CADILLAC XLR V 2006 1.G Owners Manual

Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows a deployed airbag symbol.
The system checks the airbag’s electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. The system check includes the airbag
modules, the wiring and the diagnostic module. For
more information on the airbag system, seeAirbag
System on page 1-32.
This light will come on
when you start your
vehicle, and it will ash
for a few seconds.
Then the light should go
out. This means the
system is ready.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you
start the vehicle or comes on when you are driving,
your airbag system may not work properly.
Have your vehicle serviced right away.{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the airbag system
may not be working properly. The airbags in
your vehicle may not inate in a crash, or they
could even inate without a crash. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your vehicle
serviced right away if the airbag readiness light
stays on after you start your vehicle.
The airbag readiness light should ash for a few seconds
when you turn the vehicle on. If the light does not come
on then, have it xed so it will be ready to warn you if
there is a problem.
3-51

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
Your rearview mirror has a passenger airbag status
indicator.
When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag status
indicator will light ON and OFF, or the symbol for on
and off, for several seconds as a system check. Then,
after several more seconds, the status indicator will
light either ON or OFF, or either the on or off symbol to
let you know the status of the passenger’s frontal
airbag and side impact airbag (if equipped).Your vehicle may have a label on your sun visor that
says, “Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.”
This is because the risk to the rear-facing child is so great
if the airbag deploys.
Never put a child in a rear-facing child restraint in the
passenger’s seat the unless passenger airbag status
indicator shows off. Never put a rear facing child
restraint in the passenger’s seat unless the airbags
are off. Here is why:
{CAUTION:
Even though the passenger sensing system is
designed to turn off the passenger’s frontal
airbag and side impact airbag (if equipped) if the
system detects a rear-facing child restraint, no
system is fail-safe, and no one can guarantee
that an airbag will not deploy under some
unusual circumstance, even though it is turned
off. We recommend that rear-facing child
restraints be transported in vehicles with a rear
seat that will accommodate a rear-facing child
restraint, whenever possible. Passenger Airbag Status Indicator — United States
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator — Canada
3-52

If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passenger
airbag status indicator, it means that the passenger’s
frontal airbag and side impact airbag (if equipped)
are enabled (may inate).
{CAUTION:
If the on indicator comes on when you have
a rear-facing child restraint installed in the
passenger’s seat, it means that the passenger
sensing system has not turned off the
passenger’s frontal airbag and side impact
airbag (if equipped). A child in a rear-facing
child restraint can be seriously injured or
killed if the passenger’s airbag inates. This
is because the back of the rear-facing child
restraint would be very close to the inating
airbag. Do not use a rear-facing child restraint in
the passenger’s seat if the airbag is turned on.
If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the passenger
airbag status indicator, it means that the passenger
sensing system has turned off the passenger’s airbags.
SeePassenger Sensing System on page 1-40for
more on this, including important safety information.If, after several seconds, all status indicator lights
remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may
be a problem with the lights or the passenger sensing
system. See your dealer for service.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag off indicator and the airbag
readiness light ever come on together, it means
that something may be wrong with the airbag
system. If this ever happens, have the vehicle
serviced promptly, because an adult-size
person sitting in the right front passenger seat
may not have the protection of the airbag.
SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-51.
3-53

Voltmeter Gage
When the vehicle is in
accessory mode, the
voltmeter shows the
voltage output of your
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, your instrument panel
cluster and other systems may shut down. The Driver
Information Center (DIC) will read LOW VOLTAGE
when your vehicle is at 10 volts or below. Have
it checked right away. Driving with the voltmeter
reading at 10 volts or below could drain your battery
and disable your vehicle.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part is not working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though,
you need both parts working well.
This light should come on when you start the engine.
If it does not come on then, have it xed so it will
be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If this warning light stays on after you start the engine,
the parking brake may still be set or there could be
a brake problem. Refer toParking Brake on page 2-29
to see if it is set. If the parking brake is not set, have
your brake system inspected right away.
United StatesCanada
3-54

If the light comes on while you are driving and you have
a LOW BRAKE FLUID message showing on the DIC,
pull off the road and stop carefully. You may notice
that the pedal is harder to push. Or, the pedal may go
closer to the oor. It may take longer to stop. If the
light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service.
SeeTowing Your Vehicle on page 5-37.
{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working properly
if the brake system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light on can lead
to an accident. If the light is still on after you
have pulled off the road and stopped carefully,
have the vehicle towed for service.
Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
With the anti-lock brake
system, the light will come
on when your engine is
started and may stay
on for several seconds.
That is normal.
If the light stays on, turn the ignition off. Or, if the light
comes on when you are driving, stop as soon as possible
and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine again to
reset the system. If the light still stays on, or comes on
again while you are driving, your vehicle needs service.
If the regular brake system warning light is not on, you
still have brakes, but you do not have anti-lock brakes.
If the regular brake system warning light is also on, you
do not have anti-lock brakes and there is a problem with
your regular brakes. See “Service ABS” underDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-67.
The anti-lock brake system warning light will come on
briey when you turn the ignition on. This is normal.
If the light does not come on then, have it xed so it
will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
3-55

Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
This light should come on
briey as you start the
engine. If the light does not
come on then, have it xed
so it will be ready to warn
you if there is a problem.
The light will also come on while the StabiliTrak
®
system warms up and the STABILITRAK WARMING
message will be displayed in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If it stays on, or comes on and the DIC shows a SERVICE
TRACTION SYS message when you are driving, there is
a problem with your TCS and your vehicle needs service.
When this light is on, the system will not limit wheel spin.
Adjust your driving accordingly. If the driver turns off TCS
by pressing the button on the console, the TCS system
light will come on and the TRACTION SYSTEM-OFF
message will show on the DIC.
If the light stays on or comes on while you are driving,
a chime sounds and a SERVICE STABILITRAK
message appears on the DIC, there is a problem with
your StabiliTrak
®and the vehicle needs service.You can acknowledge this message by pressing the
RESET button. When the SERVICE STABILITRAK
message is displayed, the StabiliTrak
®system will not
assist you in controlling the vehicle. You should have
the system serviced as soon as possible. Adjust
your driving accordingly.
When the system is working, you will see the
STABILITRAK ACTIVE message displayed in the
DIC. You may also feel of hear the system working.
This is normal.
If you turn off the StabiliTrak
®system, by pressing the
front part of the button on the console for ve seconds,
the traction control system light will come on, a chime will
sound and the TRAC/STABILITRAK OFF message will
be displayed in the DIC. The Traction Control System will
also be turned off. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-67for more information.
If the StabiliTrak
®system and Traction Control System
are turned off, pressing the console button momentarily
will turn both systems on. The DIC will display the
TRAC/STABILITRAK ON message, the instrument
cluster light will be off and a chime will sound.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-67for
more information.
3-56

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
As the pointer nears 260°F (125°C), your engine coolant
temperature is high. A message may display on the
Driver Information Center (DIC) depending on how high
the temperature is. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-67for more information.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 6-25for more
information.
Tire Pressure Light
This light should come
on briey as you start the
engine. It will then come on
only when a at or low tire
pressure condition exists.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 6-59for
more information.
United States
Canada
3-57

Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle has a
computer which monitors
operation of the fuel,
ignition, and emission
control systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended to
assure that emissions are at acceptable levels for
the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment. The Check Engine light comes on
to indicate that there is a problem and service is
required. Malfunctions often will be indicated by the
system before any problem is apparent. This may
prevent more serious damage to your vehicle.
This system is also designed to assist your service
technician in correctly diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with this
light on, after awhile, your emission controls may not
work as well, your fuel economy may not be as good,
and your engine may not run as smoothly. This could
lead to costly repairs that may not be covered by
your warranty.Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of
your vehicle or the replacement of the original tires
with other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission
controls and may cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by your warranty. This may
also result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 6-3.
This light should come on briey, as a check to show
you it is working, as you start the engine. If the light
does not come on, have it repaired. This light will also
come on during a malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing— A misre condition has
been detected. A misre increases vehicle
emissions and may damage the emission control
system on your vehicle. Diagnosis and service may
be required.
Light On Steady— An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on your vehicle.
Diagnosis and service may be required.
3-58

If the Light Is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage
to your vehicle:
Reducing vehicle speed
Avoiding hard accelerations
Avoiding steep uphill grades
If the light stops ashing and remains on steady,
see “If the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park your vehicle.
Turn the engine off, wait at least 10 seconds and
restart the engine. If the light remains on steady, see
“If the Light Is On Steady” following. If the light is
still ashing, follow the previous steps, and see your
dealer for service as soon as possible.
If the Light Is On Steady
You also may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully
install the cap. SeeFilling the Tank on page 6-7.
The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap
has been left off or improperly installed.A loose or missing fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate
into the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the cap
properly installed should turn the light off.
Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The condition
will usually be corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See
Gasoline Octane on page 6-5. Poor fuel quality will
cause your engine not to run as efficiently as designed.
You may notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling
when you put the vehicle into gear, misring, hesitation
on acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may go away once the engine is warmed up.)
This will be detected by the system and cause the
light to turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least
one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn off,
your dealer can check the vehicle. Your dealer has
the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to x
any mechanical or electrical problems that may
have developed.
3-59

Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or
may begin programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass this
inspection could prevent you from getting a vehicle
registration.
Here are some things you need to know to help
your vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
Check Engine light is on or not working properly.
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 2-21. 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 ignitionwill be on, but the engine will not start — if you 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, be sure
to press and release the ACC button again to turn
the ignition off and avoid draining the vehicle’s battery.
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
OBD (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 you have recently replaced your battery or
if your battery has run down. The diagnostic system is
designed to evaluate critical emission control systems
during normal driving. This may take several days
of routine driving. If you have done this and your vehicle
still does not pass the inspection for lack of OBD
system readiness, your GM dealer can prepare the
vehicle for inspection.
3-60