lock CADILLAC XLR 2009 1.G Repair Manual

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

Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the
tires and the road, creating less traction or grip. Wet ice
can occur at about 32°F (0°C) when freezing rain
begins to fall, resulting in even less traction. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads can be
treated with salt or sand.
Drive with caution, whatever the condition. Accelerate
gently so traction is not lost. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the surface under
the tires slick, so there is even less traction.
Try not to break the fragile traction. If you accelerate too
fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface
under the tires even more.
TheTraction Control System (TCS) on page 5-8
improves the ability to accelerate on slippery roads, but
slow down and adjust your driving to the road conditions.
TheStabiliTrak
®System on page 5-6might also activate.
When driving through deep snow, turn off the traction
control system to help maintain vehicle motion at lower
speeds.TheAntilock Brake System (ABS) on page 5-5improves
vehicle stability during hard stops on a slippery roads,
but apply the brakes sooner than when on dry
pavement.
Allow greater following distance on any slippery road
and watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur on
otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surface
of a curve or an overpass can remain icy when
the surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while on ice.
Turn off cruise control, if equipped, on slippery surfaces.
Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be in a serious situation.
Stay with the vehicle unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use theRoadside Service on page 8-7.
To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe:
Turn on theHazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
5-18

{CAUTION:
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle.
This may cause exhaust gases to get inside.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
Clear away snow from around the base of
your vehicle, especially any that is blocking
the exhaust pipe.
Check again from time to time to be sure
snow does not collect there.
Open a window about two inches on the side
of the vehicle that is away from the wind to
bring in fresh air.
Fully open the air outlets on or under the
instrument panel.
Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting
that circulates the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest setting.
See Climate Control System in the Index.
For more information about carbon monoxide,
seeEngine Exhaust on page 2-36.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you.
You cannot see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking the exhaust.
Run the engine for short periods only as needed to
keep warm, but be careful.
To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods as
needed to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine off
and close the window most of the way to save heat.
Repeat this until help arrives but only when you
feel really uncomfortable from the cold. Moving about to
keep warm also helps.
If it takes some time for help to arrive, now and then
when you run the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than the idle
speed. This keeps the battery charged to restart
the vehicle and to signal for help with the headlamps.
Do this as little as possible to save fuel.
5-19

When It Is Time for New Tires.......................6-61
Buying New Tires.........................................6-62
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................6-63
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................6-64
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................6-65
Wheel Replacement......................................6-66
Tire Chains..................................................6-68
Lifting the Vehicle.........................................6-68
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................6-72
Appearance Care............................................6-74
Interior Cleaning...........................................6-74
Fabric/Carpet...............................................6-75
Leather.......................................................6-75
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces..................................................6-76
Wood Panels...............................................6-76
Speaker Covers............................................6-76
Care of Safety Belts......................................6-76
Weatherstrips...............................................6-77
Washing Your Vehicle...................................6-77
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................6-77
Finish Care..................................................6-78Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................6-78
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
and Trim..................................................6-79
Tires...........................................................6-80
Sheet Metal Damage.....................................6-80
Finish Damage.............................................6-80
Underbody Maintenance................................6-80
Fiberglass Springs (Composite Springs)...........6-81
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................6-81
Vehicle Identication......................................6-81
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN).................6-81
Service Parts Identication Label.....................6-82
Electrical System............................................6-82
Add-On Electrical Equipment..........................6-82
Windshield Wiper Fuses................................6-83
Power Windows and Other Power Options.......6-83
Fuses and Circuit Breakers............................6-83
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..........................6-83
Underhood Fuse Block..................................6-87
Capacities and Specications..........................6-90
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
6-2

Service
For service and parts needs, visit your dealer/retailer.
You will receive genuine GM parts and GM-trained and
supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
Accessories and Modications
When non-dealer/non-retailer accessories are added to
the vehicle, they can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as airbags, braking, stability,
ride and handling, emissions systems, aerodynamics,
durability, and electronic systems like antilock brakes,
traction control, and stability control. Some of these
accessories could even cause malfunction or damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components resulting from the
installation or use of non-GM certied parts, including
control module modications, are not covered under the
terms of the vehicle warranty and may affect remaining
warranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to complement and
function with other systems on the vehicle. Your
GM dealer/retailer can accessorize the vehicle using
genuine GM Accessories. When you go to your
GM dealer/retailer and ask for GM Accessories, you will
know that GM-trained and supported service technicians
will perform the work using genuine GM Accessories.
Also, seeAdding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 1-50.
6-3

Filling the Tank
{CAUTION:
Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel re can cause
bad injuries. To help avoid injuries to you and
others, read and follow all the instructions on the
pump island. Turn off the engine when you are
refueling. Do not smoke if you are near fuel or
refueling the vehicle. Do not use cellular phones.
Keep sparks, ames, and smoking materials away
from fuel. Do not leave the fuel pump unattended
when refueling the vehicle. This is against the law in
some places. Do not re-enter the vehicle while
pumping fuel. Keep children away from the fuel
pump; never let children pump fuel.The tethered fuel cap is located behind a hinged fuel
door on the driver side of the vehicle.
The fuel door release
button is located on the left
side of the instrument
panel. The button only
works when the vehicle is
in P (Park) or N (Neutral)
and the valet lockout button
is in OFF.
6-8

An alternate fuel door
release is located inside
the trunk behind a panel on
the driver side of the
vehicle. Pull the handle to
release the fuel door.
To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly counterclockwise.
The fuel cap has a spring in it; if the cap is released
too soon, it will spring back to the right.
While refueling, hang the tethered fuel cap from the
hook on the fuel door.
{CAUTION:
Fuel can spray out on you if you open the fuel cap
too quickly. If you spill fuel and then something
ignites it, you could be badly burned. This spray
can happen if the tank is nearly full, and is more
likely in hot weather. Open the fuel cap slowly and
wait for any hiss noise to stop. Then unscrew the
cap all the way.Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not top off or overll the
tank and wait a few seconds after you have nished
pumping before removing the nozzle. Clean fuel from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. SeeWashing
Your Vehicle on page 6-77.
When replacing the fuel cap, turn it clockwise until it
clicks. Make sure the cap is fully installed. The diagnostic
system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate
into the atmosphere. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 3-50.
The CHECK GAS CAP message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will be displayed if the fuel cap is not
properly installed.
{CAUTION:
If a re starts while you are refueling, do not
remove the nozzle. Shut off the ow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by notifying the station
attendant. Leave the area immediately.
Notice:If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get the
right type. Your dealer/retailer can get one for you. If
you get the wrong type, it may not t properly. This
may cause the malfunction indicator lamp to light
and may damage the fuel tank and emissions system.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 3-50.
6-9

A. Battery. SeeBattery on page 6-35.
B. Passenger Compartment Air Filter. SeePassenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 3-41.
C. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 6-87.
D. Power Steering Fluid. SeePower Steering Fluid on
page 6-30.
E. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 6-20.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 6-15.G. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 6-15.
H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 6-32.
I. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
SeeCooling System on page 6-22.
J. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 6-31.
6-13

A. Battery. SeeBattery on page 6-35.
B. Passenger Compartment Air Filter. SeePassenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 3-41.
C. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 6-87.
D. Power Steering Fluid. SeePower Steering Fluid on
page 6-30.
E. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 6-20.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 6-15.
G. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 6-15.
H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 6-32.
I. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
SeeCooling System on page 6-22.
J. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 6-31.Engine Oil
If the LOW OIL LEVEL or LOW OIL PRESSURE
message on the Driver Information Center (DIC)
appears, check the engine oil level right away.
For more information, see LOW OIL LEVEL and
LOW OIL PRESSURE underDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-60. Check the engine oil level
regularly; this is an added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 6-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
6-15

Notice:This vehicle has a specic coolant ll
procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could
cause the engine to overheat and be severely
damaged.
{CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can
start up even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
{CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn the coolant surge
tank pressure cap — even a little — they can come
out at high speed. Never turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the coolant surge tank
pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling system
and coolant surge tank pressure cap to cool if you
ever have to turn the pressure cap.If no coolant is visible in the coolant surge tank, add
coolant as follows:
1. You can remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap
when the cooling system, including the coolant surge
tank pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no
longer hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise.
If you hear a hiss, wait for that to stop. A hiss
means there is still some pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the cap and remove it.
6-25