battery CADILLAC STS 2005 1.G Owner's Manual

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.
3-77

AUTOMATIC LIGHTS OFF
This message will display when the automatic
headlamps are turned off. SeeHeadlamps on page 3-33
for more information.
AUTOMATIC LIGHTS ON
This message will display when the automatic
headlamps are turned on. SeeHeadlamps on page 3-33
for more information.
BATTERY NOT CHARGING SERVICE
CHARGING SYS (System)
This symbol appears with
the BATTERY NOT
CHARGING SERVICE
CHARGING SYS
message.
This message will display when a problem with the
charging system has been detected. Have your vehicle
serviced by your GM dealer.
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message will display when the system detects that
the battery voltage is dropping beyond a reasonable
level. The battery saver system will start reducing certain
features of the vehicle that you may not be able to
notice. At the point that the features are disabled, this
message is displayed. It means that the vehicle is trying
to save the charge in the battery.
Turn off all unnecessary accessories to allow the battery
to recharge.
The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts.
You can monitor battery voltage on the DIC by pressing
the information button until you nd BATTERY VOLTS.
BATTERY VOLTAGE HIGH
This symbol appears with
the BATTERY VOLTAGE
HIGH message.
This message will display when the electrical charging
system is overcharging the battery. When the system
detects that the battery voltage is above approximately
16 volts, this message will be displayed.
3-79

To reduce the charging overload, use the vehicle’s
accessories. Turn on the exterior lamps and radio, set
the climate control on AUTO and the fan speed on the
highest setting, and turn the rear window defogger on.
The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts
when the engine is running. You can monitor battery
voltage on the DIC by pressing the information button
until you nd BATTERY VOLTS.
BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW
This symbol appears with
the BATTERY VOLTAGE
LOW message.
When this message displays, the electrical system is
charging less than 10 volts or the battery has been
drained.
If this message appears immediately after starting
the engine, it is possible that the generator can still
recharge the battery. The battery should recharge
while driving but may take a few hours to do so.Consider using an auxiliary charger (be sure to follow
the manufacturer’s instructions) to boost the battery after
returning home or to a nal destination.
If this message appears while driving or after starting
your vehicle and stays on, have it checked immediately
to determine the cause of this problem.
To help the generator recharge the battery quickly, you
can reduce the load on the electrical system by
turning off the accessories.
The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts.
You can monitor battery voltage on the DIC by pressing
the information button until you nd BATTERY VOLTS.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
When this message displays, it means that service is
required for your vehicle. See your GM dealer. See
Engine Oil on page 5-15andScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4for more information.
When you reset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message by clearing it from the display, you still must
reset the engine oil life system separately. For more
information on resetting the engine oil life system, see
Engine Oil Life System on page 5-18.
3-80

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

AUTOSTORE PRESETS:To set the preset stations
automatically, perform the following steps:
1. Turn the radio on.
2. Press BAND to select FM1, FM2, or AM.
3. Press the tune/select knob to enter the main menu.
4. Turn the tune/select knob until AUTOSTORE
PRESETS appears on the display.
5. Press the tune/select knob to select. AUTOSTORE
will appear on the display. The radio will
automatically search the band and select and store
the six radio stations with the strongest signal.
The stations will be stored by signal strength, not
sequential order. The set preset station number will
appear on the display above the pushbutton that
it is set to. Whenever that numbered pushbutton is
pressed for less than two seconds, the station
that was set will return.
6. Press the BACK (F6) button to exit the display. To
return to the original display, repeatedly press the
BACK (F6) button or wait for the display to time out.
When battery power is removed and later applied, you
will not have to reset your radio presets.PRESETS HOME/AWAY:This feature gives you the
ability to store two different kinds of station presets.
HOME can be used for stations available where you live
and AWAY can be for stations available outside of
your local broadcasting area. To set preset stations for
home and away perform the following steps:
1. Press the tune/select knob to enter the main menu.
2. Turn the tune/select knob until PRESETS
HOME/AWAY appears on the display.
3. Press the tune/select knob to select. HOME or
AWAY will appear on the display.
4. Press the BACK (F6) button to exit the display. To
return to the original display, repeatedly press the
BACK (F6) button or wait for the display to time out.
Follow the manual or automatic steps previously listed
for setting the preset pushbuttons for both home
and away.
3-97

When a CD is playing, press the minus sign to go to the
start of the current track, if more than 10 seconds
have played. Press the plus sign to go to the next track.
If either the minus or the plus button are pressed
more than once, the player will continue moving
backward or forward through the CD.
Press and hold the SEEK plus or minus button, until
you hear a beep. The CD will fast forward or fast reverse
through the CD. Press either button again to play the
passage.
If you have the navigation system, some of the audio
steering wheel controls work when a DVD is playing in
the navigation radio. See the Navigation System
manual for more information.
Radio Reception
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater than for FM,
especially at night. The longer range can cause
station frequencies to interfere with each other. Static
can occur on AM stations caused by things like
storms and power lines. Try reducing the treble to
reduce this noise.
FM Stereo
FM stereo will give the best sound, but FM signals will
reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km). Tall
buildings or hills can interfere with FM signals, causing
the sound to fade in and out.
XM™ Satellite Radio Service
XM™ Satellite Radio Service gives digital radio
reception from coast to coast. Just as with FM, tall
buildings or hills can interfere with satellite radio signals,
causing the sound to fade in and out. The radio may
display NO XM SIGNAL to indicate interference.
Cellular Phone Usage
Cellular phone usage may cause interference with your
vehicle’s radio. This interference may occur when
making or receiving phone calls, charging the phone’s
battery, or simply having the phone on. This interference
is an increased level of static while listening to the
radio. If static is received while listening to the radio,
unplug the cellular phone and turn it off.
3-117

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

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

Your vehicle may be equipped with front compartment
underhood sight shields, which surround the vehicle’s
engine cover. These sight shields will need to be
removed in order to access some of the underhood
components in your vehicle.
To remove the sight shields, turn the fasteners on each
shield to the left until they pop out. Then remove the
fasteners and lift the shields up and away from the
shock towers that support them.
After you have removed the sight shields (if equipped)
on the 3.6L V6 engine, here is what you will see:
A. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-96.
B. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-32.
C. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-37.D. Passenger Compartment Air Filter. SeePassenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 3-58.
E. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-31.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
G. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-34.
I. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap on page 5-24
andCooling System on page 5-27.
J. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.
5-13

After you have removed the sight shields (if equipped)
on the 4.6L V8 engine, here is what you will see:
A. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-96.
B. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-37.
C. Passenger Compartment Air Filter. SeePassenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 3-58.
D. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-32.
E. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-31.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
G. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-15.
H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-34.
I. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap on page 5-24
andCooling System on page 5-27.
J. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-20.If your vehicle is equipped with front compartment
underhood sight shields, before closing the hood be sure
to replace the sight shields. To replace the shields,
locate the ribs on the underside of each shield and guide
the ribs on to the supporting shock towers. Then
insert the fasteners into the top of the shield and push
the fasteners back into place.
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check your engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-15