steering CADILLAC STS V 2007 1.G Owner's Guide

Sensors
There is a solar sensor located on the instrument
panel, near the windshield.
There is also an interior temperature sensor
located next to the steering wheel on the
instrument panel.
These sensors monitor the solar radiation and the
air inside the vehicle, then use the information
to adjust the temperature, the fan speed and the
air delivery system, in order to maintain theselected temperature. The system may also
supply cooler air to the side of the vehicle facing
the sun. Do not cover the sensors or the automatic
climate control system will not work properly.
Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high
humidity (moisture) condensing on the cool window
glass. This can be minimized if the climate
control system is used properly. There are
two modes to clear fog from the windshield. Use
the defog mode to clear the windows of fog or
moisture and warm the passengers. Use the
defrost mode to remove fog or frost from the
windshield more quickly.
yNz(Mode):Press this button until defog
appears on the display.
-(Defog):This mode directs the air between
the windshield and oor outlets with some
air supplied to the outboard panel outlets and side
window defogging outlets. When this mode is
selected, the system turns off recirculation
and runs the air-conditioning compressor unless
the outside temperature is at or below freezing.
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Driver Information Center (DIC)
The Driver Information Center (DIC) gives you the
status of many of your vehicle’s systems. The DIC
is also used to display warning/status messages.
All messages will appear in the DIC display located
at the bottom of the instrument panel cluster, below
the tachometer and speedometer. The DIC buttons
are located on the instrument panel, to the left of
the steering wheel.
The DIC comes on when the ignition is on. After a
short delay, the DIC will display the current
driver and the information that was last displayed
before the engine was turned off.
The top line of the DIC display shows the vehicle
system information and the warning/status
messages. The bottom line of the DIC display
shows either the odometer, the trip odometer A or
the trip odometer B information on the left side.
Only one odometer can appear at a time. See “Trip
Information” underDIC Controls and Displays
on page 258for information on changing the
display to show the odometer or trip odometer
information. The bottom line of the DIC display
also shows the outside temperature on the
right side and the shift lever position indicator inthe center. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 116for more information on the shift
lever positions.
When the sport mode is active, an S will appear
next to the shift position indicator on the center of
the DIC display. When the manual mode is
active, an M will appear on the DIC display. When
the normal mode is active, only the shift position
indicator will appear. While the Driver Shift
Control (DSC) feature is active, the DIC will
change to show the selected gear. See “Driver
Shift Control (DSC)” underAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 116for more information.
If a problem is detected, a warning message will
appear on the display. Be sure to take any
message that appears on the display seriously and
remember that clearing the message will only make
the message disappear, not correct the problem.
DIC Controls and Displays
The Driver Information Center (DIC) has different
modes which can be accessed by pressing
the four DIC buttons located on the instrument
panel, to the left of the steering wheel.
258

SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays when there is a problem
with the airbag system. Have your vehicle serviced
by your dealer immediately. SeeAirbag Readiness
Light on page 244for 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.
SERVICE RADAR CRUISE
This message displays when the Adaptive Cruise
Control system is disabled and needs service.
See your dealer.
SERVICE STABILITY SYS (System)
Your vehicle may have a vehicle stability
enhancement system called StabiliTrak®.
This message displays if there has been a problem
detected with the StabiliTrak
®System.If this message comes on while you are driving,
pull off the road as soon as possible and stop
carefully. Try resetting the system by turning the
ignition off then back on. If this message still stays
on or comes back on again while you are
driving, your vehicle needs service. Have the
StabiliTrak
®System inspected by your dealer as
soon as possible. SeeStabiliTrak®System on
page 326for more information.
SERVICE STEERING SYS (System)
Your vehicle may have a speed variable assist
steering system.
This message displays if a problem is detected
with the speed variable assist 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 327
for more information.
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS (System)
This message displays when the suspension
system is not operating properly. Have your
vehicle serviced by your dealer.
275

Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then
read the pages following to familiarize yourself
with its features.
Driving without distraction is a necessity for a
safer driving experience. SeeDefensive Driving on
page 316. By taking a few moments to read this
manual and get familiar with your vehicle’s
audio system, you can use it with less effort, as
well as take advantage of its features. While your
vehicle is parked, set up your audio system by
presetting your favorite radio stations, setting the
tone and adjusting the speakers. Then, when
driving conditions permit, you can tune to
your favorite stations using the presets and
steering wheel controls if the vehicle has them.{CAUTION:
This system provides you with a far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and
you or others can be injured or killed.
Always keep your eyes on the road and
your mind on the drive — avoid engaging
in extended searching while driving.
Keeping your mind on the drive is important for
safe driving. Here are some ways in which you can
help avoid distraction while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
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DRIVER SELECTION
When you select this item, the following submenu
displays:
DRIVER 1
DRIVER 2
RECALL DRIVER SETTINGS
STORE DRIVER SETTINGS
For more information on the DRIVER SELECTION
submenu item, see “Recalling Driver Settings”
and “Storing Driver Settings” underMemory Seat,
Mirrors and Steering Wheel on page 169.
DRIVER EXIT SETTINGS
When you select this item, the following
submenu displays:
RECALL EXIT SETTINGS
STORE EXIT SETTINGS
For more information on the DRIVER EXIT
SETTINGS submenu item, see “Recalling Exit
Settings” and “Storing Exit Settings” underMemory
Seat, Mirrors and Steering Wheel on page 169.
CONFIGURE DISPLAY KEYS
(Base Audio System)
This item lets you customize the functions of the
four congurable keys located to the left and
right of the audio display. See “Congurable Radio
Display Keys” underRadio with CD on page 282
for programming information.
Theft-Deterrent Feature
THEFTLOCK®is designed to discourage theft
of your vehicle’s radio. The feature works
automatically by learning a portion of the Vehicle
Identication Number (VIN). If the radio is
moved to a different vehicle, it does not operate.
If the radio is removed from your vehicle, the
original VIN in the radio can be used to trace the
radio back to your vehicle.
With THEFTLOCK
®activated, the radio will not
operate if stolen.
309

Audio Steering Wheel ControlsSome audio controls
can be adjusted at the
steering wheel. They
include the following:
0(Mute):Press this button to silence the system.
Press this button again, or any other radio
button, to turn the sound on.
SRCE (Source):Press this button to switch
between FM1, FM2, AM, or XM1 or XM2
(if equipped) radio or CD.
g(OnStar®/Voice Recognition):If your vehicle
has the Radio with CD or Radio with Six-Disc
CD audio system, press this button to interact with
the OnStar
®system.
Left Side Controls For
Both STS and STS-VRight Side Controls
For STS
Right Side Controls
For STS-V
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Your Driving, the Road, and
Your Vehicle............................................ 316
Defensive Driving...................................... 316
Drunken Driving........................................ 317
Control of a Vehicle.................................. 320
Braking...................................................... 320
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).................. 321
Braking in Emergencies............................. 323
Traction Control System (TCS).................. 323
Competitive Driving Mode (STS-V)............ 325
Magnetic Ride Control............................... 325
Limited-Slip Rear Axle............................... 325
StabiliTrak
®System................................... 326
Panic Brake Assist.................................... 327
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System.................. 327
Steering.................................................... 327
Off-Road Recovery.................................... 330
Passing..................................................... 330
Loss of Control.......................................... 332Competitive Driving................................... 333
Driving at Night......................................... 333
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads............ 335
City Driving............................................... 338
Freeway Driving........................................ 339
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.................. 340
Highway Hypnosis..................................... 341
Hill and Mountain Roads........................... 342
Winter Driving........................................... 344
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow ................................. 348
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out........... 349
Loading Your Vehicle................................ 349
Towing........................................................ 355
Towing Your Vehicle ................................. 355
Recreational Vehicle Towing...................... 355
Towing a Trailer........................................ 357
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
315

Control of a Vehicle
You have three systems that make your vehicle go
where you want it to go. They are the brakes, the
steering, and the accelerator. All three systems
have to do their work at the places where the tires
meet the road.
Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or
ice, it is easy to ask more of those control systems
than the tires and road can provide. That means
you can lose control of your vehicle. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 323and
StabiliTrak
®System on page 326.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 363.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 248.
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.
320

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 anti-lock work for you. You may
hear the anti-lock 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 you
more than even the very best braking.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your 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.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this
is normal.
This warning light will
come on to let you
know if there’s a
problem with your
traction control system.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) Warning Light
on page 250. When this warning light is on, the
system will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly.
323

StabiliTrak®System
Your vehicle is equipped with a vehicle stability
enhancement system called StabiliTrak®.It
is an advanced computer controlled system that
assists you with directional control of the vehicle in
difficult driving conditions.
StabiliTrak
®activates when the computer senses a
discrepancy between your 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 direction which you are steering.
When the system activates, a STABILITY SYS
ACTIVE message will be displayed on the Driver
Information Center. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 264. You may also hear a
noise or feel vibration in the brake pedal. This is
normal. Continue to steer the vehicle in the
direction you want it to go.If there is a problem detected with StabiliTrak
®,a
SERVICE STABILITY SYS message will be
displayed on the Driver Information Center. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 264. When
this message is displayed, the system is not
operational. Driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
StabiliTrak
®comes on automatically whenever you
start your vehicle. To help assist you with
directional control of the vehicle, you should
always leave the system on. You can turn
StabiliTrak
®off if you ever need to through the
TC (traction control) on/off button. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 323.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the
StabiliTrak
®activates, the cruise control will
automatically disengage. When road conditions
allow you to safely use it again, you may reengage
the cruise control. SeeCruise Control on
page 193orAdaptive Cruise Control on page 197
for more information.
326