service CADILLAC STS 2009 1.G Owners Manual

The proper replacement parts, uids, and lubricants to
use are listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-13andMaintenance Replacement Parts
on page 6-15. When the vehicle is serviced, make sure
these are used. All parts should be replaced and all
necessary repairs done before you or anyone else
drives the vehicle. We recommend the use of genuine
parts from your dealer/retailer.
Scheduled Maintenance
To maintain the ride, handling, and performance of this
vehicle, it is important that the rst tire rotation service
be performed when the vehicle has 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km). Check tires for ination pressures
and wear. SeeTires on page 5-54. If tire rotation is
recommended for the vehicle, rotate tires. SeeTire
Inspection and Rotation on page 5-71and “Tire Wear
Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month on page 6-11.When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
displays in the Driver Information Center (DIC),
service is required for the vehicle. Have the vehicle
serviced as soon as possible within the next 600 miles
(1 000 km). It is possible that, if driving under the
best conditions, the engine oil life system may not
indicate that vehicle service is necessary for over a year.
However, the engine oil and lter must be changed at
least once a year and at this time the system must
be reset. Your dealer/retailer has trained service
technicians who will perform this work using genuine
parts and reset the system.
If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
service the vehicle within 3,000 miles (5 000 km)
since the last service. Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed. SeeEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-21for information on the Engine
Oil Life System and resetting the system.
6-4

When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
appears, the following services, checks, and inspections
are required:
❑Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-18. Reset oil life system. SeeEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-21.An Emission Control Service.
❑Visually check for any leaks or damage.
See footnote (k).
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace
lter. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-23.
See footnote (m).
❑Check tires for ination pressures and wear. SeeTires
on page 5-54. If tire rotation is recommended for the
vehicle, rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-71and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least
Once a Month on page 6-11.❑Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).
❑Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid
levels. If the vehicle has the 4.4L V8 supercharged
engine, check intercooler uid level. Add uid as
needed.
❑Perform any needed additional services. See
“Additional Required Services” in this section.
❑Inspect suspension and steering components.
See footnote (b).
❑Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).
❑Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).
❑Inspect restraint system components.
See footnote (e).
❑Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).
6-5

Additional Required Services
The following services should be performed at the rst maintenance service after the indicated miles (kilometers)
shown for each item.
Additional Required Services
Service and Miles (Kilometers)25,000
(40 000)50,000
(80 000)75,000
(120 000)100,000
(160 000)125,000
(200 000)150,000
(240 000)
Inspect fuel system for damage or leaks.• •••••
Inspect exhaust system for loose or
damaged components.• •••••
Replace engine air cleaner lter. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-23.
See footnote (p).••
Replace passenger compartment air
lter.See footnote (g).• •••••
Change automatic transmission uid and
lter (severe service).See footnote (h).•••
Change automatic transmission uid and
lter (normal service).•
All-wheel-drive vehicles: Change
transfer case uid (severe service).
See footnotes (q) and (r).•••
6-6

Additional Required Services (cont’d)
Service and Miles (Kilometers)25,000
(40 000)50,000
(80 000)75,000
(120 000)100,000
(160 000)125,000
(200 000)150,000
(240 000)
All-wheel-drive vehicles: Change
transfer case uid (normal service).
See footnote (q).•
Replace spark plugs.An Emission
Control Service.•
Engine cooling system service (or every
ve years, whichever occurs rst).
An Emission Control Service.
See footnote (j).•
4.4L Supercharged Engine: Intercooler
system service (or every ve years,
whichever occurs rst).See footnote (l).•
Inspect engine accessory drive belt.
An Emission Control Service.
See footnote (n).•
If using DOT-4 brake uid, change brake
uid at a regular maintenance service
every two years.See footnote (i).
6-7

Maintenance Footnotes
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc
brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition.
Inspect other brake parts, including calipers, parking
brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings, and clamps; replace with genuine parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or
contamination. Clean the windshield and wiper blades,
if contaminated. Replace wiper blades that are worn
or damaged. See Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
on page 5-52 and Windshield and Wiper Blades on
page 5-120 for more information.(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety
belt assemblies are working properly. Look for any other
loose or damaged safety belt system parts. If you see
anything that might keep a safety belt system from doing
its job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety
belts replaced. Also see Checking the Restraint Systems
on page 1-66.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders. Lubricate all
hinges and latches, including those for the hood, rear
compartment, glove box door, and console door. More
frequent lubrication may be required when exposed to a
corrosive environment. Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
(g)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, the filter
may require replacement more often.
(h)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as limousine service.
Uses such as high performance operation.
6-8

(i)If using DOT-4 brake fluid only: Drain, flush, and refill
brake hydraulic system at a regular maintenance service
every two years. This service can be complex; you should
have your dealer/retailer perform this service. See Brakes
on page 5-39.
(j)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service can
be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-27 for what to
use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap, and filler neck. Pressure test the cooling system and
pressure cap.
(k)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(l)Drain, flush, and refill intercooler system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-27.
(m)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.
(n)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.(p)If the vehicle has the 3.6L V6 (VIN Code V) engine,
replace the engine air cleaner filter every 40,000 miles
(64 000 km).
(q)Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and proper
installation. Check to be sure vent hose is unobstructed,
clear, and free of debris. During any maintenance, if a
power washer is used to clean mud and dirt from the
underbody, care should be taken to not directly spray the
transfer case output seals. High pressure water can
overcome the seals and contaminate the transfer case
fluid. Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and should be replaced.
(r)Change transfer case fluid if the vehicle is mainly
driven under one or more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as high performance operation or taxi,
police, or delivery service.
6-9

Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure vehicle safety,
dependability, and emission control performance. Your
dealer/retailer can assist with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to the
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-18.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-27.
Intercooler Coolant Level Check
(4.4L Supercharged Engine)
Check the coolant level and add DEX-COOL®coolant
mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-27.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level
Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary. SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 5-38.
6-10

At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect the vehicle’s tires and make sure they are inated
to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check the spare
tire, if the vehicle has one. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-64. If the vehicle has a spare tire, check to
make sure it is stored securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire
on page 5-104.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation is recommended if the vehicle has the same
size tires at all four wheel positions and may be required
for high mileage highway drivers prior to the Engine Oil
Life System service notication. Check the tires for wear
and, if necessary, rotate the tires. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 5-71.
At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle
could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or
others could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough
room around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-33.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle
should start only in P (Park) or N (Neutral). If the
vehicle starts in any other position, contact
your dealer/retailer for service.
6-11

Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control System Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the vehicle
could move suddenly. If the vehicle moves, you or
others could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough
room around the vehicle. It should be parked on a
level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-33.
Be ready to apply the regular brake immediately if
the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off and without applying the regular
brake, try to move the shift lever out of P (Park)
with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out
of P (Park), contact your dealer/retailer for service.
Parking Brake and Automatic
Transmission P (Park) Mechanism
Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
begin to move. You or others could be injured and
property could be damaged. Make sure there is
room in front of the vehicle in case it begins to roll.
Be ready to apply the regular brake at once
should the vehicle begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill.
Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking
brake.
To check the parking brake’s holding ability: With the
engine running and transmission in N (Neutral),
slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking
brake only.
6-12

To check the P (Park) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to P (Park). Then
release the parking brake followed by the regular
brake.
Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to ush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to
clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris
can collect.
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
If the vehicle has a Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit,
check the sealant expiration date printed on the
instruction label of the kit at least once a year.
See your dealer/retailer for a replacement canister.
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number, or specication can be obtained from your
dealer/retailer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilThe engine requires a special engine
oil meeting GM Standard GM4718M.
Oils meeting this standard can be
identied as synthetic, and should
also be identied with the American
Petroleum Institute (API) Certied for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol.
However, not all synthetic API oils
with the starburst symbol will meet
this GM standard. Look for and use
only oil that meets GM Standard
GM4718M. For the proper viscosity,
seeEngine Oil on page 5-18.
Engine Cooling
System50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-27.
6-13