My Cadillac XLR says TOP MOTOR OVERTEMP and the roof won't close. What now?

Short answer: On the XLR, a TOP MOTOR OVERTEMP message that stops the roof usually means the hydraulic pump motor (or its temperature sensor) has failed, and the top control module shuts everything down. Owners say the sealed pump is usually rebuilt or replaced as a unit, and a convertible specialist or rebuilt pump costs far less than a dealer.

Symptom: The roof starts its sequence and quits, or won't start at all; a TOP MOTOR OVERTEMP message; code B3670 (pump motor temperature sensor circuit); hydraulic fluid leaking in the trunk area.

What to check first

1. Check the basics: car in Park, trunk closed and the luggage barrier in place, battery strong.
2. Let it cool and try again if it overheated from repeated cycling.
3. Read the body codes. B3670 points to the pump motor temperature circuit.
4. Look for hydraulic fluid around the pump and the cylinders.
5. Get the pump replaced first before buying other parts, since other faults may clear once it works.

Likely causes

1. Failed hydraulic pump motor or its temperature sensor. The sealed pump assembly is usually replaced.
2. Leaking hydraulic cylinders or lines. Owners had cylinders rebuilt.
3. Sensors or latches in the roof sequence. Check after the pump is fixed.

What it usually costs

One owner's Cadillac dealer quoted about $4,656; a convertible shop replaced the pump for about $2,400. Owners said a rebuilt pump costs about $400–$600. Prices are from owner posts.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Yes, the car drives fine. The risk is being stuck with the top down in bad weather, so keep a cover handy.

DIY or shop?

DIY for handy owners. One owner explained the pump lines are labeled to match the manifold, you'll need new O-rings, and you should catch the oil when disconnecting. Otherwise use a convertible specialist.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recalls: NHTSA lists no recall for the folding roof on the Cadillac XLR for these model years (checked 2026-10-23). Other recalls may exist for your car, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• NHTSA complaints: 33 keyword-matched complaints for Cadillac XLR 2004–2009 (of 79 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-23; keywords: convertible top, roof, hydraulic). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In Folding Top Problem — B3670 on XLR-Net, an owner got TOP MOTOR OVERTEMP when raising the top. The dealer quoted about $4,656 for a pump, sensors and a lock. A member explained that the overtemp warning shuts everything down, the sealed motor is usually replaced or refurbished, and the thermistor (temperature sensor) itself can be the culprit. The owner had a convertible shop replace the pump for about $2,400.
• In Retractible top not working/leaking hydraulic pump burned up, an '05 owner got a pump overheat warning and couldn't raise the top. Members pointed to rebuilt pump and control units and said about $500–$600 is a good price; another owner had leaking cylinders rebuilt.

Quick tip

Don't let the dealer replace everything at once. Fix the pump first, then see what's still wrong.

Vehicle focus: 2004–2009 Cadillac XLR and XLR-V with the power retractable hardtop.

Safety / mechanic note

A roof stuck open lets water into the cabin and electronics. Verify with a mechanic.