Page 209 of 395

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly over your shoulder to make
sure there
isn’t anothcr vehicle in your “blind” spot.
Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain
you allow a reasonable
following distance. Expect
to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the proper lane well in
advance. If you miss your exit do not, under any circumstances, stop and
back up. Drive on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The
exit speed is usually posted.
Reduce your speed according
to your speedometer, not to your sense of
motion. After driving for any distance at higher speeds, you may tend to
think you are going slower than you actually are.
BEFORE LEAVTNG ONA LONG TRlP
Make sure you’re ready. Try to be well rested. If you must start when
you’re not fresh
-- such as after a day’s work -- don’t plan to make too
many
miles that first part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing and
shoes
you can easily drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it serviced and
maintained, it’s ready
to go. If it needs service, have it done before
starting out.
Of course, you’ll find experienced and able service experts in
Cadillac dealerships all across North America. They’ll be ready and
willing
to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
a
0
a
0
a
WindshieEd Wusher Fluid: Is the reservoir full? Are all windows clean
inside and outside?
Wiper. Blades: Are they in good shape‘?
Fzd, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: Have you checked all levels?
Lnmnps: Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires: They are vitally important to a safe, trouble-free trip. Is the tread
good enough for long-distance driving? Are the tires all inflated to the
recommended pressure?
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Page 213 of 395
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine WINTER DRIVTNG
Here are some tips for winter driving:
0 Have your
Cadillac in
good
shape for winter.
Be sure your
engine coolant mix
is correct.
You may want to
put winter
emergency
supplies in your
trunk.
Include an ice scraper,
a small brush or broom, a supply of windshield
washer fluid, a rag, some winter outer clothing, a small shovel,
a
flashlight, a red cloth, and a couple of reflective warning triangles. And, if
you will be driving under severe conditions, include a small bag of sand, a
piece of old carpet or a couple of burlap bags to help provide traction. Be
sure you properly secure these items in your vehicle.
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Page 216 of 395
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine I
You can run the
engine to keep warm,
but be careful.
Run your engine only as long as
you must. This saves fuel. When you run
the engine, make it go a little faster than just idle. That is, push the
accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get and it
keeps the battery charged. You
will need a well-charged battery to restart
the vehicle, and possibly
for signaling later on with your headlamps. Let
the heater run
for awhile.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost all the way to
preserve the heat. Start the engine again and repeat this only when you
feel really uncomfortable from the cold. But
do it as little as possible.
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Page 224 of 395

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Driving with a Trailer
n Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience. Before setting
out for the open road, you’ll want to get to
know your rig. Acquaint
yourself with the feel
of handling and braking with the added weight of
the trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is
now a good deal longer and not nearly as responsive as your vehicle is by
itself.
Before you start, check the trailer hitch and platform (and attachments),
safety chains, electrical connector, lamps, tires and mirror adjustment. If
the trailer has electric brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure the brakes are
working. This lets you check your electrical connection at the same time.
. During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the load is secure, and
that the lights and any trailer brakes are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as you would when
driving your vehicle without a trailer. This can help you avoid situations
that require heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when you’re towing a trailer.
And, because you’re a good deal longer, you’ll need to
go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand. Then, to move the
trailer to the left, just move that hand to the left.
To move the trailer to
the right, move your hand to the right. Always back up slowly and,
if
possible, have someone guide you.
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Page 229 of 395
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Press the button in to
make your front and rear turn signal lamps
flash
on and off.
A
HAZARD
The light on your
instrument panel will
flash indicating
that
the hazard warning
flashers are
on.
HAZARD A
5-2
Your hazard warning flashers will work once the button is pressed in
regardless
of the key position.
Page 239 of 395

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine ENGINE OKEMEATING
The Driver Information Center will display either ENGINE COOLANT
HOT-IDLE ENGINE or
STOP ENGINE ENGINE OVERHEATING.
In addition you will find the warning light about a hot engine on your
instrument panel on Canadian vehicles.
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
Should a low coolant condition exist and the message STOP ENGINE
ENGINE OVERHEATING is displayed, an overheat protection mode
which alternates firing groups of four cylinders helps prevent engine
damage. This operating
mode allows your vehicle to be driven to a safe
place
in an emergency; you may drive up to 50 miles (80 km). Towing a
trailer in the overheat protection mode should be avoided.
NOTICE:
After driving in the “Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode,” to avoid engine damage, allow the engine
to cool before
attempting any repair. The engine oil may be severely degraded.
Change the oil and reset the
oil life indicator. See “Engine Oil,
When
to Change” in the Index.
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Page 259 of 395
Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your vehicle as well
as the tires. If you spin the wheels too fast while shifting your
transaxle back and forth, you
can destroy your transaxle.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle, see “Tire Chains”
in the Index.
Rocking your vehicle to get it out:
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will clear the area around
your front wheels. Then shift back and forth between
REVERSE (R)
and a forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible. Release the
accelerator pedal while
you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transaxle
is in gear. If that doesn’t get you out after a few tries, you
may need
to be towed out. If you do need to be towed out, see “Towing Your
Vehicle”
in the Index.
Page 274 of 395

Downloaded from www.Manualslib.com manuals search engine Engine Oil Additives
c
Don’t add anything to your oil. Your Cadillac dealer is ready to advise if
you think something should be added.
When to Change Engine Oil
Your Cadillac has an “Oil Life Indicator.” This feature will let you know
when to change your oil and filter
-- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000
km) and 7,500 miles (12 500 km) since your last oil change. Under severe
conditions, the indicator may come
on before 3,000 miles (5 000 km).
Never drive your vehicle more
than 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months
without an oil change.
The system won’t detect dust in the oil.
So, if you drive in a dusty area, be
sure to change your oil every
3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner if the
CHANGE OIL
SOON light comes on. Remember to reset the Oil Life
Indicator when the
oil has been changed. For more information, see “Oil
Life Indicator” in the Index.
How to Reset the Oil Life Indicator
After the oil has been changed, display the OIL LIFE LEFT message by
pressing the INFORMATION button. Then press and hold the
RESET
button until the display shows “loo”. This resets the oil life index. The
message will remain off until the next
oil change is needed. The
percentage
of oil life remaining may be checked at any time by pressing
the INFORMATION button several times until the OIL LIFE LEFT
message appears. For more information on the
Oil Life Index feature, see
“Oil Life Index” in the Index.
Engine Coolant Heater
An engine coolant heater can be a big help if you have to park outside in
very cold weather, 0°F (-18OC) or colder. If your vehicle has this option,
see “Engine Coolant Heater” in the Index.
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