traction control CADILLAC STS 2005 1.G Owners Manual

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Power Tilt Wheel and Telescopic
Steering Column.........................................3-6
Heated Steering Wheel...................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-8
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-9
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System................3-9
Flash-to-Pass...............................................3-13
Windshield Wipers........................................3-13
Rainsense™ II Wipers...................................3-14
Windshield Washer.......................................3-15
Headlamp Washer........................................3-16
Cruise Control..............................................3-16
Adaptive Cruise Control.................................3-20
Headlamps..................................................3-33
Wiper Activated Headlamps............................3-37
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-37
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-38
Fog Lamps..................................................3-39
Twilight Sentinel
®..........................................3-40
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver........................3-41
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-41Entry Lighting...............................................3-42
Parade Dimming...........................................3-42
Reading Lamps............................................3-42
Battery Load Management.............................3-42
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver.....................3-43
Head-Up Display (HUD).................................3-43
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)............3-47
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-49
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-49
Climate Controls............................................3-50
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-50
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-56
Rear Climate Control System.........................3-57
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-58
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-60
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-61
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-62
Tachometer.................................................3-62
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-62
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-63
Charging System Light..................................3-64
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-64
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-65
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light....................3-66
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light......3-66
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-41. Driver Information
Center (DIC) Buttons. SeeDIC Controls and
Displays on page 3-74. HUD Controls (If Equipped).
SeeHead-Up Display (HUD) on page 3-43.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-8. Headlamp
Controls. SeeHeadlamps on page 3-33. Cruise
Control. SeeCruise Control on page 3-16. Adaptive
Cruise Control (If Equipped). SeeAdaptive Cruise
Control on page 3-20. Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
(If Equipped). SeeForward Collision Alert (FCA)
System on page 3-9.
C. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-61.
D. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever. SeeWindshield
Wipers on page 3-13.
E. Navigation/Radio System. SeeAudio System(s) on
page 3-92andNavigation/Radio System on
page 3-111.F. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped). See
Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-116.
Adaptive Cruise Control Gap Button (If Equipped).
SeeAdaptive Cruise Control on page 3-20.
Heated Steering Wheel Button (If Equipped). See
Heated Steering Wheel on page 3-7.
G. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
H. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-22.
I. Climate Control System. SeeDual Climate Control
System on page 3-50.
J. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
K. Cupholders. SeeCupholder(s) on page 2-45.
L. Traction Control System Button. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-8.
M. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-26.
N. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-45.
3-5

+ (Resume/Accelerate):Push the lever to this symbol
to make the vehicle resume to a previously set speed
or to accelerate when cruise is already active.
T(Set/Decrease):Press this button to set the speed
or to decrease the speed when cruise is already
active.
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 really help on long
trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds below
about 25 mph (40 km/h).
If you apply your brakes, the cruise control will shut off.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you
cannot drive safely at a steady speed. So, do
not use your cruise control on winding roads
or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery
roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire
traction can cause needless wheel spinning,
and you could lose control. Do not 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. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-8andStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-10. When road conditions allow you
to safely use it again, you may turn the cruise control
back on.
3-17

When it is engaged by the driver, the system can
apply limited braking or acceleration of the vehicle,
automatically, to maintain a selected follow distance
to the vehicle ahead. Braking is limited to
0.25 g’s (2.45 m/sec2) of deceleration, which is
comparable to moderate application of the vehicle’s
brakes. To disengage Adaptive Cruise Control, apply
the brake. If no vehicle is in your path, your vehicle
will react like traditional cruise control.
{CAUTION:
Adaptive Cruise Control will not apply hard
braking or bring the vehicle to a complete
stop. It will not respond to stopped vehicles,
pedestrians or animals. When you are
approaching a vehicle or object, Adaptive
Cruise Control may not have time to slow your
vehicle enough to avoid a collision. Your
complete attention is always required while
driving and you should be ready to take action
and apply the brakes. For more information,
seeDefensive Driving on page 4-2.
{CAUTION:
On winding roads, Adaptive Cruise Control
may not detect a vehicle ahead. You could
crash into a vehicle ahead of you. Do not
use Adaptive Cruise Control on winding
roads.
In stop-and-go traffic, Adaptive Cruise
Control may not have time to slow your
vehicle enough to avoid a collision
because of the rapidly changing traffic
conditions. Do not use Adaptive Cruise
Control in stop-and-go traffic.
On slippery roads, fast changes in tire
traction can cause needless wheel
spinning, and you could lose control. Do
not use cruise control on slippery roads.
When weather limits visibility, such as
when in fog, rain, or snow conditions,
Adaptive Cruise Control performance is
limited. There may not be enough distance
to adapt to the changing traffic conditions.
Do not use cruise control when visibility
is low.
3-21

The set speed is selected by the driver. This is the
speed you will travel if there is no vehicle detected in
your path.
To set Adaptive Cruise Control, do the following:
1. Make sure the Head-Up Display (HUD) is on and
properly adjusted. You cannot engage Adaptive
Cruise Control unless the HUD is on. SeeHead-Up
Display (HUD) on page 3-43for more information.
2. Move the switch to on.
3. Get up to the speed you want.
4. Press in the set button at the end of the lever and
release it.
5. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Once Adaptive Cruise Control is set, it may immediately
apply the brakes if it detects a vehicle ahead is too
close or moving slower than your vehicle.This symbol will appear on
the Head-Up Display
(HUD) to indicate that
Adaptive Cruise Control is
active. The number
indicates the set speed.
SeeHead-Up Display (HUD) on page 3-43for more
information.
Make sure the set speed is visible on the HUD so you
know the speed your vehicle will accelerate to if a
vehicle is not detected in your path. Keep in mind speed
limits, surrounding traffic speeds and weather conditions
when adjusting your set speed.
If your vehicle is in Adaptive Cruise Control when the
traction control system begins to limit wheel spin,
the Adaptive Cruise Control will automatically disengage.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-8and
StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-10. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
turn the Adaptive Cruise Control back on.United States version
shown, Canada similar
3-23

Low Tire Pressure Warning Light
This light will come on
briey as you start the
engine, for vehicles
equipped with the Tire
Pressure Monitor System.
It will then come on only when a at or low tire pressure
condition exists.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-62for
more information.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
If the TC (traction control)
warning light comes on
and stays on, there may be
a problem with the
traction control system.
The TC (traction control) warning light will come on
briey when you turn the engine on. If it does not come
on then, have it xed so it will be ready to warn you
if there is a problem.
The light will also come on if you turn the traction
control system off using the TC (traction control) on/off
button located on the console.
If the TC (traction control) warning light stays on or
comes on while you are driving, pull off the road as soon
as possible and stop carefully. Turn your engine off
and then restart it. If the light still stays on or comes
back on again while you are driving, your vehicle needs
service. Have the traction control system inspected
as soon as possible. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-8for more information.
3-66

The StabiliTrak®performance is affected until the
STABILITY SYS READY message is displayed in the
DIC. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-10for
more information.
STABILITY SYS (System) OFF
The STABILITY SYS OFF message will display any
time you turn off StabiliTrak®using the TC (traction
control) on/off button. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-8for more information. When
this message has been displayed, StabiliTrak
®is no
longer available to assist you with directional control of
the vehicle. Adjust your driving accordingly. See
StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-10for more information.
STABILITY SYS (System) READY
The STABILITY SYS READY message will display any
time you turn back on StabiliTrak®using the TC
(traction control) on/off button. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-8for more information. When
this message has been displayed, StabiliTrak
®is
ready to assist you with directional control of the vehicle
if needed. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-10for
more information.
STARTING DISABLED THEFT
PROBLEM
This message will display when incorrect conditions
exist within the theft-deterrent system. See your
GM dealer for service.
STARTING DISABLED THROTTLE
PROBLEM
This message will display when your vehicle’s throttle
system is not functioning properly. Have your vehicle
serviced by your GM dealer.
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This symbol appears with
the THEFT ATTEMPTED
message.
This message will display if the theft-deterrent system
has detected a break-in attempt while you were
away from your vehicle.
3-90

TRACTION ACTIVE
This message will display when the traction control
system is actively limiting wheel spin. Slippery
road conditions may exist if this message is displayed,
so adjust your driving accordingly. The message will
stay on for a few seconds after the traction control
system stops limiting wheel spin. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-8for more information.
TRANS (Transmission) HOT IDLE
ENGINE
This message will display when the transmission uid in
your vehicle is too hot. Stop the vehicle and allow it
to idle until the transmission cools down or until
this message is removed.
TRUNK OPEN
This symbol appears with
the TRUNK OPEN
message.When this message displays, it means that the trunk
was not closed completely. You should make sure that
the trunk is closed completely.
TURN SIGNAL ON
If you drive your vehicle for more than about 1 mile
(1.6 km) with a turn signal on, this message will display
as a reminder to turn off the turn signal. A multiple
chime will sound when this message is displayed.
Other Messages
Here are more messages that you can receive on your
Driver Information Center (DIC). To acknowledge a
message and read another message that may have
come on at the same time, press the reset button.
ACCESSORY ACTIVE
SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-22.
KNOWN FOB
See “Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle”
underKeyless Access System Operation on
page 2-4.
3-91

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunken Driving.............................................4-2
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-5
Braking.........................................................4-5
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).........................4-6
Braking in Emergencies...................................4-8
Traction Control System (TCS).........................4-8
Magnetic Ride Control.....................................4-9
Limited-Slip Rear Axle.....................................4-9
StabiliTrak
®System......................................4-10
Panic Brake Assist........................................4-10
Steering......................................................4-11
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-13
Passing.......................................................4-13
Loss of Control.............................................4-14
Driving at Night............................................4-16Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-17
City Driving..................................................4-20
Freeway Driving...........................................4-21
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-22
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-23
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-23
Winter Driving..............................................4-25
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow..............................................4-29
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................4-30
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-30
Towing..........................................................4-35
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-35
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-35
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-37
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

{CAUTION:
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous.
Your reexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even a small
amount of alcohol. You can have a serious — or
even fatal — collision if you drive after drinking.
Please do not drink and drive or ride with a
driver who has been drinking. Ride home in a
cab; or if you are with a group, designate a
driver who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle
You have three systems that make your vehicle go where
you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering, and
the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work at
the places where the tires meet the road.
Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or ice, it is
easy to ask more of those control systems than the tires
and road can provide. That means you can lose control of
your vehicle. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-8andStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-10.
Braking
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 your brakes;
the weight of the vehicle; and the amount of brake
force applied.
4-5