Fuel CADILLAC STS 2005 1.G User Guide

DIC Buttons (Uplevel)
If your vehicle has a HUD,
these are the buttons for
your DIC.
«4ª(Information):Press the top or bottom of this
button to scroll through the available vehicle information
displays which include fuel range, fuel economy, fuel
used, average speed, timer, battery voltage, tire
pressure (if equipped with a tire pressure monitor),
engine oil life (if equipped), display units and digital
speed display (if equipped). See “MPH (km)” later in
this section for more information on the digital speed
display.
«~ª(Head-Up Display):Press this button to
change the position of the HUD on the windshield. Press
the top part of the button to move the HUD image up.
Press the bottom part of the button to move the
HUD image down.
You can also adjust the brightness of the HUD image.
Press in the center knob on the DIC control panel
until the knob pops out. Then pull the knob until it stops.
Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to
increase or decrease the brightness. If you turn the
knob all the way counterclockwise, the HUD image will
turn off. SeeHead-Up Display (HUD) on page 3-43
for more information.
For information on adjusting the instrument panel
brightness, seeInstrument Panel Brightness on
page 3-41.
4// (Reset):Press this button to reset certain DIC
features and to acknowledge DIC warning messages
and clear them from the DIC display.
3(Trip Information):Press this button to scroll
through the odometer, trip odometer A and trip
odometer B. To reset each trip odometer, either press
the reset button or press and hold the trip information
button until the trip odometer displayed returns to zero.
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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 3-64for
more information.
If there is a problem with the battery charging system,
the DIC may display a message. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-78for more information.
TIMER 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 information
button until 00:00:00 TIMER OFF displays. To turn on
the timer, press the reset button until TIMER ON
displays. The timer will then start. To turn off the timer,
press the 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 reset
button after the timer has been stopped. The display
will return to zero.
AVG MPH (AVG km/h)
This display shows the average speed of the vehicle in
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 AVG MPH, press the reset button. The display
will return to zero.
GAL FUEL USED (L FUEL USED)
This display shows the number of gallons or liters of
fuel used since the last reset of this display. To
reset GAL FUEL USED, press the reset button. The
display will return to zero.
MPG INST (L/100 km INST)
This display shows the current fuel economy. This
number reects only the fuel economy that the vehicle
has right now and will change frequently as driving
conditions change. Unlike average fuel economy, this
display cannot be reset.
MPG AVG (L/100 km AVG)
This display shows the approximate average miles per
gallon (mpg) or liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km).
This number is calculated based on the number of
mpg (L/100 km) recorded since the last time this display
was reset. To reset MPG AVG, press the reset button.
The display will return to zero.
MILES RANGE (km RANGE)
This display shows the approximate number of
remaining miles or kilometers you can drive
without relling your fuel tank. This estimate is
based on the current driving conditions and will
change if the driving conditions change.
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For example, if you are driving in traffic making frequent
stops, the display may read one number, but if you
enter the freeway, the number may change even though
you still have the same amount of fuel in the fuel
tank. This is because different driving conditions produce
different fuel economies. Generally, freeway driving
produces better fuel economy than city driving.
Once the range drops below 40 miles (64 km) remaining,
the display will show LOW RANGE.
If your vehicle is low on fuel, the Fuel Level Low
message will be displayed. See “Fuel Level Low” under
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-78for more
information.
MPH (km/h)
This display, if equipped, shows the vehicle’s speed
digitally in either miles per hour (mph) or kilometers
per hour (km/h).
Trip Information Display Menu Items
The following display menu items can be displayed by
pressing the trip Information button.
Odometer
Press the trip information button until the odometer
appears on the DIC display. The odometer shows the
total distance the vehicle has been driven in either
miles or kilometers.
Trip Odometer
Press the trip information button until trip odometer A or B
appears on the DIC display. The trip odometer shows the
current distance traveled since the last reset for each trip
odometer in either miles or kilometers. Both odometers
can be used at the same time.
For base level vehicles, each trip odometer can be reset
to zero separately by pressing and holding the bottom
of the trip information button while the desired trip
odometer is displayed. For uplevel vehicles, reset each
trip odometer by pressing the reset button or by
pressing and holding the trip information button while
the desired trip odometer is displayed.
DIC Warnings and Messages
These messages will appear if there is a problem
sensed in one of your vehicle’s systems. The text
messages are the same for both the base audio and
Navigation systems unless otherwise indicated.
You must acknowledge a message to clear it from the
screen for further use. To clear a message, press
the 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.
3-78

FUEL LEVEL LOW
This symbol appears with
the FUEL LEVEL LOW
message.
When this message displays, it means that your vehicle
is low on fuel. You should rell the tank as soon as
possible. A single chime will sound when this message
is displayed.
HOOD AJAR
This symbol appears with
the HOOD AJAR message.
When this message displays, it means that the hood
was not closed completely. You should make sure that
the hood is completely closed.
ICE POSSIBLE
This message will display when the outside temperature
is cold enough to create icy road conditions.
KEY FOB BATTERY LOW
When this message displays, it means that the battery
in your keyless access transmitter is low. Replace
the battery in the transmitter. See “Battery Replacement”
underKeyless Access System Operation on page 2-4.
LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR
This symbol appears with
the LEFT REAR DOOR
AJAR message.
When this message displays, it means that the driver’s
side rear door was not closed completely. You should
make sure that the door is closed completely.
3-84

Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do
not, under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive
on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed
according to your speedometer, not to your sense
of motion. After driving for any distance at higher
speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower
than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you are not fresh — such as after
a day’s work — do not plan to make too many miles that
rst part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing
and shoes you can easily drive in.Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you
will nd experienced and able service experts in GM
dealerships all across North America. They will be ready
and willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir full?
Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
4-22

Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little faster
than just idle. That is, push the accelerator slightly. This
uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it keeps the
battery charged. You will need a well-charged battery to
restart the vehicle, and possibly for signaling later on with
your headlamps. Let the heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost all
the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again and
repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable from
the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the fuel
as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get out
of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will
need to spin the wheels, but you do not want to
spin your wheels too fast. The method known as rocking
can help you get out when you are stuck, but you
must use caution.
{CAUTION:
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they
can explode, and you or others could be
injured. And, the transmission or other parts of
the vehicle can overheat. That could cause an
engine compartment re or other damage.
When you are stuck, spin the wheels as little
as possible. Do not spin the wheels above
35 mph (55 km/h) as shown on the
speedometer.
Notice:Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of
your vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the
wheels too fast while shifting your transmission
back and forth, you can destroy your transmission.
For more information about using tire chains on your
vehicle, seeTire Chains on page 5-73.
4-29

Certication Label
A vehicle specic Certication label is attached to the
rear edge of the driver’s door, and tells you the gross
weight capacity of your vehicle, called the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR includes the weight
of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo and tongue
weight, if pulling a trailer. The Certication label also tells
you the maximum weights for the front and rear axles,
called the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). To nd out
the actual loads on your front and rear axles, you need to
go to a weigh station and weigh your vehicle. Your dealer
can help you with this. Never exceed the GVWR for your
vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for
either the front or rear axle.And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it
out. Do not carry more than 141 lbs (64 kg) in your trunk.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either
the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on your
vehicle can break, and it can change the way
your vehicle handles. These could cause you
to lose control and crash. Also, overloading
can shorten the life of your vehicle.
Notice:Overloading your vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Do not overload your vehicle.
If you put things inside your vehicle, like suitcases,
tools, packages, or anything else, they will go as fast as
the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly,
or if there is a crash, they will keep going.
4-34

To tow your vehicle using a dolly, follow these steps:
1. Put the rear wheels on the dolly.
2. Put the vehicle in PARK (P).
3. Set the parking brake and then remove the key.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead
position with a clamping device designed for towing.
5. Release the parking brake.
Towing a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you do not use the correct equipment and
drive properly, you can lose control when you
pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work well — or even
at all. You and your passengers could be
seriously injured. You may also damage your
vehicle; the resulting repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Pull a trailer only if
you have followed all the steps in this section.
Ask your dealer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with your vehicle.Your vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with the
proper trailer towing equipment. To identify what
the vehicle trailering capacity is for your vehicle, you
should read the information in “Weight of the Trailer” that
appears later in this section. But trailering is different
than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering means
changes in handling, durability and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, and
it has to be used properly.
That is the reason for this part. In it are many
time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules.
Many of these are important for your safety and that of
your passengers. So please read this section carefully
before you pull a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine,
transmission, wheel assemblies and tires are forced to
work harder against the drag of the added weight.
The engine is required to operate at relatively higher
speeds and under greater loads, generating extra heat.
What is more, the trailer adds considerably to wind
resistance, increasing the pulling requirements.
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Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle...........................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-21
Engine Coolant.............................................5-22
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-24
Engine Overheating.......................................5-24
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-26
Cooling System............................................5-27Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-31
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-32
Brakes........................................................5-34
Battery........................................................5-37
Jump Starting...............................................5-38
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-42
Rear Axle.......................................................5-44
Front Axle......................................................5-45
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-46
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-48
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............5-48
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-49
Front Turn Signal Lamps...............................5-49
Sidemarker Lamps........................................5-50
Back-Up Lamps............................................5-50
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-51
Windshield Replacement.................................5-51
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-51
Tires..............................................................5-53
Tire Sidewall Labelling...................................5-54
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-58
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-60
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-62
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of the
proper maintenance of your vehicle.
Gasoline Octane
If your vehicle has the 3.6L V6 engine, use regular
unleaded gasoline with a posted octane of 87 or higher.
However, for best performance and for trailer towing,
you may wish to use middle grade or premium unleaded
gasoline. If the octane is less than 87, you may get a
heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this occurs, use
a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as
possible. Otherwise, you might damage your engine.
If your vehicle has the 4.6L V8 engine, use premium
unleaded gasoline with a posted octane of 91 or higher
for best performance. You may also use middle
grade or regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane
or higher, but your vehicle’s acceleration may be slightly
reduced. If the octane is less than 87, you may get a
heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this occurs, use
a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as
possible. Otherwise, you might damage your engine.
Gasoline Specications
It is recommended that gasoline meet specications
which were developed by automobile manufacturers
around the world and contained in the World-Wide Fuel
Charter which is available from the Alliance of Automobile
Manufacturers at www.autoalliance.org/fuel_charter.htm.
Gasoline meeting these specications could provide
improved driveability and emission control system
performance compared to other gasoline.
5-5