CADILLAC SRX 2014 Owner's Manual
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Black plate (81,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6081464) - 2014 - CRC - 10/4/13
Vehicle Care 10-81
Your vehicle is equipped with a
remote positive (+) terminal (1) and
a remote negative (−) terminal (2).
The remote positive (+) terminal is
located in the engine compartment
on the driver side of the vehicle,
above the rear of the battery. The
remote negative (−) terminal is a
stud located in the engine
compartment on the driver side of
the vehicle, on the front tie bar. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 10-5.
To uncover the remote positive (+)
terminal, lift open the access panel
on the battery cover indicated by
the (+) sign.
1. Check the other vehicle. It musthave a 12-volt battery with a
negative ground system.
{Caution
If the other vehicle does not have
a 12-volt system with a negative
ground, both vehicles can be
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
damaged. Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach,
but be sure the vehicles are not
touching each other. If they are,
it could cause a ground
connection you do not want. You
would not be able to start your
vehicle, and the bad grounding
could damage the electrical
systems.
To avoid the possibility of the
vehicles rolling, set the parking
brake firmly on both vehicles
involved in the jump start
procedure. Put the transmission
in P (Park) before setting the
parking brake.
{Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump
starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn
off or unplug all accessories on
either vehicle when jump starting.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug unnecessary
accessories plugged into the
cigarette lighter or the accessory
power outlet. Turn off the radio
and all lamps that are not
needed. This will avoid sparks,
helping save both batteries and
the radio.
4. Open the hood on the other vehicle and locate the
positive (+) and negative (−)
terminal locations on that
vehicle.
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Black plate (82,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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10-82 Vehicle Care
Open the hood on your vehicle
and find the remote positive (+)
and remote negative (−) jump
starting terminals.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using an open flame near a
battery can cause battery gas to
explode. People have been hurt
doing this, and some have been
blinded. Use a flashlight if you
need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough
water. You do not need to add
water to the battery installed in(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
your new vehicle. But if a battery
has filler caps, be sure the right
amount of fluid is there. If it is low,
add water to take care of that
first. If you do not, explosive gas
could be present.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine
parts can injure you badly. Keep
your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running. 5. Check that the jumper cables do
not have loose or missing
insulation. If they do, you could
get a shock. The vehicles could
also be damaged.
Before you connect the cables,
here are some basic things you
should know. Positive (+) will go
to positive (+) or to a remote
positive (+) terminal if the vehicle
has one. Negative (−) will go to a
heavy, unpainted metal engine
part or to a remote negative (−)
terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not connect positive (+) to
negative (−) or you will get a
short that would damage the
battery and maybe other parts.
Do not connect the negative (−)
cable to the negative (−) terminal
on the dead battery because this
can cause sparks.
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Black plate (83,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 10-83
6. Connect the red positive (+)cable to the positive (+) terminal
on the vehicle with the dead
battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if the vehicle
has one.
7. Do not let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the
positive (+) terminal of the good
battery. Use a remote
positive (+) terminal if the vehicle
has one.
8. Now connect the black negative (−) cable to the
negative (−) terminal of the good
battery. Use a remote
negative (−) terminal if the
vehicle has one.
Do not let the other end touch
anything until the next step. The
other end of the negative (−)
cable does not go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part or
to a remote negative (−) terminal
on the vehicle with the dead
battery.
9. Connect the other end of the negative (−) cable away from the
dead battery, but not near
engine parts that move. The
electrical connection is just as
good there, and the chance of
sparks getting back to the
battery is much less.
Your vehicle has a remote (−)
terminal for this purpose.
10. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run the
engine for a while.
11. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not
start after a few tries, it
probably needs service.{Caution
If the jumper cables are
connected or removed in the
wrong order, electrical shorting
may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always connect and remove the
jumper cables in the correct order,
making sure that the cables do
not touch each other or other
metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
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Black plate (84,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6081464) - 2014 - CRC - 10/4/13
10-84 Vehicle Care
Towing the Vehicle
{Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not lash
or hook to the chassis
components—including the front
and rear subframes, suspension
control arms, and links —during
towing and recovery of a disabled
vehicle, or when securing the
vehicle. Use the proper nylon
strap harnesses around the tires
to secure the vehicle.
Have the vehicle towed on a flatbed
car carrier. A wheel lift tow truck
could damage the vehicle.
Consult your dealer or a
professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed. To tow the vehicle behind another
vehicle for recreational purposes,
such as behind a motor home, see
“Recreational Vehicle Towing”
following.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle, such as behind a motor
home. The two most common types
of recreational vehicle towing are
known as dinghy towing and dolly
towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the
vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on a
device known as a dolly.
Here are some important things to
consider before recreational vehicle
towing:
.The towing capacity of the
towing vehicle. Be sure to read
the tow vehicle manufacturer's
recommendations.
.How far the vehicle will be
towed. Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.
.The proper towing equipment.
See your dealer or trailering
professional for additional advice
and equipment
recommendations.
.If the vehicle is ready to be
towed. Just as preparing the
vehicle for a long trip, make sure
the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Dinghy Towing
Front-wheel-drive and
all-wheel-drive vehicles may be
dinghy towed from the front. These
vehicles can also be towed by
placing them on a platform trailer
with all four wheels off of the
ground. For other towing options,
see the information on dolly towing
that follows.
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Vehicle Care 10-85
{Caution
If 105 km/h (65 mph) is exceeded
while towing the vehicle, it could
be damaged. Never exceed
105 km/h (65 mph) while towing
the vehicle.
For vehicles being dinghy towed,
the vehicle should be run at the
beginning of each day and at each
RV fuel stop for about five minutes.
This will ensure proper lubrication of
transmission components.
To tow the vehicle from the front
with all four wheels on the ground:
1. Position the vehicle that will be towed and secure it to the
towing vehicle.
2. Remove the shift lever boot bypulling up on the rear of the trim
plate.
3. Use a small screwdriver or toolto press and hold the manual
release button on the front right.
4. Put the vehicle in N (Neutral).
{Caution
If the vehicle is towed without
performing each of the steps
listed under “Dinghy Towing,” the
automatic transmission could be
damaged. Be sure to follow all
steps of the dinghy towing
procedure prior to and after
towing the vehicle.
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Black plate (86,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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10-86 Vehicle Care
Once the destination has been
reached:
1. Shift the vehicle to P (Park).
2. Reinstall the shift lever boot byinserting the front edge and
pressing the rear of the trim
plate until it snaps into place.
3. Start the engine and let it idle for more than three minutes before
driving the vehicle.
{Caution
Too much or too little fluid can
damage the transmission. Be
sure that the transmission fluid is
at the proper level before towing
with all four wheels on the
ground.
{Caution
Do not tow a vehicle with the front
drive wheels on the ground if one
of the front tires is a compact
spare tire. Towing with two
different tire sizes on the front of
the vehicle can cause severe
damage to the transmission.
Dolly Towing (All-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles)
All-wheel-drive vehicles should not
be towed with two wheels on the
ground. To properly tow these
vehicles, they should be placed on
a platform trailer with all four wheels
off of the ground or dinghy towed
from the front. See “Dinghy Towing”
earlier in this section.
Dolly Towing
(Front-Wheel-Drive Vehicles)
To tow the vehicle from the front
with the rear wheels on the ground:
1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Move the shift lever to P (Park).
See Shifting Into Park on
page 9-19.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
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Vehicle Care 10-87
5. Follow the dolly manufacturer'sinstructions for preparing the
vehicle and dolly for towing.
6. Release the parking brake.
Towing the Vehicle from
the Rear
{Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear
could damage it. Also, repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Never have the
vehicle towed from the rear.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-13.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
{Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning (Continued)
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10-88 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
products can be obtained from
your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
{Caution
Avoid using high-pressure
washes closer than 30 cm (12 in)
to the surface of the vehicle. Use
of power washers exceeding
8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result
in damage or removal of paint
and decals.
The
esymbol is on any
underhood compartment electrical
center that should not be power washed. This could cause damage
that would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
If using an automatic car wash,
follow the car wash instructions. The
windshield wiper and rear window
wiper, if equipped, must be off.
Remove any accessories that may
be damaged or interfere with the car
wash equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after, to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat
sealant/wax materials is not
recommended. If painted surfaces
are damaged, see your dealer to
have the damage assessed and
repaired. Foreign materials such as
calcium chloride and other salts, ice
melting agents, road oil and tar, tree
sap, bird droppings, chemicals from
industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle's finish if they
remain on painted surfaces. Wash
the vehicle as soon as possible.
If necessary, use non-abrasive
cleaners that are marked safe for
painted surfaces to remove foreign
matter.
Occasional hand waxing or mild
polishing should be done to remove
residue from the paint finish. See
your dealer for approved cleaning
products.
Do not apply waxes or polishes to
uncoated plastic, vinyl, rubber,
decals, simulated wood, or flat paint
as damage can occur.
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Black plate (89,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 10-89
{Caution
Machine compounding or
aggressive polishing on a
basecoat/clearcoat paint finish
may damage it. Use only
non-abrasive waxes and polishes
that are made for a basecoat/
clearcoat paint finish on the
vehicle.
To keep the paint finish looking new,
keep the vehicle garaged or
covered whenever possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal
Moldings
{Caution
Failure to clean and protect the
bright metal moldings can result
in a hazy white finish or pitting.
This damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. The bright metal moldings on the
vehicle are aluminum. To prevent
damage always follow these
cleaning instructions:
.Be sure the molding is cool to
the touch before applying any
cleaning solution.
.Use a cleaning solution
approved for aluminum. Some
cleaners are highly acidic or
contain alkaline substances and
can damage the moldings.
.Always dilute a concentrated
cleaner according to the
manufacturer
’s instructions.
.Do not use chrome cleaners.
.Do not use cleaners that are not
intended for automotive use.
.Use a nonabrasive wax on the
vehicle after washing to protect
and extend the molding finish.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/
Lenses, Emblems, Decals and
Stripes
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a
soft cloth, and a car washing soap
to clean exterior lamps, lenses,
emblems, decals and stripes. Follow
instructions under "Washing the
Vehicle" previously in this section.
Lamp covers are made of plastic,
and some have a UV protective
coating.
Use only lukewarm water, a soft
cloth, and mild car washing soap to
clean exterior lamps and lenses. Do
not clean or wipe them while they
are dry.
Do not use any of the following on
lamp covers:
.Abrasive or caustic agents.
.Washer fluids and other cleaning
agents in higher concentrations
than suggested by the
manufacturer.
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Black plate (90,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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10-90 Vehicle Care
.Solvents, alcohols, fuels,
or other harsh cleaners.
.Ice scrapers or other hard items.
.Aftermarket appearance caps or
covers while the lamps are
illuminated, due to excessive
heat generated.
{Caution
Failure to clean lamps properly
can cause damage to the lamp
cover that would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
{Caution
Using wax on low gloss black
finish stripes can increase the
gloss level and create a
non-uniform finish. Clean low
gloss stripes with soap and
water only.
Air Intakes
Clear debris from the air intakes,
between the hood and windshield
when washing the vehicle.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
with glass cleaner.
Clean rubber blades using a lint-free
cloth or paper towel soaked with
windshield washer fluid or a mild
detergent. Wash the windshield
thoroughly when cleaning the
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and
a buildup of vehicle wash/wax
treatments may cause wiper
streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if they are
worn or damaged. Damage can be
caused by extreme dusty
conditions, sand, salt, heat, sun,
snow, and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply Dielectric silicone grease on
weatherstrips to make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak. Lubricate weatherstrips at
least once a year. Hot, dry climates
may require more frequent
application. Black marks from
rubber material on painted surfaces
can be removed by rubbing with a
clean cloth. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on
page 11-13.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.
{Caution
Using petroleum-based tire
dressing products on the vehicle
may damage the paint finish and/
or tires. When applying a tire
dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted
surfaces on the vehicle.