traction control CADILLAC SRX 2008 1.G Owners Manual

The transmission will only allow you to shift into
gears appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM). The transmission will not
automatically shift to the next higher gear if the engine
RPM is too high.
If shifting is prevented for any reason, the currently
selected gear will ash multiple times, indicating that
the transmission has not shifted gears.
While in the DSC mode, the transmission will
automatically downshift when the vehicle comes to a stop
and while quickly applying the accelerator to increase
speed. This will allow for more power during take-off.
When accelerating your vehicle from a stop in snowy and
icy conditions, you may want to shift into second gear.
A higher gear ratio allows you to gain more traction on
slippery surfaces.Tow/Haul Mode
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Tow/Haul mode.
The button is located on instrument panel under the
climate controls. You should use this feature to assist
when towing or hauling a heavy load.
2-33

Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-31
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-32
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-33
Tachometer.................................................3-33
Engine Speed Limiter....................................3-33
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-33
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-34
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-35
Charging System Light..................................3-37
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-38
Antilock Brake System Warning Light...............3-39
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light......3-39
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-40
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-40
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-41
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-42
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-44
Security Light...............................................3-45
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-45
Lights On Reminder......................................3-46
Cruise Control Light......................................3-46Highbeam On Light.......................................3-46
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-46
Fuel Gage...................................................3-47
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-47
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-48
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-53
DIC Vehicle Customization.............................3-62
Audio System(s).............................................3-70
Setting the Time...........................................3-71
Radio(s) (MP3).............................................3-75
Using an MP3..............................................3-84
XM Radio Messages.....................................3-89
Navigation/Radio System..............................
.3-90
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System...........3-90
Rear Seat Audio (RSA).................................3-90
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-92
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-92
Radio Reception...........................................3-93
Rear Side Window Antenna...........................3-94
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.............3-94
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-29.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
C. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-32.
D. Windshield Wiper Lever. SeeWindshield Wipers on
page 3-9.
E. Analog Clock. SeeAnalog Clock on page 3-22.
F. Driver Information Center Controls (DIC). SeeDIC
Operation and Displays on page 3-48.
G. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
Parking Brake Release. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-34.
H. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-19.
I. Cruise Control Buttons. SeeCruise Control on
page 3-12.
J. Tilt Wheel Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on page 3-6.K. Adjustable Pedal Button (If Equipped). See
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal on page 2-28.
L. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
M. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. SeeAudio Steering
Wheel Controls on page 3-92.
N. Ashtray (If Equipped). SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette
Lighter on page 3-21.
O. Traction Control Button. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-5.
P. Tow/Haul Selector Button (If Equipped).
SeeTow/Haul Mode on page 2-33.
Q. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
R. Dual Climate Control System. SeeDual Climate
Control System on page 3-23.
S. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-70.
T. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-57.
3-5

Headlamp Washer
Your vehicle may have headlamp washers. The
headlamp washers clear debris from the headlamp
lenses.
The headlamp washers are located to the inside of the
headlamps.
To wash the headlamps, press the washer button
located at the end of the windshield wiper lever.
Both the headlamps and the windshield will be washed.
After the rst wash, the headlamps will be washed
after the fth press of the windshield washer button.The headlamps must be on to be washed. If the
headlamps are off, only the windshield will be washed
when the washer button is pressed. If the washer uid
is low, the headlamp washers will not work.
SeeWindshield Washer on page 3-10for additional
information.
Cruise Control
{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.
Cruise control enables your vehicle to maintain a speed
of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more while your foot is
off the accelerator. Cruise control does not work
at speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h).
3-12

Antilock Brake System
Warning Light
For vehicles with
the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), this
light will come on briey
when you start the engine.
That is normal. If the light does not come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off, if the light
comes on when you are driving, stop as soon as it is
safely possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the
engine again to reset the system. If the ABS light still
stays on, or comes on again while you are driving,
your vehicle needs service. If the regular brake system
warning light is not on, you still have brakes, but you do
not have antilock brakes. If the regular brake system
warning light is also on, you do not have antilock brakes
and there is a problem with your regular brakes.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-38
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC),
seeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-53for all
brake related DIC messages.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
Your vehicle has a
traction control system
warning light.
This light will come on when your traction control
system is limiting wheel spin. You may feel or hear
the system working, but this is normal.
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 4-5
for more information.
3-39

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

TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message displays when the fuel cap has not been
fully tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to ensure that it
is on and tightened properly.
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
This message displays when the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS) is re-learning the tire positions on your
vehicle. The tire positions must be re-learned after
rotating the tires or after replacing a tire or sensor.
SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 5-66,
Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-61, and
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-59for more
information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the Traction Control
System (TCS) is turned off. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-5for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL ON
This message displays when the Traction Control
System (TCS) is turned on. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-5for more information.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE
This message displays when the transmission uid in
your vehicle is too hot. Stop the vehicle and allow
it to idle until the transmission cools down or until
this message is removed.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays as a reminder to turn off the
turn signal if you drive your vehicle for more than about
1 mile (1.6 km) with a turn signal on. A multiple chime
sounds when this message is displayed.
WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID
This symbol appears with
this message.
This message displays when your vehicle is low on
windshield washer uid. Rell the windshield washer
uid reservoir as soon as possible. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-34for more information.
3-61

Check XM Receivr:If this message does not clear
within a short period of time, the receiver could have
a fault. Consult with your dealer/retailer.
XM Not Available:If this message does not clear
within a short period of time, the receiver could have
a fault. Consult with your dealer/retailer.
Navigation/Radio System
Your vehicle may have a navigation radio system.
The navigation system has built-in features intended to
minimize driver distraction. Technology alone, no matter
how advanced, can never replace your own judgment.
See the Navigation System manual for some tips to help
you reduce distractions while driving.
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE)
System
If your vehicle has a navigation radio system, it could
have the Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system.
For more information on how to use the RSE system,
see “Rear Seat Entertainment System” in the Navigation
System manual.
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)
This feature lets rear seat passengers listen to and
control any of the music sources: radio, CDs, DVDs,
or other auxiliary sources. However, the rear seat
passengers can only control the music sources the front
seat passengers are not listening to (except on some
radios where dual control is allowed). For example, rear
seat passengers can control a CD and listen to it through
the headphones, while the driver listens to the radio
through the front speakers. The rear seat passengers
have control of the volume for each set of headphones.
You can operate the Rear Seat Audio (RSA) functions
even when the main radio is off. The front audio system
will display the headphone icon when the RSA is on,
and will disappear from the display when it is off.
Audio can be heard through wired headphones
(not included) plugged into the jacks on the RSA.
If your vehicle has this feature, audio can also be
heard on Channel 2 of the wireless headphones.
Depending on the audio system, the rear speakers can
continue to play even when the RSA audio is active
through the headphones.
To listen to an iPod or portable audio device through
the RSA, attach the iPod or portable audio device to the
front auxiliary input (if available), located on the front
audio system. Turn the iPod on, then choose the
front auxiliary input with the RSA SRCE button.
3-90

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

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