinder hose.

  7. Using a small flat-bladed tool, release one of the port plug retainer clips from the replacement cylinder.
  8. Remove the retainer clips from the replacement cylinder.
  9. Remove the port plug from the replacement cylinder.
  10. Remove the port plug O-ring from the replacement cylinder.

Assembly Procedure

    Object Number: 1226145 Size: SH
  1. Install a new O-ring (1) onto the cylinder hose (2).
  2. Install the hose (2) into the cylinder port (3). Press down on the hose until the hose is fully seated in the cylinder.

    3. Object Number: 1226152 Size: SH
  3. Install anew cylinder hose retainer clip (1). Inspect the retainer clip to ensure that the clip is fully seated around the hose (2).
  4. Repeat this procedure for the other hose.

    5. Object Number: 1247299 Size: SH
  5. Install the reservoir filler plug (1).

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 1130554 Size: SH
  1. Install the cylinder and actuator arm (1) to the latch.
  2. Install the cylinder retainer cover (2).
  3. Install the spring-clip (3) to the cylinder retainer cover.
  4. Install the C-clip (4) to the latch actuator shaft.
  5. Manually close the folding top. Refer to Folding Top Manual Operation.
  6. Bleed the hydraulic system. Refer to Folding Top Hydraulic System Bleeding Procedure.
  7. Inspect the hydraulic system for fluid leaks.
  8. Inspect the fluid level of the hydraulic system and add fluid as needed. Refer to Folding Top Fluid Addition.
  9. Remove the protective covering.
  10. Inspect the folding top for proper operation. Refer to Power Folding Top Description and Operation.
  11. Install the headliner. Refer to Folding Top Headlining Trim Panel Replacement.