steering CADILLAC SRX 2008 1.G Owner's Manual

SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
This message displays, while the ignition is on, when
the brake uid level is low. The brake system warning
light on the instrument panel cluster also comes on.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-38for more
information. Have the brake system serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SERVICE PARKING ASSIST
If your vehicle has the Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) system, this message displays if there
is a problem with the URPA system. Do not use
this system to help you park. SeeUltrasonic Rear
Parking Assist (URPA) on page 2-45for more
information. See your dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
Your vehicle may have a speed variable assist steering
system. SeeSteering on page 4-8.
This message displays if a problem is detected with
the speed variable assist steering system. When
this message is displayed, you may notice that the effort
required to steer the vehicle decreases or feels lighter,
but you will still be able to steer the vehicle.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
This message displays if there has been a problem
detected with the StabiliTrak®system.
If this message comes on while you are driving, pull off
the road as soon as possible and stop carefully. Try
resetting the system by turning the ignition off then back
on. If this message still stays on or comes back on again
while you are driving, your vehicle needs service. Have
the StabiliTrak
®system inspected by your dealer/retailer
as soon as possible. SeeStabiliTrak®System on
page 4-7for more information.
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS (System)
This message displays when the magnetic ride
control or automatic leveling control system is not
operating properly. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
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. SeePASS-Key
®III+
Operation on page 2-22for more information.
3-58

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 3-41. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-62for 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). When this message
displays, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust
your driving accordingly. See your dealer/retailer
for service. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-5for more information.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there is a problem with the
vehicle’s transmission. Have your vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX MPH (km/h)
This message displays 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
dealer/retailer.
STABILITRAK NOT READY
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 4-7for
more information.
3-59

While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make
sure that it can be added by checking with your
dealer/retailer. Also, check federal rules covering
mobile radio and telephone units. If sound equipment
can be added, it is very important to do it properly.
Added sound equipment may interfere with the
operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or other
systems, and even damage them. Your vehicle’s
systems may interfere with the operation of sound
equipment that has been added.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system can be played
even after the ignition is turned off. SeeRetained
Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-26for more
information.
Setting the Time
Radio with a Single CD or a Six-Disc
CD Player
Your vehicle equipped with a Bose®sound system, has
an analog clock as well as the digital radio clock. At
the time of new vehicle delivery, the digital radio clock
display should be disabled. If you decide to use the
digital radio clock as well as the analog clock, you can
change the setting to enable the radio clock display.
Enabling/Disabling the Digital Radio
Clock
For the Single CD Player
Turn the radio clock display on or off by following these
steps:
1. Turn the radio on.
2. Press the
H(clock) button until the clock and date
setting menus appear.
3. Press the pushbutton located under the forward
arrow label until the menu for default clock and
date settings appear.
3-71

Finding a Station
BAND:Press to switch between AM, FM, or XM™
(if equipped). The display shows the selection.
a(Tune):Turn to select radio stations.
©SEEK¨:Press the arrows to go to the previous
or to the next station and stay there.
To scan stations, press and hold either arrow for
three seconds until a beep sounds. The radio goes
to a station, plays for a few seconds, then goes to the
next station. Press either arrow again to stop scanning.
The radio only seeks and scan stations with a strong
signal that are in the selected band.
4(Information) (XM™ Satellite Radio Service,
MP3/WMA, and RDS Features):Press to display
additional text information related to the current FM-RDS
or XM™ station (if equipped), or MP3/WMA song.
A choice of additional information such as: Channel,
Song, Artist, CAT (category) can appear. Continue
pressing this button to highlight the desired label,
or press the pushbutton positioned under any one of
the labels and the information about that label displays.
When information is not available, No Info displays.
Storing a Radio Station as a Favorite
Drivers are encouraged to set up their radio station
favorites while the vehicle is stopped. Tune to your
favorite stations using the presets, favorites button,
and steering wheel controls, if your vehicle has
this feature. SeeDefensive Driving on page 4-2.
FAV (Favorites):A maximum of 36 stations can be
programmed as favorites using the six pushbuttons
positioned below the radio station frequency labels and
by using the radio favorites page button (FAV button).
Press the FAV button to go through up to six pages of
favorites, each having six favorite stations available
per page. Each page of favorites can contain any
combination of AM, FM, or XM™ (if equipped) stations.
To store a station as a favorite, perform the following
steps:
1. Tune to the desired radio station.
2. Press the FAV button to display the page where
you want the station stored.
3. Press and hold one of the six pushbuttons until a
beep sounds. When that pushbutton is pressed
and released, the station that was set, returns.
4. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton radio station
you want stored as a favorite.
3-76

When a CD or DVD audio disc is playing, press this
button to go to the beginning of the CD or DVD audio.
This function is inactive, with some radios, if the front
seat passengers are listening to the CD or DVD audio.
When a disc is playing in the CD or DVD changer, press
this button to select the next disc, if multiple discs are
loaded. This function is inactive, with some radios,
if the front seat passengers are listening to the disc.
When a DVD video menu is being displayed, press the
PROG button to perform the menu function, enter.
Theft-Deterrent Feature
THEFTLOCK®is designed to discourage theft of your
vehicle’s radio. The feature works automatically by
learning a portion of the Vehicle Identication Number
(VIN). If the radio is moved to a different vehicle,
it does not operate and LOC, LOCK, or LOCKED
could display.
With THEFTLOCK
®activated, the radio does not
operate if stolen.
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
Your vehicle has audio steering wheel controls, they
could differ depending on your vehicle’s options.
Some audio controls can be adjusted at the steering
wheel. See the following descriptions of the controls that
can adjusted.
SRCE (Source):Press this button to switch between
the radio (AM, FM), XM™ (if equipped) and CD.
yz(Previous/Next):Press the arrows to go to the
previous or the next radio station stored as a favorite.
When a CD is playing, press either arrow to go to
the previous or to the next track.
3-92

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunk Driving.................................................4-2
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-3
Braking.........................................................4-3
Antilock Brake System (ABS)...........................4-4
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-5
Traction Control System (TCS).........................4-5
Magnetic Ride Control.....................................4-6
Limited-Slip Rear Axle.....................................4-7
StabiliTrak
®System........................................4-7
Panic Brake Assist.........................................4-8
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System.........................4-8
Steering........................................................4-8
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-10
Passing.......................................................4-10
Loss of Control.............................................4-10Off-Road Driving...........................................4-12
Driving at Night............................................4-25
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-26
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-27
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-27
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-28
Winter Driving..............................................4-29
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice,
or Snow...................................................4-32
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-33
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-33
Towing..........................................................4-39
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-39
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-39
Level Control...............................................4-40
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-41
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

For persons under 21, it is against the law in every
U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical,
psychological, and developmental reasons for
these laws.
The obvious way to eliminate the leading highway
safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol
and then drive.
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.
Control of a Vehicle
The following three systems help to control your vehicle
while driving — brakes, steering, and accelerator. At
times, as when driving on snow or ice, it is easy to ask
more of those control systems than the tires and road can
provide. Meaning, you can lose control of your vehicle.
SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-7.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-38.
Braking action involves perception time and reaction
time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake
pedal. That is perception time. Then you have to bring
up your foot and do it. That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
your vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement or
gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry, or
icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weight of
the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic.
This is a mistake. The brakes might not have time
to cool between hard stops. The brakes will wear
out much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking.
4-3

Remember: ABS does not change the time you need to
get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, you will not have time to apply the brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though you
have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down
rmly and let antilock work for you. You might feel the
brakes vibrate or notice some noise, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time. In
many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle has a traction control system that limits
wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. On a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, the
system operates if it senses that one or both of the rear
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction.On an All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) vehicle, the system will
operate if it senses that any of the wheels are spinning
or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system brakes the spinning wheel(s) and/or reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this
is normal.
The TCS warning light will also ash to indicate that
the traction control system is active.
This warning light will come
on to let you know if there is
a problem with your traction
control system.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) Warning Light on
page 3-39. When this warning light is on, the system will
not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The TCS 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.
4-5

Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Your vehicle may have this feature. A limited-slip rear
axle can give you additional traction on snow, mud, ice,
sand or gravel. It works like a standard axle most of
the time, but when one of the rear wheels has no
traction and the other does, this feature will allow the
wheel with traction to move the vehicle.
StabiliTrak®System
Your vehicle is equipped with a vehicle stability
enhancement system called StabiliTrak®.Itisan
advanced computer controlled system that assists
you with directional control of the vehicle in difficult
driving conditions.
StabiliTrak
®activates when the computer senses a
discrepancy between your intended path and the
direction the vehicle is actually traveling. StabiliTrak
®
selectively applies braking pressure at any one of
the vehicle’s brakes to help steer the vehicle in the
direction which you are steering.
When the stability control system activates, the
traction control system and StabiliTrak
®light will
ash on the instrument panel cluster. This also
occurs when traction control is activated.You may also hear a noise or feel vibration in the brake
pedal. This is normal. Continue to steer the vehicle in the
direction you want it to go.
If there is a problem detected with StabiliTrak
®,a
SERVICE STABILITRAK message will be displayed on
the Driver Information Center. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-53. When this message is
displayed, the system is not operational. Driving should
be adjusted accordingly.
StabiliTrak
®comes on automatically whenever you start
your vehicle. To help assist you with directional control of
the vehicle, you should always leave the system on. You
can turn StabiliTrak
®off if you ever need to through the
TC (traction control) on/off button. A STABILITRAK OFF
message will appear in the DIC when it has been turned
off. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-5.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the StabiliTrak
®
activates, the cruise control will automatically
disengage. When road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, you may reengage the cruise control. See
Cruise Control on page 3-12for more information.
4-7

Panic Brake Assist
Your vehicle has a panic brake assist system that
monitors the intention of the driver while braking. If the
system senses that the driver has applied hard/fast
pressure to the brake pedal, the system will generate
additional pressure, making it easier for the driver to
maintain brake application. When this happens the brake
pedal will feel easier to push. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let the system work for you. You may feel
the brakes vibrate, or you may notice some noise but this
is normal. The brakes will return to normal operation after
the brake pedal has been released.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
If your vehicle has this feature, engine power is sent to
all four wheels all the time. This is like four-wheel
drive, but it is fully automatic.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer
but it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject
to the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you
turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia will
keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you
have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you will
understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of the tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you
are in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.
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. SeeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-7.
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.
4-8