check engine light CADILLAC XLR 2009 1.G Owners Manual

Immobilizer Operation
The vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed when the ignition is
turned off.
The immobilization system is disarmed when the ignition
is turned to OFF/ACCESSORY or START and a valid
transmitter is found in the vehicle.
You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system.
The security light comes on if there is a problem with
arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
The system has one or more keyless access transmitters
that are matched to an immobilizer control unit in the
vehicle. Only a correctly matched keyless access
transmitter starts the vehicle. The vehicle may not
start if the keyless access transmitter is damaged.
If the engine does not start and the security light comes
on, there may be a problem with the immobilizer system.
Press the START button again.If the vehicle does not start and the keyless access
transmitter appears to be undamaged, try another
keyless access transmitter. Or, place the transmitter in
the transmitter pocket. See “NO FOBS DETECTED”
underDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-60for
additional information. Check the fuse. SeeFuses and
Circuit Breakers on page 6-83. If the engine still does not
start with the other transmitter, the vehicle needs service.
If the engine does start, the rst transmitter may be faulty.
See your dealer/retailer or have a new keyless access
transmitter programmed to the vehicle.
The immobilizer system can learn new or replacement
keyless access transmitters. Up to four keyless access
transmitters can be programmed for the vehicle.
To program additional transmitters, see “Matching
transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle” underKeyless Access
System Operation on page 2-5.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
2-23

To adjust the HUD so you can see it properly, do the
following:
1. Adjust the seat to a comfortable driving position.
If you change the seat position later, you may
have to re-adjust the HUD.
2. Start the engine and press the top or bottom of the
HUD button to center the HUD image in your view.
The HUD image can only be adjusted up and
down, not side-to-side.
3. Press the DIMMER button until the DIC reads
HUD DIMMING. Then use the brightness button
to adjust the desired intensity.
The brightness of the HUD image is determined by the
light conditions in the direction the vehicle is facing
and where you have the HUD set. If you are facing a
dark object or a heavily shaded area, the HUD may
anticipate that you are entering a dark area and may
begin to dim.
To turn off the HUD, press the brightness button down
until the image disappears.
Polarized sunglasses could make the HUD image
harder to see.
As light shines out from the HUD, it is possible for light
to shine back in. In rare occurrences, when the sun
is at a specic angle and position, the sun’s rays canshine back into the HUD. When this occurs, the display
device within the HUD will be temporarily illuminated.
The event will end when the vehicle’s angle to the
sun changes.
Clean the inside of the windshield as needed to remove
any dirt or lm that reduces the sharpness or clarity
of the HUD image.
To clean the HUD, spray household glass cleaner on a
soft, clean cloth. Wipe the HUD lens gently, then dry
it. Do not spray cleaner directly on the lens because the
cleaner could leak into the unit.
If the ignition is on and you cannot see the HUD image,
check to see if:
Something is covering the HUD unit.
The brightness is adjusted properly.
The HUD image is adjusted to the proper height.
Ambient light in the direction the vehicle is facing
is low.
A fuse is blown. SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers
on page 6-83.
Keep in mind that the windshield is part of the HUD
system. SeeWindshield Replacement on page 6-45.
3-33

Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The passenger compartment air lter removes certain
particles from the air, including pollen and dust particles.
Reductions in airow, which may occur more often in
dusty areas, indicate that the lter may need to be
replaced early.
The lter should be replaced as part of the routine
scheduled maintenance. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 7-4for more information.
To check or replace the air lter, do the following:
1. With the hood open, unlatch and remove the
access panel.
The passenger compartment air lter and access
panel are located on the passenger side of the
engine compartment near the battery. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 6-12for more
information on location.
2. Pull the old lter out of the housing.
3. Insert the new lter into the housing.
4. Reinstall the air lter access panel.
Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention
to the warning lights and gages could prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is
a problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Some
warning lights come on briey when the engine is started
to indicate they are working.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of the vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to indicate a problem with
the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
while driving, or when one of the gages shows there
may be a problem, check the section that explains
what to do. Follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to
do repairs can be costly and even dangerous.
3-41

Safety Belt Reminders
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the engine is started, a chime comes on for
several seconds to remind people to fasten their safety
belts, unless the driver’s safety belt is already buckled.
The safety belt light also
comes on and stay on for
several seconds, then
it ashes for several more.
This chime and light is repeated if the driver remains
unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. If the driver’s
safety belt is already buckled, neither the chime nor the
light comes on.
Airbag Readiness Light
The system checks the airbag’s electrical system for
possible malfunctions. If the light stays on it indicates
there is an electrical problem. The system check
includes the airbag sensor, the pretensioners, the
airbag modules, the wiring and the crash sensing
and diagnostic module. For more information on the
airbag system, seeAirbag System on page 1-38.The airbag readiness light
ashes for a few seconds
when the engine is
started. If the light does
not come on then, have it
xed immediately.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after the
vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it
means the airbag system might not be working
properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not
inate in a crash, or they could even inate
without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the
vehicle serviced right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag system, an airbag
Driver Information Center (DIC) message can also come
on. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-60
for more information.
3-44

Charging System Light
This light comes on briey
when the ignition key is
turned to START, but
the engine is not running,
as a check to show it
is working.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
The light should go out once the engine starts. If it stays
on, or comes on while driving, there could be a problem
with the charging system. A charging system message
in the Driver Information Center (DIC) can also appear.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-60for more
information. This light could indicate that there are
problems with a generator drive belt, or that there is an
electrical problem. Have it checked right away. If the
vehicle must be driven a short distance with the light
on, turn off accessories, such as the radio and air
conditioner.
Voltmeter Gage
When the vehicle is in
accessory mode, the
voltmeter shows the
voltage output of the
battery. When the engine
is running, it shows
the voltage output of the
charging system.
The reading will change as the rate of charge changes
(with engine speed, for example), but if the voltmeter
reads at 9 volts or below, the instrument panel cluster
and other systems may shut down. The Driver
Information Center (DIC) will read LOW VOLTAGE
when the vehicle is at 10 volts or below. Have it checked
right away. Driving with the voltmeter reading at
10 volts or below could drain the battery and disable
the vehicle.
3-46

Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with the tire
pressure light, it comes on
briey when the engine
is started. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer/retailer.
If the system is working
normally the indicator light
then goes off.
This light also comes on when one or more of the tires
is signicantly underinated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC) can accompany the light. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-60for more
information.
Stop and check the tires as soon as it is safe to do so.
If underinated, inate the tire to the proper pressure.
SeeTires on page 6-46for more information.
If a problem is detected with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System, this light ashes for approximately 60 seconds
and then stays on for the remainder of the ignition
cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 6-55
for more information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems. It makes
sure that emissions are at acceptable levels for the
life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment.
This comes on briey
while starting the engine.
If it does not come on,
have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer/retailer.
If the check engine light comes on and stays on, while
the engine is running, this indicates that there is an
OBD II problem and service is required.
3-50

Light On Steady:An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on the vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
An emission system malfunction might be corrected by
doing the following:
Make sure the fuel cap is fully installed. SeeFilling
the Tank on page 6-8. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap
allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed
should turn the light off.
If the vehicle has been driven through a deep
puddle of water, the vehicle’s electrical system
might be wet. The condition is usually corrected
when the electrical system dries out. A few driving
trips should turn the light off.
Make sure to fuel the vehicle with quality fuel.
Poor fuel quality causes the engine not to run
as efficiently as designed and may cause:
stalling after start-up, stalling when the vehicle
is changed into gear, misring, hesitation on
acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration.
These conditions might go away once the engine is
warmed up.
If one or more of these conditions occurs, change
the fuel brand used. It will require at least one
full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 6-5.
If none of the above have made the light turn off, your
dealer/retailer can check the vehicle. The dealer/retailer
has the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to
x any mechanical or electrical problems that might have
developed.
3-52

Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or
might begin programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on the vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection
could prevent getting a vehicle registration.
Here are some things to know to help the vehicle pass
an inspection:
The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the check
engine light is on with the engine running.
To perform a check engine light bulb check with the
keyless ignition, make sure the transmitter fob is in
the passenger compartment. SeeIgnition Positions
on page 2-24. Press the bottom of the Acc. button on
the instrument panel and hold the button down for
ve seconds. The instrument panel, including the
check engine light, will light up and the ignition will be
on, but the engine will not start — press the bottom
of the Acc. button only briey, less than ve seconds,
the accessory power mode will be turned on, but not
the ignition. After the bulb check, press and release
the Acc. button again to turn the ignition off and avoid
draining the vehicle’s battery.
The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
OBD II (on-board diagnostic) system determines
that critical emission control systems have not
been completely diagnosed by the system.
The vehicle would be considered not ready for
inspection. This can happen if the battery has
recently been replaced or if the battery has run down.
The diagnostic system is designed to evaluate critical
emission control systems during normal driving.
This can take several days of routine driving. If this
has been done and the vehicle still does not pass the
inspection for lack of OBD II system readiness, your
dealer/retailer can prepare the vehicle for inspection.
3-53

DRIVER NO. X (1 OR 2)
This message displays when the vehicle is started or
when there is a change of driver. The message
shows which driver is activating the personalization
feature. It will only stay on for ve seconds.
ENGINE HOT, STOP ENGINE
This message displays when the engine has overheated.
Stop and turn the engine off immediately to avoid
severe engine damage. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 6-27. A multiple chime also sounds when
this message displays.
ENGINE PROTECTION REDUCE
ENGINE RPM
If this message displays, the control system has
determined that continued operation at the existing
engine speed may lead to engine overheating. Lower
the engine speed by upshifting the transmission or drive
at a lower speed.
HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED
This message displays if it is dark enough outside and
the headlamps and Twilight Sentinel®controls are
off. This message informs the driver that turning on theexterior lamps is recommended. It has become dark
enough outside to require the headlamps and/or other
exterior lamps. This message also displays if the
optional Rainsense™ wiping feature is on and the
Twilight Sentinel is off.
HIGH TRANS (Transmission) TEMP
(Temperature)
This message displays when the transmission uid in
the vehicle is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to idle
until it cools down or until this message is removed.
HIGH VOLTAGE
This message displays when the electrical charging
system is overcharging. To avoid being stranded, have
the electrical system checked by your dealer/retailer.
You can reduce the charging overload by using
the accessories. Turn on the lamps and radio, set the
climate control on AUTO and the fan speed on HI,
and turn the rear window defogger on. You can monitor
battery voltage on the DIC by pressing the information
button. The normal range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts when the
engine is running.
3-62

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS),
an advanced electronic braking system that will
help prevent a braking skid.
When you start the engine and begin to drive away,
ABS will check itself. You might hear a momentary
motor or clicking noise while this test is going on, and
you might even notice that the brake pedal moves
a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light will
stay on. SeeAntilock Brake
System (ABS) Warning
Light on page 3-48.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as
required, faster than any driver could. This can help
you steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As you brake, the computer keeps receiving updates on
wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.
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 hear
a motor or clicking noise and feel the brake pedal
move a little during a stop, but this is normal.
5-5