CADILLAC STS 2009 1.G Owners Manual

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.
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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

If there is a problem detected with Enhanced StabiliTrak,
the 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 operating. Driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
When certain faults or vehicle conditions are detected,
the Stability control will automatically go into a secure
mode and the STABILITY SECURE MODE message will
be displayed on the DIC. When the Stability Secure
Mode is activated, the stability control system will
not respond to driver requests to change the stability
mode until the next ignition cycle or until the vehicle
condition or fault is returned to normal. When the
Stability Secure Mode is activated, other messages
may be displayed, such as SERVICE STEERING SYS,
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS or CHECK TIRE
PRESSURE on the DIC. When the Stability Secure
Mode is activated, a larger degree of steering wheel
input at low vehicle speeds and a smaller degree
of steering wheel input at high vehicle speeds may be
required. Stability Secure Mode will be activated if
a compact spare tire is being used. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-79andCompact Spare
Tire on page 5-114.Persistent operation of the vehicle in the STABILITY
SECURE MODE may be an indication that the vehicle
needs to be serviced by your dealer/retailer.
When certain faults are present, the vehicle’s speed
may be limited and the SPEED LIMITED TO XXX
message will be displayed on the DIC. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-79. When the
vehicle’s speed is limited, other messages may
be displayed, such as SERVICE STABILITY SYS,
SERVICE STEERING SYS or SERVICE SUSPENSION
SYS on the DIC. Have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
Enhanced StabiliTrak and Traction Control
Mode Selection
Enhanced StabiliTrak can be operated in Touring Mode
or Competitive Mode. It can also be turned off. The
TC button is used to change stability control modes
(Touring, Competitive or Off) as well as to turn traction
control on or off. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-10. The following information describes
the operation of the TC button for changing Traction
Control and Stability Control Modes.
4-8

When the vehicle is started, Stability control comes on
automatically in the Stability Touring Mode.
To change from Stability Touring Mode to Stability
Competitive Mode, press the TC button twice quickly
and the STABILITY COMPETITIVE MODE message
is displayed on the DIC. Enhanced StabiliTrak must
be in Stability Touring Mode with TCS on before
changing to Stability Competitive Mode.
To change from Stability Touring Mode to Stability
Off Mode, press and hold the TC button until the
STABILITY SYS OFF message is displayed
on the DIC.
To change from Stability Competitive Mode to
Stability Touring Mode, press and release the
TC button and the STABILITY TOURING MODE
message will be displayed on the DIC.
To change from Stability Competitive Mode to
Stability Off Mode, press and hold the TC button until
the STABILITY SYS OFF message is displayed on
the DIC. The DIC will briey display the STABILITY
TOURING MODE message prior to displaying the
STABILITY SYS OFF message.
To change from Stability Off Mode to Stability
Touring Mode, press and release the TC button and
the STABILITY TOURING MODE message will be
displayed on the DIC.
To change from Stability Off Mode to Stability
Competitive Mode, press and release the TC button
to enter Stability Touring Mode. Press the TC button
twice quickly and STABILITY COMPETITIVE MODE
displays on the DIC
To turn traction control off while in the Stability
Touring Mode, press and release the TC button and
the traction control system warning light will come on.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-10.
To turn traction control on while in the Stability
Touring Mode, press and release the TC button and
the traction control system warning light will turn off.
4-9

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

To turn the system off,
press the TCS/StabiliTrak
button located near the
shift lever.
For AWD vehicles with the Active Steering with
Enhanced StabiliTrak option, the TCS/StabiliTrak
button is used to turn traction control on and off and to
select between three stability control modes: Touring,
Competitive and Off. SeeEnhanced StabiliTrak
®
on page 4-6for instructions on selecting the proper
stability control mode.
Press and release the TCS/StabiliTrak button and TCS
will turn off and the Traction Control System Warning
Light will come on. Press the button again to turn
the system back on.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect the vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 5-3for more information.
Competitive Driving Mode
The STS-V driver can select this optional handling mode
by pressing the Traction Control button, located near the
shift lever, quickly two times. STABILITY COMPETITIVE
MODE is displayed on the Driver Information Center
(DIC) when the system is working. Competitive driving
mode allows the driver to have control of the power
applied to the rear wheels, while the StabiliTrak
®system
helps steer the vehicle by selective brake application.
In competitive mode, the levels at which StabiliTrak is
engaged have been modied to better suit a performance
driving environment. When the traction control warning
light is on, the Traction Control System will not be
operating. Adjust your driving accordingly.
When the Traction Control button is pressed again,
the Traction Control System will be on. The traction
engaged symbol will be displayed briey in the DIC.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-79
for more information.
4-11

Magnetic Ride Control™
Vehicles with this feature automatically adjust the ride
of the vehicle based on driving conditions. Magnetic Ride
Control monitors the suspension system to determine
the proper system response. If the controller detects a
problem within the system, the DIC will display a
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS message. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-79for more
information. See your dealer/retailer for service.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Vehicles with a limited-slip rear axle can give more
traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like
a standard axle most of the time, but when traction
is low, this feature allows the drive wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
With this feature, engine power is sent to all four wheels
at all times. This is like four-wheel drive, but there is
no separate lever or switch to engage or disengage the
front axle. It is fully automatic, and adjusts itself as
needed for road conditions.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Speed Variable Assist Steering
Your vehicle has a steering system that continuously
adjusts the effort you feel when steering at all vehicle
speeds. It provides ease when parking, yet a rm, solid
feel at highway speeds.
Active Steering
All-wheel-drive vehicles with the Active Steering with
Enhanced StabiliTrak®option have an electronically
controlled active steering system. The active steering
system uses the steering actuator to automatically adjust
the front road wheel turning angle based on vehicle
speed and how much you turn the steering wheel.
This system reduces steering effort at low speeds,
improves steering feel at moderate speeds, and
reduces steering sensitivity at higher speeds.
4-12