FLUID CADILLAC SRX 2011 2.G User Guide

Black plate (8,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual - 2011
9-8 Driving and Operating
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
.Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
.Have good tires with proper
tread depth. SeeTires on
page 10‑54.
.Turn off cruise control.
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention
to your surroundings while driving.
If you become tired or sleepy, find
a safe place to park the vehicle
and rest.
Other driving tips include:
.Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
.Keep interior temperature cool.
.Keep your eyes moving —scan
the road ahead and to the sides.
.Check the rearview mirror and
vehicle instruments often.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for
driving in these conditions include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
.Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{WARNING
If you do not shift down, the
brakes could get so hot that they
would not work well. You would
then have poor braking or even
none going down a hill. You could
crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep
downhill slope.

Black plate (58,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual - 2011
9-58 Driving and Operating
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See this
manual's Maintenance Schedule or
index for more information. Things
that are especially important in
trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system and
brake system. Inspect these before
and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 10‑22.
Trailer Towing
Before pulling a trailer, there are
three important considerations that
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 depends on how the rig is used.
For example, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature and
how much the vehicle is used to
pull a trailer are all important. It can
depend on any special equipment on the vehicle, and the amount of
tongue weight the vehicle can carry.
See
“Weight of the Trailer Tongue”
later in this section for more
information.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming only the driver is in
the tow vehicle and it has all the
required trailering equipment.
The weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo in
the tow vehicle must be subtracted
from the maximum trailer weight.
Use the following chart to determine
how much the vehicle can weigh,
based upon the vehicle model and
options.

Black plate (1,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-1
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . 10-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6
Engine Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-10
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-14
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . 10-16
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-18
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . 10-22
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . 10-24
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24 Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . 10-29
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-30
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
High Intensity Discharge(HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41
Turn Signal Lamps . . . . . . . . . 10-41
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . 10-44
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . 10-45
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-45
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-46
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-46
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-49
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-51
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-54
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . 10-55
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . 10-57
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-58
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-61
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-62
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-63
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-64
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-68
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-68
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-69

Black plate (2,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual - 2011
10-2 Vehicle Care
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-70
Different Size Tires andWheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-72
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-73
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-75
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . 10-75
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-76
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . 10-77
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . 10-79
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . 10-86
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-86
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . 10-93
Jump Starting
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-94
Towing
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . 10-98
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-98
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-101
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-106
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-108
General Information
For service and parts needs,
visit your dealer. You will receive
genuine GM parts and GM-trained
and supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of
these marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this
one, contain and/or emit chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. Engine
exhaust, many parts and systems,
many fluids, and some component
wear by-products contain and/or
emit these chemicals.

Black plate (7,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-7
A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑16.
B. Power Steering Reservoir and Cap. See Power Steering Fluid
on page 10‑24.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑10.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See Engine Oil on
page 10‑10.
E. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See Brakes on
page 10‑25.
F. Battery (Out of View). See Battery on page 10‑28. G. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant on page 10‑19.
H. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting on
page 10‑94.
I. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Out of View). See Jump
Starting on page 10‑94.
J. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑46.
K. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑24.

Black plate (9,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-9
A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑16.
B. Power Steering Reservoir and Cap (Under engine cover).
See Power Steering Fluid on
page 10‑24.
C. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑10.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See Engine Oil on
page 10‑10.
E. Engine Cover on page 10‑9.
F. Transmission Fluid Cap and Dipstick. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid on
page 10‑15.
G. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See Brakes on
page 10‑25. H. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant on page 10‑19.
I. Battery (Out of View). See Battery on page 10‑28.
J. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting on
page 10‑94.
K. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Out of View). See Jump
Starting on page 10‑94.
L. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑46.
M. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑24.Engine Cover
Engine Cover (3.0 L V6)
A. Oil Fill Cap
B. Engine Cover Bolt
C. Engine Cover

Black plate (15,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-15
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:
1. Using the DIC MENU button andthumbwheel on the turn signal
lever, display REMAINING OIL
LIFE on the DIC. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑28 andEngine Oil
Messages on page 5‑35.
2. Press the SET button to reset the oil life at 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oil
life display accidentally at any
time other than after the oil is
changed. It cannot be reset
accurately until the next oil
change. The oil life system can also be reset
as follows:
1. Turn the ignition on with the
engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times
within five seconds.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message is not on, the
system is reset.
The system is reset when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message is off.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat
the procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to your
dealer service department and
have it repaired as soon as
possible.
There is a special procedure
for checking and changing the
transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, you should
have this done at your dealer
service department. Contact your
dealer for additional information
or the procedure can be found in
the service manual. To purchase
a service manual, see Service
Publications Ordering Information
on page 13‑15.

Black plate (16,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual - 2011
10-16 Vehicle Care
Change the fluid and filter at
the intervals listed inScheduled
Maintenance on page 11‑2, and
be sure to use the fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑7.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for the location of the
engine air cleaner/filter.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at
the scheduled maintenance
intervals and replace it at the first
oil change after each 80 000 km
(50,000 mi) interval. See Scheduled
Maintenance on page 11‑2 for more
information. If driving in dusty/dirty
conditions, inspect the filter at
each engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter,
remove the filter from the vehicle
and lightly shake the filter to release
loose dust and dirt. If the filter
remains caked with dirt, a new filter
is required. Never use compressed
air to clean the filter.
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
1. Open the hood. See Hood on
page 10‑5.
2. Locate the air filter housing on the front of the passenger side
of the engine compartment.
See Engine Compartment
Overview on page 10‑6. 3.0 L V6 Shown, 2.8 L V6 Similar
A. Air Duct Clamp
B. Electrical Connectors
C. Retaining Clips
3. Disconnect the outlet duct by loosening the air duct clamp (A).
4. Disconnect the electrical connectors (B).
5. Lift the retaining clips (C) on the air filter housing.

Black plate (24,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual - 2011
10-24 Vehicle Care
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
a leak is suspected in the system
or unusual noise is heard. A fluid
loss in this system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the key off and let the
engine compartment cool down.
2. Remove the engine cover, if required. See Engine Cover on
page 10‑9.
3. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
4. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
5. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
6. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be within the
HOT mark. If necessary, add only
enough fluid to bring the level within
the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to
use, see Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑7. Always
use the proper fluid.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid
is needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may
fall below freezing, use a fluid that
has sufficient protection against
freezing.

Black plate (25,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-25
Adding Washer Fluid
The WASHER FLUID LOW ADD
FLUID message appears on the
Driver Information Center (DIC)
when the fluid level is low.
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid
up to the fill mark. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 10‑6 for reservoir location.
Notice:
.When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer's instructions
for adding water.
.Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system.
Also, water does not clean
as well as washer fluid.
.Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full
when it is very cold. This
allows for fluid expansion
if freezing occurs, which
could damage the tank if
it is completely full.
.Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the windshield
washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system
and paint.
Brakes
This vehicle has disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed. The sound can come and go or
be heard all the time the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.
{WARNING
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Notice: Continuing to drive with
worn-out brake pads could result
in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.