warning light CADILLAC CTS 2008 2.G Owner's Manual

Electronic Key Not Detected Restart
Allowed
If your vehicle has the keyless access system, this
message displays when the keyless access transmitter
is not detected inside the vehicle while you are trying
to turn the ignition off. Your vehicle may be near a strong
radio antenna signal causing the keyless access
system to be jammed. The vehicle will remain in
ACC/ACCESSORY until the vehicle is turned off or is
started, or ve minutes has expired. If you turn the
ignition off and you cannot nd the keyless access
transmitter, you will not be able to restart the vehicle.
The keyless access transmitter needs to be inside of the
vehicle in order for the vehicle to start. SeeStarting
the Engine on page 2-35for more information.
Engine Hot A/C (Air Conditioning) Off
This message displays when the engine coolant
becomes hotter than the normal operating temperature.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-40.
To avoid added strain on a hot engine, the air
conditioning compressor automatically turns off. When
the coolant temperature returns to normal, the air
conditioning compressor turns back on. You can
continue to drive your vehicle.
If this message continues to appear, have the system
repaired by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible
to avoid damage to the engine.
Engine Oil Low Add Oil
If your vehicle has an oil level sensor, this message
displays if the oil level in the vehicle is low. Check the oil
level and correct it as necessary. You may need to let
the vehicle cool or warm up and cycle the ignition
to be sure this message clears.
This message clears itself after 10 seconds, until the
next ignition cycle. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-16
for additional information.
Engine Overheated Idle Engine
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine is
overheating, severe engine damage may occur.
If an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-31for more information.
This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to
idle until it cools down. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light on page 3-40.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating Mode on
page 5-33for information on driving to a safe place
in an emergency.
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Left Rear Door Open
This message displays when the driver side rear door is
not closed completely. Make sure that the door is
closed completely.
Maximum # Electronic Keys Learned
If your vehicle has the keyless access system, this
message displays when the maximum number of
transmitters have been learned. SeeKeyless Access
System Operation on page 2-10for more information.
Oil Pressure Low Stop Engine
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
oil pressure is low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure warning appears on
the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the
vehicle as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle
until the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-16for more information.
This message displays when the vehicle’s engine
oil pressure is low. The oil pressure light may also
appear on the instrument panel cluster. SeeOil
Pressure Light on page 3-44. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-16for more information.Stop the vehicle immediately, as engine damage can
result from driving a vehicle with low oil pressure.
Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon
as possible when this message is displayed.
Parking Assist Off
If your vehicle has the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
(URPA) system, after the vehicle has been started, this
message displays to remind the driver that the URPA
system has been turned off. Press the set/reset button to
acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC
display. To turn the URPA system back on, see “Parking
Assist” underDIC Operation and Displays on page 3-48.
SeeUltrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) on
page 2-52for more information.
Passenger Door Open
This message displays when the passenger side front
door is not closed completely. Make sure that the door is
closed completely.
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Service Brake Assist
This message displays if there is a problem with the
brake system. The brake system warning light and the
antilock brake system (ABS) warning light may also
display on the instrument panel cluster. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 3-38andAntilock Brake
System (ABS) Warning Light on page 3-39for more
information. If this happens, stop as soon as possible
and turn off the vehicle. Restart the vehicle and
check for the message on the DIC display. If the
message displays or appears again when you begin
driving, the brake system needs service. See your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible. SeeBrakes
on page 5-41for more information.
Service Brake System
This message displays, while the ignition is on, when
the brake uid level is low. The brake system warning
light on the instrument panel cluster also comes on.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-38for more
information. Have the brake system serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
Service Keyless Start System
If your vehicle has the keyless access system, this
message displays when there is a problem with
this feature. See your dealer/retailer.
Service Parking Assist
If your vehicle has the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
(URPA) system, this message displays if there is a
problem with the URPA system. Do not use this system
to help you park. SeeUltrasonic Rear Parking Assist
(URPA) on page 2-52for more information. See
your dealer/retailer for service.
Service Power Steering
Your vehicle may have a speed variable assist steering
system. SeeSteering on page 4-9.
This message displays if a problem is detected with
the speed variable assist 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.
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Service StabiliTrak
This message displays if there has been a
problem detected with the StabiliTrak®system.
The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light on the instrument
panel cluster also comes on.
If this message comes on while you are driving, pull off
the road as soon as possible and stop carefully. Try
resetting the system by turning the ignition off then back
on. If this message still stays on or comes back on
again while you are driving, your vehicle needs service.
Have the StabiliTrak system inspected by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible. SeeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-8for more information.
Service Theft Deterrent System
This message displays when there is a problem with the
theft-deterrent system programmed in the key. A fault
has been detected in the system which means that
the system is disabled and it is not protecting the
vehicle. The vehicle usually restarts; however, you may
want to take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer before
turning off the engine. SeeImmobilizer Operation
(Key Access) on page 2-30orImmobilizer Operation
(Keyless Access) on page 2-31for more information.
Service Tire Monitor System
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 3-41. 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 Traction Control
This message displays when there is a problem with
the Traction Control System (TCS). The TCS/StabiliTrak
warning light on the instrument panel cluster also comes
on. When this message displays, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly. See your
dealer/retailer for service. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-6for more information.
Service Transmission
This message displays when there is a problem with the
vehicle’s transmission. Have your vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer.
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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.
Shift To Park
(Automatic Transmission Only)
If your vehicle has the keyless access system, this
message displays if the vehicle is not in PARK (P) while
the engine is being turned off. The vehicle will be in
ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the shift lever is moved
to PARK (P), the ignition needs to be turned off. If the
ignition is not turned off, the vehicle will remain in
ACC/ACCESSORY. To avoid draining the battery, make
sure the ignition is turned off before leaving the vehicle.
Speed Limited To XXX MPH (km/h)
This message displays when your vehicle speed is
limited to 80 mph (128 km/h) because the vehicle
detects a problem in the speed variable assist steering,
magnetic ride control, or automatic leveling control
systems. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
Sport Mode
This message displays when the vehicle is in sport
mode. See “Driver Shift Control (DSC)” under
Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-38
for more information.
StabiliTrak Competitive Mode
This message displays when the Competitive Driving
mode is selected. When in this mode, the Traction
Control System (TCS) will not be operating and
the TCS/StabiliTrak warning light will turn on. Adjust
your driving accordingly. See “Competitive Driving
Mode” underTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-6for more information.
StabiliTrak Not Ready
This message may display after rst driving the vehicle
and exceeding 19 mph (30 km/h) for 30 seconds.
The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light on the instrument
panel cluster also comes on. The StabiliTrak system is
not functional until the message has turned off. See
StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-8for more information.
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StabiliTrak Off
This message displays when you turn off StabiliTrak,
or when the stability control has been automatically
disabled. The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light on
the instrument panel cluster also comes on.
To realize the full benets of the stability enhancement
system, you should normally leave StabiliTrak on.
To turn the StabiliTrak system on or off, seeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-8.
There are several conditions that can cause this message
to appear.
One condition is overheating, which could occur if
StabiliTrak®activates continuously for an extended
period of time.
The message also displays if the brake system
warning light is on. SeeBrake System Warning Light
on page 3-38.
The message could display if the stability system
takes longer than usual to complete its diagnostic
checks due to driving conditions.
The message displays if an engine or vehicle related
problem has been detected and the vehicle needs
service. See your dealer/retailer.
The message turns off as soon as the conditions that
caused the message to be displayed are no longer
present.
Start Aborted By Theft Deterrent
This message displays if there is a communication
problem between the keyless access system and the
vehicle. The vehicle cannot be started when this
message displays. See your dealer/retailer for service.
Theft Attempted
This message displays if the theft-deterrent system has
detected a break-in attempt while you were away
from your vehicle. SeeTheft-Deterrent System on
page 2-28for more information.
Tighten Gas Cap
This message displays when the fuel cap has not been
fully tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to ensure that it
is on and tightened properly.
Tire Learning Active
This message displays when the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS) is re-learning the tire positions on
your vehicle. The tire positions must be re-learned after
rotating the tires or after replacing a tire or sensor.
SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 5-74,
Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-69, and
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-66for more
information.
3-68

Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-38.
Braking action involves perception time and reaction
time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake
pedal. That is perception time. Then you have to bring
up your foot and do it. That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between your
vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement or
gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry, or
icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weight of
the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied.Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a
mistake. The brakes might not have time to cool between
hard stops. The brakes will wear out much faster if you do
a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic
and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a
lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking
and longer brake life.
If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are driving,
brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If you do,
the pedal could get harder to push down. If the
engine stops, you will still have some power brake
assist. But you will use it when you brake. Once the
power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop
and the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-4.
4-4

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 3-39.
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 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 faster than any
driver could. The computer is programmed to make the
most of available tire and road conditions. 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 the antilock pump or motor operate, and feel the
brake pedal pulsate, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time.
In many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.
4-5

Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS) that
limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. It will activate and the TCS/StabiliTrak
®
light will ash if it senses that any of the wheels are
spinning or beginning to lose traction while driving.
When this happens, the system applies the brake to
the spinning wheel(s) and/or reduces engine power to
limit wheel spin. The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light
will ash when the traction control system is limiting
wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this is
normal.
This warning light will
come on if there is a
problem with the traction
control system.SeeTraction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®
Warning Light on page 3-39andStabiliTrak®System on
page 4-8. When the TCS/StabiliTrak warning light is
on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
TCS automatically comes on whenever the vehicle is
started. To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road
conditions, you should always leave the system on. But
the TCS should be turned off if your vehicle ever gets
stuck in sand, mud or snow and rocking the vehicle is
required. Also, turn the TCS off while in deep snow or on
loose gravel, to assist vehicle motion at lower speeds.
SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-22for
more information. See alsoWinter Driving on page 4-17
for information on using TCS when driving in snowy or icy
conditions.
Press the TC (Traction
Control) button, located on
the instrument panel, to
turn the system off.
4-6

If you press the TC button once, the traction control
system will turn off and the TCS/StabiliTrak Warning
Light will come on. Press the TC button again to turn
the system back on. Press and hold the TC button for
ve seconds or longer, to turn the StabiliTrak system off.
The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light will come on. Press
the TC button again to turn Stabilitrak back on. For more
information, seeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-8.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-4for more information.
Competitive Driving Mode
Press the TC button quickly two times to select this
optional handling mode. The StabiliTrak Competitive
Mode message displays in the Driver Information Center
(DIC). While in the StabiliTrak Competitive Mode, TCS
does not operate, and the TCS warning light comes on.
Adjust your driving accordingly.Press the TC button again, or turn the ignition to
ACC/ACCESSORY, to turn the TCS back on and the
TCS warning light off.
Notice:When traction control is turned off, or
Competitive Driving Mode is active, it is possible to
lose traction. If you attempt to shift with the rear
wheels spinning with a loss of traction, it is possible
to cause damage to the transmission. Do not attempt
to shift when the rear wheels do not have traction.
Damage caused by misuse of the vehicle is not
covered. See your warranty book for additional
information.Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Your vehicle may have this feature. A 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.
4-7