traction control CADILLAC CTS 2009 2.G Owners Manual

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
v

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel...................3-6
Power Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering
Column......................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-9
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Rainsense™ Wipers......................................3-10
Windshield Washer.......................................3-12
Headlamp Washer........................................3-13
Cruise Control..............................................3-14
Headlamps..................................................3-17
Wiper Activated Headlamps............................3-17
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-17
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-18
Adaptive Forward Lighting System...................3-19
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-19
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver........................3-20
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-20
Entry Lighting...............................................3-20
Parade Dimming...........................................3-20
Reading Lamps............................................3-21
Electric Power Management...........................3-21Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-22
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-22
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-23
Analog Clock...............................................3-23
Climate Controls............................................3-24
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-24
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-29
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-29
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-30
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-31
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-33
Trip Odometers............................................3-33
Tachometer.................................................3-34
Engine Speed Limiter....................................3-34
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-35
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-36
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-37
Charging System Light..................................3-38
Up-Shift Light...............................................3-38
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-39
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....3-40
StabiliTrak
®/Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light...........................................3-41
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-41
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-42
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-42
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-29.
B.Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-50.
C.Instrument Panel Brightness on page 3-20.
D.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
E.Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-31.
F.Windshield Wipers on page 3-9.
G. Navigation Button (If Equipped). See Navigation
System Manual.
H.Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6.
Magnetic Ride Control™ on page 4-8
(CTS-V Model Only).
I.Analog Clock on page 3-23.
J.Passenger Sensing System on page 1-67.
K.Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
L. Navigation Display Brightness Control (If Equipped).
See Navigation System Manual.
M.Audio System(s) on page 3-85(Base Audio System)
orNavigation/Radio System on page 3-113
(If Equipped).
N.Parking Brake on page 2-42.O.Hood Release on page 5-12.
P.Cruise Control on page 3-14. Traction Control
System (TCS) Disable Button (CTS-V Model Only).
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6.
Q. Tap Shift Controls (CTS-V Model Only). See
Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-36.
R.Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel on page 3-6or
Power Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering Column
on page 3-7.
S.Horn on page 3-6.
T.Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-126.
U.Heated and Ventilated Seats on page 1-7.
V.Dual Climate Control System on page 3-24.
W.Electric Parking Brake on page 2-44.
X. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-36orManual Transmission Operation
on page 2-40.
Y.Instrument Panel Storage on page 2-65.Accessory
Power Outlet(s) on page 3-22.
Z.Glove Box on page 2-64.
3-5

Cruise Control
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you cannot
drive safely at a steady speed. So, do not use the
cruise control on winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads.
On such roads, fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on slippery roads.
With cruise control, a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h)
or more can be maintained without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. Cruise control does not work
at speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h).
When the brakes are applied, the cruise control
turns off.
If the vehicle has the StabiliTrak
®system and begins
to limit wheel spin while you are using cruise control,
the cruise control will automatically disengage.
SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, the cruise
control can be turned back on.The cruise control buttons
are located on the left side
of the steering wheel.
I(On/Off):Press to turn the system on or off.
The indicator light on the button turns on when cruise
control is on.
+ RES (Resume/Accelerate):Press to make the
vehicle accelerate or resume to a previously set speed.
SET−(Set/Coast):Press to set the speed or make
the vehicle decelerate.
[(Cancel):Press to cancel cruise control without
erasing the set speed from memory.CTS Shown, CTS-V
Similar
3-14

StabiliTrak®/Traction Control
System (TCS) Warning Light
The Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
warning light should
come on briey when
the engine is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the
indicator light then goes off.
If the light comes on or stays on while driving, there
may be a problem with the TCS/StabiliTrak and the
vehicle may need service. When this warning light is on,
the system does not limit wheel spin. Adjust driving
accordingly.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6and
StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6for more information.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
The engine coolant
temperature warning light
comes on briey when
the engine is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the
indicator light then goes off.
If the light comes on and stays on while driving, the
vehicle may have a problem with the cooling system.
Stop the vehicle and turn off the engine as soon
as possible to avoid damage to the engine. A warning
chime sounds when this light is on.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-37for more
information.
3-41

Service Theft Deterrent System
This message displays when there is a problem with the
theft-deterrent system programmed in the key. A fault
has been detected in the system which means that
the system is disabled and it is not protecting the
vehicle. The vehicle usually restarts; however, you may
want to take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer before
turning off the engine. SeeImmobilizer Operation
(Key Access) on page 2-28orImmobilizer Operation
(Keyless Access) on page 2-29for more information.
Service Tire Monitor System
This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also ashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-42. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-73for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
Service Traction Control
This message displays when there is a problem with the
Traction Control System (TCS). The TCS/StabiliTrak
warning light on the instrument panel cluster also comes
on. When this message displays, the system will notlimit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
See your dealer/retailer for service. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-6for more
information.
Service Transmission
This message displays when there is a problem with the
vehicle’s transmission. Have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer.
Service Vehicle Soon
This message displays when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
Shift To Park (Automatic
Transmission Only)
If the vehicle has the keyless access system, this
message displays if the vehicle is not in P (Park) while
the engine is being turned off. The vehicle will be in
ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the shift lever is moved
to P (Park), the ignition needs to be turned off. If the
ignition is not turned off, the vehicle will remain in
ACC/ACCESSORY. To avoid draining the battery,
turn the ignition to off before leaving the vehicle.
3-69

Speed Limited To XXX MPH (km/h)
This message displays when the vehicle speed is limited
to 80 mph (128 km/h) because the vehicle detects a
problem in the speed variable assist steering, magnetic
ride control, or automatic leveling control systems.
Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
Sport Mode
This message displays when the vehicle is in sport
mode. See “Driver Shift Control (DSC)” underAutomatic
Transmission Operation on page 2-36for more
information.
Stabilitrak Competitive Mode
This message displays when the Competitive Driving
mode is selected. When in this mode, the Traction
Control System (TCS) will not be operating and
the TCS/StabiliTrak warning light will turn on. Adjust
your driving accordingly. See “Competitive Driving
Mode” underTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-6for more information.
Stabilitrak Not Ready
This message may display after rst driving the vehicle
and exceeding 19 mph (30 km/h) for 30 seconds.
The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light on the instrument
panel cluster also comes on. The StabiliTrak system is
not functional until the message has turned off. See
StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6for more information.
Stabilitrak Off
This message displays when you turn off StabiliTrak,
or when the stability control has been automatically
disabled. The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light on
the instrument panel cluster also comes on.
To realize the full benets of the stability enhancement
system, you should normally leave StabiliTrak on.
To turn the StabiliTrak system on or off, seeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-6.
There are several conditions that can cause this message
to appear.
One condition is overheating, which could occur if
StabiliTrak activates continuously for an extended
period of time.
The message also displays if the brake system
warning light is on. SeeBrake System Warning Light
on page 3-39.
3-70

Using the Auxiliary Input Jack
The radio system has an auxiliary input jack. It is in the
center console bin. This is not an audio output; do
not plug the headphone set into the front auxiliary
input jack. An external audio device such as an iPod,
laptop computer, MP3 player, etc. can be connected to
the auxiliary input jack for use as another source for
audio listening.
Set up any auxiliary device while the vehicle is stopped.
SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2for more information
on driver distraction.
To use a portable audio player, connect a 3.5 mm
(1/8 inch) cable to the radio’s front auxiliary input jack.
The radio automatically detects the device and “Aux
Input Device” displays. The device begins playing over
the vehicle speakers. If an auxiliary device has
already been connected, press the radio’s AUX or
CD/AUX button.
VOL/
O(Volume/Power):Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to increase or decrease the volume of
the portable player. Use the portable device to make
additional volume adjustments.
FM/AM:Press to listen to the radio when a portable
audio device is playing. The portable audio device
continues playing, until it is stopped.CD or CD/AUX (CD/Auxiliary):Press to play a CD
when a portable audio device is playing. Press again to
start playing audio from the connected portable audio
player. If a portable audio player is not connected,
“No Aux Device” displays.
Using the Radio Controls to Connect
and Control an iPod
An iPod can be controlled by using the radio buttons
and knobs and display the song information on the
radio’s display. To connect and control the iPod using
the radio controls, the vehicle must have a USB port. If it
does, it is located in the center console bin. You will
also need a special iPod connection cable that can be
purchased with the vehicle or may be available after,
from your dealer/retailer. See your dealer/retailer
for more information.
This feature supports the following iPod models:
Fifth generation or later iPod
First or Second generation or later iPod Nano*
* For proper operation, make sure the iPod has the
latest rmware from Apple
®. The iPod rmware
can be updated using the latest iTunes application.
See apple.com/itunes.
3-106

Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle............4-2
Driving for Better Fuel Economy.......................4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunk Driving.................................................4-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-3
Braking.........................................................4-4
Antilock Brake System (ABS)...........................4-4
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-5
StabiliTrak
®System........................................4-6
Traction Control System (TCS).........................4-6
Magnetic Ride Control™..................................4-8
Limited-Slip Rear Axle.....................................4-9
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System.........................4-9
Steering........................................................4-9
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-11
Passing.......................................................4-11
Loss of Control.............................................4-11Competitive Driving.......................................4-13
Driving at Night............................................4-13
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-14
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-15
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-15
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-16
Winter Driving..............................................4-17
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.............................................4-19
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-20
Loading the Vehicle......................................4-20
Towing..........................................................4-26
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-26
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-26
Towing a Trailer (CTS-V)...............................4-27
Towing a Trailer (CTS)..................................4-28
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

Your Driving, the Road, and
the Vehicle
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some
driving tips to get the best fuel economy possible.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.
When road and weather conditions are appropriate,
use cruise control, if equipped.
Always follow posted speed limits or drive more
slowly when conditions require.
Keep vehicle tires properly inated.
Combine several trips into a single trip.
Replace the vehicle’s tires with the same TPC Spec
number molded into the tire’s sidewall near the size.
Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The rst step in driving defensively is to
wear your safety belt — SeeSafety Belts: They Are for
Everyone on page 1-14.
{CAUTION:
Assume that other road users (pedestrians,
bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they
might do and be ready. In addition:
Allow enough following distance between you
and the driver in front of you.
Focus on the task of driving.
Driver distraction can cause collisions resulting in
injury or possible death. These simple defensive
driving techniques could save your life.
4-2