brakes CADILLAC STS 2009 1.G User Guide

Curves in the Road
{CAUTION:
Due to Adaptive Cruise Control limitations in
curves, it may respond to a vehicle in another
lane, or may not have time to react to a vehicle in
your lane. You could crash into a vehicle ahead of
you, or lose control of your vehicle. Give extra
attention in curves and be ready to use the brakes
if necessary. Select an appropriate speed while
driving in curves.
Adaptive Cruise Control might operate differently in a
sharp curve. It might reduce your speed if the curve is
too sharp.When following a vehicle and entering a curve, Adaptive
Cruise Control could lose track of the vehicle in your
lane and your vehicle could accelerate. When this
happens, the vehicle ahead symbol will not appear
on the HUD.
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Adaptive Cruise Control might detect a vehicle that is
not in your lane and apply the brakes.
Adaptive Cruise Control might occasionally provide a
driver alert and/or braking that you consider unnecessary.
It could respond to signs, guardrails, and other stationary
objects when entering or exiting a curve. This is normal
operation. Your vehicle does not need service.
Highway Exit Ramps
{CAUTION:
Adaptive Cruise Control may lose track of the
vehicle ahead and accelerate up to your set speed
while entering or on highway exit ramps. You could
be startled by this acceleration and even lose
control of the vehicle. Disengage Adaptive Cruise
Control before entering a highway exit ramp. Do not
use Adaptive Cruise Control while entering or on
exit ramps.
Other Vehicle Lane Changes
If another vehicle enters the same lane as you,
Adaptive Cruise Control will not detect the vehicle
until it is completely in the lane. Be ready to take
action and apply the brakes yourself.
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PEDAL APPLIED ACC OVERRIDE
When the PEDAL APPLIED ACC OVERRIDE message
displays, the accelerator pedal is being pressed and
the Adaptive Cruise Control is overridden and cannot
automatically apply the brakes. Once the accelerator
pedal is released, the Adaptive Cruise Control will return
to normal operation and be able to apply the brakes,
if needed.
An Adaptive Cruise Control active symbol, alert symbol
or vehicle ahead symbol may also appear. SeeAdaptive
Cruise Control on page 3-20for more information.
Care of the HUD
Clean the inside of the windshield as needed to remove
any dirt or lm that reduces the sharpness or clarity
of the HUD display.
To clean the HUD, spray household glass cleaner on a
soft, clean cloth. Wipe the HUD lens gently, then dry.
Notice:When cleaning, be careful not to scratch
the HUD or camera lenses. Do not spray glass
cleaner directly on the HUD lens because the cleaner
could leak inside the unit and cause damage.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Accessory power outlets can be used to plug in electrical
equipment, such as a cellular telephone.
The vehicle has one outlet in front of the center console,
one in the center console lid and there may be an
additional outlet in the rear of the center console.
The vehicle may have a small cap that must be
removed to access the accessory power outlet.
Be sure to cover the outlet with the protective cap
when it is not in use.
Notice:Leaving electrical equipment plugged in for
an extended period of time while the vehicle is off
will drain the battery. Power is always supplied
to the outlets. Always unplug electrical equipment
when not in use and do not plug in equipment
that exceeds the maximum 20 ampere rating.
Certain accessory power plugs may not be compatible
to the accessory power outlet and could result in
blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience a
problem, see your dealer for additional information
on the accessory power outlets.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to the
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
3-46

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
For vehicles with
the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), this light
comes on briey when
the engine is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the
indicator light then goes off.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off. If the
light comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safely
possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the ABS light stays on, or
comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs service.
If the regular brake system warning light is not on, the
vehicle still has brakes, but not antilock brakes. If the
regular brake system warning light is also on, the vehicle
does not have antilock brakes and there is a problem with
the regular brakes. SeeBrake System Warning Light on
page 3-62.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC),
seeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-79for
all brake related DIC messages.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
The TCS warning light
comes on briey when
the engine is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
If the Traction Control System (TCS) warning light
comes on and stays on, there may be a problem with
the TCS.
The light also comes on if the TCS is turned off using
the traction control on/off button located on the console.
If this light stays on or comes on while driving, pull
off the road as soon as possible and stop carefully.
Turn the engine off and then restart it. If the light still
stays on or comes back on again while driving, the
vehicle needs service. Have the TCS inspected as
soon as possible. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-10andStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6
for more information.
Also seeCompetitive Driving Mode on page 4-11for
more information.
3-63

For persons under 21, it is against the law in every
U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical,
psychological, and developmental reasons for
these laws.
The obvious way to eliminate the leading highway
safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol and
then drive.
Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’s
system can make crash injuries worse, especially
injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or heart. This means
that when anyone who has been drinking — driver
or passenger — is in a crash, that person’s chance of
being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if the
person had not been drinking.
Control of a Vehicle
The following three systems help to control your
vehicle while driving — brakes, steering, and accelerator.
At times, as when driving on snow or ice, it is easy to ask
more of those control systems than the tires and road can
provide. Meaning, you can lose control of your vehicle.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-10
andStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6orEnhanced
StabiliTrak®on page 4-6.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-62.
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 the brakes; the weight of
the vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied.
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Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a
mistake. The brakes might not have time to cool between
hard stops. The brakes will wear out much faster if you do
a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic
and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a
lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking
and longer brake life.
If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are driving,
brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If you do, the
pedal could get harder to push down. If the engine stops,
you will still have some power brake assist. But you will
use it when you brake. Once the power assist is used up,
it can take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be
harder to push.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When you start the engine and begin to drive away,
ABS will check itself. You might hear a momentary
motor or clicking noise while this test is going on, and
you might even notice that the brake pedal moves
a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light will
stay on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light on
page 3-63.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.
4-4

ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as
required, faster than any driver could. This can help
you steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As you brake, the computer keeps receiving updates on
wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time you need to
get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, you will not have time to apply the brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though you
have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let antilock work for you. You might
hear the antilock pump or motor operate, and feel the
brake pedal pulsate, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time.
In many emergencies, steering can help more than even
the very best braking.
Brake Assist
This vehicle has a Brake Assist feature designed to
assist the driver in stopping or decreasing vehicle speed
in emergency driving conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake control module to
supplement the power brake system under conditions
where the driver has quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly stop or slow down
the vehicle. The stability system hydraulic brake control
module increases brake pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates. Minor brake pedal
pulsations or pedal movement during this time is normal
and the driver should continue to apply the brake pedal
as the driving situation dictates The Brake Assist feature
will automatically disengage when the brake pedal is
released or brake pedal pressure is quickly decreased.
4-5

StabiliTrak®System
The vehicle has a vehicle stability enhancement system
called StabiliTrak. It is an advanced computer controlled
system that assists with directional control of the vehicle
in difficult driving conditions.
If the vehicle has all-wheel-drive and has Active
Steering with Enhanced StabiliTrak, seeEnhanced
StabiliTrak
®on page 4-6.
StabiliTrak activates when the computer senses a
discrepancy between the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling. StabiliTrak selectively
applies braking pressure at any one of the vehicle’s
brakes to help steer the vehicle in the intended direction.
When the system activates, a STABILITY SYS ACTIVE
message will be displayed on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-79. A noise may be heard or a vibration felt in the
brake pedal. This is normal. Continue to steer the vehicle
in the intended direction.
If there is a problem detected with StabiliTrak, a
SERVICE STABILITY SYS message will be displayed on
the DIC. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-79.
When this message is displayed, the system is not
operational. Driving should be adjusted accordingly.StabiliTrak comes on automatically whenever the
vehicle is started. To help assist with directional control
of the vehicle, always leave the system on. StabiliTrak
can be turned off, however, by using the Traction
Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak button. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-10.
If cruise control is being used when StabiliTrak activates,
it will automatically disengage. Cruise control may be
reengaged when road conditions allow. SeeCruise
Control on page 3-16orAdaptive Cruise Control
on page 3-20for more information.
Enhanced StabiliTrak®
All-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles with the Active Steering
with Enhanced StabiliTrak option have an enhanced
computer controlled vehicle stability system that assists
with directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving
conditions. This system coordinates automatic control of
the Active Steering System, the Magnetic Ride Control
Suspension System, and the Brake Control System
for better vehicle performance.
During extreme cold temperature conditions, the active
steering function may be temporarily disabled which may
cause the steering wheel to be offset from the center
position while driving straight. This is normal operation
and the vehicle is safe to drive in these cases.
4-6

Stability control activates when the computer senses a
difference between the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling. Stability control
automatically adjusts the front road wheel steering
angle, modies the suspension stiffness, and selectively
applies braking pressure at any one of the vehicle’s
brakes to help maintain directional control of the vehicle.
When the system activates, a STABILITY SYS
ACTIVE message displays on the Driver Information
Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-79. It is normal to hear a noise or feel
vibration in the brake pedal when the system is working.
Continue to steer the vehicle in the intended direction.
If cruise control is engaged when Enhanced StabiliTrak
activates, the cruise control will automatically disengage.
Cruise Control may be re-engaged when road conditions
allow. SeeCruise Control on page 3-16,orAdaptive
Cruise Control on page 3-20for more information.
Enhanced StabiliTrak comes on automatically in the
Stability Touring Mode, when the vehicle is started.
The Stability Touring Mode is recommended for normal
driving. Enhanced StabiliTrak also has Stability
Competitive Mode that is turned on by pressing the
Traction Control (TC) button twice quickly. This mode is
designed to be used by the performance consciousdriver who desires less stability control intervention.
SeeCompetitive Driving Mode on page 4-11. When the
Stability Control Competitive Mode has been activated,
traction control operates in competitive mode and
cannot be turned off. The STABILITY COMPETITIVE
MODE message will be displayed on the DIC.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-79.
When operating the vehicle in the Stability Competitive
Mode, the system provides less stability control
intervention. Driving should be adjusted accordingly.
When the Stability Competitive Mode has been selected,
the Active Steering and Magnetic Ride Control Touring
Mode is not available. These systems are automatically
changed to the Performance Mode, providing more
response to road conditions and quicker steering
response. For more information, see “Active Steering
and Magnetic Ride Control Mode” in the Index of
the vehicle’s Navigation Manual.
To assist with directional control of the vehicle, always
leave the system on. Stability control can be turned
off however, by using the TC button. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-10. The STABILITY
SYS OFF message will be displayed on the DIC.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-79.
4-7

Traction Control System (TCS)
The vehicle has a traction control system that limits
wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery road
conditions. On a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, the system
operates if it senses that one or both of the rear wheels
are spinning or beginning to lose traction. On an
All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) vehicle, the system will operate if
it senses that any of the wheels are spinning or beginning
to lose traction. When this happens, the system brakes
the spinning wheel(s) and/or reduces engine power to
limit wheel spin.
The system may be heard or felt while it is working, but
this is normal.
This warning light comes
on if there is a problem
with TCS.SeeTraction Control System (TCS) Warning Light on
page 3-63. When this warning light is on, the system will
not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
TCS automatically comes on whenever the vehicle is
started. To limit wheel spin, especially in slippery
road conditions, the system should always be left on,
but TCS can be turned off if needed.
Notice:Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle’s driveline
could be damaged.
When TCS is switched off on AWD and STS-V vehicles,
the system may still be working. This is normal and
necessary with the hardware on the vehicle.
It may be necessary to turn the system off if the vehicle
gets stuck in sand, mud or snow and rocking the vehicle
is required. SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on
page 4-24andIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice,
or Snow on page 4-23for more information. SeeWinter
Driving on page 4-21for information on using TCS when
driving in snowy or icy conditions.
4-10