sensor CADILLAC STS 2009 1.G Owners Manual

When Should an Airbag Inate?
Frontal airbags are designed to inate in moderate to
severe frontal or near-frontal crashes to help reduce the
potential for severe injuries mainly to the driver’s or
right front passenger’s head and chest. However, they
are only designed to inate if the impact exceeds a
predetermined deployment threshold. Deployment
thresholds are used to predict how severe a crash
is likely to be in time for the airbags to inate and
help restrain the occupants.
Whether the frontal airbags will or should deploy is not
based on how fast your vehicle is traveling. It depends
largely on what you hit, the direction of the impact,
and how quickly your vehicle slows down.
Frontal airbags may inate at different crash speeds.
For example:
If the vehicle hits a stationary object, the airbags
could inate at a different crash speed than if the
vehicle hits a moving object.
If the vehicle hits an object that deforms, the
airbags could inate at a different crash speed than
if the vehicle hits an object that does not deform.
If the vehicle hits a narrow object (like a pole), the
airbags could inate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits a wide object (like a wall).
If the vehicle goes into an object at an angle, the
airbags could inate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle goes straight into the object.
Thresholds can also vary with specic vehicle design.
Frontal airbags are not intended to inate during vehicle
rollovers, rear impacts, or in many side impacts.
In addition, the vehicle has dual-stage frontal airbags.
Dual-stage airbags adjust the restraint according to
crash severity. The vehicle has electronic frontal
sensors, which help the sensing system distinguish
between a moderate frontal impact and a more severe
frontal impact. For moderate frontal impacts, dual-stage
airbags inate at a level less than full deployment.
For more severe frontal impacts, full deployment occurs.
The vehicle has seat-mounted side impact and
roof-rail airbags. SeeAirbag System on page 1-51.
Seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags
are intended to inate in moderate to severe side
crashes. Seat-mounted side impact and roof-rail airbags
will inate if the crash severity is above the system’s
designed threshold level. The threshold level can
vary with specic vehicle design.
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The passenger sensing system works with sensors that
are part of the right front passenger’s seat. The sensors
are designed to detect the presence of a properly-seated
occupant and determine if the right front passenger’s
frontal airbag should be enabled (may inate) or not.
Accident statistics show that children are safer if they
are restrained in the rear rather than the front seat.
We recommend that children be secured in a rear seat,
including: an infant or a child riding in a rear-facing
child restraint; a child riding in a forward-facing child
seat; an older child riding in a booster seat; and children,
who are large enough, using safety belts.
A label on your sun visor says, “Never put a rear-facing
child seat in the front.” This is because the risk to the
rear-facing child is so great, if the airbag deploys.
{CAUTION:
A child in a rear-facing child restraint can be
seriously injured or killed if the right front passenger
airbag inates. This is because the back of the
rear-facing child restraint would be very close to the
inating airbag. A child in a forward-facing child
restraint can be seriously injured or killed if the right
front passenger airbag inates and the passenger
seat is in a forward position.
Even if the passenger sensing system has turned
off the right front passenger frontal airbag, no
system is fail-safe. No one can guarantee that an
airbag will not deploy under some unusual
circumstance, even though it is turned off.
Secure rear-facing child restraints in a rear
seat, even if the airbag is off. If you secure a
forward-facing child restraint in the right front seat,
always move the front passenger seat as far back
as it will go. It is better to secure the child restraint
in a rear seat.
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Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around the vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the
service manual have information about servicing the
vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service
manual, seeService Publications Ordering Information
on page 7-15.
{CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off
and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still
inate during improper service. You can be injured
if you are close to an airbag when it inates. Avoid
yellow connectors. They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person performing
work for you is qualied to do so.
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to or change
about the vehicle that could keep the airbags
from working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, height, front end or side
sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or moving any parts
of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing
and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner
or pillar garnish trim, overhead console, front
sensors, side impact sensors, or airbag wiring
can affect the operation of the airbag system.
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In addition, your vehicle has a passenger sensing
system for the right front passenger’s position, which
includes sensors that are part of the passenger’s
seat. The passenger sensing system may not
operate properly if the original seat trim is replaced
with non-GM covers, upholstery or trim, or with GM
covers, upholstery or trim designed for a different
vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarket seat
heater or a comfort enhancing pad or device,
installed under or on top of the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of the passenger sensing
system. This could either prevent proper deployment
of the passenger airbag(s) or prevent the passenger
sensing system from properly turning off the
passenger airbag(s). SeePassenger Sensing
System on page 1-59.
If you have any questions about this, you should
contact Customer Assistance before you modify
your vehicle. The phone numbers and addresses
for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of
the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.Q:Because I have a disability, I have to get my
vehicle modied. How can I nd out whether this
will affect my airbag system?
A:If you have questions, call Customer Assistance.
The phone numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See
Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manual
have information about the location of the airbag
sensors, sensing and diagnostic module and airbag
wiring.
1-65

Object Detection Systems
Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA)
For vehicles with the URPA system, it operates at
speeds less than 3 mph (5 km/h), and assists the driver
with parking and avoiding objects while in R (Reverse).
The sensors on the rear bumper are used to detect
the distance to an object up to 5 feet (1.5 m) behind
the vehicle and at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) off
the ground.
{CAUTION:
The Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)
system does not replace driver vision. It cannot
detect:
objects that are below the bumper,
underneath the vehicle, or if they are
too close or far from the vehicle
children, pedestrians, bicyclists, or pets.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
If you do not use proper care before and while
backing; vehicle damage, injury, or death could
occur. Even with URPA, always check behind the
vehicle before backing up. While backing, be sure
to look for objects and check the vehicle’s mirrors.
The display is located in
the dome lamp and can
be seen by looking over
your right shoulder.
URPA uses three color-coded lights to provide distance
and system information.
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When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
If the URPA system will not activate due to a temporary
condition a red light will be shown on the rear URPA
display when the shift lever is moved into R (Reverse).
This occurs under the following conditions:
The ultrasonic sensors are not clean. Keep your
rear bumper free of mud, dirt, snow, ice and slush.
For cleaning instructions, seeWashing Your Vehicle
on page 5-118.
The ultrasonic sensors are not clean. Keep the
vehicle’s rear bumper free of mud, dirt, snow,
ice and slush. For cleaning instructions, see
Washing Your Vehicle on page 5-118.
A trailer was attached to the vehicle, or a bicycle or
an object was hanging out of the trunk during the
last drive cycle, the red light may illuminate in the
rear display. Once the attached object is removed,
URPA will return to normal operation.
The vehicle’s bumper is damaged. Take the vehicle
to your dealer/retailer to repair the system.
Other conditions may affect system performance,
such as vibrations from a jackhammer or the
compression of air brakes on a very large truck.
If the system is still disabled, after driving forward at
least 15 mph (25 km/h), take the vehicle to your
dealer/retailer.
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
For vehicles with the SBZA system. Read this entire
section before using the system.
The SBZA 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 harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This device complies with RSS-310 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Frequency of operation: 24.05GHz – 24.25GHz
Field Strength: Not greater than 2.5V/m peak
(0.25V/m average) at a distance of 3m
The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV
interference caused by unauthorized modications to
this equipment. Such modications could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
2-44

{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

SBZA is designed to ignore stationary objects; however,
the system may occasionally light up due to guard rails,
signs, trees, shrubs, and other stationary objects. This
is normal system operation, the vehicle does not need
service.
SBZA does not operate when the left or right corners
of the rear bumper are covered with mud, dirt, snow, ice,
slush, or in heavy rainstorms. For cleaning instructions,
seeWashing Your Vehicle on page 5-118.Ifthe
DIC still displays the SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEM
UNAVAILABLE message after cleaning the bumper,
see your dealer/retailer.
The SBZA displays may remain on if a trailer is attached
to the vehicle, or a bicycle or object is extending out
to either side of the vehicle.
When SBZA is disabled for any reason other than the
driver turning it off, the driver will not be able to turn SBZA
back on using the DIC. The SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
ON option will not be selectable if the conditions for
normal system operation are not met. Until normal
operating conditions for SBZA are met, you should
not rely upon SBZA while driving.SBZA Error Messages
The following messages may appear in the DIC:
SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM OFF:This
message indicates that the system has been turned off.
SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE:This
message indicates that the SBZA system is disabled
because the sensor is blocked and cannot detect
vehicles in the blind zone. The sensor may be blocked
by mud, dirt, snow, ice, slush, or even heavy rainstorms.
This message may also activate during heavy rain or
due to road spray. The vehicle does not need service.
For cleaning, seeWashing Your Vehicle on page 5-118.
SERVICE SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM:If this
message appears, both SBZA displays will remain
on indicating there is a problem with the SBZA system.
If these displays remain on after continued driving,
the system needs service. Take the vehicle to your
dealer/retailer.
2-47

x(Delay Adjustment):Use this band to set the
length of the delay between wipes when using the delay
feature. The closer the band is moved toward mist,
the longer the delay. The windshield wiper lever must
be in delay for this feature to work.
6(Low Speed):For slow, steady wiping cycles.
1(High Speed):For rapid wiping cycles.
If the windshield wipers are in use for about six seconds
while you are driving, the exterior lamps will come on
automatically if the exterior lamp control is in AUTO.
SeeWiper Activated Headlamps on page 3-36for
more information.
Clear snow and ice from the wiper blades before using
them. If the blades are frozen to the windshield, loosen or
thaw them. If they become damaged, install new blades.
For more information, seeWindshield Wiper Blade
Replacement on page 5-52.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor.
A circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools down.
For STS-V, the vehicle is equipped with a feature
that disables the wiper system when the hood is open
and the vehicle is stopped. Opening the hood will
automatically park the wipers if they are not parked.
Rainsense™ II Wipers
For vehicles with this feature, the moisture sensor is
mounted on the interior side of the windshield behind the
rearview mirror. It is used to automatically operate the
wipers by monitoring the amount of moisture build-up
on the windshield. Wipes occur as needed to clear the
windshield depending on driving conditions and the
sensitivity setting. In light rain or snow, fewer wipes will
occur. In heavy rain or snow, wipes will occur more
frequently. The Rainsense wipers operate in a delay
mode as well as a continuous low or high speed as
needed. If the system is left on for long periods of time,
occasional wipes may occur without any moisture on
the windshield. This is normal and indicates that the
Rainsense system is activated.
To activate the Rainsense system, turn the wiper band
to delay mode and select one of the four sensitivity levels
indicated on the wiper stalk. The position closest to off is
the lowest sensitivity setting, level one. This allows more
rain or snow to collect on the windshield between wipes.
Turning the wiper band away from you to higher
sensitivity levels increases the sensitivity of the system
and frequency of wipes. The highest sensitivity setting,
level four, is closest to low. A single wipe occurs each
time the wiper stalk is turned to a higher sensitivity level
to indicate that the sensitivity level has been increased.
3-14

Notice:Going through an automatic car wash with
the wipers on can damage them. Turn the wipers
off when going through an automatic car wash.
The mist and wash cycles operate as normal and are
not affected by the Rainsense function. The Rainsense
system can be overridden at any time by manually
turning the wiper band to low or high speed.
When Rainsense is active, the headlamps turn on
automatically. The headlamps will turn off again once
the wipers turn off if it is light enough outside. If it
is dark, they will remain on. SeeWiper Activated
Headlamps on page 3-36.
Notice:Do not place stickers or other items on
the exterior glass surface directly in front of
the moisture sensor. Doing this could cause
the moisture sensor to malfunction.
Windshield Washer
The windshield washer button is located at the end
of the windshield wiper lever on the right side of
the steering column.
K(Washer Fluid):Press and hold to spray
windshield washer uid on the windshield. The washer
will spray until the button is released. The wipers will
continue to clear the window for about six seconds after
the button is released and then stop or return to the
preset speed.
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
uid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your
vision.
If the uid in the windshield washer uid reservoir is
low, the message CHECK WASHER FLUID will appear
on the Driver Information Center (DIC) display. It will
take 60 seconds after the bottle is relled for this
message to turn off. For information on the correct
washer uid mixture to use, seeWindshield Washer
Fluid on page 5-38andRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-13.
3-15