traction control CADILLAC XLR 2009 1.G Owners Manual

Not all manual downshift requests will be allowed by
the transmission. To prevent excessive engine RPMs,
each gear has a maximum vehicle speed associated
with it. Any downshift request above this speed is
not allowed by the transmission.
If shifting is prevented for any reason, the current
gear ashes multiple times in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), indicating that the transmission has
not shifted gears.
Some automatic downshifts can occur to maintain
minimum engine speed. This only happens if the vehicle
is left in too high of a gear for the vehicle’s speed.
For example, if you have been driving in sixth gear range
and come to a stop without manually downshifting, the
transmission automatically downshifts to rst gear and
displays rst gear on the HUD. As you begin to drive and
accelerate, the transmission remains in rst gear until the
driver selects an upshift.DSC can be used while using cruise control, but
transmission shifting is different while the cruise control
is on. This is not a malfunction and is necessary to
let proper operation of the cruise control.
To return to fully automatic operation, move the shift
lever to the right and back into D (Drive).
When accelerating the vehicle from a stop in snowy and
icy conditions, you may want to shift into second gear.
A higher gear allows you to gain more traction on slippery
surfaces.
In higher gears, on the XLR only, an automatic downshift
occurs if you press the accelerator pedal to the oor.
This feature provides adequate acceleration capabilities
if you forget to downshift manually. Tap the shifter
forward and the vehicle upshifts.
2-31

Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-41
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-42
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-43
Trip Odometer..............................................3-43
Tachometer.................................................3-43
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-44
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-44
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-45
Charging System Light..................................3-46
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-46
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-47
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....3-48
StabiliTrak
®/Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light...........................................3-48
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-49
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-50
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-50
Engine Oil Pressure Gage.............................3-54
Security Light...............................................3-55
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-55Lights On Reminder......................................3-55
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-55
Fuel Gage...................................................3-56
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-57
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-57
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-60
Other Messages...........................................3-70
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-72
Trip Computer................................................3-76
Oil Life Indicator...........................................3-76
Audio System(s).............................................3-76
Bluetooth®...................................................3-77
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-88
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-88
Radio Reception...........................................3-90
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-91
Care of the CD Player...................................3-91
Diversity Antenna System..............................3-91
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.............3-91
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A.Head-Up Display (HUD) on page 3-31orInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-30.
B.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.Cruise
Control on page 3-11.Exterior Lamps on page 3-26.
Fog Lamps on page 3-28.
C.Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-42.
D.Windshield Wipers on page 3-8andWindshield
Washer on page 3-10.
E. Driver Information Center (DIC) Controls/Interior
Lamps. SeeDIC Operation and Displays on
page 3-57.
F.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-40.
G.Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
H.Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-88.
Adaptive Cruise Control on page 3-14(If Equipped).
Heated Steering Wheel on page 3-7. Voice
Commands. SeeOnStar
®System on page 2-42.I.Power Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering Column
on page 3-6.
J.Horn on page 3-6.
K.Ignition Positions on page 2-24.
L. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-28.
M.Traction Control System (TCS) on page 5-8.
N.Retractable Hardtop on page 2-54.
O.Cupholders on page 2-53.
P. Cigarette Lighter. SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette
Lighter on page 3-35.
Q.Dual Climate Control System on page 3-36.
R. Audio/Navigation System. SeeNavigation System
Overview on page 4-2.
S.Glove Box on page 2-53.
3-5

Headlamp Washer
The headlamps washer only functions every fourth time
the washer button is pressed and if the headlamps
are on.
Cruise Control
With cruise control, a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h)
or more can be maintained without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. Cruise control does not work
at speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h).
Cruise control will not work if the parking brake is set, or
if the master cylinder brake uid level is low.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you cannot
drive safely at a steady speed. So, do not use the
cruise control on winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads.
On such roads, fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on slippery roads.If the vehicle has the traction control system and it
begins to limit wheel spin while cruise control is on,
the cruise control will automatically disengage.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 5-8.
When road conditions allow cruise control to be safely
used again, it can be turned back on.9(Off):Turns the system off.
R(On):Turns the system on.
+ (Resume/Accelerate):Makes the vehicle accelerate
or resume to a previously set speed.
T(Set):Press this button at the end of the lever to
set the speed.
3-11

{CAUTION:
Adaptive Cruise Control will not apply hard braking
or bring the vehicle to a complete stop. It will not
respond to stopped vehicles, pedestrians or
animals. When you are approaching a vehicle or
object, Adaptive Cruise Control may not have time
to slow your vehicle enough to avoid a collision.
Your complete attention is always required while
driving and you should be ready to take action
and apply the brakes. For more information,
seeDefensive Driving on page 5-2.
{CAUTION:
On winding roads, Adaptive Cruise Control
may not detect a vehicle ahead. You could
crash into a vehicle ahead of you. Do not use
Adaptive Cruise Control on winding roads.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Adaptive Cruise Control may not have time to
slow your vehicle enough to avoid a crash
when you are driving in conditions where
vehicles may suddenly slow or stop ahead of
you, enter your lane, or cross your vehicle’s
path. If you are driving in these conditions, do
not use Adaptive Cruise Control. The warning
beep and alert symbol may indicate that
you are driving in conditions where Adaptive
Cruise Control should not be used.
See “Alerting the Driver” in this section.
On slippery roads, fast changes in tire traction
can cause needless wheel spinning, and you
could lose control. Do not use cruise control
on slippery roads.
When weather limits visibility, such as when in
fog, rain, or snow conditions, Adaptive Cruise
Control performance is limited. There may not
be enough distance to adapt to the changing
traffic conditions. Do not use cruise control
when visibility is low.
3-15

The set speed is selected by the driver. This is the
speed you will travel if there is no vehicle detected in
your path.
To set Adaptive Cruise Control, do the following:
1. Make sure the Head-Up Display (HUD) is on and
properly adjusted. You cannot engage Adaptive
Cruise Control unless the HUD is on. SeeHead-Up
Display (HUD) on page 3-31for more information.
2. Move the switch to the on position.
3. Get up to the desired speed.
4. Press
Tat the end of the lever and release
the button.
5. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Once Adaptive Cruise Control is set, it might
immediately apply the brakes if it detects a vehicle
ahead that is too close or moving slower than your
vehicle.This symbol appears on
the Head-Up Display
(HUD) to indicate that
Adaptive Cruise Control
is active.
SeeHead-Up Display (HUD) on page 3-31for more
information.
Make sure the set speed is visible on the HUD so you
know the speed your vehicle will accelerate to if a
vehicle is not detected in your path. Keep in mind
speed limits, surrounding traffic speeds, and weather
conditions when adjusting your set speed.
If the vehicle is in Adaptive Cruise Control when the
traction control system begins to limit wheel spin,
the Adaptive Cruise Control automatically disengages.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 5-8
andStabiliTrak
®System on page 5-6. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, the Adaptive
Cruise Control can be turned back on.
3-17

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
For vehicles with the
Antilock Brake System
(ABS), this light comes on
briey when the engine
is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the
indicator light then goes off.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off. If the light
comes on while 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 stays on,
or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs
service. If the regular brake system warning light is not
on, the vehicle still has brakes, but not antilock brakes.
If the regular brake system warning light is also on,
the vehicle does not have antilock brakes and there is a
problem with the regular brakes. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-47.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC),
seeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-60for all
brake related DIC messages.
StabiliTrak®/Traction Control
System (TCS) Warning Light
The Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
system warning light
comes on briey as the
engine is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally the
indicator lights go off.
If the light stays on, or comes on while driving and
the DIC shows a SERVICE TRACTION SYS or
a SERVICE STABILITRAK message, there is a
problem with the Traction Control System (TCS)
or the StabiliTrak
®system and the vehicle needs
service.
3-48

When the Traction Control system and/or StabiliTrak®
system are turned off, the light comes on and a
chime sounds. The DIC displays either TRACTION
SYSTEM OFF or TRAC/STABILITRAK OFF message.
When this light is on, the TCS system does not limit
wheel spin and/or the StabiliTrak
®system does
not assist with vehicle control.
When the Traction Control System and/or StabiliTrak
®
system are turned on, the light turns off and a chime
sounds. The DIC displays either a TRACTION SYSTEM
ON or TRAC/STABILITRAK ON message.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 5-8,
StabiliTrak
®System on page 5-6andDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-60for more information.
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 3-60for more information.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 6-27for more
information.United States
Canada
3-49

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,
the 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 (ABS) Warning Light on
page 3-48andStabiliTrak
®/Traction Control System
(TCS) Warning Light on page 3-48. 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.
SERVICE AFS (Adaptive Forward
Lighting System) LAMPS
This message displays when the Adaptive Forward
Lighting System (AFS) is disabled and needs service.
See your dealer/retailer. SeeAdaptive Forward Lighting
System on page 3-28for more information.
SERVICE ELECT (Electrical) SYSTEM
This message displays if an electrical problem has
occurred within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE FUEL SYSTEM
This message displays when the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) has detected a problem within the fuel
system. Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
This message will also be displayed when the cluster is
not getting fuel information from the PCM.
SERVICE RADAR CRUISE
If the vehicle has this feature, this message displays
when the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system
is disabled and needs service. See your dealer/retailer.
3-67

SERVICE RIDE CONTROL
This message displays when there is a problem with
the Magnetic Ride Control System. Have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE TRACTION SYS (System)
This message displays when there is a problem with
the Traction Control System (TCS). Have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
If this message displays, it means there may be a
problem with the stability enhancement system. If you
see this message, try to reset the system. Stop, turn off
the engine, then start the engine again. If this message
still comes on, it means there is a problem. You should
see your dealer/retailer for service. Reduce your
speed and drive accordingly. A single chime also
sounds when this message is displayed.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there is a problem with
the transmission. Have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when a non-emissions related
powertrain malfunction occurs. Have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SHIFT TO PARK
This message displays if the vehicle is not in P (Park)
when the engine is being turned off. The vehicle will be
in accessory mode. Once the shift lever is moved to
P (Park), 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 the vehicle continue to go in the direction in
which you are steering. This stability enhancement
system activates when the computer senses that the
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 the vehicle to start to spin, so consider
slowing down. A single chime also sounds when this
message is displayed.
3-68