brake light CADILLAC SRX 2009 1.G User Guide

Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part is not working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though,
you need both parts working well.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.
Have your brake system inspected right away.
This light should come on briey when you turn the
ignition to ON/RUN. If it does not come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.When the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
will also come on when you set your parking brake.
The light will stay on if your parking brake does not
release fully. If it stays on after your parking brake is
fully released, it means you have a brake problem.
If the light comes on while you are driving, pull off the
road and stop carefully. You may notice that the pedal is
harder to push, or the pedal may go closer to the
oor. It may take longer to stop. If the light is still on,
have the vehicle towed for service. SeeTowing
Your Vehicle on page 4-36.
{CAUTION:
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. United StatesCanada
3-36

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
For vehicles with the
Antilock Brake System
(ABS), this light comes on
briey when the engine
is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the
indicator light then goes off.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off. If the light
comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safely
possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the ABS light stays on,
or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs
service. If the regular brake system warning light is not
on, the vehicle still has brakes, but not antilock brakes.
If the regular brake system warning light is also on,
the vehicle does not have antilock brakes and there is a
problem with the regular brakes. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-36.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC),
seeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-51for all
brake related DIC messages.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
The traction control system
warning light comes on
briey while starting
the engine.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the
indicator light then goes off.
This light comes on when your traction control system is
limiting wheel spin. You may feel or hear the system
working, but this is normal.
If the traction control system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when the
system is turned on, the vehicle needs service. See
Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6for
more information.
3-37

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 display
on the instrument panel cluster. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-36andAntilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light on page 3-37for 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 5-34for 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 3-36for more
information. Have the brake system serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
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 2-41for more information. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
Your vehicle may have a speed variable assist steering
system. SeeSteering on page 4-8.
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 decreases or feels lighter,
but you will still be able to steer the vehicle.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
This message displays if there has been a problem
detected with the StabiliTrak®system.
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
3-56

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.
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
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 4-6for more information.
STABILITRAK OFF
This message displays when you turn off StabiliTrak®,
or when the stability control has been automatically
disabled. To limit wheel spin and realize the full benets
of the stability enhancement system, you shouldnormally leave StabiliTrak
®on. However, you should
turn StabiliTrak®off if your vehicle gets stuck in
sand, mud, ice, or snow and you want to rock your
vehicle to attempt to free it, or if you are driving
in extreme off-road conditions and require more wheel
spin. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow on page 4-29. To turn the StabiliTrak
®
system on or off, seeStabiliTrak®System on page 4-6.
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 3-36.
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.
3-58

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. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6.
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 3-36.
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.
This is normal.
If there is a problem with
the ABS, this warning light
will stay on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light on
page 3-37.
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 the 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

StabiliTrak®System
The vehicle is equipped with a vehicle stability
enhancement system called StabiliTrak. It is an advanced
computer controlled system that assists with directional
control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions.
StabiliTrak activates when the computer senses a
discrepancy between the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling. StabiliTrak selectively
applies braking pressure at any one of the vehicle’s
brakes to help steer the vehicle in the intended direction.
When the stability control system activates, the Traction
Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak light will ash on the
instrument panel. This also occurs when traction control
is activated. A noise may be heard or vibration may be
felt in the brake pedal. This is normal. Continue to steer
the vehicle in the intended direction.
If there is a problem detected with StabiliTrak, a
SERVICE STABILITRAK message will be displayed on
the Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-51. When this message is
displayed, the system is not operational. Driving should
be adjusted accordingly.
StabiliTrak comes on automatically whenever the vehicle
is started. To assist with directional control of the vehicle,
the system should always be left on. StabiliTrak canbe turned off if needed by pressing and holding the
TCS/StabiliTrak button until the TCS/StabiliTrak light
comes on the instrument panel and STABILITRAK OFF
appears in the DIC. For information on turning TCS off
and on, see Traction Control System (TCS) following.
If cruise control is being used when StabiliTrak activates,
the cruise control will automatically disengage. Cruise
control may be reengaged when road conditions allow.
SeeCruise Control on page 3-12for more information.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The vehicle has a traction control system that limits wheel
spin. This is especially useful in slippery road conditions.
On a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, the system operates if it
senses that one or both of the rear wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. On an All-Wheel-Drive (AWD)
vehicle, the system will operate if it senses that any of the
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. When
this happens, the system brakes the spinning wheel(s)
and/or reduces engine power to limit wheel spin.
The system may be heard or felt while it is working, but
this is normal.
The TCS warning light will also ash to indicate that the
traction control system is active.
4-6

This warning light comes
on if there is a problem
with the traction control
system.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) Warning Light on
page 3-37. When this 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, the system should always be left on.
But, TCS can be turned off if needed.
Notice:Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle’s driveline
could be damaged.
When TCS is switched off on AWD vehicles, the system
may still make noise. This is normal and necessary
with the AWD hardware on the vehicle.It may be necessary to turn the system off if the vehicle
ever gets stuck in sand, mud or snow and rocking the
vehicle is required. SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It
Out on page 4-30andIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-29for more information.
See alsoWinter Driving on page 4-27for information on
using TCS when driving in snowy or icy conditions.
To turn the system off,
press the TCS/StabiliTrak
®
button located on the
console under the climate
controls.
Press and release the TCS/StabiliTrak button and the
traction control system will turn off and the traction
control system warning light will come on. Press
the button again to turn the system back on.
For information on turning StabiliTrak off and on,
see StabiliTrak System previously.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect the vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-3for more information.
4-7

Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle’s right wheels can drop off the edge of a
road onto the shoulder while driving.
If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the
pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the
accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer
so that your vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement.
Turn the steering wheel 3 to 5 inches, 8 to 13 cm, (about
one-eighth turn) until the right front tire contacts the
pavement edge. Then turn the steering wheel to go
straight down the roadway.
Passing
Passing another vehicle on a two-lane road can be
dangerous. To reduce the risk of danger while passing:
Look down the road, to the sides, and to crossroads
for situations that might affect a successful pass.
If in doubt, wait.
Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and
lines that could indicate a turn or an intersection.
Never cross a solid or double-solid line on your side
of the lane.
Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to
pass. Doing so can reduce your visibility.
Wait your turn to pass a slow vehicle.
When you are being passed, ease to the right.
Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems — brakes,
steering, and acceleration — do not have enough friction
where the tires meet the road to do what the driver has
asked.
In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to steer
and constantly seek an escape route or area of less
danger.
4-10

Driving Downhill
When off-roading takes you downhill, consider:
How steep is the downhill? Will I be able to maintain
vehicle control?
What is the surface like? Smooth? Rough?
Slippery? Hard-packed dirt? Gravel?
Are there hidden surface obstacles? Ruts? Logs?
Boulders?
What is at the bottom of the hill? Is there a hidden
creek bank or even a river bottom with large rocks?
If you decide you can go down a hill safely, try to keep
the vehicle headed straight down. Use a low gear
so engine drag can help the brakes so they do not
have to do all the work. Descend slowly, keeping the
vehicle under control at all times.
{CAUTION:
Heavy braking when going down a hill can cause
your brakes to overheat and fade. This could cause
loss of control and a serious accident. Apply the
brakes lightly when descending a hill and use a low
gear to keep vehicle speed under control.Things not to do when driving down a hill:
When driving downhill, avoid turns that take you
across the incline of the hill. A hill that is not too
steep to drive down might be too steep to drive
across. The vehicle could roll over.
Never go downhill with the transmission in
N (Neutral), called free-wheeling. The brakes
will have to do all the work and could overheat
and fade.
Vehicles are much more likely to stall when going uphill,
but if it happens when going downhill:
1. Stop the vehicle by applying the regular brakes and
apply the parking brake.
2. Shift to P (Park) and, while still braking, restart the
engine.
3. Shift back to a low gear, release the parking brake,
and drive straight down.
4. If the engine will not start, get out and get help.
4-20