2004 CADILLAC XLR wiper blades

Flash-to-Pass
This feature lets you use the high-beam headlamps to
signal the driver in front of you that you want to
pass. Pull and hold the turn signal lever toward you to
use. When you do, the following will occur:
·If the low-beam headlamps are on, the high-beam
headlamps will turn on. They will stay on as long
as you hold the lever there. Release the lever
to turn them off.
·If the headlamps are on high-beam, they will switch
to low-beam. To return to high beam, push the
lever away from you.
Windshield Wipers
Use the lever located on the right side of the steering
column to operate the windshield wipers.
1(High Speed):Move the lever to this position for
steady wiping at high speed.
6(Low Speed):Move the lever to this position for
steady wiping at low speed.
&(Delay):Move the lever to this position to activate
the RainsenseŸ function. Adjustments in this region
change the sensitivity of the RainsenseŸ system.
9(Off):Move the lever to this position to turn off the
windshield wipers.
8(Mist):Move the lever all the way down to mist and
release for a single wiping cycle. The windshield
wipers will stop after one wipe. If you want more wipes,
hold the band on mist longer.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the wipers. If this
occurs, a circuit breaker will stop the wipers until the
motor cools. So, be sure to clear any ice and snow from
the windshield wiper blades before using them. If the
wiper blades are frozen to the windshield, carefully
loosen them or warm the windshield before turning the
wipers on. If your blades do become worn or
damaged, get new blades or blade inserts.
3-7

Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a wet
road, you can not stop, accelerate or turn as well
because your tire-to-road traction is not as good as on
dry roads. And, if your tires do not have much tread
left, you will get even less traction. It is always wise to
go slower and be cautious if rain starts to fall while
you are driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when
your re¯exes are tuned for driving on dry pavement.The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if your
windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy
rain can make it harder to see road signs and
traffic signals, pavement markings, the edge of the road
and even people walking.
It is wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment in
good shape and keep your windshield washer tank ®lled
with washer ¯uid. Replace your windshield wiper
inserts when they show signs of streaking or missing
areas on the windshield, or when strips of rubber start to
separate from the inserts.
4-20

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 Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you are not fresh Ð such as after
a day's work Ð do not plan to make too many miles that
®rst 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 is ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course,
you will ®nd experienced and able service experts in
GM dealerships all across North America. They will be
ready and willing to help if you need it.Here are some things you can check before a trip:
·Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
·Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
·Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you checked
all levels?
·Lamps: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 in¯ated to the
recommended pressure?
·Weather Forecasts:What is the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?
·Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
4-25

6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5
for the opposite
headlamp.
Bulb Replacement
It is recommended that all bulbs be replaced by your
dealer.
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See ªWiper Blade
Checkº under
Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
It is a good idea to clean or replace the wiper blade
assembly on a regular basis or when worn. For proper
windshield wiper blade length and type, see
Normal
Maintenance Replacement Parts on page 6-13.To replace the wiper blade assembly, do the following:
1. Place the vehicle in accessory mode and turn
the wipers on. Position the wipers on the
windshield in the mid-wipe position. Then with a
door open, turn the vehicle off.
2. Tip the blade up and push down on the tab to
release the wiper blade assembly.
3. To install, align the wiper blade with the loop on
the wiper blade assembly, and push up to snap it
into place.
5-49

Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running,
wax, sap or other material may be on the blade
or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a full-strength
glass cleaning liquid. The windshield is clean if beads do
not form when you rinse it with water.
Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by
wiping vigorously with a cloth soaked in full-strength
windshield washer solvent. Then rinse the blade
with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
Your vehicle is equipped with aluminum wheels.
Keep your wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with
mild soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After
rinsing thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax
may then be applied.The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of your vehicle. Don't use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners,
cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes on
them because you could damage the surface. Do not
use chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
Don't take your vehicle through an automatic car wash
that has silicone carbide tire cleaning brushes. These
brushes can also damage the surface of these wheels.
Cleaning Tires
To clean your tires, use a stiff brush with tire cleaner.
Notice:Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on your vehicle may damage the paint
®nish and/or tires. When applying a tire dressing,
always wipe off any overspray from all painted
surfaces on your vehicle.
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the
®nish should be repaired right away.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up
materials avaliable from your dealer or other service
outlets. Larger areas of ®nish damage can be corrected
in your dealer's body and paint shop.
5-80

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and ®lter. Reset oil life system. See
Engine Oil on
page 5-13.An Emission Control Service.··
Visually check for any leaks or damage.
See footnote (a).··
Check engine coolant and windshield washer ¯uid levels and add ¯uid as
needed.··
Perform any needed additional services. See ªAdditional Required Servicesº in
this section.··
Inspect wiper blades.
See footnote (b).·
Inspect restraint system components.
See footnote (c).·
Lubricate body components.
See footnote (d).·
Replace passenger compartment air ®lter.
See footnote (e).·
6-5

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

Cleaning
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-75
Outside of Your Vehicle................................5-78
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-81
Weatherstrips..............................................5-78
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..............................5-80
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.......................5-79
Cleaning Fabric/Carpet....................................5-75
Cleaning Glass Surfaces..................................5-78
Cleaning Leather............................................5-77
Cleaning the Interior Plastic Components...........5-77
Cleaning the Mirror.........................................2-33
Cleaning the Speaker Covers...........................5-77
Cleaning the Top of the Instrument Panel...........5-77
Cleaning Tires................................................5-80
Cleaning Vinyl................................................5-77
Cleaning Windshield and Wiper Blades..............5-80
Cleaning Wood Panels....................................5-77
Climate Control System
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-38
Dual..........................................................3-33
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-38
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-5
Convenience Net............................................2-43
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-47
Heater, Engine............................................2-21
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-23Cooled Seats................................................... 1-3
Cooling System..............................................5-26
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-26
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-41
Current and Past Model Order Forms................7-12
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 7-7
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone
(TTY) Users.............................................. 7-4
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 7-4
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 7-2
GM Mobility Program for Persons with
Disabilities................................................ 7-5
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....7-11
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................7-10
Reporting Safety Defects to the United
States Government...................................7-10
Roadside Service.......................................... 7-5
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-11
D
Daytime Running Lamps..................................3-23
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Defogging and Defrosting.................................3-37
Disarming the System.....................................2-18
Diversity Antenna System.................................3-73
3