suspension CADILLAC STS 2008 1.G Owners Manual

CHIME VOLUME HIGH
This feature allows you to adjust the volume level of the
vehicle’s warning chimes. The chime volume cannot
be turned off, only adjusted.
Programmable Modes
Mode 1:NORMAL (default)
Mode 2:HIGH
To program the vehicle to a different mode:
1. Enter the PERSONAL SETTINGS MENU by
following the instructions listed previously under
“Entering the Personal Settings Menu.”
2. Turn the tune/select knob until CHIME VOLUME
HIGH is highlighted.
3. Press the tune/select knob to switch back and
forth between the normal and high settings.
A check mark indicates that the chime volume is
set to HIGH.
The mode you selected is now set. You can either exit
the programming mode by following the instructions
later in this section or program the next feature available
on your vehicle.
SUSPENSION MODE
If your vehicle has this feature, you can select between
performance or touring modes. Performance mode is
used where road conditions or personal preference
demand more control. Touring mode is used for normal
city and highway driving.
Programmable Modes
Mode 1:PERFORMANCE
Mode 2:TOURING (default)
To program the vehicle to a different mode:
1. Enter the PERSONAL SETTINGS MENU by
following the instructions listed previously under
“Entering the Personal Settings Menu.”
2. Turn the tune/select knob until SUSPENSION
MODE is highlighted.
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3. Press the tune/select knob to enter the
SUSPENSION MODE submenu.
4. Turn the tune/select knob to highlight TOURING or
PERFORMANCE.
5. Press the tune/select knob to select the setting.
The mode you selected is now set. You can either exit
the programming mode by following the instructions
later in this section or program the next feature available
on your vehicle by pressing the F6 (BACK) button,
located on the radio, to return to the PERSONAL
SETTINGS MENU.
Exiting the Personal Settings Menu
Once you have nished making your selections on the
base audio system, you will automatically return to
the main audio screen after 15 seconds. You can also
press the F6 (BACK) button, located on the radio,
to return to the main audio screen.
Memory Seat, Mirrors and
Steering Wheel
If your vehicle has the memory feature, you can
program and recall memory settings for the following
features for up to two drivers:
The driver’s seat position
The outside rearview mirrors position
The power tilt wheel and telescopic steering column
position
The following settings and presets are set automatically:
The language, radio and XM™ presets, tone,
volume, playback mode (AM/FM or CD), last
displayed stations, and compact disc position
The last climate control setting
The Head-Up Display (HUD) position, if your
vehicle has this feature
Other personalization settings, for example,
remote start settings
SeeVehicle Personalization on page 2-60.
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SERVICE STEERING SYS (System)
Your vehicle has a speed variable assist steering
system. Your All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle may
have the Active Steering with Enhanced StabiliTrak
®
option. See “Active Steering” underSteering on
page 4-13.
This message displays if a problem is detected with
the speed variable assist steering system or the
Active Steering system. When this message is
displayed, you may notice that the effort required to
steer the vehicle increases or feels heavier, but you
will still be able to steer the vehicle. SeeSteering
on page 4-13for more information. Have the steering
system inspected by your dealer/retailer as soon
as possible.
If the SERVICE STEERING SYS message appears
because the Active Steering system needs service,
normal power steering is still operational. However,
compared to Active Steering, normal power steering
requires a larger degree of steering wheel input at
low vehicle speeds and a smaller degree of steering
wheel input at high vehicle speeds. The center position
of the steering wheel may be different. You may
continue to drive your vehicle with normal power
steering, but have the steering system inspected by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.If the Active Steering system needs service, the system
may be operating in the Stability Secure Mode and
the STABILITY SECURE MODE message will display.
SeeEnhanced StabiliTrak
®on page 4-9.
When certain steering faults are present, the vehicle
speed may be limited. If vehicle speed is limited,
the SPEED LIMITED TO XXX message will display.
See “Active Steering” underSteering on page 4-13.
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS (System)
This message displays when the suspension system
is not operating properly. Have your vehicle serviced
by your dealer/retailer.
If your All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle has the Active
Steering with Enhanced StabiliTrak
®option and
the suspension system needs service, the Enhanced
StabiliTrak
®system may be operating in the Stability
Secure Mode and the STABILITY SECURE MODE
message will display. SeeEnhanced StabiliTrak
®
on page 4-9.
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SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
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 3-67. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-70for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM
This message displays when there is a problem with
the hood open and closed switches. The switches may
need to be replaced. When this message is displayed,
the theft-deterrent system will still be protecting the
interior of the vehicle, however, the hood area will not
be protected at this time. Also, the remote start function
will not work when this message appears. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there is a problem with
the 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.
SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM OFF
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system, this message displays when the SBZA system
has been turned off. See the Index in the Navigation
manual andDIC Operation and Displays on page 3-74
for more information.
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX
This message displays when the vehicle speed is
limited to XXX, mph in English mode and km/h in
Metric mode, because the vehicle detects a problem
in the steering, stability control, or suspension system.
Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
3-93

Magnetic Ride Control
Your vehicle may have Magnetic Ride Control that
automatically adjusts the ride of your vehicle. Automatic
ride control is achieved through a computer used to
control and monitor the suspension system. The
controller receives input from various sensors to
determine the proper system response. If the controller
detects a problem within the system, the DIC will
display a SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS message. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-80for more
information. See your dealer for service.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Your 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 has a vehicle stability enhancement
system called StabiliTrak®. It is an advanced computer
controlled system that assists with directional control
of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions.
If your all-wheel-drive vehicle has the optional enhanced
vehicle stability control system called Active Steering
with Enhanced StabiliTrak
®, seeEnhanced StabiliTrak®
on page 4-9.
StabiliTrak
®activates when the computer senses a
discrepancy between the 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 system activates, a STABILITY SYS ACTIVE
message will be displayed on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-80. 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.
4-8

If there is a problem detected with StabiliTrak®,a
SERVICE STABILITY SYS message will be displayed
on the DIC. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-80. When this message is displayed, the system
is not operational. Driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
StabiliTrak
®comes on automatically whenever the
vehicle is started. To help assist with directional control
of the vehicle, always leave the system on. StabiliTrak
®
can be turned off, however, by using the TC (traction
control) on/off button. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-6.
If the 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. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-17orAdaptive Cruise Control on page 3-20for
more information.
Enhanced StabiliTrak®
All-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles with the Active Steering
with Enhanced StabiliTrak®option have an enhanced
computer controlled vehicle stability system that assists
with directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving
conditions. This system coordinates automatic control of
the Active Steering System, the Magnetic Ride Control
Suspension System, and the Brake Control System for
better vehicle performance.During extreme cold temperature conditions, the active
steering function may be temporarily disabled which may
cause the steering wheel to be off set from the center
position while driving straight. This is normal operation
and the vehicle is safe to drive in these cases.
Stability control activates when the computer senses a
difference between the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling. Stability control
automatically adjusts the front road wheel steering angle,
modies the suspension stiffness, and selectively applies
braking pressure at any one of the vehicle’s brakes to
help maintain directional control of the vehicle.
When the system activates, a STABILITY SYS ACTIVE
message displays on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-80You 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.
4-9

When certain faults or vehicle conditions are detected,
the Stability control will automatically go into a secure
mode and the STABILITY SECURE MODE message will
be displayed on the DIC. When the Stability Secure Mode
is activated, the stability control system will not respond
to driver requests to change the stability mode until the
next ignition cycle or until the vehicle condition or fault is
returned to normal. When the Stability Secure Mode is
activated, you may see other messages, such as
SERVICE STEERING SYS, SERVICE SUSPENSION
SYS or CHECK TIRE PRESSURE on the DIC. When the
Stability Secure Mode is activated, a larger degree of
steering wheel input at low vehicle speeds and a smaller
degree of steering wheel input at high vehicle speeds
may be required. Stability Secure Mode will be activated
if you are using a compact spare tire. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-80andCompact Spare Tire on
page 5-106.
Persistent operation of your vehicle in the STABILITY
SECURE MODE may be an indication that your vehicle
needs to be serviced by the dealer/retailer.
When certain faults are present, the vehicle’s speed may
be limited and the SPEED LIMITED TO XXX message
will be displayed on the DIC. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-80. When the vehicle’s speed is
limited, you may see other messages, such as SERVICE
STABILITY SYS, SERVICE STEERING SYS or
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS on the DIC. Have your
vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.Enhanced StabiliTrak®and Traction
Control Mode Selection
Enhanced StabiliTrak®can be operated in Touring Mode
or Competitive Mode. It can also be turned off. The
traction control button is used to change stability control
modes (Touring, Competitive or Off) as well as to turn
traction control on or off. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-6. The following information describes
the operation of the traction control button for changing
Traction Control and Stability Control Modes.
When you start your vehicle, Stability control comes on
automatically in the Stability Touring Mode.
To change from Stability Touring Mode to Stability
Competitive Mode, press and hold the traction
control button for about three seconds until
the STABILITY COMPETITIVE MODE message is
displayed on the DIC.
To change from Stability Touring Mode to Stability
Off Mode, press and hold the traction control
button for about ve seconds until the STABILITY
SYS OFF message is displayed on the DIC.
The DIC will temporarily display the STABILITY
COMPETITIVE MODE message prior to displaying
the STABILITY SYS OFF message.
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When stability control activates, the system
automatically adjusts the front road wheel steering
angle, modies the suspension stiffness, and selectively
applies braking pressure at any one of the vehicle’s
brakes to help maintain directional control of the vehicle.
Adjustments to the steering will not be felt in the
steering wheel. SeeEnhanced StabiliTrak
®on page 4-9.
It is recommended that the battery not be disconnected
when the steering wheel is turned from the center
position. If this occurs, the center position of the steering
wheel could be temporarily changed a small amount.
You can continue to operate your vehicle and, after
a short time, the center position of the steering wheel
will return to normal.
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. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-6andStabiliTrak
®System on
page 4-8orEnhanced StabiliTrak®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.
Your stability system might be active. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-80andStabiliTrak
®System
on page 4-8orEnhanced StabiliTrak®on page 4-9.
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 the
front wheels are straight ahead.
4-14

Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has P255/45R17, P235/50ZR18,
P255/45ZR18, P275/40R19, or 255/45ZR18 size
tires, do not use tire chains, as there is not
enough clearance.
Tire chains used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can cause damage
to the brakes, suspension, or other vehicle
parts. The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause you to lose control of your vehicle
and you or others may be injured in a crash.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust, or remove the
device if it is contacting your vehicle, and do
not spin your vehicle’s wheels.
If you do nd traction devices that will t,
install them on the rear tires only.
Notice:If your vehicle has P235/50R17 size tires,
use tire chains only where legal and only when you
must. Use only SAE Class S-type chains that are
the proper size for your tires. Install them on the rear
tires and tighten them as tightly as possible with
the ends securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow
the chain manufacturer’s instructions. If you can
hear the chains contacting your vehicle, stop
and retighten them. If the contact continues, slow
down until it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the
wheels with chains on will damage your vehicle.
5-82

If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
you must service your vehicle within 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) since your last service. Remember to
reset the oil life system whenever the oil is changed.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-21for
information on the Engine Oil Life System and
resetting the system.
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
appears, the following services, checks, and inspections
are required:
❑Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-18. Reset oil life system. SeeEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-21.An Emission Control Service.
❑Visually check for any leaks or damage.
See footnote (k).
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace
lter. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-23.
See footnote (m).❑Check tires for ination pressures and wear. SeeTires
on page 5-57. If tire rotation is recommended for your
vehicle, rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-73and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least
Once a Month on page 6-10.
❑Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).
❑Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid
levels. If you have the 4.4L V8 supercharged engine,
check intercooler uid level. Add uid as needed.
❑Perform any needed additional services.
See “Additional Required Services” in this section.
❑Inspect suspension and steering components.
See footnote (b).
❑Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).
❑Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).
❑Inspect restraint system components.
See footnote (e).
❑Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).
6-5