warning light CADILLAC DTS 2008 1.G Owner's Manual

FUEL USED
This display shows the number of gallons (gal) or
liters (L) of fuel used since the last reset of this display.
To reset this display, press the set/reset button.
The display will return to zero.
TIMER ON/OFF
This display can be used like a stopwatch. You can
record the time it takes to travel from one point to
another. To access the timer, press the trip/fuel button
until 00:00:00 TIMER OFF displays.
To turn on the timer, press the set/reset button until
TIMER ON displays. The timer will then start.
To turn off the timer, press the set/reset button again
until TIMER OFF displays. The timer will stop and
display the end timing value.
To reset the timer, press and hold the set/reset button
after the timer has been stopped. The display will
return to zero.
AVERAGE SPEED
This display shows the average speed of the vehicle in
either miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (km/h).
This average is calculated based on the various vehicle
speeds recorded since the last reset of this display.
To reset this display, press the set/reset button.
The display will return to zero.
BATTERY VOLTAGE
This display shows the current battery voltage. If the
voltage is in the normal range, the value will display.
For example, the display may read BATTERY
VOLTAGE 13.2 VOLTS. If the voltage is low, the display
will show LOW. If the voltage is high, the display will
show HIGH. Your vehicle’s charging system regulates
voltage based on the state of the battery. The battery
voltage may uctuate when viewing this information on
the DIC. This is normal. SeeCharging System Light
on page 3-60for more information.
If there is a problem with the battery charging system,
the DIC will display a message. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-75andElectric Power
Management on page 3-39for more information.
Blank Display
This display shows no information.
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DIC Warnings and Messages
These messages appear if there is a problem detected
in one of your vehicle’s systems.
You must acknowledge a message to clear it from the
screen for further use. To clear a message, press
the set/reset button.
Be sure to take any message that appears on the
screen seriously and remember that clearing the
message will only make the message disappear,
not the problem.
AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the automatic headlamps
are turned off. SeeExterior Lamps on page 3-32for
more information.
AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL ON
This message displays when the automatic headlamps
are turned on. SeeExterior Lamps on page 3-32for
more information.
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message displays when the system detects that
the battery voltage is dropping beyond a reasonable
level. The battery saver system starts reducing certain
features of the vehicle that you may be able to notice.At the point that the features are disabled, this message
is displayed. It means that the vehicle is trying to
save the charge in the battery.
Turn off all unnecessary accessories to allow the battery
to recharge.
The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts.
You can monitor battery voltage on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) by pressing the trip/fuel button until
BATTERY VOLTAGE is displayed.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when service is required for your
vehicle. See your dealer/retailer. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-15andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4for
more information.
When you reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message by clearing it from the display, you still must
reset the engine oil life system separately. For more
information on resetting the engine oil life system, see
Engine Oil Life System on page 5-18.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
This message displays when the pressure in one or
more of the vehicle’s tires needs to be checked. This
message also displays LEFT FRONT, RIGHT FRONT,
LEFT REAR, or RIGHT REAR to indicate which tire
needs to be checked. You can receive more
than one tire pressure message at a time.
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To read the other messages that may have been sent
at the same time, press the set/reset button. If a tire
pressure message appears on the DIC, stop as soon as
you can. Have the tire pressures checked and set to
those shown on the Tire Loading Information label. See
Tires on page 5-52,Loading the Vehicle on page 4-20,
andInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-60. The DIC also
shows the tire pressure values. SeeDIC Operation and
Displays on page 3-70. If the tire pressure is low, the low
tire pressure warning light comes on. SeeTire Pressure
Light on page 3-64.
CLEAN RADAR
This message displays when the Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) system and the Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) system are disabled because the radar is blocked
and cannot detect vehicles in your path. It may also
activate during heavy rain or due to road spray. To clean
the system, see “Cleaning the System” underAdaptive
Cruise Control on page 3-19.
CLEAN SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system, this message displays when the SBZA system
is disabled because the sensor is blocked and cannot
detect vehicles in your blind zone. The sensor may
be blocked by mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush.This message may also display during heavy rain or
due to road spray. It may also come on when driving in
isolated areas with no guardrails, trees, or road signs
and light traffic. Your vehicle does not need service.
For cleaning instructions, seeWashing Your Vehicle
on page 5-94. SeeSide Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
on page 2-43for more information.
CRUISE SET TO XXX MPH (km/h)
This message displays whenever the cruise control is
set. SeeCruise Control on page 3-16andAdaptive
Cruise Control on page 3-19for more information.
If your vehicle has Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), after
a few seconds, this message clears and the message
“SET SPD XX” displays at the bottom of the DIC.
See “SET SPD (Speed)” later in this section.
DRIVER DOOR OPEN
This symbol appears
with this message.
This message displays when the driver door is not
closed completely. Make sure that the door is closed
completely.
3-76

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 3-64.
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 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 5-27for 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 3-63.SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating Mode on
page 5-29for information on driving to a safe place
in an emergency.
ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP 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. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-27
for more information.
This message displays when the engine has overheated.
Immediately look for a safe place to pull your vehicle
over and turn the engine off right away to avoid severe
engine damage. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-27
andOverheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
on page 5-29. A chime also sounds when this message
is displayed.
ENGINE POWER REDUCED
This message displays when the engine power is
being reduced to protect the engine from damage.
There could be several malfunctions that might cause
this message. Reduced engine power can affect
the vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message
is on, but there is no reduction in performance,
proceed to your destination. The performance may
be reduced the next time the vehicle is driven.
3-77

NO CRUISE BRAKING GAS PEDAL
APPLIED
This message displays when the Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) is engaged and you are pressing the
accelerator pedal enough to disable ACC automatic
braking. SeeAdaptive Cruise Control on page 3-19for
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 5-15for more information.
This message displays when the vehicle’s engine
oil pressure is low. The oil pressure light also appears
on the instrument panel cluster. SeeOil Pressure
Light on page 3-67.
A multiple chime sounds when this message is
displayed. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-15for 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 Front and Rear
Parking Assist (UFRPA) system, after the vehicle is
shifted out of PARK (P), this message displays to remind
the driver that the UFRPA system has been turned
off. Press the set/reset button to acknowledge this
message and clear it from the DIC display. To turn
the UFRPA system back on, see “PARKING ASSIST”
underDIC Operation and Displays on page 3-70.
SeeUltrasonic Front and Rear Parking Assist (UFRPA)
on page 2-40for more information.
PASSENGER DOOR OPEN
This symbol appears
with this message.
This message displays when the passenger side front
door is not closed completely. Make sure that the door
is closed completely.
3-80

SERVICE A/C SYSTEM
This message displays when the air delivery mode door
or the electronic sensors that control the air conditioning
and heating systems are no longer working. Have
the climate control system serviced by your dealer/
retailer if you notice a drop in heating and air
conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING
SYSTEM
This message displays when a problem with the
charging system has been detected. The charging
system light also displays on the instrument panel
cluster. SeeCharging System Light on page 3-60for
more information. Have your vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer.
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 warning light may also be
displayed on the instrument panel cluster. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 3-60andAntilock Brake
System (ABS) Warning Light on page 3-61for 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 is displayed or appears again when you
begin driving, the brake system needs service. See
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible. SeeBrakes
on page 5-37for more information.
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
This message displays if the ignition is on to inform the
driver that the brake uid level is low. Have the brake
system serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as
possible.
SERVICE LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM
If your vehicle has the Lane Departure Warning
(LDW) system, this message may display to indicate
that the LDW system is not working properly.
If this message remains on after continued driving,
the system needs service. See your dealer/retailer.
SeeLane Departure Warning (LDW) on page 2-46for
more information.
SERVICE PARKING ASSIST
If your vehicle has the Ultrasonic Front and Rear
Parking Assist (UFRPA) system, this message displays
if there is a problem with the UFRPA system. Do not
use this system to help you park. SeeUltrasonic Front
and Rear Parking Assist (UFRPA) on page 2-40for
more information. See your dealer/retailer for service.
3-82

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. SeePASS-Key
®III+
Electronic Immobilizer Operation on page 2-21for
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 3-64. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-64for 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). When this message
is displayed, the system will not limit wheel spin.Adjust your driving accordingly. See your dealer/retailer
for service. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-5for 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.
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.
SET SPD (Speed)
If your vehicle has Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC),
this message displays whenever the cruise control is
set. First, the “CRUISE SET TO XXX MPH (km/h)”
message appears. After a few seconds, the “CRUISE
SET TO XXX MPH (km/h)” message clears and the
message “SET SPD XX” displays at the bottom of the
DIC. See “CRUISE SET TO XXX MPH (km/h)” earlier in
this section andAdaptive Cruise Control on page 3-19
for more information.
3-84

SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM OFF
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system, this message displays when the SBZA system
has been turned off. SeeSide Blind Zone Alert
(SBZA) on page 2-43andDIC Operation and Displays
on page 3-70for more information.
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.
STABILITRAK NOT READY
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message may
display and the Traction Control System and
StabiliTrak
®Warning Light on the instrument panel
cluster may be on after rst driving the vehicle
and exceeding 19 mph (30 km/h) for 30 seconds.
The StabiliTrak
®system is not functional until the light
has turned off. SeeStabiliTrak®System on page 4-7
for more information.
STARTING DISABLED SERVICE
THROTTLE
This message displays when your vehicle’s throttle
system is not functioning properly. Have your vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer.
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This symbol appears
with this message.
This message displays if the content theft-deterrent
system has detected a break-in attempt while you were
away from your vehicle. SeeContent Theft-Deterrent
on page 2-19for 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.
3-85

For persons under 21, it is against the law in every
U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical,
psychological, and developmental reasons for
these laws.
The obvious way to eliminate the leading highway
safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol and
then drive.
Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’s
system can make crash injuries worse, especially
injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or heart. This means
that when anyone who has been drinking — driver
or passenger — is in a crash, that person’s chance of
being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if the
person had not been drinking.
Control of a Vehicle
The following three systems help to control your vehicle
while driving — brakes, steering, and accelerator. At
times, as when driving on snow or ice, it is easy to ask
more of those control systems than the tires and road can
provide. Meaning, you can lose control of your vehicle.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-5.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-60.
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.
4-3

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 5-3.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 3-61.
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 front wheel
and at both rear wheels.
4-4