brakes CADILLAC XLR 2005 1.G User Guide

Adaptive Cruise Control may detect a vehicle that is not
in your lane and apply the brakes.
Adaptive Cruise Control may, occasionally, provide a
driver alert and/or braking that you consider unnecessary.
It could respond to signs, guardrails and other stationary
objects when entering or exiting a curve. This is normal
operation. Your vehicle does not need service.
Highway Exit Ramps
{CAUTION:
Adaptive Cruise Control may lose track of the
vehicle ahead and accelerate up to your set
speed while entering or on highway exit
ramps. You could be startled by this
acceleration and even lose control of the
vehicle. Disengage Adaptive Cruise Control
before entering a highway exit ramp. Do not
use Adaptive Cruise Control on exit ramps.
3-26

Other Vehicle Lane Changes
If another vehicle enters the same lane as you, Adaptive
Cruise Control will not detect the vehicle until it is
completely in the lane. Be ready to take action and apply
the brakes yourself.
Using Adaptive Cruise Control on Hills
How well Adaptive Cruise Control will work on hills
depends on your speed, vehicle load, traffic conditions
and the steepness of the hills. It may not detect a
vehicle in your lane while driving on hills. When going
up steep hills, you may want to use the accelerator
pedal to maintain your speed.When going downhill, you may have to brake to keep
your speed down. Applying the brake disengages
the system. You may choose not to use Adaptive Cruise
Control on steep hills.
Disengaging Adaptive Cruise Control
To disengage the system, apply the brake pedal or
move the Adaptive Cruise Control switch to off. Adaptive
Cruise Control information will not appear on the HUD
when the system is not engaged.
Erasing Set Speed Memory
When you turn the Adaptive Cruise Control switch or
the ignition off, the set speed memory is erased.
Other Messages
There are three messages that may appear in the
Driver Information Center (DIC). They are SERVICE
RADAR CRUISE, CRUISE NOT READY and CLEAN
RADAR CRUISE. These messages will only appear
to indicate a problem if Adaptive Cruise Control is active.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-64for
more information.
You may also see CRUISE SPEED LIMITED displayed
in the HUD. SeeHead-Up Display (HUD) on page 3-34
for more information.
3-27

When you shift into REVERSE (R) and an object is
detected, the following will occur in sequence depending
on the distance from the object:
At 5 feet (1.5 m) a chime will sound and one amber
light will be lit;
at 40 inches (1.0 m) both amber lights will be lit;
at 20 inches (0.5 m) a continuous chime will sound
and all three lights (amber/amber/red) will be lit; and
at 1 foot (0.3 m) a continuous chime will sound and
all three lights (amber/amber/red) will ash.
URPA can detect objects 3 inches (7.6 cm) and wider,
and at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) tall, but it cannot detect
objects that are above trunk level. In order for the
rear sensors to recognize an object, it must be within
operating range.
If the URPA system is not functioning properly, the
display will ash red, indicating that there is a problem.
The light will also ash red while driving if a trailer is
attached to your vehicle, or a bicycle or object is on the
back of, or hanging out of your trunk. The light will
continue to ash until the trailer or the object is
removed and your vehicle is driven forward at least
15 mph (25 km/h).It may also ash red if the ultrasonic sensors are not
kept clean. So be sure to keep your rear bumper free of
mud, dirt, snow, ice and slush or materials such as
paint or the system may not work properly. If after
cleaning the rear bumper and driving forward at least
15 mph (25 km/h), the display continues to ash red, see
your dealer. For cleaning instructions, seeWashing
Your Vehicle on page 6-74.
It may also ash red if your vehicle is moving in
REVERSE (R) at a speed greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).
Other conditions that may affect system performance
include things like the vibrations from a jackhammer or
the compression of air brakes on a very large truck.
As always, drivers should use care when backing up a
vehicle. Always look behind you, being sure to check
for other vehicles, obstructions and blind spots.
Accessory Power Outlets
The accessory power outlet can be used to connect
electrical equipment such as a cellular phone or
CB radio.
The accessory power outlet is located inside the center
console storage compartment, on the forward left side.
To use the outlet, remove the tethered cap. When not
using it, always cover the outlet with the protective cap.
3-38

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
“Service ABS” underDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-64.
The anti-lock brake system warning light will come on
briey 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
briey 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
®
system 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.
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
®and the vehicle needs service.
3-53

HIGH VOLTAGE:This message shows that the
electrical charging system is overcharging. To avoid
being stranded, have the electrical system checked by
your GM dealer. You can reduce the charging
overload by using the accessories. Turn on the lamps
and radio, set the climate control on AUTO and the
fan speed on HI, and turn the rear window defogger on.
You can monitor battery voltage on the DIC by
pressing the information button. The normal range is
11.5 to 15.5 volts when the engine is running.
HOT ENGINE–A/C OFF:This message displays when
the engine coolant becomes hotter than the normal
operating temperature. To avoid added strain on a hot
engine, the air conditioning compressor is automatically
turned off. When the coolant temperature returns to
normal, the A/C operation will automatically resume. You
can continue to drive your vehicle. If this message
continues to appear, have the system repaired by
your GM dealer as soon as possible to avoid
compressor damage.
ICE POSSIBLE:This message appears when the
outside air temperature is cold enough to create icy road
conditions.
LEFT DOOR AJAR:This message will display anytime
the vehicle engine is running, the transmission is not
in PARK (P) and the driver’s door is open or ajar.
A chime will sound when the vehicle’s speed is greater
than 3 mph (4.8 km/h).LOW BRAKE FLUID:This message will display if the
vehicle is running to inform the driver that the brake
uid level is low. Have the brake system serviced
by your GM dealer as soon as possible. See “Brake
Fluid” underBrakes on page 6-33.
LOW COOLANT:This message will appear when there
is a low level of engine coolant. Have the cooling
system serviced by your GM dealer as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Coolant on page 6-20.
LOW FUEL:This message will appear when the fuel
supply is less than 5 gallons (18.9 L) and the display is
turned off. A single chime will also sound when this
message is displayed.
LOW OIL LEVEL:For correct operation of the low oil
sensing system, your vehicle should be on a level
surface. A false LOW OIL LEVEL message may appear if
the vehicle is parked on a grade. The oil level sensing
system does not check for actual oil level if the engine
has been off for a short period of time, and the oil level is
never checked while the engine is running. If the LOW
OIL LEVEL message appears, and your vehicle has been
parked on level ground with the engine off for at least
30 minutes, the oil level should be checked by observing
the oil dipstick. Prior to checking the oil level, be sure the
engine has been off for a few minutes and your vehicle is
on a level surface. Then check the dipstick and add oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 6-13.
3-66

{CAUTION:
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous.
Your reexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even a small
amount of alcohol. You can have a serious — or
even fatal — 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. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 5-8andStabiliTrak
®System on page 5-10.
Braking
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 (wet, dry, icy); tire
tread; the condition of your brakes; the weight of
the vehicle and the amount of brake force applied.
5-5

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. Your brakes may not have time to cool
between hard stops. Your 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 engine ever stops while you are driving, brake
normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do,
the pedal may get harder to push down. If your 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 may take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. ABS is an advanced
electronic braking system that will help prevent a
braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You
may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on, and you may even notice that your
brake pedal moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system,
this warning light will
stay on. SeeAnti-Lock
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-53.
5-6

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 wheels are slowing down. If
one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.
The anti-lock system can change the brake pressure
faster than any driver could. The computer is
programmed to make the most of available tire and road
conditions. This can help you steer around the obstacle
while braking hard.As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on
wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: Anti-lock 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
your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even
though you have anti-lock brakes.
5-7

Using Anti-Lock
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let anti-lock work for you. You may hear
a motor or clicking noise and feel the brake pedal
move a little during a stop, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With anti-lock, 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. The system operates only if it senses
that one or both of the rear wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens,
the system works the rear brakes and reduces engine
power to limit wheel spin.
The TRAC SYSTEM ACTIVE message will display on
the Driver Information Center (DIC) when the traction
control system is limiting wheel spin. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-64. You may feel or hear
the system working, but this is normal.If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
reengage the cruise control. SeeAdaptive Cruise
Control on page 3-16.
This warning light will
come on to let you know if
there is a problem with
your traction control
system.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) Warning Light on
page 3-53. When this warning light is on, the system will
not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The traction control system automatically comes
on whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin,
especially in slippery road conditions, you should
always leave the system on. But you can turn the
traction control system off if you ever need to. You
should turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets stuck
in sand, mud or snow and rocking the vehicle is
required. SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on
page 5-30andIf You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow on page 5-29for more information.
5-8

StabiliTrak®System
The StabiliTrak®System is a computer controlled
system that helps the driver maintain directional control
of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions. This is
accomplished by selectively applying any one of the
vehicle’s brakes.
When you rst start your vehicle and begin to drive
away (6 mph (10 km/h)), especially during cold weather,
the message STABILITRAK WARMING may be
displayed in the Driver Information Center (DIC), the
instrument cluster light will be on, and a chime will
sound. This is normal. You can acknowledge this
message by pressing the RESET button. The
StabiliTrak
®System performance is affected until the
message, STABILITRAK READY, is displayed in
the DIC. This can take up to 15 minutes.
The WAIT FOR STABILITRAK message may be
displayed in the DIC after exceeding 19 mph (30 km/h)
for 10 seconds if the steering is not centered. The
system is off until the STABILITRAK ACTIVE message
is displayed.The STABILITRAK ACTIVE message will come on when
the system is operating. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-64for more information. You may
also feel or hear the system working. This is normal.
The instrument cluster light
will come on and a chime
will sound to let you
know if there is a problem
with the system.
The SERVICE STABILITRAK message will also be
displayed. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-64for more information.
When this light and the SERVICE STABILITRAK
message are on, the system is not operational. Adjust
your driving accordingly.
The system comes on automatically whenever you start
your vehicle. To help maintain directional control of the
vehicle, you should always leave the system on. You can
turn the system off if you ever need to. If you turn the
STABILITRAK
®System off, the Traction Control System
will also be turned off. Adjust your driving accordingly.
5-10