ABS CADILLAC XLR 2008 1.G Owners Manual

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.
3-51

DIC Warnings and Messages
These messages appear if there is a problem detected
in one of your vehicle’s systems. You must then
press RESET to clear the display screen for further use.
However, be sure to take any message that appears
on the display screen seriously and remember that
pressing the RESET button will only make the message
disappear, not the problem.
DIC messages can also be displayed in English,
French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish.
ABS (Antilock Brake System) ACTIVE
This message displays when the Antilock Brake
System (ABS) is adjusting brake pressure to help
avoid a braking skid.
Slippery road conditions may exist if this message
displays, so adjust your driving accordingly.
The message may stay on for a few seconds after
the system stops adjusting brake pressure.
BUCKLE PASSENGER
This message reminds you to buckle the passenger’s
safety belt.
This message displays and a chime sounds when the
ignition is on, the driver’s safety belt is buckled, the
passenger’s safety belt is unbuckled with the passenger
airbag enabled, and the vehicle is in motion. You
should have the passenger buckle their safety belt.
The reminder will be repeated if the ignition is on, the
vehicle is in motion, the driver is buckled and the
passenger is still unbuckled, and the passenger airbag
is enabled. If the passenger’s safety belt is already
buckled, this message and chime will not come on.
BUCKLE SEAT BELT
This message reminds you to buckle the driver’s
safety belt.
This message displays and a chime sounds when the
ignition is on, the driver’s safety belt is unbuckled,
and the vehicle is in motion. You should buckle your
safety belt.
3-63

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.
3-70

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........5-2
Defensive Driving...........................................5-2
Drunk Driving.................................................5-2
Control of a Vehicle........................................5-3
Braking.........................................................5-4
Antilock Brake System (ABS)...........................5-5
Braking in Emergencies...................................5-5
Traction Control System (TCS).........................5-6
Magnetic Ride Control.....................................5-7
Limited-Slip Rear Axle.....................................5-7
StabiliTrak
®System........................................5-8
Steering........................................................5-9
Off-Road Recovery.......................................5-11
Passing.......................................................5-12
Loss of Control.............................................5-12Racing or Other Competitive Driving (XLR-V)......5-13
Driving at Night............................................5-14
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................5-14
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................5-15
Highway Hypnosis........................................5-16
Hill and Mountain Roads................................5-16
Winter Driving..............................................5-17
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.............................................5-21
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................5-22
Loading Your Vehicle....................................5-22
Towing..........................................................5-27
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................5-27
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................5-27
Towing a Trailer...........................................5-27
Section 5 Driving Your Vehicle
5-1

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When you start the engine and begin to drive away,
ABS will check itself. You might hear a momentary
motor or clicking noise while this test is going on, and
you might even notice that the brake pedal moves
a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light will
stay on. SeeAntilock
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-51.
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.ABS 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, the computer keeps receiving updates on
wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.
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 antilock work for you. You might 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 ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time.
In many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.
5-5

Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety,
you will want to slow down and adjust your driving to
these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction,
try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or
braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting
to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the
tires to slide. You may not realize the surface is
slippery until your vehicle is skidding. Learn to
recognize warning clues — such as enough water, ice,
or packed snow on the road to make a mirrored
surface — and slow down when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.Racing or Other Competitive
Driving (XLR-V)
See your warranty book before using your vehicle for
racing or other competitive driving.
Notice:If you use your vehicle for racing or other
competitive driving, the engine may use more
oil than it would with normal use. Low oil levels can
damage the engine. Be sure to check the oil level
often during racing or other competitive driving and
keep the level at or near 2 quarts (2 L) above the
upper mark that shows the proper operating range
on the engine oil dipstick. For information on
how to add oil, seeEngine Oil on page 6-16.
After the competitive driving, remove excess oil
so that the level on the dipstick is not above
the upper mark that shows the proper operating
range.
5-13

The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves your
vehicle’s stability when you make a hard stop on a
slippery road. Even though you have ABS, begin
stopping sooner than you would on dry pavement.
SeeAntilock Brake System (ABS) on page 5-5.
Allow greater following distance on any
slippery road.
Watch for slippery spots. The road might be ne
until you hit a spot that is covered with ice.
On an otherwise clear road, ice patches can appear
in shaded areas where the sun cannot reach,
such as around clumps of trees, behind buildings,
or under bridges. Sometimes the surface of a curve
or an overpass can remain icy when the surrounding
roads are clear. If you see a patch of ice ahead
of you, brake before you are on it. Try not to brake
while you are actually on the ice, and avoid
sudden steering maneuvers.
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard
If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a
serious situation. You should probably stay with
your vehicle unless you know for sure that you are near
help and you can hike through the snow. Here are
some things to do to summon help and keep yourself
and your passengers safe:
Turn on the hazard warning ashers.
Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that
you have been stopped by the snow.
Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you.
If you do not have blankets or extra clothing, make
body insulators from newspapers, burlap bags,
rags, oor mats — anything you can wrap around
yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm.
5-19

3. Lift the front of the cover at an angle and remove.
This is necessary due to the four tabs located on
the rear of the cover.
4. Remove the engine air cleaner/lter element and
any loose debris that might be found in the air
cleaner base.
5. Inspect or replace the lter.
6. Repeat the procedure for the second air
cleaner/lter.
Reverse the above procedure to reinstall the engine air
cleaner lter housings.
{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/lter
off can cause you or others to be burned.
The air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps
to stop ames if the engine backres. If it is
not there and the engine backres, you could
be burned. Do not drive with it off, and be
careful working on the engine with the air
cleaner/lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is off, a backre can
cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt can
easily get into your engine, which will damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/lter in place when you
are driving.
6-23

Use only mild, neutral-pH soaps. Avoid laundry
detergents or dishwashing soaps with degreasers.
Using too much soap will leave a residue that
leaves streaks and attracts dirt. For liquid cleaners,
about 20 drops per gallon (3.78 L) of water is a
good guide.
Do not heavily saturate your upholstery while
cleaning.
Damage to your vehicle’s interior may result from
the use of many organic solvents such as naptha,
alcohol, etc.
Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment
frequently to remove dust and loose dirt. A canister
vacuum with a beater bar in the nozzle may only
be used on oor carpet and carpeted oor mats.
For soils, always try to remove them rst with plain
water or club soda. Before cleaning, gently remove as
much of the soil as possible using one of the following
techniques:
For liquids: gently blot the remaining soil with a
paper towel. Allow the soil to absorb into the
paper towel until no more can be removed.
For solid dry soils: remove as much as possible
and then vacuum.To clean, use the following instructions:
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with water or
club soda.
2. Wring the cloth to remove excess moisture.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub
toward the center. Continue cleaning, using a clean
area of the cloth each time it becomes soiled.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area until the
cleaning cloth remains clean.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild
soap solution and repeat the cleaning process
that was used with plain water.
If any of the soil remains, a commercial fabric cleaner or
spot lifter may be necessary. When a commercial
upholstery cleaner or spot lifter is to be used, test a
small hidden area for colorfastness rst. If the locally
cleaned area gives any impression that a ring formation
may result, clean the entire surface.
After the cleaning process has been completed, a paper
towel can be used to blot excess moisture from the
fabric or carpet.
6-81

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 6-3
Adaptive Cruise Control...................................3-15
Adaptive Forward Lighting System.....................3-30
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-51
Additives, Fuel................................................. 6-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment............................6-89
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................6-22
Air Conditioning..............................................3-38
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-47
Readiness Light..........................................3-46
Airbag System................................................1-36
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-44
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-41
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-39
Airbag Systems
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-51
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-43
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-45
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-50
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-43
Antenna, Diversity Antenna System...................3-85Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System......................................................3-85
Antilock Brake System (ABS)............................. 5-5
Antilock Brake, System Warning Light................3-51
Appearance Care
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............6-85
Care of Safety Belts....................................6-83
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................6-87
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................6-84
Fabric/Carpet..............................................6-81
Fiberglass Springs.......................................6-87
Finish Care.................................................6-84
Finish Damage............................................6-87
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................6-82
Interior Cleaning
..........................................6-80
Leather......................................................6-82
Sheet Metal Damage...................................6-86
Speaker Covers..........................................6-82
Tires..........................................................6-86
Underbody Maintenance...............................6-87
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................6-88
Washing Your Vehicle...................................6-83
Weatherstrips..............................................6-83
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................6-85
Wood Panels..............................................6-82
1