tow CADILLAC STS 2009 1.G User Guide

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.
2-31

If shifting is prevented for any reason, the selected gear
will ash multiple times, indicating that the transmission
has not shifted gears.
The transmission will allow you to shift to the gear
selected and will automatically downshift when the
vehicle comes to a stop. This will allow for more
power during take-off and passing.
Parking Brake
The parking brake pedal is
located on the lower portion
of the instrument panel to
the left of the steering
wheel.
The vehicle has a push-to-release parking brake pedal.
To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down,
then push the parking brake pedal down.If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light on
the instrument panel cluster should come on. If it does
not, you need to have the vehicle serviced. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 3-62for more information.
To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal
down, then push the parking brake pedal. When you
release the park brake pedal, the parking brake
releases.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
A warning chime will sound if the parking brake is set,
the ignition is on and the vehicle begins to move.
To stop the chime, fully release the parking brake.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a hill,
seeTowing a Trailer (Vehicles Without Heavy Duty
Cooling) on page 4-31orTowing a Trailer (Vehicles
With Heavy Duty Cooling) on page 4-32for more
information.
2-33

Shifting Into Park
{CAUTION:
It can be 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. 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, use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer (Vehicles
Without Heavy Duty Cooling) on page 4-31or
Towing a Trailer (Vehicles With Heavy Duty
Cooling) on page 4-32.
To shift into P (Park), use the following steps:
1. Hold the brake pedal down.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pressing the
button on the front of the shift lever while pushing
the lever all the way toward the front of the vehicle.
Release the button.3. With your foot still holding the brake pedal down,
set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-33for more information.
4. Turn the ignition off.
Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the
engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake rmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat
and even catch re. You or others could be
injured. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine
running.
If you leave the vehicle with the engine running, the
vehicle must be in P (Park) and the parking brake set.
After shifting into P (Park), try to move the shift lever
out without rst pushing the button on the shift lever.
If you can, the shift lever was not fully locked into
P (Park).
2-34

Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of the vehicle puts
too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission.
This happens when parking on a hill and shifting the
transmission into P (Park) is not done properly and then it
is difficult to shift out of P (Park). To prevent torque lock,
set the parking brake and then shift into P (Park). To nd
out how, see “Shifting Into P (Park)” listed previously.
If torque lock does occur, your vehicle may need to be
pushed uphill by another vehicle to relieve the parking
pawl pressure, so you can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting Out of Park
Shift lock release prevents shifting out of P (Park)
unless the vehicle is running or in Accessory mode
and the brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional except
in the case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than
9-volt) battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-42for
more information.To shift out of P (Park) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift
lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
Parking Over Things That Burn
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under the vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things
that can burn.
2-35

Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor
ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Never run the engine in an enclosed area that has
no fresh air ventilation. For more information, see
Engine ExhaustEngine Exhaust on page 2-36.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if
the automatic transmission 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
after you move the shift lever to P (Park).
Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park on page 2-34.
If parking on a hill and 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.
2-37

Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
The vehicle may have an automatic dimming inside
rearview mirror with OnStar®controls; or it may have
OnStar and a compass display. SeeOnStar®System
on page 2-50and/orCompass on page 2-38for
more information.
The vehicle could have an Intellibeam™ inside rearview
mirror with OnStar controls. See “Intellibeam Intelligent
High-Beam Headlamp Control System” underHeadlamps
on page 3-32for more information.
For vehicles with OnStar
®:
O(On/Off):Press to turn the dimming feature on
or off.
For vehicles without OnStar
®:
AUTO/
((On/Off):Press and hold to turn the dimming
feature on or off.
Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation
Automatic dimming reduces the glare of lights from
behind the vehicle. The dimming feature comes on and
the indicator light illuminates each time the vehicle is
started.
To turn on and start Intellibeam™, press the
Intellibeam™ button on the inside rearview mirror.
If the vehicle has the IntelliBeam™ Intelligent High-Beam
Headlamp Control System,
Ocan also be used to turn
off or reset this system. See “IntelliBeam™ Intelligent
High-Beam Headlamp Control System” underHeadlamps
on page 3-32.
Cleaning the Mirror
Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the mirror.
Use a soft towel dampened with water.
Compass
Compass Operation
PressOto turn the compass on or off.
When the ignition and the compass feature are on,
the mirror displays the compass heading after a
few seconds.
2-38

Outside Power Mirrors
Controls for the outside
power mirrors are located
on the driver’s door.
To adjust the mirrors:
1. Move the selector switch left or right to choose the
driver’s side or passenger side mirror.
2. Press one of the four arrows located on the control
pad to move the mirror to the desired direction.3. Adjust each mirror so you can see the side of your
vehicle and the area behind your vehicle.
4. Return the selector switch to the center position
when nished adjusting.
The preferred mirror positions can be stored with the
memory option. SeeMemory Seat, Mirrors and Steering
Wheel on page 2-77.
Manually fold the mirrors inward to prevent damage
when going through car washes or conned spaces.
To fold, push the mirror toward the vehicle. To return
the mirror to its original position, push outward. Return
both mirrors to their original unfolded position before
driving.
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror
The driver’s side mirror adjusts for the glare of
headlamps behind you. This feature is controlled
by the on and off settings on the automatic dimming
inside rearview mirror. SeeAutomatic Dimming
Rearview Mirror on page 2-38for more information.
2-40

{CAUTION:
SBZA is only a lane changing aid and does not
replace driver vision. SBZA does not detect:
Vehicles outside the side blind zones which
may be rapidly approaching.
Pedestrians, bicyclists, or animals.
Failure to use proper care when changing lanes
may result in damage to the vehicle, injury, or
death. Always check the outside and rearview
mirrors, glance over your shoulder, and use the
turn signal before changing lanes.
The SBZA system is an aid that may help you avoid
lane change crashes with vehicles in the side blind spots
(zones). When the system detects a vehicle in the side
blind zone, amber SBZA displays will light up in the side
mirrors. This indicates that it may be unsafe to change
lanes. Before making a lane change, always check the
SBZA display, the outside and rearview mirrors, look
over your shoulder for vehicles and hazards, and use
the turn signal.
SBZA Detection Zones
The SBZA sensor covers a zone of approximately one
lane over from both sides of the vehicle, 11 ft. or 3.5 m.
This zone starts at each side mirror and goes back
approximately 16 ft. (5.0 m). The height of the zone is
approximately between 1.5 ft. (0.5 m) and 6 ft. (2.0 m)
off the ground.
The SBZA detection zones do not change if the vehicle
is towing a trailer. So be extra careful when changing
lanes while towing a trailer.
2-45

Push the control forward or rearward to move the
steering wheel towards the front or rear of the vehicle.
To set the memory position, seeVehicle Personalization
on page 2-61andMemory Seat, Mirrors and Steering
Wheel on page 2-77.
Heated Steering Wheel
For vehicles with a heated steering wheel, the button for
this feature is located on the steering wheel.
(:Press to turn the heated steering wheel on or off.
A light on the button displays when the feature is
turned on.
The steering wheel takes about three minutes to start
heating.
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
The lever on the left side of the steering column
includes the following:
G: Turn and Lane-Change Signals
O: Headlamps
3: Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
#: Fog Lamps
I: Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control (If Equipped).
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) (If Equipped).
Flash-To-Pass Feature.
Information for these features is on the pages following.
3-7

Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
Push forward on the turn signal/multifunction lever
to change the headlamps from low to high beam.
Pull the lever back and then release it to change
from high to low beam.
If you turn the vehicle off with the high beams on, the
next time you start your vehicle the low beams will
be on.
To re-activate high beams, pull lever toward you and
then push it forward again.
This light on the instrument
panel cluster will be on,
indicating high-beam
usage.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System
If the vehicle has this system, read this entire section
before using it.
The system operates on a radio frequency subject to
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and
with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
3-9