towing CADILLAC DTS 2010 1.G User Guide

Highway Exit Ramps
{WARNING:
Adaptive Cruise Control may lose track of the
vehicle ahead and accelerate up to your set speed
while entering or on highway exit ramps. You
could be startled by this acceleration and even
lose control of the vehicle. Disengage Adaptive
Cruise Control before entering a highway exit
ramp. Do not use Adaptive Cruise Control while
entering or on exit ramps.
Other Vehicle Lane Changes
If another vehicle enters the same lane as you, ACC willnot detect the vehicle until it is completely in the lane.Be ready to take action and apply the brakes yourself.
Using ACC on Hills and When Towing a
Trailer
How well ACC will work on hills and when towing atrailer depends on your vehicle’s speed, vehicle load,traffic conditions and the steepness of the hills. Itmay not detect a vehicle in your lane while driving onhills. When going up steep hills, you may want touse the accelerator pedal to maintain your vehicle’sspeed. When going downhill, especially when towing atrailer, you may want to brake to keep your speeddown. Applying the brake disengages the system. Youmay choose not to use ACC on steep hills, especiallywhen towing a trailer.
Disengaging ACC
To turn off the system, apply the brake pedal, press thecancel button, or press the ACC button.
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If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road andstop carefully.The pedal may be harder to push, orthe pedal may go closer to the floor. It may take longerto stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towedfor service. SeeTowing Your Vehicle on page 5-24.
{WARNING:
The brake system might not be working properly if
the brake system warning light is on. Driving with
the brake system warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after the vehicle has
been pulled off the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for service.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
For vehicles with theAntilock Brake System(ABS), this light comes onbriefly when the engineis started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by yourdealer/retailer. If the system is working normally theindicator light then goes off.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off. If the lightcomes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safelypossible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engineagain to reset the system. If the ABS light stays on,or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needsservice. If the regular brake system warning light is noton, the vehicle still has brakes, but not antilockbrakes. If the regular brake system warning light is alsoon, the vehicle does not have antilock brakes andthere is a problem with the regular brakes. SeeBrakeSystem Warning Light on page 4-52.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC), seeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-67for allbrake related DIC messages.
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This light comes on during a malfunction in one oftwo ways:
Light Flashing:A misfire condition has been detected.A misfire increases vehicle emissions and coulddamage the emission control system on the vehicle.Diagnosis and service might be required.
To prevent more serious damage to the vehicle:
•Reduce vehicle speed.
•Avoid hard accelerations.
•Avoid steep uphill grades.
•If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being
hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do so, stopthe vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle. Turn thekey off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart the engine. Ifthe light is still flashing, follow the previous steps and seeyour dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
Light On Steady:An emission control systemmalfunction has been detected on the vehicle. Diagnosisand service might be required.
An emission system malfunction might be corrected bydoing the following:
•Make sure the fuel cap is fully installed. SeeFilling
the Tank on page 6-8. The diagnostic system candetermine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel capallows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A fewdriving trips with the cap properly installed shouldturn the light off.
•If the vehicle has been driven through a deep
puddle of water, the vehicle’s electrical systemmight be wet. The condition is usually correctedwhen the electrical system dries out. A few drivingtrips should turn the light off.
•Make sure to fuel the vehicle with quality fuel.
Poor fuel quality causes the engine not to runas efficiently as designed and can cause: stallingafter start-up, stalling when the vehicle is changedinto gear, misfiring, hesitation on acceleration,or stumbling on acceleration. These conditionsmight go away once the engine is warmed up.
If one or more of these conditions occurs, changethe fuel brand used. It will require at least onefull 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, yourdealer/retailer can check the vehicle. The dealer/retailerhas the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools tofix any mechanical or electrical problems that mighthave developed.
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Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle. . . . . . . . . . . .5-2Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4Braking in Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5StabiliTrak®System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6Magnetic Ride Control™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9Passing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10
Driving at Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-11Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12Before Leaving on a Long Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-13Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-13Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-14Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-15If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,Ice, or Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17Loading the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-18
Towing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-24Towing Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-24Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-24Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-26
Section 5 Driving Your Vehicle
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Repeat this until help arrives but only when you feelreally uncomfortable from the cold. Moving aboutto keep warm also helps.
If it takes some time for help to arrive, now and thenwhen you run the engine, push the acceleratorpedal slightly so the engine runs faster than the idlespeed. This keeps the battery charged to restartthe vehicle and to signal for help with the headlamps.Do this as little as possible to save fuel.
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free thevehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 5-17.
If the vehicle has a traction system, it can often help tofree a stuck vehicle. Refer to the vehicle’s tractionsystem in the Index. If stuck too severely for the tractionsystem to free the vehicle, turn the traction system offand use the rocking method.
{WARNING:
If the vehicle’s tires spin at high speed, they can
explode, and you or others could be injured.
The vehicle can overheat, causing an engine
compartment fire or other damage. Spin the
wheels as little as possible and avoid going above
55 km/h (35 mph) as shown on the speedometer.
For information about using tire chains on the vehicle,seeTire Chains on page 6-70.
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the areaaround the front wheels. Turn off any traction or stabilitysystem. Shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and aforward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible.To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stopspinning before shifting gears. Release the acceleratorpedal while shifting, and press lightly on the acceleratorpedal when the transmission is in gear. Slowly spinningthe wheels in the forward and reverse directions causes arocking motion that could free the vehicle. If that does notget the vehicle out after a few tries, it might need to betowed out. If the vehicle does need to be towed out, seeTowing Your Vehicle on page 5-24.
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The Tire and Loading Information label also showsthe tire size of the original equipment tires (C)and the recommended cold tire inflationpressures (D). For more information on tires andinflation seeTires on page 6-46andInflation - TirePressure on page 6-54.
There is also important loading information on theCertification label. It tells you the Gross VehicleWeight Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle WeightRating (GAWR) for the front and rear axle; see“Certification Label” later in this section.
If you have a Professional Vehicle, a Tire andLoading Information label specific to your vehiclewill be provided and installed by the final bodymanufacturer. The Tire and Loading Informationlabel, should be attached to the B-pillar of yourvehicle. See the final stage manufacturer’s manualor contact them directly. The label shows theoriginal tires installed on your professional vehicleand the recommended cold tire inflation pressuresfor those tires. The label also tells you theprofessional vehicle’s capacity weight.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1.Locate the statement “The combined weight ofoccupants and cargo should never exceedXXX kg or XXX lbs” on your vehicle’s placard.
2.Determine the combined weight of the driverand passengers that will be riding in yourvehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driverand passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals the availableamount of cargo and luggage load capacity.For example, if the “XXX” amount equals1400 lbs and there will be five 150 lbpassengers in your vehicle, the amount ofavailable cargo and luggage load capacity is650 lbs (1400!750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage andcargo being loaded on the vehicle. That weightmay not safely exceed the available cargo andluggage load capacity calculated in Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the loadfrom your trailer will be transferred to yourvehicle. Consult this manual to determine howthis reduces the available cargo and luggageload capacity of your vehicle.
If your vehicle can tow a trailer, see “Towing aTrailer” for important information on towinga trailer, towing safety rules, and trailering tips.
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Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towingservice if the disabled vehicle must be towed. SeeRoadside Service on page 8-7.
To tow the vehicle behind another vehicle forrecreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),see “Recreational Vehicle Towing” following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehiclebehind another vehicle – such as behind a motorhome.The two most common types of recreational vehicletowing are known as dinghy towing and dolly towing.Dinghy towing is towing the vehicle with all four wheelson the ground. Dolly towing is towing the vehiclewith two wheels on the ground and two wheels up on adevice known as a dolly.
Here are some important things to consider beforerecreational vehicle towing:
•What’s the towing capacity of the towing vehicle?
Be sure to read the tow vehicle manufacturer’srecommendations.
•How far will the vehicle be towed? Some vehicles
have restrictions on how far and how long theycan tow.
•Does the vehicle have the proper towing
equipment? See your dealer/retailer or traileringprofessional for additional advice and equipmentrecommendations.
•Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as preparing
the vehicle for a long trip, make sure the vehicle isprepared to be towed. SeeBefore Leaving on aLong Trip on page 5-13.
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Dinghy Towing
Notice:If the vehicle is towed with all four wheelson the ground, the drivetrain components couldbe damaged. The repairs would not be covered bythe vehicle warranty. Do not tow the vehicle with allfour wheels on the ground.
The vehicle was not designed to be towed with all fourwheels on the ground. Use a dolly if the vehiclemust be towed. See “Dolly Towing” later in this sectionfor more information.
Dolly Towing
The vehicle can be towed using a dolly. To tow thevehicle using a dolly, follow these steps:
1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Put the gear shift lever in P (Park).
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-aheadposition with a clamping device designed for towing.
5. Remove the key from the ignition.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
7. Release the parking brake.
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Towing a Trailer
The Cadillac Professional Vehicle cannot tow a trailer.
{WARNING:
The driver can lose control when pulling a trailer if
the correct equipment is not used or the vehicle is
not driven properly. For example, if the trailer is
too heavy, the brakes may not work well — or
even at all. The driver and passengers could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged; the resulting repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer only
if all the steps in this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer/retailer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Notice:Pulling a trailer improperly can damage thevehicle and result in costly repairs not coveredby the vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer correctly,follow the advice in this section and see yourdealer/retailer for important information abouttowing a trailer with the vehicle.
The vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with theproper trailer towing equipment. To identify the traileringcapacity of the vehicle, read the information in “Weightof the Trailer” that appears later in this section. Traileringis different than just driving the vehicle by itself.Trailering means changes in handling, acceleration,braking, durability and fuel economy. Successful, safetrailering takes correct equipment, and it has to beused properly.
The following information has many time-tested,important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of theseare important for the safety of the driver and thepassengers. So please read this section carefully beforepulling a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine,transmission, axles, wheel assemblies and tires areforced to work harder against the drag of the addedweight. The engine is required to operate at relativelyhigher speeds and under greater loads, generating extraheat. The trailer also adds considerably to windresistance, increasing the pulling requirements.
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Pulling A Trailer
Here are some important points:
•There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make surethe rig will be legal, not only where you live butalso where you will be driving. A good source forthis information can be state or provincial police.
•Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 1,000 miles
(1600 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,transmission or other parts could be damaged.The repairs would not be covered by thevehicle’s warranty.
•Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)and do not make starts at full throttle. This helpsthe engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in atthe heavier loads.
•Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission
to a lower gear if the transmission shifts too oftenunder heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
•Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer.
Do not drive faster than the maximum postedspeed for trailers, or no more than 55 mph(90 km/h), to save wear on the vehicle’s parts.
•Do not tow a trailer when the outside temperature is
above 100°F (38°C).
•If the vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system and it doesn’t seem to be working properlywhile pulling a trailer, turn the system off. SeeSideBlind Zone Alert (SBZA) on page 3-43for moreinformation.
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
•The weight of the trailer
•The weight of the trailer tongue
•The total weight on the vehicle’s tires
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg).But even that can be too heavy.
It depends on how the rig is used. For example, speed,altitude, road grades, outside temperature and howmuch the vehicle is used to pull a trailer are allimportant. It can depend on any special equipment onthe vehicle, and the amount of tongue weight the vehiclecan carry. See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue” later inthis section for more information.
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