CADILLAC XLR 2009 1.G Owners Manual

When this light and SERVICE STABILITRAK comes on,
the system is not operational and needs to be serviced.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
The system comes on automatically whenever the
vehicle is started. To help maintain directional control
of the vehicle, the system should always be left on.
The system can be turned off if needed. If the StabiliTrak
system is turned off, the Traction Control System will
also be turned off. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The Traction Control
button is located on
the console.To turn the system off, press and hold the TCS/
StabiliTrak button until the light comes on the instrument
panel and STABILITRAK OFF comes on the DIC.
The system can be turned back on at any time by
pressing the button. The TCS/StabiliTrak light turns off
and STABILITRAK ON briey comes on the DIC.
If the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) system detects a at
tire and FLAT TIRE comes on the DIC, or if the TPM
system is not working and SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
comes on the DIC, StabiliTrak can be affected in
the following ways:
StabiliTrak cannot be turned off by the driver.
If StabiliTrak is off, it will be turned on automatically.
Performance Mode is unavailable — XLR-V only.
5-7

Performance Mode — XLR-V Only
Notice:When traction control is turned off, or
Performance Mode is active, it is possible to lose
traction. If a shift is attempted with the rear wheels
spinning with a loss of traction, it is possible to
cause damage to the transmission. Do not attempt to
shift when the rear wheels do not have traction.
Damage caused by misuse of the vehicle is not
covered. See the warranty book for additional
information.
For vehicles with this feature, the Performance Mode
can be selected by pressing the TCS/StabiliTrak button
on the console two times quickly. PERFORMANCE
MODE comes on the DIC. Performance Mode allows the
driver to have full control of the rear wheels while the
StabiliTrak System helps maintain directional control of
the vehicle by applying the brakes as necessary.
The TCS/StabiliTrak light will not be on. The TCS will
not be operating. Adjust your driving accordingly.
When the TCS/StabiliTrak button is pressed again, the
StabiliTrak and Traction Control Systems will be on.
The TRAC/STABILITRAK ON message will be displayed
briey in the DIC and a chime will be heard.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The 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 3-60. The system may be
heard or felt while it is working, but this is normal.
If cruise control is being used when the traction control
system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control
will automatically disengage. Cruise control may be
reengaged when road conditions allow. SeeAdaptive
Cruise Control on page 3-14orCruise Control on
page 3-11for more information.
5-8

This warning light comes
on if there is a problem
with the traction control
system.
SeeStabiliTrak
®/Traction Control System (TCS) Warning
Light on page 3-48. 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 the vehicle is started. To limit wheel spin,
especially in slippery road conditions, the system should
always be left on but can be turned off if needed. It may
be necessary to turn the system off if the vehicle is stuck
in sand, mud or snow and rocking the vehicle is required.
SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 5-20and
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 5-20for more information.To turn the system off,
press the traction control
button located on the
center console.
The TRACTION SYSTEM OFF message will display on
the DIC and the traction control system warning light will
come on. If the system is limiting wheel spin when the
button is pressed, the TRACTION SYSTEM OFF
message will display – but the system will not turn off right
away. It will wait until there is no longer a current need to
limit wheel spin.
The system can be turned back on at any time by
pressing the button again. The TRACTION SYSTEM ON
message should display briey on the Driver Information
Center. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-60
for more information.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect the vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 6-3for more information.
5-9

Magnetic Ride Control™
With this feature, Magnetic Ride Control automatically
adjusts the ride of the vehicle based on driving
conditions. The controller receives input from the system
to determine the proper ride. If the controller detects
a problem within the system, the DIC will display a
SERVICE RIDE CONTROL message. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-60for more
information. See your dealer/retailer for service.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Vehicles with a limited-slip rear axle can give more
traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like
a standard axle most of the time, but when traction
is low, this feature allows the drive wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Magnetic Speed Variable Assist
Steering System
This system continuously adjusts the effort you feel
when steering at all vehicle speeds. It provides ease
when parking, yet a rm, solid feel at highway speeds.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and your speed. While in a curve, speed is the
one factor you can control.
If you need to reduce speed, do it before you enter the
curve, while the front wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait
to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
5-10

Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective than
braking. For example, you come over a hill and nd a
truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out
from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked
cars and stops right in front of you. You can avoid these
problems by braking — if you can stop in time. But
sometimes you cannot; there is not room. That is the time
for evasive action — steering around the problem.
Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like
these. First apply the brakes. SeeBraking on page 5-4.
It is better to remove as much speed as you can from a
possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the
left or right depending on the space available.
An emergency like this requires close attention and a
quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at
the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you
can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without
removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer
quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel
once you have avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving
at all times and wear safety belts properly.
5-11

Off-Road Recovery
Your vehicle’s right wheels can drop off the edge of a
road onto the shoulder while driving.
If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the
pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the
accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer
so that your vehicle straddles the edge of the pavement.
Turn the steering wheel 3 to 5 inches, 76 to 127 mm,
(about one-eighth turn) until the right front tire contacts
the pavement edge. Then turn the steering wheel to go
straight down the roadway.
Passing
Passing another vehicle on a two-lane road can be
dangerous. To reduce the risk of danger while passing:
Look down the road, to the sides, and to crossroads
for situations that might affect a successful pass.
If in doubt, wait.
Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and
lines that could indicate a turn or an intersection.
Never cross a solid or double-solid line on your side
of the lane.
Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to
pass. Doing so can reduce your visibility.
Wait your turn to pass a slow vehicle.
When you are being passed, ease to the right.
Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems — brakes,
steering, and acceleration — do not have enough
friction where the tires meet the road to do what the
driver has asked.
In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to
steer and constantly seek an escape route or area of
less danger.
5-12

Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels are
not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much
throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid only
the acceleration skid. If your traction control system
is off, then an acceleration skid is best handled
by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready
for a second skid if it occurs.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.
5-13

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, see
Engine Oil on page 6-15. 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.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving because
some drivers are likely to be impaired — by alcohol or
drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue.Night driving tips include:
Drive defensively.
Do not drink and drive.
Reduce headlamp glare by adjusting the inside
rearview mirror.
Slow down and keep more space between you and
other vehicles because headlamps can only light up
so much road ahead.
Watch for animals.
When tired, pull off the road.
Do not wear sunglasses.
Avoid staring directly into approaching headlamps.
Keep the windshield and all glass on your vehicle
clean — inside and out.
Keep your eyes moving, especially during turns or
curves.
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime.
But, as we get older, these differences increase.
A 50-year-old driver might need at least twice as much
light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
5-14

Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction and affect
your ability to stop and accelerate. Always drive slower
in these types of driving conditions and avoid driving
through large puddles and deep-standing or owing
water.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not
work as well in a quick stop and could cause pulling
to one side. You could lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water or a
car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake pedal until
the brakes work normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.
Driving through owing water could cause your
vehicle to be carried away. If this happens, you and
other vehicle occupants could drown. Do not ignore
police warnings and be very cautious about trying to
drive through owing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up under
your vehicle’s tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and
you are going fast enough. When your vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.
The best advice is to slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather driving tips
include:
Allow extra following distance.
Pass with caution.
Keep windshield wiping equipment in good shape.
Keep the windshield washer uid reservoir lled.
Have good tires with proper tread depth. SeeTires
on page 6-46.
Turn off cruise control.
5-15

Before Leaving on a Long Trip
To prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider having
it serviced by your dealer/retailer before departing.
Things to check on your own include:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Reservoir full? Windows
clean — inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:In good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:All levels checked?
Lamps:Do they all work and are lenses clean?
Tires:Are treads good? Are tires inated to
recommended pressure?
Weather and Maps:Safe to travel? Have
up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings
while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, nd a
safe place to park your vehicle and rest.
Other driving tips include:
Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
Keep interior temperature cool.
Keep your eyes moving — scan the road ahead
and to the sides.
Check the rearview mirror and vehicle instruments
often.
5-16