2004 CADILLAC XLR check engine light

SERVICE TRANSMISSION:This message indicates
that there is a problem with the transmission. Have your
vehicle serviced by your dealership.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON:This message is displayed
when a non-emissions related powertrain malfunction
occurs. Have your vehicle serviced by a technician
as soon as possible.
SHIFT TO PARK:This message indicates that the
vehicle is not in PARK (P) when the engine is being
turned off. The vehicle will be in ACCESSORY.
Once the shifter is moved to PARK (P), the vehicle will
turn off.
STABILITRAK ACTIVE:You may see the
STABILITRAK ACTIVE message on the Driver
Information Center. It means that an advanced,
computer-controlled system has come on to help your
vehicle continue to go in the direction in which you
are steering. This stability enhancement system
activates when the computer senses that your 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 the STABILITRAK ACTIVE message is on, you
should 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 ofwhatever road conditions will permit. If the
STABILITRAK ACTIVE message comes on, you will
know that something has caused your vehicle to start to
spin, so you should consider slowing down. A single
chime will also sound when this message is displayed.
STABILITRAK READY:If you receive this message
and hear a chime, the system has completed the
functional check of the Stabilitrak
žSystem.
STABILITRAK WARMING:When you ®rst start your
vehicle and drive away, especially during cold winter
weather, the STABILITRAK WARMING message may
be displayed in the DIC along with a chime and the
traction control warning light. This is normal. You can
acknowledge this message by pressing the RESET
button. The Stabilitrak
žperformance is affected until
the STABILITRAK READY message is displayed in
the DIC.
SVC TIRE MONITOR:If this message comes on, a
part on the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) is not working
properly. If you drive your vehicle while any of the
four sensors are missing or inoperable, the warning will
come on in approximately 10 minutes. If all four
sensors are missing, the warning will come on in
approximately 15 to 20 minutes. (All the sensors would
be missing, for example, if you put different wheels
on your vehicle without transferring the sensors.) If the
warning comes on and stays on, there may be a
problem with the TPM. See your dealer.
3-63

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. ABS is an advanced
electronic braking system that will help prevent a
braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
your anti-lock brake system 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
the anti-lock brake system,
this warning light will
stay on. See
Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-46
.
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.
4-7

The CHECK GAS CAP message in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will come on if the fuel cap is
not properly reinstalled.
Notice:If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get
the right type. Your dealer can get one for you.
If you get the wrong type, it may not ®t properly.
This may cause your malfunction indicator lamp to
light and may damage your fuel tank and emissions
system. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 3-48.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{CAUTION:
Never ®ll a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from
the container can ignite the gasoline vapor.
You can be badly burned and your vehicle
damaged if this occurs. To help avoid injury to
you and others:
·Dispense gasoline only into approved
containers.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
·
Do not ®ll a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, pickup bed or
on any surface other than the ground.
·Bring the ®ll nozzle in contact with the
inside of the ®ll opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the ®lling is complete.
·Do not smoke while pumping gasoline.
Checking Things Under
the Hood
{CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up
and injure you even when the engine is not
running. Keep hands, clothing and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
5-10

Follow these steps to reinstall the cover to the engine
air cleaner/®lter housing:
1. Align the four tabs located on the back of the cover
with the three slots on the back of the housing.
2. Push the cover slightly down and towards the
engine to engage the tabs in the slots and align the
two wing screws.
3. Engage and tighten the two clasps on the top of the
engine air cleaner/®lter cover.
{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/®lter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The
air cleaner not only cleans the air, it helps to
stop ¯ame if the engine back®res. If it is not
there and the engine back®res, you could
be burned. Do not drive with it off, and be
careful working on the engine with the air
cleaner/®lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/®lter is off, a back®re can
cause a damaging engine ®re. And, dirt can
easily get into your engine, which will damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/®lter in place when you
are driving.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
How to Check
It is not necessary to check the transmission ¯uid level.
A transmission ¯uid leak is the only reason for ¯uid
loss. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to your dealer
service department and have it repaired as soon
as possible.
There is a special procedure for checking and changing
the transmission ¯uid. Because this procedure is
difficult, you should have this done at your dealer service
department. Contact your dealer for additional
information or the procedure can be found in the service
manual. To purchase a service manual, see
Service
Publications Ordering Information on page 7-11.
5-19

A low tire warning light also appears on the instrument
panel cluster when a low tire condition exists. The
DIC message, CHECK TIRE PRESSURE and the low
tire pressure warning light will be shown each time
the engine is started and stay on until the low tire
condition is corrected.
When the tire pressure
monitoring system warning
light is lit, one or more
of your tires is signi®cantly
under-in¯ated.
You should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and in¯ate them to the proper pressure as
indicated on the vehicle's tire information placard.
Driving on a signi®cantly under-in¯ated tire causes the
tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-in¯ation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread
life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping
ability. Each tire, including the spare, should be
checked monthly when cold and set to the
recommended in¯ation pressure as speci®ed in the
vehicle placard and owner's manual.The Tire and Loading Information Label (tire information
placard) is either on the rear edge of the driver's door
or the driver's door jamb near the latch. This label shows
the size of your vehicle's original tires and the correct
in¯ation pressure for your vehicle's tires when they
are cold. See
In¯ation - Tire Pressure on page 5-57.
Your vehicle's TPM system can alert you about a low or
high tire pressure condition but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. See
Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 5-60
Each TPM sensor has a unique identi®cation code that
is matched to one of the four tire positions on your
vehicle. The tire and wheel assembly positions are, left
front (LF); right front (RF); right rear (RR) and left
rear (LR). Any time you rotate your vehicle's tires or
replace one or more TPM sensors, the identi®cation
codes will need to be matched to the new tire and wheel
position. The TPM matching process is performed in
a speci®c sequence and time limit. A special tool is also
required. See your dealer for service.
The SVC TIRE MONITOR message is displayed when
the TPM system is malfunctioning. For example,
one or more TPM sensors may be inoperable or
missing. See your dealer for service.
5-59

Maintenance Footnotes
²The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to
the completion of the vehicle's useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
(a)A ¯uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the ¯uid level checked. Add ¯uid if needed.
(b)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(c)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken air bag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air
bag system does not need regular maintenance.)
(d)Lubricate the trunk key lock cylinder. Lubricate all
body door hinges. Lubricate all hinges and latches,
including those for the hood, trunk, console door and
any folding seat hardware. More frequent lubrication
may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal
better and not stick or squeak.
(e)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the
®lter may require replacement more often.
(f)Change automatic transmission ¯uid and ®lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
þIn heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90ÉF (32ÉC) or higher.
þIn hilly or mountainous terrain.
þUses such as high performance operation.
(g)Drain, ¯ush and re®ll cooling system. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-20for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and ®ller neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
6-7

B
Battery..........................................................5-38
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-7
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-26
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-25
Brake
Parking......................................................2-26
System Warning Light..................................3-45
Brake Fluid....................................................5-35
Brake Wear...................................................5-37
Brakes..........................................................5-35
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-19
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-49
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-46
Buying New Tires...........................................5-63
C
Cadillac Owner PrivilegesŸ............................... 7-6
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canada ± Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Speci®cations............................5-91Carbon Monoxide...................2-11, 2-31, 4-28, 4-37
Care of
Safety Belts................................................5-78
Your CD Player...........................................3-72
Your CDs ...................................................3-72
Cellular Phone Usage......................................3-72
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-41
Chains, Tires..................................................5-68
Check Engine Light.........................................3-48
Checking Coolant............................................5-22
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-13
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting...................................5-81
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-23
Infants and Young Children...........................1-20
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-27
Older Children.............................................1-18
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for
the LATCH System...................................1-29
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Passenger Seat Position...........................1-31
Top Strap...................................................1-27
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-33
2

Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Door
Locks.......................................................... 2-8
Power Door Locks.......................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-10
Driver
Position, Safety Belt.....................................1-10
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-55
DIC Controls and Displays............................3-55
DIC Vehicle Personalization..........................3-66
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-57
Other Messages..........................................3-65
Driver Shift Control.........................................2-25
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-18
City...........................................................4-23
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunken....................................................... 4-2
Freeway.....................................................4-24
Hill and Mountain Roads..............................4-26
In Rain and on Wet Roads...........................4-20
Winter........................................................4-28
Driving On Snow or Ice...................................4-29
Driving Through Deep Standing Water...............4-22
Driving Through Flowing Water.........................4-22
Dual Climate Control System............................3-33E
Eight-Way Power Seats..................................... 1-2
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment......................................5-84
Fuses and Circuit Breakers...........................5-85
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-84
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-84
Emergency Trunk Release Handle.....................2-14
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-51
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-18
Battery.......................................................5-38
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-48
Coolant......................................................5-20
Coolant Heater............................................2-21
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-47
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-13
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-31
Oil .............................................................5-13
Oil Pressure Gage.......................................3-52
Overheating................................................5-23
Starting......................................................2-20
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-16
4