1999 CADILLAC SEVILLE traction control

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2-26
NOTICE:
If your vehicle seems to start up rather slowly, or
if it doesn't seem to shift gears as you accelerate,
something may be wrong with a transaxle system
sensor. If you drive very far that way, your
vehicle can be damaged. So if this happens, have
your vehicle serviced right away. Until then, you
can use SECOND (2) when you are driving less
than 35 mph (55 km/h) and OVERDRIVE (
)
for higher speeds.
THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal
driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel
economy than OVERDRIVE (
).
Here are examples for using THIRD (3) instead of
OVERDRIVE (
):

When driving on hilly, winding roads.

When going down a steep hill.SECOND (2): This position gives you more power. You
can use SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your
speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but then
you would also want to use your brakes off and on.
NOTICE:
Don't shift into SECOND (2) unless you are going
slower than 65 mph (105 km/h), or you can
damage your engine.
FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power
than SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills, or
in deep snow or mud.
Note: If the traction control switch is off, your vehicle
will not go into FIRST (1) gear and the vehicle will
accelerate from stop more slowly. This can help in deep
snow or mud conditions. When the traction control is
turned off, a message will be lit on the Driver
Information Center (DIC).

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2-40 Cruise Control
The cruise control lever is
located on the lower right
side of the steering column.
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot on
the accelerator. This can help on long trips. Cruise
control does not work at speeds below about 25 mph
(40 km/h). When cruise control is on, you will see a
telltale labeled CRUISE in the instrument cluster.
Cruise control shuts off when you apply your brakes.CAUTION:

Cruise control can be dangerous where you
can't drive safely at a steady speed. So,
don't use your 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 needless wheel
spinning, and you could lose control. Don't
use cruise control on slippery roads.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the traction
control system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise
control will automatically disengage. (See ªTraction
Control Systemº in the Index.) When road conditions
allow you to safely use it again, you may turn the cruise
control back on.

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2-63
The main components of the instrument panel are:
1. Air Outlets
2. Driver Information Center Control Buttons
3. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
4. Instrument Panel Cluster
5. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever
6. Cruise Control Lever
7. Ignition Switch
8. Air Vent Control Dial
9. Hazard Warning Button
10. Radio
11. Lamp Controls
12. Hood Release13. Fuel Door Release
14. Trunk Release
15. HVAC Steering Wheel Controls
16. Horn
17. Audio Steering Wheel Controls
18. Heated Seat Controls
19. Traction Control Switch
20. Console Shift Lever
21. Convenience Storage/Optional Ashtray
22. Electronic Climate Controls
23. Glove Box

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2-71 Traction Control System Warning Light
United States Canada
This warning light should come on briefly as you start
the engine. If the warning light doesn't come on then,
have it fixed so it will be ready to warn you if there's a
problem. If it stays on, or comes on when you're
driving, there may be a problem with your traction
control system and your vehicle may need service.
When this warning light is on, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The traction control system warning light may come on
for the following reasons:

If there's a brake system problem that is specifically
related to traction control, the traction control system
will turn off and the warning light will come on.
If the traction control system is affected by an
engine
-related problem, the system will turn off and
the warning light will come on.
If the traction control system warning light comes on
and stays on for an extended period of time when the
system is turned on, your vehicle needs service.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
This light tells you that the
engine has overheated. You
should stop the car and turn
the engine off as soon
as possible.
A warning chime should also sound if this light comes
on. As a check, the light should come on for a few
seconds when you start your engine. See ªEngine
Overheatingº in the Index.

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2-85
STARTING DISABLED REMOVE KEY - 33: This
message will appear when the Personalized Automotive
Security System (PASS
-Key
III) senses that an
improper ignition key is being used to try to start the
vehicle. Check the ignition key for damage. If it is
damaged, it may need to be replaced. If you see no
damage, remove the key and try to start the vehicle
again. If it still does not start, try another ignition key.
THEFT ATTEMPTED
- 40: This message is
displayed if the theft system has detected a break
-in
attempt while you were away from your vehicle.
TOP SPEED FUEL CUT
-OFF - 111 : This message
will appear when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
senses that the maximum speed for your vehicle has
been reached. The speed of your vehicle will surge as
the fuel supply is cut off. This allows your vehicle to
stay in a safe tire operating range. The top speed is set
based on the top speed rating of the tires.
TRACTION ENGAGED
- 91 : When your traction
control system is limiting wheel spin, the TRACTION
ENGAGED message will be displayed. Slippery road
conditions may exist if this message is displayed, so
adjust your driving accordingly. This message will stay
on for a few seconds after the traction control system
stops limiting wheel spin.TRACTION OFF
- 89: This message will be displayed
after the traction control has been turned off by the
button on the center console.
TRACTION READY
- 90: This message informs the
driver that the traction control system is available. This
occurs when the traction control switch on the console
has been returned to ON (pressing the button once turns
the traction control system off: pressing the button again
turns the system back on). This message will
automatically disappear from the display after
five seconds.
TRACTION SUSPENDED
- 56: This message
displays when the traction control system has been
temporarily shut off because your vehicle's brakes have
overheated. This message does not indicate a problem
with your vehicle's traction control system. After a few
minutes, the traction control system will be available
again and the TRACTION READY message
will appear.
TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE
- 112: This message
indicates that the transaxle fluid in your vehicle is too
hot. Stop and allow your vehicle to idle until it cools
down or until this message is removed.

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4-8
You slam on the brakes. Here's 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 front wheel and at
both rear wheels.
The anti
-lock system can change the brake pressure faster
than any driver could. The computer is programmed to
make the most of available tire and road conditions.
You can steer around the obstacle while braking hard.As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates on
wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: Anti
-lock doesn't 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 won't 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
anti
-lock brakes.
Using Anti
-Lock
Don't pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down
firmly and let anti
-lock work for you. You may hear the
anti
-lock pump or motor operate, and feel the brake
pedal pulsate, but this is normal.
Traction Control System
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 front wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system works the front brakes and reduces engine
power to limit wheel spin.

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4-9
The TRACTION ENGAGED message will display on
the Driver Information Center when the traction control
system is limiting wheel spin. See ªDriver Information
Center Messagesº in the Index. 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. (See
ªCruise Controlº in the Index.)
United States Canada
This warning light will come on to let you know if
there's a problem with your traction control system.
See ªTraction Control System Warning Lightº in the
Index. 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 you start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin,
especially in slippery road conditions, you should
always leave the system on. But you can turn the
traction control system off if you ever need to. (You
should turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets stuck
in sand, mud, ice or snow. See ªRocking Your Vehicleº
in the Index.)
To turn the system off,
press the TRAC ON/OFF
button located on the
center console.
The TRACTION OFF message will display on the
Driver Information Center. If the system is limiting
wheel spin when you press the button, the TRACTION
OFF message will display
-- but the system won't turn
off right away. It will wait until there's no longer a
current need to limit wheel spin.

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You can turn the system back on at any time by pressing
the button again. The TRACTION READY message
should display briefly on the Driver Information Center.
Braking in Emergencies
With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the very best braking.
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.
Magnasteer

Your vehicle may be equipped with GM Magnasteer, a
system that continuously adjusts the effort you feel
when steering at all vehicle speeds. It provides ease
when parking yet a firm, solid feel at highway speeds.
Steering Tips
Driving on Curves
It's important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the ªdriver lost controlº accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here's why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject to
the same laws of physics when driving on curves. The
traction of the tires against the road surface makes it
possible for the vehicle to change its path when you turn
the front wheels. If there's no traction, inertia will keep
the vehicle going in the same direction. If you've ever
tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you'll understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle
at which the curve is banked, and your speed.
While you're in a curve, speed is the one factor you
can control.