CADILLAC STS 2009 1.G Owners Manual
Manufacturer: CADILLAC, Model Year: 2009, Model line: STS, Model: CADILLAC STS 2009 1.GPages: 514, PDF Size: 2.73 MB
Page 101 of 514

Stopping the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) and press the
Acc. button located on the instrument panel. If the
shifter is not in P (Park), the engine shuts off and the
vehicle goes into the Accessory Mode. The DIC
displays SHIFT TO PARK. Once the shifter is moved
to P (Park), the vehicle turns off.
The DIC displays NO FOB, OFF OR RUN?, if the
keyless access transmitter is not detected inside the
vehicle when it is turned off.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-79for
more information.
Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater can provide easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up in cold
weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C). Vehicles with
an engine coolant heater should be plugged in at least
four hours before starting. Some models have an internal
thermostat in the cord which will prevent engine coolant
heater operation at temperatures above 0°F (−18°C).
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
For the 3.6L V6 and 4.4L V8 engine, the cord is
located in the front of the engine compartment,
on the passenger side of the vehicle.
For the 4.6L V8 engine, the cord is located in the
engine compartment on the driver side of the vehicle
near the inner fender and above the strut.
3. You must remove the plastic cap to access
the plug.
4. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could
cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of
extension cord could overheat and cause a re.
You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a
properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet.
If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty
three-prong extension cord rated for at least
15 amps.
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5. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could
be damaged.
The length of time the heater should remain plugged
in depends on several factors. Ask a dealer/retailer
in the area where you will be parking the vehicle for
the best advice on this.
Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different
positions for the shift lever.
P (Park):This position locks the rear wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift
lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly
level ground, always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park on page 2-34. If you are pulling a trailer,
seeTowing a Trailer (Vehicles Without Heavy
Duty Cooling) on page 4-31orTowing a Trailer
(Vehicles With Heavy Duty Cooling) on page 4-32.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park)
before starting the engine. The vehicle has an
automatic transmission shift lock control system.
You must fully apply your regular brakes rst and
then press the shift lever button before you can
shift from P (Park) when the vehicle is running.
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Page 103 of 514

If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on
the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into
P (Park) as you maintain brake application. Then press
the shift lever button and move the shift lever into another
gear. SeeShifting Out of Park on page 2-35.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
R (Reverse):Use this gear to back up.
At low vehicle speeds, you can also use R (Reverse)
to rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of
snow, ice, or sand without damaging the transmission.
SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or
Snow on page 4-23for additional information.
N (Neutral):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the engine when
the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
You can also use N (Neutral) when the vehicle is
being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your
foot is rmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear
while the engine is running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may damage the
transmission. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive):This position is for normal driving. It provides
the best fuel economy. If you need more power for
passing, and you are:
Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
The transmission will shift down to a lower gear
and have more power.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see “Skidding” underLoss of
Control on page 4-15.
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Page 104 of 514

Driver Shift Control (DSC)
Notice:If you drive the vehicle at high RPMs
without upshifting while using Driver Shift
Control (DSC), you could damage the vehicle.
Always upshift when necessary while using DSC.
Driver Shift Control (DSC) allows you shift an automatic
transmission similar to a manual transmission.
To use the DSC feature:
1. Move the shift lever to the right from D (Drive) into
the DSC area.
When in DSC mode, the
sport symbol will appear
in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
The vehicle will remain in sport mode if the
shift lever is not moved. Sport mode will shift
automatically but remain in a gear longer then it
would in normal driving mode based on braking
and acceleration.2. Press the shift lever forward to upshift or rearward
to downshift.
When using the DSC
mode, the number
displayed on the Driver
Information Center (DIC)
indicates the gear that
the transmission is in.
SeeDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 3-72
for more information on
the DIC.
When starting the vehicle from a stopped condition,
only 1 (First) and 2 (Second) gear may be used.
While using the DSC feature the vehicle will have rmer
shifting and increased performance. You can use this for
sport driving or when climbing/descending hills to stay in
gear longer or to down shift for more power or engine
braking.
The transmission will only allow you to shift into
gears appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM). The transmission will
not automatically shift to the next higher gear if the
engine RPM is too high.
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