traction control CADILLAC ELDORADO 1997 10.G Owners Manual

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine The electronics and computerization which- were
pioneered
by Cadillac in the ’70s came of age in the
’80s with Digital F~el Injection and On-Board
Diagnostics in
1980, four wheel Anti-lock Brakes on
1986 models and Traction Control in the fall of 1989.
The 1992 Seville STS was the fist car ever to win all
three major automotive
awards: Car of the Year, Motor
Trend; Ten Best List, Car & Driver; Car of the Year,
Automobile Magazine.
The
year 1993 saw the introduction of the Northstar
system. The state
of the art system includes the 32 valve,
dual overhead camshaft, Northstar 4.6 liter
V8 engine,
4T80-E electronically controlled automatic transaxle,
road sensing suspension, speed sen3itive steering,
anti-lock brakes and traction control.
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For more than nine decades Cadillac has been a leader in j
quality and technical innovation. Now more than ever,
Cadillac is “Creating
a Higher Standard.” I
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Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more, without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. This can help on long trips. Cruise
control does not
work at speeds below about 25 mph
(40 lun/h).
Cruise control shuts off when you apply your brakes.
I 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.
(See ‘Traction
Control System” in the Index.)
When road conditions
allow you to safely use it again,
yoti may turn the cruise
control back on.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine If the regular brake system warning light is also on, you
don’t have anti-lock brakes and there’s a problem with
your regular brakes. See “Brake System Warning Light”
earlier in this section.
The anti-lock brake system warning light should come
on briefly when you
turn the ignition key to RUN. If the
light doesn’t come on then, have
it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you
if there is a problem.
TRACTION
CONTROL
This warning light should
come on briefly as you start
the engine. If the warning
i light doesn’t come on then,
have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn you if there’s
a problem.
If it stays on, or comes on when you’re 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:
9 If there’s a brake system problem that is specifically
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.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine ENGINE COOLANT HOT-IDLE ENGINE - 44:
This message will appear when the engine coolant
temperature is over
248 OF (1 26 O C). To avoid added
strain
on a hot engine, turn off the climate control system.
Stop and allow your vehcle to idle until it cools down or
the message is removed. If it does not cool down, turn
off
the engine and have it serviced before driving it again.
Severe engine damage can result
from an overheated
engine. See “Engine Overheating”
in the Index.
ENGINE MISFIRE -- EASE OFF GAS
PEDAL - 1114: An engine misfire has occurred.
You’ll need to ease
off the gas pedal.
FUEL LEVEE LOW - 11: This message serves as a
warning that the
fuel level in the tank is critically low.
Stop for fuel soon.
ICE POSSIBLE - 13: This message appears when
the outside air temperature
is cold enough to create icy
road conditions.
HEADLAMBS SUGGESTED - 23: If it’s dark enough
outside and the twilight sentinel control is
off, a
FEADLAMPS SUGGESTED message will display on the
DIC. This message informs the driver that turning on the
exterior
lamps is recommended even though the DRL are
still illuminated. (It has become dark enough outside to
require the headlamps and/or other exterior lamps.)
MONITORED SYSTEMS OK - I: This message only
appears
in the “recall” mode by pressing the RESET
button. It lets you know that no other messages are
stored or currently active.
FASS KEY NOT PROGRAMMED - 31: This
warning message displays when the PASS-Key pellet
information has not been programmed into your vehicle.
See your Cadillac dealership for service.
PCM FAULT - 110: The circuit in the Powertrain
Control Module (PCM) has shorted or
is loose when this
message appears. Have your Cadillac serviced by your
dealership at once.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER - 41: This message
informs the driver, that due to wheel slippage, your
vehicle is reducing engine power to compensate for
the loss of traction. Accelerating too fast, causing the
tires to spin, is an example of when this message
would display.
IREMOVE KEY - 70: This message will appear when
the Personalized Automotive Security System
(PASS-Key 11) is unable to read the pellet on the
ignition key or an improper key pellet has been inserted.
Wait for the
DIC to display STARTING DISABLED
DUE TO THEFT
SYSTEM REMOVE IGNITION
KEY. The instrument panel cluster will then run a timer
and change the messages
to WAIT 3 MINUTES, WAIT

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine 1 MINUTE and then START CAR. When the START
CAR message is displayed, try again to start the engine.
message will appear when the engine
has overheated. Stop
and
turn the engine off immediately to avoid severe engine
damage. See “Engine Overheating”
in the Index. A multiple
chime
will also sound when this message is displayed.
STOP ENGINE LOW OIL PRESSURE - 35: If this
message appears while
the engine is running, stop the
engine and do not operate it until the cause
of low oil
pressure is corrected. Severe damage to the engine can
result. A multiple chime will also sound when this
message is displayed.
THEFT SYSTEM PROBLEWCAR MAY NOT
RESTART - 34: Tbs message means there is a problem
in the Personalized Automotive Security System
(PASS-Key
11). A fault has been detected in the system
which means that
the PASS-Key I1 system is disabled
and is not protecting the vehicle. The vehicle usually
restarts, however, you may want to take your vehicle to
a proper service center before turning off the engine.
TOP SPEED FUEL CUT-OFF - Ill: This message
will appear when the PCM senses that
the maximum speed
for your Cadillac has been reached. The speed
of your
vehicle will decrease several mph as
the fuel supply is
STOP ENGINE ENGINE OVERHEATED - 42: This
cutoff. This allows your vehicle to stay in a stable
operating range.
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 dnving accordingly. This message will stay
on for a few seconds after the traction control system
stops limiting wheel spin.
TRACTHQN OFF - 89: Ths message wilI be displayed
after the traction control has
been turned off.
TRACTION READY - 91: This message informs the
driver that
the traction control system is available. This
occurs when the traction
ordoff button in the glove box
has been returned to an on position (pressing the button
once turns
the traction control system off pressing the
button again turns
the system back on). This message
also self cancels after five 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.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Remember: Anti-lock doesn’t 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 won’t 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
Don’t pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down
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.
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. See “Driver Information
Center Messages”
in the Index. 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
re-engage the cruise control. (See “Cruise Control” in
the Index.)
This warning light will
come
on to let you know if
there’s a problem with your
traction control system.
See “Traction Control System Warning Light” in the
Index. 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 liHnit 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

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine It’s important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here’s why:
Experienced driver
or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws
of physics when driving on curves. The
traction
of the tires against the road surface makes it
possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn
the front wheels.
If there’s no traction, inertia will keep
the vehicle going in the same direction.
If you’ve ever
tried
to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you’ll understand this.
The traction
you can get in a curve depends on the
condition
of your tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked and your speed. While you’re
in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.
Suppose you’re steering
through a sharp curve. Then you
suddenly accelerate.
Both control systems -- steering and
acceleration
-- have to do their work where the tires meet
the road. Adding the sudden acceleration can demand too
much
of those places. You can lose control. Refer to
“Traction Control System”
in the Index. What should
you do if this ever happens? Ease up on the
accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you want it
to
go, and slow down.
If you have the Eldorado
ETC, you may see the
STABILITY SYS ENGAGED message on the Driver
Information Center. See “Stability Engaged Message”
in
the Index.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed.
Of course, the posted speeds are
based on good weather and road conditions. Under less
favorable conditions you’ll want to go slower.
If you
need to reduce your speed as you approach a
curve, do
it before you enter the curve, while your front
wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until
you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not “overdriving”\

those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The
three types of skids correspond to your Cadillac’s
three control systems.
In the bralung skid, your wheels
aren’t rolling. In the steering or cornering shd, too
much speed or steering in
a curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force. And
in the acceleration skid, too
much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid
only the acceleration
skid.
If your traction control system is off, then an
acceleration
skid is also best handled by easing your
foot
off the accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot
off the
accelerator pedal
and quickly steer the way you want the
vehicle to
go. If you start steering quickly enough, your
vehicle may straighten out. Always
be ready for a
second skid
if it occurs. If you
have
the Eldorado ETC, you may see the
STABILITY
SYS ENGAGED message on the Driver
Information Center. See “Stability Engaged Message”
in
the Index.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel or other material is on
the road. For safety, you’ll
want to slow down and adjust your driving
to these
conditions.
It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or
braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower
gear). Any sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide. You may not realize the surface
is slippery until
your vehicle
is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues
-- such as enough water, ice or packed snow on
the road to make a “mirrored surface” -- and slow
down when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any anti-lock brake system
(ABS) helps
avoid only the braking
skid.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Most of the time, those places where your tires meet the
road probably have good traction.
However,
if there is snow or ice between your tires and
the road, you can have a
very slippery situation. You’ll
have a lot
less traction or “grip” and will need to be
very careful. What’s the worst time
for this? ‘“ret ice.” Very cold
snow or ice can be slick and hard to drive
on. But wet
ice can be even more trouble because
it may offer the
least traction
of all. You can get wet ice when it’s about
freezing
(32” F; OOC) and freezing rain begins to fall.
Try to avoid driving on wet ice until salt and sand crews
can get there.
Whatever
the condition -- smooth ice, packed, blowing
or loose snow
-- drive with caution.
Keep your traction control system
on. It improves your
ability to accelerate when driving on
a slippery road.
Even though your vehicle has
a traction control system,
you’ll want
to slow down and adjust your driving to the
road conditions. See “Traction Control System” in
the Index.

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Spinning yoas wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
~QQ fast while shifting your transaxle back and
forth,
you can destroy your transaxle.
For
information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
see “Tire Chains” in the Index.
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels.
You should turn
your traction control system off. (See “Traction Control
System”
in the Index.) Then shift back and forth
between
REVERSE (R) and a forward gear, spinning the
wheels as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal
while you shift, and press lightly
on the accelerator
pedal when the transaxle
is in gear. If that doesn’t get
you
out after a few tries, you may need to be towed out.
If you do need to be towed out, see “Towing Your
Vehicle” in the Index.