2003 CADILLAC CTS wheel

3-5
Interior Temperature Sensor
This sensor
monitors the interior
temperature of the
vehicle. It is located to
the right of the
steering wheel on the
instrument panel.
While the climate control system is in AUTO, the
system uses both the interior temperature sensor and the
electronic solar sensor to automatically adjust the
temperature and airflow in the vehicle. See ªElectronic
Solar Sensorº following for more information. Be sure
not to cover the sensor with anything. If you do, the
automatic climate control system will not work properly.Electronic Solar Sensor
This sensor monitors the sun's solar radiation. It is located
on top of the instrument panel near the windshield.
While the climate control system is in AUTO, the system
uses the information collected by the electronic solar
sensor to automatically adjust the temperature and airflow
to maintain your comfort. The climate control system may
supply cooler air to one side of your vehicle, if that side is
facing the sun. Be sure not to cover the sensor on top of
the instrument panel. If you do, the automatic climate
control system will not work properly.

3-6 Air Conditioning
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let hot
inside air escape. This reduces the time it takes for your
vehicle to cool down. Then keep your windows closed
for the air conditioner to work its best.
While the system is in AUTO, it will use recirculation
as necessary to cool the air.
Defogging and Defrosting
When the mode switch is set for floor/defrost or the
defrost button is pressed, outside air will be selected
automatically. This helps clear the windshield more
quickly. Adjust the temperature and set the fan speed to
the highest setting. When the windshield is clear, adjust
the fan speed for maximum defrosting to a lower setting
or return to AUTO mode.
Recirculation is not available in the defrost mode, and
the air conditioning compressor cannot be turned off in
this mode.
For maximum side window defogging, turn the outboard
outlet thumbwheels to the side window defogger setting.
See ªVentilation Systemº later in this section for more
information on the outlet settings.
Rear Window Defogger
When the rear window defogger is turned on, the rear
window and both outside rearview mirrors are heated to
remove fog from the surface of the glass.
The rear window defogger
button is located on the
climate control panel to the
right of the defrost button.
Press the button to turn on the rear defogger. Press the
button again to turn the system off.
The system will automatically shut off after 10 minutes
unless your vehicle is traveling more than 30 mph
(48 km/h). If further defogging is desired once the
system is off, press the button again. The system will
automatically shut off after five minutes for any cycles
after the initial activation.

3-8
You can adjust the direction
of airflow by moving the
knobs in the center of the
outlets and by turning the
thumbwheel at the bottom
of the outlets. You may
choose from the
following positions:
(Side Window Defogger): Turn the thumbwheel
to this symbol on the outboard outlets to use the side
window defogger feature. The air coming through the
outlets will be directed toward the side windows to
prevent fogging.
(Open): Turn the thumbwheel to this symbol to
open the outlets completely and allow the maximum
amount of air to enter the vehicle. A small amount
of air will still be directed to the side window
defogger setting.
(Closed): Turn the thumbwheel to this symbol to
close the outlets and minimize the amount of air
entering the vehicle.
Ventilation Tips

Keep the hood at the base of the windshield and
front air inlet free of ice, snow or any other
obstruction (such as leaves). The heater and defroster
will work far better, reducing the chance of fogging
the inside of your windows.

When you enter a vehicle in cold weather, select the
highest fan setting for a few moments before driving
off. This helps clear the intake ducts of snow and
moisture, and reduces the chance of fogging the
inside of your windows.

Keep the air path under the front seats clear of
objects. This helps air to circulate throughout
your vehicle.

3-9 Climate Control Steering Wheel Controls
There are four controls that can be programmed for use
with the climate control system.
The controls are located
on the left spoke of the
steering wheel.
See ªReconfigurable Steering Wheel Controlsº in
the Index for more information on programming
these controls.
Audio Systems
Your audio system has been designed to operate easily
and to give years of listening pleasure. You will get the
most enjoyment out of it if you acquaint yourself with it
first. Find out what your audio system can do and how
to operate all of its controls to be sure you're getting the
most out of the advanced engineering that went into it.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, you can play your audio
system even after the ignition is turned off. See
ªRetained Accessory Powerº in the Index.

3-28 Audio Steering Wheel Controls
Some audio controls can be adjusted at the steering
wheel. They include the following:
Volume: Turning the
knob increases and
decreases volume.
(Band/Source): Press this button to select AM,
FM1, FM2 or a source, either radio, cassette tape or CD.
The cassette or CD must be loaded to play. Available
loaded sources are shown on the display as a tape or a
CD symbol. (For vehicles with the six
-disc changer
radio
- If none of the audio sources are loaded, and this
button is pressed, NO SOURCE LOADED will appear
on the display.)
(Mute): Press this button to silence the system.
Press it again to turn on the sound. If your vehicle has
the Navigation system, this button does not have a
mute function.
See ªReconfigurable
Steering Wheel Controls
(SWC)º in the Index for
more information on
this feature.

4-8
Let's say the road is wet and you're driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. 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 wheel.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. 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.

4-9
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.
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.
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 rear wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, the system brakes the
spinning wheel(s) and/or reduces engine power to limit
wheel spin.You may feel or hear the system working, but this
is normal.
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.
When the system is limiting wheel spin, the Traction
Control System warning light will be blinking.
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 or snow and rocking the vehicle is
required. See ªRocking Your Vehicleº in the Index.

4-11
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the Stabilitrak
activates, 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.
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.
Speed Variable Assist Steering
(If Equipped)
This system varies the amount of effort required to steer
the vehicle in relation to the speed of the vehicle.
The amount of steering effort required is less at slower
speeds to make the vehicle more maneuverable and
easier to park. At faster speeds, the steering effort
increases to provide a sport
-like feel to the steering.
This provides maximum control and stability.If your vehicle seems harder to steer than normal when
parking or driving slowly, there may be a problem with
the system. You will still have power steering, but
steering will be stiffer than normal at slow speeds. See
your dealer for service.
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.