check engine CADILLAC STS 2005 1.G Owner's Guide

When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at
or slightly above the FULL COLD/FROID line on the
side of the coolant surge tank. If it is not, you may have
a leak at the pressure cap or in the radiator hoses,
heater hoses, radiator, water pump or somewhere else
in the cooling system.
{CAUTION:
Heater and radiator hoses, and other engine
parts, can be very hot. Do not touch them. If
you do, you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a leak. If you
run the engine, it could lose all coolant. That
could cause an engine re, and you could be
burned. Get any leak xed before you drive the
vehicle.
If there seems to be no leak, with the engine on, check
to see if the electric engine cooling fans are running.
If the engine is overheating, both fans should be
running. If they are not, your vehicle needs service.Notice:Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant is not covered by your warranty. See
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode on
page 5-26for information on driving to a safe place
in an emergency.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
If you have not found a problem yet, check to see if
coolant is visible in the surge tank. If coolant is visible
but the coolant level is not at the FULL COLD/FROID
line on the side of the coolant surge tank, add a
50/50 mixture ofclean, drinkable waterand DEX-COOL
®
coolant at the coolant surge tank, but be sure the
cooling system, including the coolant surge tank
pressure cap, is cool before you do it. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-22for more information.
5-28

4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start
the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper
radiator hose getting hot. The upper radiator
hose is the largest of the hoses which comes out of
the radiator, on the passenger’s side of the
vehicle. Watch out for the engine cooling fans.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tank
until the level reaches the FULL COLD/FROID
line on the side of the coolant surge tank.
5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
Start the engine and allow it to warm up. If the Check
Coolant Level message does not appear on the
Driver Information Center, the coolant is at the proper ll
level. If a Check Coolant Level message does appear,
repeat Steps 1 to 3 then reinstall the pressure cap,
or see your GM dealer.Power Steering Fluid
The power steering uid
reservoir is located in the
center of the engine
compartment, toward the
front of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12
for more information
on location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
5-31

How to Check Power Steering Fluid
To check the power steering uid, do the following:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the uid level on
the dipstick.
The level should be within the HOT mark. If necessary,
add only enough uid to bring the level within the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Always use the proper uid. Failure to use the proper
uid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer uid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will
be operating your vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use a uid that has
sufficient protection against freezing.
5-32

Adding Washer Fluid
The Check Washer Fluid message will appear on the
Driver Information Center (DIC) when the uid level
is low. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-78
for more information.
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it. Add
washer uid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for reservoir
location.Notice:When using concentrated washer uid, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for adding
water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts
of the washer system. Also, water does not
clean as well as washer uid.
Fill your washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage your washer
system and paint.
5-33

Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder
reservoir is lled with
DOT-3 brake uid. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for
reservoir location and
access.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid level in
the reservoir might go down. The rst is that the
brake uid goes down to an acceptable level during
normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in,
the uid level goes back up. The other reason is
that uid is leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you
should have your brake system xed, since a leak
means that sooner or later your brakes will not work
well, or will not work at all.So, it is not a good idea to top off your brake uid.
Adding brake uid will not correct a leak. If you add uid
when your linings are worn, then you will have too
much uid when you get new brake linings. You should
add or remove brake uid, as necessary, only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If you have too much brake uid, it can spill on
the engine. The uid will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
uid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
If the ignition is in ON and the brake uid is low, the
CHECK BRAKE FLUID message will be displayed in the
Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-78.
5-34

{CAUTION:
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.
{CAUTION:
Using a match near a battery can cause battery
gas to explode. People have been hurt doing
this, and some have been blinded. Use a
ashlight if you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. You do
not need to add water to the battery installed
in your new vehicle. But if a battery has ller
caps, be sure the right amount of uid is there.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
If it is low, add water to take care of that rst.
If you do not, explosive gas could be present.
Battery uid contains acid that can burn you.
Do not get it on you. If you accidentally get it
in your eyes or on your skin, ush the place
with water and get medical help immediately.
{CAUTION:
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 be damaged too.
5-40

Notice: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 your 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.
A. Heavy, Unpainted Metal Engine Part or Remote
Negative (−) Terminal
B. Good Battery or Remote Positive (+) Terminal
C. Dead Battery or Remote Positive (+) TerminalTo disconnect the jumper cables from both vehicles,
do the following:
1. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from the
vehicle that had the dead battery.
2. Disconnect the black negative (−) cable from the
vehicle with the good battery.
3. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the
vehicle with the good battery.
4. Disconnect the red positive (+) cable from the other
vehicle.
All-Wheel Drive
All of the lubricant checks in this section apply to your
vehicle. If you have an all-wheel-drive vehicle, there
is an additional system that need lubrication.
Jumper Cable Removal
5-42

Electrical System
Add-On Electrical Equipment
Notice:Don’t add anything electrical to your vehicle
unless you check with your dealer rst. Some
electrical equipment can damage your vehicle and
the damage wouldn’t be covered by your warranty.
Some add-on electrical equipment can keep other
components from working as they should.
Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to your vehicle, seeServicing
Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-56.
Headlamp Wiring
The headlamp wiring has an individual fuse. An electrical
overload will cause the lamps to go on and off, or in some
cases to remain off. If this happens, have the headlamp
wiring checked right away.
Windshield Wiper Fuses
The windshield wiper motor is protected by an internal
circuit breaker. If the wiper motor overheats due to
heavy snow, the wipers will stop until the motor cools
and will then restart.
Power Windows and Other Power
Options
Circuit breakers protect the power windows and power
seats. When the current load is too heavy, the circuit
breaker opens and closes, protecting the circuit until the
problem is xed or goes away.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in your vehicle are protected from
short circuits by a combination of fuses, circuit breakers
and fusible thermal links. This greatly reduces the
chance of res caused by electrical problems.
Look at the silver-colored band inside the fuse. If the
band is broken or melted, replace the fuse. Be sure you
replace a bad fuse with a new one of the identical
size and rating. If a fuse should blow, see your dealer
for service immediately.
If you ever have a problem on the road and don’t have
a spare fuse, you can borrow one that has the same
amperage. Just pick some feature of your vehicle
that you can get along without — like the radio or
cigarette lighter — and use its fuse, if it is the correct
amperage. Replace it as soon as you can.
The fuses are located in three fuse blocks. One is
located in the engine compartment, on the passenger’s
side of the vehicle, and the other two are located
under the rear seat on both the driver’s and passenger’s
side of the vehicle.
5-95

The underhood fuse block is located in the front of the
engine compartment on the passenger’s side of the
vehicle. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for more information on location, and removal
procedure for the front compartment underhood sights
shields.
To access the fuses, push in the tabs located on each
side of the fuse block cover. Then, lift the cover off.
Fuses Usage
BLOWER Blower Motor
R REAR Passenger’s Side Rear Fuse Block
I/P OUTLET Front Auxiliary Outlet
CCP Climate Control, Headlamp Leveling
PRE 02/CAM Oxygen Sensor, CAM Phasers
ENG W/H Engine W/H
R REAR Passenger’s Side Rear Fuse Block
WPR SW Wiper/Washer Switch
BODY W/H Body W/H
FOG LAMP Fog Lamps
OUTLET Rear Auxiliary Outlet
EVEN COILSEven Ignition Coils, Even Fuel
Injectors
L REAR Left Rear Fuse Block
WPR MOD Wiper Module
POST 02 Oxygen Sensor
Fuses Usage
COMP CLTCH Air Conditioner Compressor Clutch
STARTER Starter Solenoid
ABS Anti-Lock Brake Pump
L REAR Driver’s Side Rear Fuse Block
BODY W/H Body W/H
RAIN SSRRain Sensor, Headlamp Washer,
Tire Pressure Monitor
CCP Climate Control
SMT BM-OPT Smart Beam Relay (Option)
EXT LIGHTSLow Beam Relay, High Beam Relay,
Park Lamp Relay
VOLT CHECK Instrument Panel Module
ECM/TCMEngine Control Module,
Transmission Control Module,
Easy Key Module, Instrument
Panel Cluster
SPARE Spare
SPARE Spare
LT PARK Left Park Lamp, Left Taillamp
LIC DIMMINGLicense Plate, Instrument Panel
Dimming
IPM ALDLInstrument Panel Module Assembly
Line Data Link Connector
HUDHeads-Up Display, Column Lock
Module
5-97

Capacities and Specications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12for more information.
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134a 1.4 lbs 0.63 kg
Cooling System 13.0 qt 12.3 L
Engine Oil with Filter
3.6L V6 6.0 qt 5.7 L
4.6L V8 8.0 qt 7.6 L
Fuel Tank 17.5 gal 66.3 L
Transmission 15.0 qt 14.2 L
Wheel Nut Torque 100 ft lb 140Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to ll to the approximate level as recommended in this
manual. Recheck the uid level after lling.
Engine Specications
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
3.6L HFV6 7 Automatic 0.044 inches (1.1 mm)
4.6L DOHC V8 A Automatic 0.040 inches (1.0 mm)
5-106