traction control CADILLAC DEVILLE 2004 8.G Owners Manual

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-7
Horn.............................................................3-7
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-7
Heated Steering Wheel...................................3-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-9
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-17
Interior Lamps..............................................3-22
Night Vision System......................................3-25
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)............3-28
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-30
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-31
Climate Controls............................................3-32
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-32
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-37
Rear Climate Control System.........................3-38
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-40
Steering Wheel Climate Controls.....................3-42
Climate Controls Personalization.....................3-43
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-44
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-44
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-47
Trip Odometer..............................................3-47
Tachometer (Analog Cluster Only)...................3-49Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-49
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-50
Charging System Light..................................3-51
Brake System Warning and Parking Brake
Indicator Light...........................................3-51
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-52
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light......3-53
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-54
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-54
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-55
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-58
Security Light...............................................3-59
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-59
Lights On Reminder......................................3-60
Cruise Control Light......................................3-60
Fuel Gage...................................................3-60
Fuel Data Display (Digital Cluster Only)...........3-61
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-62
DIC Controls and Displays.............................3-62
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-65
Climate Controls and Radio System
Personalization..........................................3-73
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-74
Trip Computer................................................3-89
Oil Life Indicator...........................................3-89
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Windshield Washer
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your washer
until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the
washer uid can form ice on the windshield,
blocking your vision.
At the top of the turn signal/multifunction lever there is a
paddle with the word PUSH on it. To spray washer
uid on the windshield, press and release this paddle.
The wipers will clear the windshield and either stop
or return to your preset speed. For more washer cycles,
press and hold the paddle.
CHECK WASHER FLUID will be displayed on the Driver
Information Center (DIC) when the washer uid
reaches a low level.
Cruise Control
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of
approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping
your foot on the accelerator. This is helpful on long trips.
Cruise control does not work at speeds below about
25 mph (40 km/h). When cruise control is on, you will see
a CRUISE light on the instrument panel cluster.When you apply your brakes, the cruise control shuts off.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you
can not drive safely at a steady speed. So, do
not use your cruise control on winding roads
or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery
roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire
traction can cause needless wheel spinning,
and you could lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-9. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may turn
the cruise control back on.
3-13

Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
This warning light should come on briey when the
engine is started.If the warning light does not come on then, have it xed
so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem. If
it stays on, or comes on when you are driving, there may
be a problem with your traction control system and
your vehicle may need service. When this warning light
is on, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust
your driving accordingly.
The traction control system warning light may come on
for the following reasons:
If there is a brake system problem that is specically
related to traction control, the traction control system
will turn off and the warning light will come on.
If the traction control system is affected by an
engine-related problem, the system will turn off and
the warning light will come on.
If the traction control system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when the
system is turned on, your vehicle needs service. United States
Canada (Analog Only)
3-53

STABILITY SYS ENGAGED – 55:You may see the
STABILITY SYS ENGAGED message on the Driver
Information Center. It means that an advanced,
computer-controlled system has come on to help your
vehicle continue to go in the direction in which you
are steering. This stability enhancement system
activates when the computer senses that your vehicle is
just starting to spin, as it might if you hit a patch of
ice or other slippery spot on the road. When the system
is on, you may hear a noise or feel a vibration in the
brake pedal. This is normal.
When the STABILITY SYS ENGAGED message is on,
you should continue to steer in the direction you want to
go. The system is designed to help you in bad weather or
other difficult driving situations by making the most of
whatever road conditions will permit. If the STABILITY
SYS ENGAGED message comes on, you will know that
something has caused your vehicle to start to spin, so
you should consider slowing down. A single chime will
also sound when this message is displayed.
STARTING DISABLED REMOVE KEY – 33:This
message will appear when the PASS-Key
®III system
detects that an improper ignition key is being used to try
to start the vehicle. Check the ignition key for damage.
If it is damaged, it may need to be replaced. If it is
not damaged, remove the key and try to start the vehicle
again. If it still does not start, try another ignition key
or see your dealer for service.THEFT ATTEMPTED – 40:This message is displayed
if the theft system has detected a break-in attempt
while you were away from your vehicle.
TOP SPEED FUEL CUT-OFF – 111:This message will
appear when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
detects that the maximum speed for your vehicle has
been reached. The speed of your vehicle will surge
as the fuel supply is cut off. Your vehicle’s top speed is
based on the top speed rating of the tires. This
ensures that your vehicle stays in a safe operating
range for the tires.
TRACTION ENGAGED – 91:When your traction
control system is limiting wheel spin, the TRACTION
ENGAGED message will be displayed. Slippery
road conditions may exist if this message is displayed,
so adjust your driving accordingly. This message
will stay on for a few seconds after the traction control
system stops limited wheel spin.
TRACTION OFF – 89:This message will be displayed
after the traction control system has been turned off
using the TRAC ON/OFF button on the center console.
3-72

TRACTION READY – 90:This message informs the
driver that the traction control system is available.
Pressing the TRAC ON/OFF button on the center
console once turns the traction control system off;
pressing the button again turns the system back on. This
message will automatically disappear from the display
after ve seconds.
TRACTION SUSPENDED – 56:This message displays
when the traction control system has been temporarily
shut off because your vehicle’s brakes have overheated.
This message does not indicate a problem with your
vehicle’s traction control system. After a few minutes,
the traction control system will be available again
and the TRACTION READY message will appear.
TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE – 112:This message
indicates that the transaxle uid in your vehicle is too
hot. Stop and allow your vehicle to idle until it cools
down or until this message is removed.
TRUNK OPEN – 24:This message indicates that the
trunk is open when the ignition is on.TURN SIGNAL ON – 20:If you drive your vehicle for
more than a mile with a turn signal on, this message will
appear as a reminder to turn off the turn signal. A
multiple chime will sound when this message is
displayed.
VEHICLE OVERSPEED – 52:This message is
displayed when the vehicle speed exceeds a certain
limit as required by some export countries. A continuous
chime will sound when this message is displayed.
Climate Controls and Radio System
Personalization
These features allow both drivers to personalize their
own climate control settings as well as their radio
settings. For more information, seeClimate Controls
Personalization on page 3-43andRadio Personalization
with Home and Away Feature on page 3-113.
3-73

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunken Driving.............................................4-2
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-6
Braking.........................................................4-6
Traction Control System (TCS).........................4-9
Continuous Variable Road Sensing
Suspension (CVRSS).................................4-11
Steering......................................................4-11
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-14
Passing.......................................................4-14
Loss of Control.............................................4-16
Driving at Night............................................4-17
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-19City Driving..................................................4-22
Freeway Driving...........................................4-23
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-24
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-25
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-26
Winter Driving..............................................4-28
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow........4-32
Towing..........................................................4-33
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-33
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-33
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-35
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-41
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

Control of a Vehicle
You have three systems that make your vehicle go where
you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering and
the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at
the places where the tires meet the road.
Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or ice, it
is easy to ask more of those control systems than
the tires and road can provide. That means you can lose
control of your vehicle. Also seeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-9.
Braking
Braking action involvesperception timeand
reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal.
That isperception time.Then you have to bring up your
foot and do it. That isreaction time.
Averagereaction timeis about 3/4 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 3/4 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 (wet, dry, icy); tire
tread; the condition of your brakes; the weight of
the vehicle and the amount of brake force applied.
4-6

Remember: Anti-lock 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
your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even
though you have anti-lock brakes.
Using Anti-Lock
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let anti-lock work for you. You may hear
the anti-lock pump or motor operate, and feel the
brake pedal pulsate, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the very best braking.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle has a traction control system that limits
wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that one or both of the front wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens,
the system works the front brakes and reduces engine
power to limit wheel spin.
The TRACTION ENGAGED message will display on the
Driver Information Center when the traction control
system is limiting wheel spin. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-65. You may feel or hear the
system working, but this is normal.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
reengage the cruise control. See “Cruise Control” under
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-9.
4-9

This warning light will come on to let you know if there
is a problem with your traction control system.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) Warning Light on
page 3-53. When this warning light is on, the system will
not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The traction control system automatically comes
on whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin,
especially in slippery road conditions, you should
always leave the system on. But you can turn the
traction control system off if you ever need to. You
should turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets stuck
in sand, mud or snow and rocking the vehicle is
required. See “Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out”
underIf You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on
page 4-32later in this section.To turn the system off,
press the TRAC ON/OFF
button located on the
center console. (For
vehicles with a column
shift lever, the button
is located at the end of the
shift lever.)
The TRACTION OFF message will display on the Driver
Information Center. If the system is limiting wheel
spin when you press the button, the TRACTION OFF
message will display – but the system will not turn
off right away. It will wait until there is no longer
a current need to limit wheel spin.
You can turn the system back on at any time by pressing
the button again. The TRACTION READY message
should display briey on the Driver Information Center. United States
Canada
4-10

The traction control system monitors the front brake rotor
temperature. If the traction control system comes on
while the front brake rotors are hot due to heavy use of
braking or previous traction control, the TRACTION
SUSPENDED message will be displayed – but the
system will not turn off right away. It will wait until there is
no longer a current need to limit wheel spin. The
TRACTION READY message should appear when the
brake rotors are no longer hot and the traction control
system will resume normal operation.
Continuous Variable Road Sensing
Suspension (CVRSS)
Your vehicle may have a Continuous Variable Road
Sensing Suspension (CVRSS). CVRSS 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. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-65for more information. If this message appears,
have your vehicle serviced at your dealership.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Magnetic Speed Variable Assist
Steering System
This system continuously adjusts the effort you feel
when steering at all vehicle speeds. It provides ease
when parking, yet a rm, solid feel at highway speeds.
4-11