ABS CADILLAC XLR V 2006 1.G Owners Manual

Rear Storage Area
There is a cargo divider located in the trunk to keep
cargo from getting in the way of the retractable
hardtop. The cargo divider must be in place for the
top to move.To install the cargo divider, snap the bottom of the
divider onto the snaps (B) located on the oor of the
trunk. Then, swing the divider up and place the pins on
each side of the divider into the notches (A) on either
side of the trunk.
There is also a storage compartment located in the
trunk on the passenger’s side.
To access the storage compartment, unsnap the lid.
To reinstall the lid, line up the opening in the lid over
the snap and push down into place.
Convenience Net
Your vehicle is equipped with a convenience net.
The convenience net attaches to the oor of the trunk.
Put small loads, like grocery bags, behind the net.
The net is not for larger, heavier loads. Store them in the
trunk as far forward as you can. When not using the net,
hook the net to the tabs securing it to the sill plate.
2-46

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 5-37.
{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.
Anti-Lock Brake System
Warning Light
With the anti-lock brake
system, the light will come
on when your engine is
started and may stay
on for several seconds.
That is normal.
If the light stays on, turn the ignition off. Or, if the light
comes on 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 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 anti-lock brakes.
If the regular brake system warning light is also on, you
do not have anti-lock brakes and there is a problem with
your regular brakes. See “Service ABS” underDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-67.
The anti-lock brake system warning light will come on
briey when you turn the ignition on. This 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.
3-55

DIC Warnings and Messages
These messages will 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, and Spanish.
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System) ACTIVE:When your
anti-lock system is adjusting brake pressure to help
avoid a braking skid, the ABS ACTIVE message will
be displayed.
Slippery road conditions may exist if this message
is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly.
The message may stay on for a few seconds after
the system stops adjusting brake pressure.BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE:This message is displayed
when the vehicle has detected that the battery voltage
is dropping beyond a reasonable point. The battery
saver system will start reducing certain features of the
vehicle that you may not be able to notice. At the
point that features are disabled, this message is
displayed. It means that the vehicle is trying to save the
charge in the battery. Turn off unnecessary accessories
to allow the battery to recharge.
BUCKLE PASSENGER:This message reminds you to
buckle the passenger’s seat belt.
This message will display and a chime will sound when
the ignition is on, the driver’s seat belt is buckled, the
passenger’s seat belt is unbuckled with the passenger
airbag enabled, and the vehicle is in motion. You should
have the passenger buckle their seat 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 seat belt is already buckled,
this message and chime will not come on.
3-67

NO FOB, OFF OR RUN?:When this message displays,
it means that the keyless access transmitter is not
detected inside the vehicle while you are trying to turn
the ignition off. Your vehicle may be near a strong
radio antenna signal causing the keyless access system
to be jammed. The vehicle will remain in ACC until off
or START has been pressed or ve minutes has
expired. If you turn the ignition off and you cannot nd
the keyless access transmitter, you will not be able
to restart the vehicle. The keyless access transmitter
needs to be inside of the vehicle in order for the vehicle
to start. SeeStarting the Engine on page 2-22for
more information.
OVER SPEED WARNING:This message is displayed
when the vehicle speed exceeds a certain limit as
required by some export countries. A chime will sound
when this message is displayed.
PRESS BRAKE TO START:The brake pedal must
be applied to start the vehicle. Make sure you are
pressing the brake pedal all the way down.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER:This message informs
you that 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 GM dealer for service
as soon as possible.
RIGHT DOOR AJAR:The passenger’s door is open or
ajar when this message appears. The vehicle must
be running and the transmission not in PARK (P) for this
message to display. A chime will sound if the vehicle’s
speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).
SERVICE A/C:This message appears when the
electronic sensors that control the air conditioning and
heating systems are no longer working. Have the climate
control system serviced by your GM dealer if you
notice a drop in heating and air conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System):If the
SERVICE ABS message is displayed 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 GM dealer.
If the SERVICE ABS message is being displayed, your
Traction Control System and StabiliTrak
®System
will also be disabled.
3-73

The Driver Information Center will scroll three messages:
SERVICE ABS, SERVICE TRACTION SYS and
SERVICE STABILITRAK, and the anti-lock brake system
and traction control warning lights on the instrument
panel cluster will be illuminated. SeeAnti-Lock Brake
System Warning Light on page 3-55andTraction
Control System (TCS) Warning Light on page 3-56. 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 GM dealer as soon as possible.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
SERVICE AFS LAMPS:This message indicates that
the Adaptive Forward Lighting System (AFS) is disabled
and needs service. See your GM dealer. SeeAdaptive
Forward Lighting System on page 3-31for more
information.
SERVICE ELECT (Electrical) SYSTEM:This message
will display if an electrical problem has occurred within
the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Have your vehicle
serviced by your GM dealer.
SERVICE FUEL SYSTEM:The Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) has detected a problem within the
fuel system when this message appears. Have your
vehicle serviced by your GM dealer. This message will
also be displayed when the cluster is not getting
fuel information from the PCM.SERVICE RADAR CRUISE:If your vehicle has this
feature, this message indicates that the Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) system is disabled and needs service.
See your GM dealer.
SERVICE RIDE CONTROL:This message indicates
there is a problem with the Magnetic Ride Control
System. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.
SERVICE TRACTION SYS (System):This message
indicates there is a problem with the Traction Control
System (TCS). Have your vehicle serviced by your
GM dealer.
SERVICE STABILITRAK:If this message appears,
it means there may be a problem with your stability
enhancement system. If you see this message, try to
reset the system. Stop, turn off the engine, then start the
engine again. If the SERVICE STABILITRAK message
still comes on, it means there is a problem. You should
see your GM dealer for service. Reduce your speed and
drive accordingly. A single chime will also sound when
this message is displayed.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION:This message indicates
that there is a problem with the transmission. Have your
vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON:This message is displayed
when a non-emissions related powertrain malfunction
occurs. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer
as soon as possible.
3-74

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........5-2
Defensive Driving...........................................5-2
Drunken Driving.............................................5-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................5-6
Braking.........................................................5-6
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).........................5-7
Braking in Emergencies...................................5-9
Traction Control System (TCS).........................5-9
Magnetic Ride Control...................................5-11
Limited-Slip Rear Axle...................................5-11
StabiliTrak
®System......................................5-11
Steering......................................................5-13
Off-Road Recovery.......................................5-15
Passing.......................................................5-16
Loss of Control.............................................5-17
Racing or Other Competitive Driving (XLR-V). . . .5-18
Driving at Night............................................5-19Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................5-20
City Driving..................................................5-22
Freeway Driving...........................................5-23
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................5-24
Highway Hypnosis........................................5-25
Hill and Mountain Roads................................5-26
Winter Driving..............................................5-27
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.............................................5-32
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................5-32
Loading Your Vehicle....................................5-33
Towing..........................................................5-37
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................5-37
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................5-37
Towing a Trailer...........................................5-37
Section 5 Driving Your Vehicle
5-1

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. Your brakes may not have time to
cool between hard stops. Your 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 engine ever stops while you are driving, brake
normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do,
the pedal may get harder to push down. If your 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 may take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 6-3.Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS),
an advanced electronic braking system that will
help prevent a braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
ABS will check itself. You may hear a momentary motor
or clicking noise while this test is going on, and you
may even notice that your brake pedal moves a
little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light will
stay on. SeeAnti-Lock
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-55.
5-7

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, your computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls braking pressure
accordingly.
5-8

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 your
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 anti-lock work for you. You may
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.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your 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 3-67. You may feel or hear
the system working, but this is normal.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you may
reengage the cruise control. SeeAdaptive Cruise
Control on page 3-15orCruise Control on page 3-12
for more information.
5-9

Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid only
the acceleration skid. If your traction control system is
off, then an acceleration skid is also 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 Anti-Lock 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 6-15. 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.
5-18