check engine CADILLAC XLR 2009 1.G Owner's Guide

Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking
the coolant level.
The engine coolant surge tank is located toward the
rear of the engine compartment on the driver side of the
vehicle. For more information on location, seeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 6-12.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant surge tank.
If the coolant inside the coolant surge tank is boiling, do
not do anything else until it cools down. If coolant is
visible but the coolant level is not at or above the FULL
COLD mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL
®coolant at the coolant surge tank,
but be sure the cooling system is cool before this is done.When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at or
above the FULL COLD mark on the side of the coolant
surge tank that faces the front. When the engine is hot,
the level could be higher than the FULL COLD mark.
If the coolant is below the FULL COLD mark when the
engine is hot, there could be a leak in the cooling system.
If the LOW COOLANT message on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) comes on and stays on, it means the
vehicle is low on engine coolant. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-60. A low coolant level should be
indicated by a LOW COOLANT message on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). If it is, there could be a leak in
the cooling system.
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol and
it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough.
Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
6-24

If the LOW COOLANT message does not appear on the
Driver Information Center (DIC) after two minutes, the
coolant is at the proper ll level. If a LOW COOLANT
message does appear, repeat Steps 1 through 3 then
reinstall the pressure cap, or see your dealer/retailer.
If coolant is needed, add the proper DEX-COOL
®
coolant mixture at the coolant surge tank.
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may occur.
Be sure the cap is properly and tightly secured.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 6-12for more
information on location.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of engine
overheating.
There is a COOLANT OVER TEMP message or an
ENGINE HOT, STOP ENGINE message displayed in the
Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-60. You will also hear a chime.There is also an engine coolant temperature gage on
the instrument panel cluster. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-49.
You may decide not to lift the hood when this warning
appears, but instead get service help right away.
SeeRoadside Service on page 8-7.
If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle
is parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fans are
running. If the engine is overheating, both fans should
be running. If they are not, do not continue to run
the engine and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Engine damage from running the engine
without coolant is not covered by the warranty.
Notice:If the engine catches re while driving
with no coolant, the vehicle can be badly damaged.
The costly repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 6-29for information on
driving to a safe place in an emergency.
6-27

Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 6-12for
reservoir 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.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
To check the power steering uid:
1. Turn the ignition 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 at the FULL COLD mark.
If necessary, add only enough uid to bring the
level up to the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-11.
Always use the proper uid.
Notice:Use of the incorrect uid may damage the
vehicle and the damages may not be covered by the
vehicle’s warranty. Always use the correct uid
listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 7-11.
6-30

Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder
reservoir is lled with
DOT-3 brake uid. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 6-12for
the location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid level in
the reservoir might go down:
The brake uid level goes down because of normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are installed,
the uid level goes back up.
A uid leak in the brake hydraulic system can also
cause a low uid level. Have the brake hydraulic
system xed, since a leak means that sooner
or later the brakes will not work well.Do not top off the brake uid. Adding uid does not
correct a leak. If uid is added when the linings
are worn, there will be too much uid when new brake
linings are installed. Add or remove brake uid, as
necessary, only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If too much brake uid is added, it can spill on the
engine and burn, if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and the vehicle could
be damaged. Add brake uid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system. See
“Checking Brake Fluid” in this section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to check the brake uid. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 7-4.
6-32

Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake uid by looking at the brake uid reservoir.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 6-12.
The uid level should be above the MIN mark on the
reservoir. If it is not, have the brake hydraulic system
checked to see if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system, make
sure the level is between the MIN and MAX marks.
What to Add
Use only new DOT-3 brake uid from a sealed
container. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 7-11.
Always clean the brake uid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This helps keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of uid in the brake hydraulic
system, the brakes might not work well. This could
cause a crash. Always use the proper brake uid.
Notice:
Using the wrong uid can badly damage brake
hydraulic system parts. For example, just a
few drops of mineral-based oil, such as engine
oil, in the brake hydraulic system can damage
brake hydraulic system parts so badly that they
will have to be replaced. Do not let someone
put in the wrong kind of uid.
If brake uid is spilled on the vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paint nish can be damaged. Be
careful not to spill brake uid on the vehicle.
If you do, wash it off immediately. SeeWashing
Your Vehicle on page 6-77.
6-33

Notice:If you try to start your vehicle by pushing
or pulling it, you could damage your vehicle. Do not
push or pull your vehicle to start it; instead, use
the jump starting procedure in this manual to start
your vehicle when the battery has run down.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
Notice:If the other vehicle’s system is not a 12-volt
system with a negative ground, both vehicles can
be damaged. Only use vehicles with 12-volt systems
with negative grounds to jump start your vehicle.
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 rmly on both vehicles involved in
the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission
in NEUTRAL before setting the parking brake.Notice:If you leave the radio or other accessories
on during the jump starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the
warranty. Always turn off the radio and other
accessories when jump starting the vehicle.
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 and help save both batteries. And
it could save the radio!
4. Open the hoods and locate the batteries. Find the
positive (+) and negative (−) terminal locations on
each vehicle. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 6-12for more information on location.
{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.
6-37

{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. 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.
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 too. And do not connect the negative (−)
cable to the negative (−) terminal on the dead battery
because this can cause sparks.
6-38

Engine Identication
The eighth character in the VIN is the engine code.
This code helps identify the vehicle’s engine,
specications, and replacement parts. See “Engine
Specications” underCapacities and Specifications on
page 6-90for your vehicle’s engine code.
Service Parts Identication Label
This label is on the rear compartment cover in the
trunk. It is very helpful if you ever need to order parts.
The label has the following information:
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
Model designation
Paint information
Production options and special equipment
Do not remove this label from the vehicle.
Electrical System
Add-On Electrical Equipment
Notice:Do not add anything electrical to the
vehicle unless you check with your dealer/retailer
rst. Some electrical equipment can damage
the vehicle and the damage would not be covered
by the vehicle’s warranty. Some add-on electrical
equipment can keep other components from
working as they should.
Add-on equipment can drain the vehicle battery, even if
the vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to the vehicle, seeServicing
Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-50.
6-82

Capacities and Specications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. Please refer toRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-11for more information.
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134aFor the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
amount, see the refrigerant caution label located
under the hood. See your dealer/retailer for more
information.
Cooling System 12.6 qt 12.0 L
Cooling System — Intercooler 2.4 qt 2.3 L
Engine Oil with Filter – 4.4L V8 and 4.6L V8 Engines 8.0 qt 7.6 L
Fuel Tank 18.0 gal 68.0 L
Transmission Fluid (Pan Removal and Replacement)
6-Speed Automatic 6.5 qt 6.2 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 uid level after lling.
6-90

Maintenance Schedule......................................7-2
Introduction...................................................7-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................7-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................7-2
Using the Maintenance Schedule......................7-3
Scheduled Maintenance...................................7-4
Additional Required Services............................7-6
Maintenance Footnotes...................................7-7Owner Checks and Services............................7-9
At Each Fuel Fill............................................7-9
At Least Once a Month...................................7-9
At Least Once a Year...................................7-10
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants...............7-11
Maintenance Replacement Parts.....................7-13
Engine Drive Belt Routing..............................7-14
Maintenance Record.....................................7-15
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
7-1