traction control CADILLAC XLR 2004 1.G Owners Manual

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-2
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-4
Other Warning Devices...................................3-4
Horn.............................................................3-5
Power Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering
Column......................................................3-5
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-5
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-22
Interior Lamps..............................................3-25
Head-Up Display (HUD).................................3-27
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)............3-30
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-32
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-33
Climate Controls............................................3-33
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-33
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-38
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-38
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-39
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-40
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-41
Trip Odometer..............................................3-41
Tachometer.................................................3-41
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-41
Air Bag Readiness Light................................3-42
Air Bag Off Light..........................................3-43
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-44
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-45
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-46Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . . .3-46
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-47
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-48
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-48
Engine Oil Pressure Gage.............................3-52
Security Light...............................................3-52
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-53
Lights On Reminder......................................3-53
Fuel Gage...................................................3-54
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-55
DIC Controls and Displays.............................3-55
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-57
Other Messages...........................................3-65
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-66
Trip Computer................................................3-70
Oil Life Indicator...........................................3-70
Audio System(s).............................................3-70
Navigation/Radio System...............................3-71
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-71
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-71
Radio Reception...........................................3-72
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-72
Care of Your CD Player................................3-72
Diversity Antenna System..............................3-73
XMŸ Satellite Radio Antenna System.............3-73
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Head-Up Display (HUD) Controls/Instrument Panel
Brightness Controls. See
Head-Up Display (HUD) on
page 3-27or ªInstrument Panel Brightnessº underInterior Lamps on page 3-25.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. See
Turn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-5.
C. Instrument Panel Cluster. See
Instrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-40.
D. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever. See ªWindshield
Wipersº under
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
on page 3-5.
E. Driver Information Center (DIC) Controls/Interior
Lamps. See
DIC Controls and Displays on
page 3-55.
F. Air Outlets. See
Outlet Adjustment on page 3-38.
G. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. See
Hazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-4.
H. Voice Commands/Audio Controls. See
OnStarž
System on page 2-35orAudio Steering Wheel
Controls on page 3-71.
I. Adaptive Cruise Controls. See ªAdaptive Cruise
Control (ACC)º under
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
on page 3-5.J. Horn. See
Horn on page 3-5.
K. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. See
Audio Steering
Wheel Controls on page 3-71.
L. Ignition Switch. See
Ignition Positions on page 2-19.
M. Shift Lever. See
Automatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-23.
N. Traction Control Button. See
Traction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-9.
O. Passenger Air Bag Off Indicator. See
Air Bag Off
Light on page 3-43.
P. Retractable Hardtop Button. See
Retractable
Hardtop on page 2-44.
Q. Cupholders. See
Cupholder(s) on page 2-41.
R. Cigarette Lighter. See
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter
on page 3-33.
S. Climate Controls. See
Dual Climate Control System
on page 3-33.
T. Audio/Navigation System. See
Navigation/Radio
System on page 3-71.
U. Glove Box. See
Glove Box on page 2-41.
3-3

{CAUTION:
·On winding roads, ACC may not detect a
vehicle ahead. You could crash into a
vehicle ahead of you. Do not use ACC on
winding roads.
·In heavy stop-and-go traffic, ACC may not
have time to slow your vehicle enough to
avoid a collision because of the rapidly
changing traffic conditions. Do not use
ACC in heavy stop-and-go traffic.
·On slippery roads, fast changes in tire
traction can cause needless wheel
spinning, and you could lose control. Do
not use cruise control on slippery roads.
·When visibility is low, such as in fog, rain
or snow, you can not tell how far away
things are and ACC performance is limited.
There may not be enough distance to
adapt to the changing traffic conditions.
Do not use cruise control when visibility
is low.Some of the ACC controls
are located on the end of
the multifunction lever.
9(Off):This position turns the system off.
R(On):This position turns the system on.
S(Resume/Increase):Push the switch to this symbol
to make the vehicle resume to a previously set speed
or to increase the set speed when ACC is already active.
T(Set/Decrease):Press this button to set the
speed or to decrease the set speed when ACC is
already active.
3-11

Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
With the anti-lock brake
system, the light will come
on when your engine is
started and may stay on for
several seconds. That is
normal.
If the light stays on, turn the ignition off. Or, if the light
comes on when you are driving, stop as soon as
possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the light still stays on,
or comes on again while you are driving, your vehicle
needs service. If the regular brake system warning light
is not on, you still have brakes, but you do not have
anti-lock brakes. If the regular brake system warning
light is also on, you do not have anti-lock brakes
and there is a problem with your regular brakes. See
ªService ABSº under
DIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-57.
The anti-lock brake system warning light will come on
brie¯y when you turn the ignition on. This is normal.
If the light does not come on then, have it ®xed so it will
be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
This light should come on
brie¯y as you start the
engine. If the light does not
come on then, have it
®xed so it will be ready to
warn you if there is a
problem.
The light will also come on while the Stabilitrak
žsystem
warms up and the STABILITRAK WARMING message
will be displayed in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
If it stays on, or comes on and the DIC shows a
SERVICE TRACTION SYS message when you are
driving, there is a problem with your TCS and your
vehicle needs service. When this light is on, the system
will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
If the driver turns off TCS by pressing the button on
the console, the TCS system light will come on and the
TRACTION SYSTEM-OFF message will show on
the DIC.
3-46

If the light stays on or comes on while you are driving, a
chime sounds and a SERVICE STABILITRAK message
appears on the DIC, there is a problem with your
Stabilitrak
žand the vehicle needs service.
You can acknowledge this message by pressing the
RESET button. When the SERVICE STABILITRAK
message is displayed, the Stabilitrak
žsystem will not
assist you in controlling the vehicle. You should have the
system serviced as soon as possible. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
When the system is working, you will see the
STABILITRAK ACTIVE message displayed in the DIC.
You may also feel of hear the system working. This
is normal.
If you turn off the Stabilitrak
žsystem by pressing the
button on the console, the traction control system
light will come on, a chime will sound and the
TRAC/STABILITRAK OFF message will be displayed in
the DIC. The Traction Control System will also be
turned off. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-57for more information.
If the Stabilitrak
žsystem and Traction Control System
are turned off, pressing the console button momentarily
will turn both systems on. The DIC will display the
TRAC/STABILITRAK ON message, the instrument
cluster light will be off and a chime will sound. See
DIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-57for more
information.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
As the pointer nears 260ÉF (125ÉC), your engine coolant
temperature is high. A message may display on the
Driver Information Center (DIC) depending on how high
the temperature is. See
DIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-57for more information.
See
Engine Overheating on page 5-23for more
information.United States
Canada
3-47

SERVICE A/C:This message appears when the
electronic sensors that control the air conditioning and
heating systems are no longer working. Have the climate
control system serviced if you notice a drop in heating
and air conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE ABS:If the SERVICE ABS message is
displayed when you are driving, stop as soon as
possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the message stays on,
or comes back on again while you are driving,
your vehicle is in need of service.
If the SERVICE ABS message is being displayed, your
Traction Control System and Stabilitrak
žSystem will
also be disabled. The Driver Information Center
will scroll three messages: SERVICE ABS, SERVICE
TRACTION SYS and SERVICE STABILITRAK, and the
traction control warning light on the instrument panel
cluster will be illuminated. The driver can acknowledge
these messages by pressing the RESET button
three times. When the service message is displayed the
computer controlled systems will not assist the driver
and you should have the system repaired as soon
as possible. Adjust your driving accordingly.
SERVICE ELECT SYSTEM:This message will display
if an electrical problem has occurred within the
Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or the ignition switch.
Have your vehicle serviced by your dealership.SERVICE FUEL SYSTEM:The Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) has detected a problem within the fuel
system when this message appears. Have your
vehicle serviced by your dealership. This message will
also be displayed when the cluster is not getting
fuel information from the PCM.
SERVICE RADAR CRUISE:This message indicates
that the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system is
disabled and needs service.
SERVICE RIDE CONTROL:This message indicates
there is a problem with the Magnetic Ride Control
System. Have your vehicle serviced by your dealership.
SERVICE TRACTION SYS:This message indicates
there is a problem with the Traction Control System
(TCS). Have your vehicle serviced by your dealership.
SERVICE STABILITRAK:If this message appears
it means there may be a problem with your stability
enhancement system. If you see this message, try to
reset the system (stop, turn off the engine, then start the
engine again). If the SERVICE STABILITRAK message
still comes on, it means there is a problem. You
should see your dealer for service. Reduce your speed
and drive accordingly. A single chime will also sound
when this message is displayed.
3-62

SERVICE TRANSMISSION:This message indicates
that there is a problem with the transmission. Have your
vehicle serviced by your dealership.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON:This message is displayed
when a non-emissions related powertrain malfunction
occurs. Have your vehicle serviced by a technician
as soon as possible.
SHIFT TO PARK:This message indicates that the
vehicle is not in PARK (P) when the engine is being
turned off. The vehicle will be in ACCESSORY.
Once the shifter is moved to PARK (P), the vehicle will
turn off.
STABILITRAK ACTIVE:You may see the
STABILITRAK ACTIVE message on the Driver
Information Center. It means that an advanced,
computer-controlled system has come on to help your
vehicle continue to go in the direction in which you
are steering. This stability enhancement system
activates when the computer senses that your vehicle is
just starting to spin, as it might if you hit a patch of
ice or other slippery spot on the road. When the system
is on, you may hear a noise or feel a vibration in the
brake pedal. This is normal.
When the STABILITRAK ACTIVE message is on, you
should continue to steer in the direction you want to go.
The system is designed to help you in bad weather
or other difficult driving situations by making the most ofwhatever road conditions will permit. If the
STABILITRAK ACTIVE message comes on, you will
know that something has caused your vehicle to start to
spin, so you should consider slowing down. A single
chime will also sound when this message is displayed.
STABILITRAK READY:If you receive this message
and hear a chime, the system has completed the
functional check of the Stabilitrak
žSystem.
STABILITRAK WARMING:When you ®rst start your
vehicle and drive away, especially during cold winter
weather, the STABILITRAK WARMING message may
be displayed in the DIC along with a chime and the
traction control warning light. This is normal. You can
acknowledge this message by pressing the RESET
button. The Stabilitrak
žperformance is affected until
the STABILITRAK READY message is displayed in
the DIC.
SVC TIRE MONITOR:If this message comes on, a
part on the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) is not working
properly. If you drive your vehicle while any of the
four sensors are missing or inoperable, the warning will
come on in approximately 10 minutes. If all four
sensors are missing, the warning will come on in
approximately 15 to 20 minutes. (All the sensors would
be missing, for example, if you put different wheels
on your vehicle without transferring the sensors.) If the
warning comes on and stays on, there may be a
problem with the TPM. See your dealer.
3-63

TOO COLD TO MOVE TOP:This message will display
when the retractable hardtop button is pressed and
the hardtop pump motor temperature is below -4É F (-20É
C). Wait for the hardtop pump motor to warm up
before using the retractable hardtop.
TOP INOP ± VALET ON:This message will display
when the retractable hardtop button is pressed and the
valet switch is on. Turn off the valet switch before
using the retractable hardtop.
TOP INOP OUT OF PARK:This message will display if
the retractable hardtop button is pressed while the
vehicle is not in PARK (P).
TOP MOTOR OVER TEMP:This message will display
when the retractable hardtop button is pressed and
the hardtop pump motor temperature is over 185É F (85É
C). Wait for the hardtop pump motor to cool down
before using the retractable hardtop.
TOP NOT SECURE:This message will display when
the retractable hardtop button is released before the top
open or close operation is complete. Press and hold
the retractable hardtop button to fully open or close
the top.
TRAC SYSTEM ACTIVE:When your traction control
system is limiting wheel spin, the TRACTION SYSTEM
ACTIVE message will be displayed. Slippery road
conditions may exist if this message is displayed, soadjust your driving accordingly. This message will stay
on for a few seconds after the traction control system
stops limited wheel spin.
TRAC/STABILITRAK OFF:This message indicates
that both the Traction Control System (TCS) and
Stabilitrak
žare off. The message will remain until
RESET is pressed or the systems are turned on again.
TRAC/STABILITRAK ON:This message indicates
that both the Traction Control System (TCS) and
the Stabilitrak
žare on.
TRACTION SYSTEM OFF:This message indicates
that the Traction Control System (TCS) is off but
Stabilitrak
žremains on.
TRACTION SYSTEM ON:This message indicates that
the Traction Control System (TCS) is on, but
Stabilitrak
žis off.
TRUNK AJAR:This message indicates that the trunk is
open while the vehicle is running and not in PARK (P).
WAIT FOR STABILITRAK:This message will be
displayed after driving 19 mph (30 km/h) for 10 seconds
if the steering is not centered. Stabilitrak
žis not
available until the steering centers itself and the
STABILITRAK READY message is displayed in the DIC.
3-64

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunken Driving.............................................4-2
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-5
Braking.........................................................4-6
Traction Control System (TCS).........................4-9
Magnetic Ride Control...................................4-10
Limited-Slip Rear Axle...................................4-10
Stabilitrak
žSystem.......................................4-11
Steering......................................................4-12
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-15
Passing.......................................................4-15
Loss of Control.............................................4-16
Driving at Night............................................4-18Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-20
City Driving..................................................4-23
Freeway Driving...........................................4-24
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-25
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-26
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-26
Winter Driving..............................................4-28
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow..............................................4-31
Towing..........................................................4-32
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-32
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-32
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-32
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-37
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

There is something else about drinking and driving that
many people do not know. 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 Ð driver or passenger Ð is in a crash,
that person's chance of being killed or permanently
disabled is higher than if the person had not been
drinking.
{CAUTION:
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous.
Your re¯exes, perceptions, attentiveness and
judgment can be affected by even a small
amount of alcohol. You can have a serious Ð or
even fatal Ð collision if you drive after drinking.
Please do not drink and drive or ride with a
driver who has been drinking. Ride home in a
cab; or if you are with a group, designate a
driver who will not drink.
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. Also see
Traction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-9andStabilitrakžSystem on
page 4-11.
4-5