4-9 CADILLAC DTS 2006 1.G Owners Manual

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-50.
B. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-71.
C. Exterior Lamp Controls. SeeExterior Lamps on
page 3-30.
D. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-56.
E. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
F. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. SeeAudio Steering
Wheel Controls on page 3-122.
G. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transaxle Operation on
page 2-26.
H. Traction Control System Button (Column-Shift
Vehicles). SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-9.
I. Ultrasonic Front and Rear Parking Assist and
Adaptive Cruise Control Display (if equipped). See
Ultrasonic Front and Rear Parking Assist (UFRPA)
on page 3-38andAdaptive Cruise Control on
page 3-19.J. Analog Clock. SeeAnalog Clock on page 3-44.
K. Hazard Warning Flashers Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
L. Radio. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-97.
M. Trunk Release Button. SeeTrunk on page 2-13.
N. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-36.
O. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-8.
P. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
Q. Parking Brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-30.
R. Heated Steering Wheel Button (If Equipped).
SeeHeated Steering Wheel on page 3-7.
S. Cruise Control or Adaptive Cruise Control. See
Cruise Control on page 3-16orAdaptive Cruise
Control on page 3-19.
T. Climate Controls. SeeDual Climate Control System
on page 3-44.
U. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-49.
3-5

Cruise Control
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of
approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or more without
keeping your foot on the accelerator. This is helpful on
long trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds
below about 25 mph (40 km/h). When cruise control
is on, you will see a cruise light on the instrument
panel cluster.
When you apply your brakes, the cruise control
shuts off.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you
cannot drive safely at a steady speed. So, do
not use your 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.If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-9. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
turn the cruise control back on.
Setting Cruise Control
{CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control on when you
are not using cruise, you might hit a button
and go into cruise when you do not want to.
You could be startled and even lose control.
Keep the cruise control switch off until you
want to use cruise control.
3-16

To set Adaptive Cruise Control, do the following:
1. Press the
](On) button.
2. Get up to the speed you want.
3. Press in the−SET button and release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Once Adaptive Cruise Control is set, it may immediately
apply the brakes if it detects a vehicle ahead is too
close or moving slower than your vehicle.
The on symbol is located on the display at the top of
the instrument panel to the right of the driver. When
the on symbol is lit on the display, it indicates that
Adaptive Cruise Control is active.
A message on the DIC will also display when Adaptive
Cruise Control is set. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-76.
Keep in mind speed limits, surrounding traffic speeds,
and weather conditions when adjusting your set speed.
If your vehicle is in Adaptive Cruise Control when the
traction control system begins to limit wheel spin, the
Adaptive Cruise Control will automatically disengage.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-9and
StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-10. When road conditions
allow you to safely use it again, you may turn the
Adaptive Cruise Control back on.
Increasing Set Speed While Using Adaptive
Cruise Control
There are two ways to increase the set speed:
Use the accelerator to get to the higher speed.
Press the SET button and then release the
button and the accelerator pedal. You will now
cruise at the higher speed.
Press the RES button. Hold it there until the desired
set speed is displayed on the Driver Information
Center (DIC), then release the switch. To increase
your set speed in very small amounts, move the
switch briey to RES. Each time you do this,
your vehicle set speed will increase by
1 mph (1 km/h).
Your vehicle will not reach the set speed until the
system determines there is not a vehicle in front of you.
At that point, your vehicle speed will increase to the
set speed.
3-23

Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
The traction control system
warning light should come
on briey when the
engine is started.
If the warning light does not come on then, have it xed
so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem. If
it stays on, or comes on when you are driving, there may
be a problem with your traction control system and
your vehicle may need service. When this warning light
is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust
your driving accordingly.
If the traction control system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when the
system is turned on, your vehicle needs service.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-9for
more information.
StabiliTrak®Indicator Light
For vehicles equipped with
the StabiliTrak®system,
this warning light should
come on briey when the
engine is started.
If the warning light does not come on then, have it xed
so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem. If
it stays on, or comes on when you are driving, there may
be a problem with your StabiliTrak
®system and your
vehicle may need service. When this warning light is
on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
If the StabiliTrak
®system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when the
system is turned on, your vehicle needs service.
SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-10for more
information.
3-64

SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL
This message will display when there is a problem with
the Traction Control System (TCS). When this message
is displayed, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust
your driving accordingly. See your GM dealer for service.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-9for more
information.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message will display when there is a problem with
the vehicle’s transaxle. Have your vehicle serviced
by your GM dealer.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message will display when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have your vehicle serviced by
your GM dealer as soon as possible.
SET SPD (Speed)
If your vehicle has Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), this
message will display whenever the cruise control is set.
First, the “CRUISE SET TO XXX MPH (km/h)” message
will appear. After a few seconds, the “CRUISE SET TO
XXX MPH (km/h)” message will clear and the message
“SET SPD XX” will display at the bottom of the DIC. See
“CRUISE SET TO XXX MPH (km/h)” earlier in this
section andAdaptive Cruise Control on page 3-19for
more information.
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX MPH (km/h)
This message will display when your 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 your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.
STABILITRAK NOT READY
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message
may display and the Traction Control System and
StabiliTrak
®Warning Light on the instrument panel
cluster may be on after rst driving the vehicle
and exceeding 19 mph (30 km/h) for 30 seconds. The
StabiliTrak
®system is not functional until the light
has turned off. SeeStabiliTrak®System on page 4-10
for more information.
STARTING DISABLED SERVICE
THROTTLE
This message will display when your vehicle’s throttle
system is not functioning properly. Have your vehicle
serviced by your GM dealer.
3-86

THEFT ATTEMPTED
This symbol appears with
this message.
This message will display if the content theft-deterrent
system has detected a break-in attempt while you
were away from your vehicle. SeeContent
Theft-Deterrent on page 2-19for more information.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message will display when the gas cap has not
been fully tightened. Recheck the gas cap to ensure that
it is on and tightened properly.
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
If your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
system, this message will display when the system is
re-learning the tire positions on your vehicle. See
Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-59. The tire
positions must be re-learned after rotating the tires
or after replacing a tire or sensor. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 5-63andInation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-56for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message will display when the traction control
system is turned off. Adjust your driving accordingly.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-9
for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL ON
This message will display when the Traction Control
System (TCS) is turned on. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-9for more information.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE
This message will display when the transaxle uid in
your vehicle is too hot. Stop the vehicle and allow it to
idle until the transaxle cools down or until this
message is removed.
3-87

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunken Driving.............................................4-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-5
Braking.........................................................4-6
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).........................4-7
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-8
Traction Control System (TCS).........................4-9
Magnetic Ride Control...................................4-10
StabiliTrak
®System......................................4-10
Panic Brake Assist........................................4-11
Steering......................................................4-11
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-13
Passing.......................................................4-14
Loss of Control.............................................4-15
Driving at Night............................................4-17Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-18
City Driving..................................................4-21
Freeway Driving...........................................4-22
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-23
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-24
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-24
Winter Driving..............................................4-26
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.............................................4-30
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-31
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-31
Towing..........................................................4-37
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-37
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-37
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-38
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

Statistics show that the chance of being in a collision
increases sharply for drivers who have a BAC of
0.05 percent or above. A driver with a BAC level of
0.06 percent has doubled his or her chance of having a
collision. At a BAC level of 0.10 percent, the chance
of this driver having a collision is 12 times greater; at a
level of 0.15 percent, the chance is 25 times greater!
The body takes about an hour to rid itself of the alcohol
in one drink. No amount of coffee or number of cold
showers will speed that up. “I will be careful” is not the
right answer. What if there is an emergency, a need to
take sudden action, as when a child darts into the street?
A person with even a moderate BAC might not be able to
react quickly enough to avoid the collision.
There is something else about drinking and driving that
many people do not know. Medical research shows that
alcohol in a person’s system can make crash injuries
worse, especially injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or
heart. This means that when anyone who has been
drinking — driver or passenger — is in a crash, that
person’s chance of being killed or permanently disabled
is higher than if the person had not been drinking.
{CAUTION:
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous.
Your reexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even a small
amount of alcohol. You can have a serious — or
even fatal — collision if you drive after drinking.
Please do not drink and drive or ride with a
driver who has been drinking. Ride home in a
cab; or if you are with a group, designate a
driver who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle
You have three systems that make your vehicle go
where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the
steering, and the accelerator. All three systems have to
do their work at the places where the tires meet the road.
Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or ice, it
is easy to ask more of those control systems than
the tires and road can provide. That means you can lose
control of your vehicle. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-9.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-3.
4-5

Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle has a traction control system that limits
wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road
conditions. The system operates only if it senses that the
front wheels are spinning too much or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, the system works the front
brakes and reduces engine power (by closing the throttle
and managing engine spark) to limit wheel spin.
The traction control system and StabiliTrak
®warning
light will ash when the traction control system is limiting
wheel spin. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light on page 3-64andStabiliTrak
®Indicator
Light on page 3-64for more information. You may feel or
hear the system working, but this is normal.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
re-engage the cruise control. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-16orAdaptive Cruise Control on page 3-19
for more information.The SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL message, the
traction control system warning light and the StabiliTrak
®
warning light will come on to let you know if there is a
problem with the traction control system. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-76.
When this light and the SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL message are on, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The traction control system automatically comes on
whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel
spin, especially in slippery road conditions, you should
always leave the system on. But you can turn the
traction control system off if you ever need to.
You can turn the system on or off at any time by
pressing the traction control system button located on
the console or on the end of the column shifter. The DIC
will display TRACTION CONTROL OFF when you
press the button.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-3for more information.
4-9

Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control
systems — steering and acceleration — have to do
their work where the tires meet the road. Adding
the sudden acceleration can demand too much of those
places. You can lose control. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-9.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on
the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you
want it to go, and slow down.
If you have StabiliTrak
®, the system may be active. See
StabiliTrak®System on page 4-10.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds
are based on good weather and road conditions. Under
less favorable conditions you will want to go slower.
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach
a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front
wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-3.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and nd
a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls
out from nowhere, or a child darts out from between
parked cars and stops right in front of you. You
can avoid these problems by braking — if you can stop
in time. But sometimes you cannot; there is not room.
That is the time for evasive action — steering around
the problem.
Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like
these. First apply your brakes.
SeeBraking on page 4-6. It is better to remove as much
speed as you can from a possible collision. Then
steer around the problem, to the left or right depending
on the space available.
4-12