warning light CADILLAC XLR 2008 1.G User Guide

{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the airbag system
may not be working properly. The airbags in
your vehicle may not inate in a crash, or they
could even inate without a crash. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have your vehicle
serviced right away if the airbag readiness light
stays on after you start your vehicle.
The airbag readiness light should ash for a few
seconds when you start the engine. If the light does not
come on then, have it xed immediately. If there is a
problem with the airbag system, an airbag Driver
Information Center (DIC) message may also come on.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-63for
more information.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
Your vehicle has the passenger sensing system. Your
rearview mirror has a passenger airbag status indicator.
When you start the vehicle, the passenger airbag status
indicator will light ON and OFF, or the symbol for on
and off, for several seconds as a system check. Then,
after several more seconds, the status indicator will
light either ON or OFF, or either the on or off symbol,
to let you know the status to let you know the status of
the right front passenger’s frontal and seat-mounted
side impact airbags.United States
Canada
3-47

If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights
remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be a
problem with the lights or the passenger sensing system.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light in the instrument
panel cluster ever comes on and stays on,
it means that something may be wrong with
the airbag system. If this ever happens, have
the vehicle serviced promptly, because an
adult-size person sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat may not have the protection
of the airbag(s). SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 3-46for more on this, including
important safety information.
Charging System Light
This light will come on
briey when you turn
on the ignition, but
the engine is not running,
as a check to show
you it is working.
It should go out once the engine is running. If it stays
on, or comes on while you are driving, you may have a
problem with the charging system. A charging system
Driver Information Center (DIC) message may also
appear. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-63
for more information. This light could indicate that you
have problems with a generator drive belt, or another
electrical problem. Have it checked right away.
If you must drive a short distance with the light on,
be certain to turn off all your accessories, such as
the radio and air conditioner.
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Voltmeter Gage
When the vehicle is in
accessory mode, the
voltmeter shows the
voltage output of your
battery. When the engine
is running, it shows
the voltage output of
the charging system.
The reading will change as the rate of charge changes
(with engine speed, for example), but if the voltmeter
reads at 9 volts or below, your instrument panel
cluster and other systems may shut down. The Driver
Information Center (DIC) will read LOW VOLTAGE when
your vehicle is at 10 volts or below. Have it checked
right away. Driving with the voltmeter reading at
10 volts or below could drain your battery and disable
your vehicle.
Brake System Warning Light
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided into
two parts. If one part is not working, the other part can
still work and stop you. For good braking, though,
you need both parts working well.
This light should come on when you start the engine.
If it does not come on then, have it xed so it will
be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If this warning light stays on after you start the engine,
the parking brake may still be set or there could be
a brake problem. Refer toParking Brake on page 2-30
to see if it is set. If the parking brake is not set, have
your brake system inspected right away.
United StatesCanada
3-50

If the light comes on while you are driving and you have
a LOW BRAKE FLUID message showing on the DIC,
pull off the road and stop carefully. You may notice
that the pedal is harder to push. Or, the pedal may
go closer to the oor. It may take longer to stop.
If the light is still on, have the vehicle towed for service.
SeeTowing Your Vehicle on page 5-27.
{CAUTION:
Your brake system may not be working
properly if the brake system warning light is
on. Driving with the brake system warning
light on can lead to an accident. If the light
is still on after you have pulled off the road
and stopped carefully, have the vehicle towed
for service.
Antilock Brake System
Warning Light
For vehicles with
the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), this
light will come on
briey when you
start the engine.
That 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.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off, if the light
comes on when you are driving, stop as soon as it is
safely possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the
engine again to reset the system. If the ABS 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 antilock brakes. If the regular brake system
warning light is also on, you do not have antilock
brakes and there is a problem with your regular brakes.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-50
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC),
seeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-63for
all brake related DIC messages.
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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 Traction Control
System (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 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.
You can acknowledge this message by pressing the
RESET button. When the SERVICE STABILITRAK
message is displayed, the StabiliTrak
®system 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
®system, by pressing the
front part of the button on the console for ve seconds,
the TCS light will come on, a chime will sound and
the TRAC/STABILITRAK OFF message will be
displayed in the DIC. The TCS will also be turned off.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-63
for more information.
If the StabiliTrak
®system and TCS 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.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-63for
more information.
3-52

Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
As the pointer nears 260°F (125°C), your engine coolant
temperature is high. A message may display on the
Driver Information Center (DIC) depending on how high
the temperature is. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-63for more information.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 6-27for more
information.
Tire Pressure Light
This light will come
on briey when the
engine is started.
This light will also come on when one or more of your
tires are signicantly underinated.
A tire pressure Driver Information Center (DIC) message
will accompany the light, seeOther Messages on
page 3-74for more information.
Stop and check your tires as soon as it is safe to
do so. If underinated, inate to the proper pressure.
SeeTires on page 6-52for more information.
If a problem is detected with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System, this light will ash for approximately 60 seconds
and then stay on solid for the remainder of the ignition
cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 6-61
for more information. United States
Canada
3-53

REDUCED ENGINE POWER
This message displays when the vehicle is reducing
engine power because the transmission is being placed
in gear under conditions that may cause damage to
the vehicle’s engine, transmission, or ability to
accelerate. Reduced engine power can affect the
vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no reduction in performance, proceed
to your destination. The performance may be reduced
the next time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may
be driven at a reduced speed while this message is on,
but acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime
this message stays on, the vehicle should be taken
to your dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
RIGHT DOOR AJAR
This message displays anytime the engine is running,
the transmission is not in PARK (P), and the passenger
door is open or ajar. A chime sounds if the vehicle’s
speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).
SERVICE A/C
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 you notice a drop in
heating and air conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE ABS (Antilock Brake System)
If this message displays 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. See your
dealer/retailer.
If the SERVICE ABS message is being displayed, the
Traction Control System (TCS) and StabiliTrak
®System
will also be disabled. The Driver Information Center
will scroll three messages: SERVICE ABS, SERVICE
TRACTION SYS, and SERVICE STABILITRAK, and the
antilock brake system and traction control warning
lights on the instrument panel cluster will be illuminated.
SeeAntilock Brake System Warning Light on page 3-51
andTraction Control System (TCS) Warning Light on
page 3-52. 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 by your dealer/retailer as
soon as possible. Adjust your driving accordingly.
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SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when a non-emissions related
powertrain malfunction occurs. Have your vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SHIFT TO PARK
This message displays if the vehicle is not in PARK (P)
when the engine is being turned off. The vehicle will
be in accessory mode. Once the shift lever is moved
to PARK (P), the vehicle will turn off.
STABILITRAK ACTIVE
You may see this message on the DIC. 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 this message is on, 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 of whatever road conditions will
permit. If this message comes on, you will know that
something has caused your vehicle to start to spin,
so consider slowing down. A single chime also sounds
when this message is displayed.
STABILITRAK READY
If this message displays and a chime sounds, the
system has completed the functional check of the
StabiliTrak
®System.
STABILITRAK WARMING
When you rst start your vehicle and drive away,
especially during cold winter weather, this message
may display 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
®System performance is affected until the
STABILITRAK READY message is displayed in the DIC,
which can take up to 15 minutes.
3-72

SVC (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 3-53. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 6-63for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
TOO COLD TO MOVE TOP
This message displays when the retractable hardtop
button is pressed and the hardtop pump motor
temperature is below−4°F (−20°C). Wait for the hardtop
pump motor to warm up before using the retractable
hardtop.
TOP INOP (Inoperative) – VALET ON
This message displays 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 (Inoperative) OUT OF PARK
This message displays if the retractable hardtop
button is pressed while the vehicle is not in PARK (P).
TOP MOTOR OVER TEMP
(Temperature)
This message displays when the retractable hardtop
button is pressed and the hardtop pump motor
temperature is over 221°F (105°C). Wait for the hardtop
pump motor to cool down before using the retractable
hardtop.
TOP NOT SECURE
This message displays 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 (Traction) SYSTEM ACTIVE
This message displays when the Traction Control System
(TCS) is limiting wheel spin. Slippery road conditions may
exist if this message is displayed, so adjust your driving
accordingly. This message stays on for a few seconds
after the TCS stops limited wheel spin.
TRAC (Traction)/STABILITRAK OFF
This message displays when both the Traction Control
System (TCS) and the StabiliTrak®System are off.
This message will remain until the systems are turned
on again.
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Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-50.
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.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 6-3.
5-4