warning CADILLAC STS 2009 1.G Workshop Manual

OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
oil pressure is low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure warning appears on
the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the
vehicle as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle
until the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-18for more information.
This message displays when the vehicle’s engine
oil pressure is low.
A multiple chime sounds when this message is
displayed. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-18for more
information.
Stop the vehicle immediately, as engine damage can
result from driving a vehicle with low oil pressure.
Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer as
soon as possible when this message is displayed.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR
This symbol appears with
this message.
This message displays when the passenger side front
door is not closed completely. Make sure that the door is
closed completely.
PRESS START AND BRAKE TO START
ENGINE
This message displays when you need to press down
on the brake pedal while pressing the start button on
the electronic keyless ignition when trying to start
your vehicle. SeeStarting the Engine on page 2-27
for more information.
3-88

RADAR CRUISE NOT READY
This message displays when the Adaptive Cruise
Control system is not activating due to a temporary
condition. Your vehicle does not require service.
This message also displays when either of the
following conditions occur:
The driver turns off the head-up display (HUD)
while the Adaptive Cruise Control is engaged.
The driver attempts to engage the Adaptive Cruise
Control while the HUD is off.
If this message appears when attempting to activate the
system, continue driving for several minutes and then
try activating the system again.
RIGHT REAR DOOR AJAR
This symbol appears with
this message.
This message displays when the passenger side rear
door is not closed completely. Make sure that the door is
closed completely.
SERVICE AC (Air Conditioning)
SYSTEM
This message displays when the electronic sensors that
control the air conditioning and heating systems are
no longer working. Have the climate control system
serviced by your dealer/retailer if a drop in heating
and air conditioning efficiency is noticeable.
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays if there is a problem with the
airbag system. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer immediately. SeeAirbag Readiness
Light on page 3-58for more information.
SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST
This message displays when a problem with the panic
brake assist system has been detected. Have your
vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM
If your vehicle has the Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
system, this message may display to indicate that the
LDW system is not working properly. If this message
remains on after continued driving, the system needs
service. See your dealer/retailer. See the Index in the
Navigation manual for more information.
3-89

SERVICE STEERING SYS (System)
Your vehicle has a speed variable assist steering
system. Your All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle may have
the Active Steering with Enhanced StabiliTrak option.
See “Active Steering” underSteering on page 4-12.
This message displays if a problem is detected with
the speed variable assist steering system or the Active
Steering system. When this message is displayed, you
may notice that the effort required to steer the vehicle
increases or feels heavier, but you will still be able to
steer the vehicle. SeeSteering on page 4-12for more
information. Have the steering system inspected by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
If the SERVICE STEERING SYS message appears
because the Active Steering system needs service,
normal power steering is still operational. However,
compared to Active Steering, normal power steering
requires a larger degree of steering wheel input at
low vehicle speeds and a smaller degree of steering
wheel input at high vehicle speeds. The center position
of the steering wheel may be different. You may
continue to drive your vehicle with normal power
steering, but have the steering system inspected
by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
If the Active Steering system needs service, the system
may be operating in the Stability Secure Mode and
the STABILITY SECURE MODE message will display.
SeeEnhanced StabiliTrak
®on page 4-6.When certain steering faults are present, the vehicle
speed may be limited. If vehicle speed is limited,
the SPEED LIMITED TO XXX message will display.
See “Active Steering” underSteering on page 4-12.
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS (System)
This message displays when the suspension system
is not operating properly. Have your vehicle serviced
by your dealer/retailer.
If your All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle has the Active
Steering with Enhanced StabiliTrak option and the
suspension system needs service, the Enhanced
StabiliTrak system may be operating in the Stability
Secure Mode and the STABILITY SECURE MODE
message will display. SeeEnhanced StabiliTrak
®
on page 4-6.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also ashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-65. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-68for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
3-91

THEFT ATTEMPTED
This symbol appears with
this message.
This message displays if the theft-deterrent system
has detected a break-in attempt while you were away
from your vehicle.
TRACTION ACTIVE
This message displays when the Traction Control
System (TCS) is actively limiting wheel spin. Slippery
road conditions may exist if this message is displayed,
so adjust your driving accordingly. The message stays on
for a few seconds after the TCS stops limiting wheel spin.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-10for more
information.
TRANS (Transmission) HOT IDLE
ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
transmission uid is overheating and the
transmission temperature warning is displayed
on the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, you
can damage the transmission. This could lead
to costly repairs that would not be covered by
your warranty. Do not drive your vehicle with
overheated transmission uid or while the
transmission temperature warning is displayed.
This message displays when the transmission uid in
your vehicle is too hot. Stop the vehicle and allow
it to idle until the transmission cools down or until
this message is removed.
3-95

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.
4-3

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

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