service CADILLAC STS 2008 1.G Owner's Guide

If the Light Is Flashing
The following can prevent more serious damage to
your vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If the light stops ashing and remains on steady,
see “If the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle.
Turn the engine off, wait at least 10 seconds and restart
the engine. If the light remains on steady, see “If the
Light Is On Steady” following. If the light is still ashing,
follow the previous steps, and see your dealer/retailer
for service as soon as possible.
If the Light Is On Steady
You might be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully install the
cap. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-7. The diagnostic
system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap allows
fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving trips
with the cap properly installed should turn the light off.Did you just drive through a deep puddle of water?
If so, your vehicle’s electrical system might be wet. The
condition is usually corrected when the electrical system
dries out. A few driving trips should turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel. See
Gasoline Octane on page 5-5. Poor fuel quality causes
the engine not to run as efficiently as designed. You
might notice this as stalling after start-up, stalling when
you put the vehicle into gear, misring, hesitation on
acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration — these
conditions might go away once the engine is warmed up.
This will be detected by the system and cause the light
to turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at least
one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light turn
off, your dealer/retailer can check the vehicle. Your
dealer/retailer has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to x any mechanical or electrical
problems that might have developed.
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If the vehicle has an oil problem, this light may stay
on after the engine is started, or come on while you
are driving.
This light indicates that oil is not going through the engine
quickly enough to keep it lubricated. The engine could
be low on oil or could have some other oil problem.
Have it xed right away.
The oil light could also come on in the following
situations:
The light will come on briey when the ignition
is turned on to show that it is working properly.
If it does not come on with the ignition on,
there may be a problem with the fuse or bulb.
Have it xed right away.
Sometimes when the engine is idling at a stop,
a chime will sound and the light may blink on
and off. This is normal.
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
If you do, your engine can become so hot that
it catches re. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance may
damage the engine. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Always follow the maintenance
schedule in this manual for changing engine oil.
Security Light
For information regarding
this light and the vehicle’s
security system, see
Theft-Deterrent System
on page 2-22.
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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.
BATTERY VOLTS
This display shows the current battery voltage. If the
voltage is in the normal range, the value will display. For
example, the display may read 13.2 BATTERY VOLTS.
If the voltage is low, the display will have LOW after it.
If the voltage is high, the display will have HIGH after it.
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 3-63
for more information.
If there is a problem with the battery charging system,
the DIC may display a message. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-80andElectric Power Management
on page 3-42for more information.
Tire Pressure
This display shows the pressure for each tire in either
pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa). If the
tire pressure is normal, the value will display. If the tire
pressure is low or high, LOW or HIGH will appear on
the display with the value. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-66andDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-80for more information. Press the information
button to scroll through the following displays:
LF TIRE:This display shows the pressure in the driver
side front tire.
RF TIRE:This display shows the pressure in the
passenger side front tire.
LR TIRE:This display shows the pressure in the driver
side rear tire.
RR TIRE:This display shows the pressure in the
passenger side rear tire.
If the tire pressure display shows dashes instead of
a value, there may be a problem with your vehicle.
If this consistently occurs, see your dealer/retailer
for service.
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AUTOMATIC LIGHTS OFF
This message displays when the automatic headlamps
are turned off. SeeHeadlamps on page 3-33for
more information.
AUTOMATIC LIGHTS ON
This message displays when the automatic headlamps
are turned on. SeeHeadlamps on page 3-33for
more information.
BATTERY NOT CHARGING SERVICE
CHARGING SYS (System)
This symbol appears
with this message.This message displays when a problem with the
charging system has been detected. Have your
vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message displays when the system detects that
the battery voltage is dropping beyond a reasonable
level. The battery saver system starts reducing
certain features of the vehicle that may be noticeable.
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.
To monitor battery voltage on the DIC, press the
information button until BATTERY VOLTS displays.
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CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when the engine oil needs to be
changed. See your dealer/retailer. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-18andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4for
more information.
After resetting the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message by clearing it from the display, reset the engine
oil life system separately. For more information on
resetting the engine oil life system, seeEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-21.
CHECK BRAKE FLUID
This message displays if the ignition is on to inform the
driver that the brake uid level is low. Have the brake
system serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as
possible. SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-64
for more information.
CHECK GAS CAP
This message displays when the fuel cap has not been
fully tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to ensure that it
is on and tightened properly.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
This message displays when the pressure in one or
more of the vehicle’s tires needs to be checked. If a tire
pressure message appears on the DIC, stop as soon
as you can. Have the tire pressures checked and set
to those shown on the Tire Loading Information
label. SeeTires on page 5-57,Loading Your Vehicle on
page 4-26, andInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-66.
The DIC also shows the tire pressure values. See
DIC Operation and Displays on page 3-74. If the tire
pressure is low, the low tire pressure warning light
comes on. SeeTire Pressure Light on page 3-67.
CHECK WASHER FLUID
This symbol appears
with this message.
This message displays when the windshield washer
uid is low. Fill the windshield washer uid reservoir
as soon as possible. SeeWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-40for more information.
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CLEAN RADAR
This message displays when the Adaptive Cruise
Control system is disabled because the radar is blocked
and cannot detect vehicles in your path. It may also
activate during heavy rain or due to road spray.
To clean the system, see “Cleaning the System”
underAdaptive Cruise Control on page 3-20.
CLEAN SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system, this message displays when the SBZA system
is disabled because the sensor is blocked and cannot
detect vehicles in your blind zone. The sensor may
be blocked by mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush. This
message may also display during heavy rain or due
to road spray. Your vehicle does not need service.
For cleaning instructions, seeWashing Your Vehicle
on page 5-110. See the Index in the Navigation
manual for more information.
COMPETITIVE DRIVING (STS-V Only)
This message displays when the competitive driving
mode is turned on with the TC (traction control) button.
The TC (traction control) light comes on when the
competitive driving mode is on. The Traction Control
System (TCS) will not operate while in competitive
driving mode. Adjust your driving accordingly. See
Competitive Driving Mode (STS-V) on page 4-7for
more information.
DRIVER DOOR AJAR
This symbol appears
with this message.
This message displays when the driver door is not closed
completely. Make sure that the door is closed completely.
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ENGINE POWER REDUCED
This message displays when the engine power is
being reduced to protect the engine from damage.
There could be several malfunctions that might cause
this message. Reduced engine power can affect
the vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no reduction in performance, proceed to
your destination. The performance may be reduced
the next time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may
be driven at a reduced speed while this message
is on, but acceleration and speed may be reduced.
Anytime this message stays on, take the vehicle to
your dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
ENGINE PROTECTION REDUCED
RPM’S (Revolutions Per Minute)
This message displays when your vehicle is in an
overheated engine operating mode. If this message
appears, the vehicle has determined that continued
operation at the existing engine speed may lead
to engine overheating. The vehicle automatically
limits engine RPMs to prevent engine overheating.You may notice the vehicle upshifting early or reduced
speeds while this message is displayed. When the
engine oil returns to a safe operating temperature, this
message clears from the DIC and the vehicle returns
to normal operation. Your vehicle does not require
service when this message is displayed.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This symbol appears
with this message.
This message displays and a chime sounds if the fuel
level is low. Refuel as soon as possible. SeeFuel Gage
on page 3-73andFuel on page 5-5for more information.
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The keyless access transmitter needs to be inside of
the vehicle in order for the vehicle to start. SeeStarting
the Engine on page 2-29for more information.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
oil pressure is low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure warning appears on
the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the
vehicle as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle
until the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-18for more information.
This message displays when the vehicle’s engine
oil pressure is low.
A multiple chime sounds when this message is
displayed. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-18for more
information.
Stop the vehicle immediately, as engine damage can
result from driving a vehicle with low oil pressure.
Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer as
soon as possible when this message is displayed.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR
This symbol appears
with this message.
This message displays when the passenger side front
door is not closed completely. Make sure that the door
is closed completely.
PRESS START AND BRAKE TO
START ENGINE
This message displays when you need to press down
on the brake pedal while pressing the start button on
the electronic keyless ignition when trying to start
your vehicle. SeeStarting the Engine on page 2-29for
more information.
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RADAR CRUISE NOT READY
This message displays when the Adaptive Cruise Control
system is not activating due to a temporary condition.
Your vehicle does not require service. This message also
displays when either of the following conditions occur:
The driver turns off the head-up display (HUD)
while the Adaptive Cruise Control is engaged.
The driver attempts to engage the Adaptive Cruise
Control while the HUD is off.
If this message appears when attempting to activate the
system, continue driving for several minutes and then
try activating the system again.
RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR
This symbol appears
with this message.This message displays when the passenger side rear
door is not closed completely. Make sure that the door
is closed completely.
SERVICE AC (Air Conditioning)
SYSTEM
This message displays when the electronic sensors that
control the air conditioning and heating systems are
no longer working. Have the climate control system
serviced by your dealer/retailer if a drop in heating and
air conditioning efficiency is noticeable.
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays if there is a problem with the
airbag system. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer immediately. SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 3-60for more information.
SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST
This message displays when a problem with the panic
brake assist system has been detected. Have your
vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
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SERVICE LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM
If your vehicle has the Lane Departure Warning
(LDW) system, this message may display to
indicate that the LDW system is not working properly.
If this message remains on after continued driving,
the system needs service. See your dealer/retailer.
See the Index in the Navigation manual for more
information.
SERVICE RADAR CRUISE
This message displays when the Adaptive Cruise
Control system is disabled and needs service.
See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system and this message displays, both SBZA
displays will remain on indicating there is a problem
with the SBZA system. If these displays remain on
after continued driving, the system needs service.
See your dealer/retailer. See the Index in the
Navigation manual for more information.
SERVICE STABILITY SYS (System)
Your vehicle has a vehicle stability enhancement system
called StabiliTrak®. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle
with the Active Steering with Enhanced StabiliTrak®
option have a stability enhancement system called
Enhanced StabiliTrak®.
This message displays if there has been a problem
detected with the stability system.
If this message comes on while 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 back on again while
driving, your vehicle needs service. Have the stability
system inspected by your dealer/retailer as soon
as possible. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-8or
Enhanced StabiliTrak®on page 4-9for more information.
For vehicles with the Active Steering with Enhanced
StabiliTrak
®option, in some cases when the SERVICE
STABILITY SYS message is displayed, a larger
degree of steering wheel input at low vehicle speeds
and a smaller degree of steering wheel input at higher
vehicle speeds may be required.
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