2005 CADILLAC STS airbag

In many crashes severe enough to inate the airbag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the
right front passenger airbag.
Airbags are designed to inate only once. After an
airbag inates, you will need some new parts for
your airbag system. If you do not get them,
the airbag system will not be there to help protect
you in another crash. A new system will include
airbag modules and possibly other parts. The
service manual for your vehicle covers the need to
replace other parts.
Your vehicle is equipped with a crash sensing and
diagnostic module which records information after
a crash. SeeVehicle Data Collection and Event
Data Recorders on page 7-8.
Let only qualied technicians work on your airbag
system. Improper service can mean that an
airbag system will not work properly. See your
dealer for service.Notice:If you damage the covering for the driver’s
or the right front passenger’s airbag, or the airbag
covering on the driver’s and right front passenger’s
seatback, or the side impact airbag covering on
the ceiling near the side windows, the bag may not
work properly. You may have to replace the
airbag module in the steering wheel, both the airbag
module and the instrument panel for the right
front passenger’s airbag, the airbag module and
seatback for the driver’s and right front passenger’s
seat-mounted side impact airbags, or side impact
airbag module and ceiling covering for the
roof-mounted side impact airbag. Do not open or
break the airbag coverings.
1-55

Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around your vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual
have information about servicing your vehicle and the
airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering Information on page 7-11.
{CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition key is
turned off and the battery is disconnected, an
airbag can still inate during improper service.
You can be injured if you are too close to an
airbag when it inates. Avoid wires wrapped
with yellow tape, yellow coverings or yellow
connectors. They are probably part of the
airbag systems. Be sure to follow proper
service procedures, and make sure the person
performing work for you is qualied to do so.
The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems
Now and then, 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.
Torn or frayed safety belts may not protect you in a
crash. They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt
is torn or frayed, get a new one right away.
Also look for any opened or broken airbag covers, and
have them repaired or replaced. (The airbag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
1-56

Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
{CAUTION:
A crash can damage the restraint systems
in your vehicle. A damaged restraint system
may not properly protect the person using it,
resulting in serious injury or even death in
a crash. To help make sure your restraint
systems are working properly after a crash,
have them inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.
If you have had a crash, do you need new belts or
LATCH system parts?
After a very minor collision, nothing may be necessary.
But if the belts were stretched, as they would be if
worn during a more severe crash, then you need
new parts.
If the LATCH system was being used during a more
severe crash, you may need new LATCH system parts.If belts are cut or damaged, replace them. Collision
damage also may mean you will need to have LATCH
system, safety belt or seat parts repaired or replaced.
New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the belt
or LATCH system was not being used at the time of
the collision.
If an airbag inates, you will need to replace airbag
system parts. See the part on the airbag system earlier
in this section.
If the frontal airbags inate, you will also need to
replace the driver’s and right front passenger’s safety
belt buckle assembly. Be sure to do so. Then the
new buckle assembly will be there to help protect you
in a collision.
After a crash you may need to replace the driver and
front passenger’s safety belt buckle assemblies, even
if the frontal airbags have not deployed. The driver and
front passenger’s safety belt buckle assemblies
contain the safety belt pretensioners. Have your safety
belt pretensioners checked if your vehicle has been
in a collision, or if your airbag readiness light stays on
after you start your vehicle or while you are driving.
SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-63.
1-57

If further mirror adjustment is needed press the arrows
located on the outside mirror control pad. If the
outside mirror selector switch is in the middle position,
neither outside mirror will move.
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE (R), and a
ve-second delay has occurred, the mirror will return to
its original position. The delay prevents movement of
the mirror if multiple gear transitions REVERSE (R) to
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) to REVERSE (R) occur
during a parallel parking maneuver.
OnStar®System
OnStar®uses global positioning system (GPS) satellite
technology, wireless communications, and call centers
to provide you with a wide range of safety, security,
information, and convenience services.
A complete OnStar
®user’s guide and the terms and
conditions of the OnStar®Subscription Service
Agreement are included in the vehicle’s glove box
literature. For more information, visit www.onstar.com or
www.onstarcanada.com. Contact OnStar
®at
1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827), or press the
OnStar
®button to speak to an OnStar®advisor
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Terms and conditions of the Subscription Service
Agreement can be found at www.onstar.com or
www.onstarcanada.com.
OnStar®Services
The Directions and Connections Plan is included on
new vehicles for one year from the date of purchase.
The OnStar
®subscription can be extended for time
beyond the rst year to meet your needs. For more
information, press the OnStar
®button to speak with
an advisor.
Directions and Connections Plan

Advanced Automatic Collision Notication
Automatic Notication of Airbag Deployment
Emergency Services
Roadside Assistance
Stolen Vehicle Tracking
AccidentAssist
Remote Door Unlock/Vehicle Alert
Remote Diagnostics
Online Concierge
Driving Directions
RideAssist
Information and Convenience Services
2-39

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Power Tilt Wheel and Telescopic
Steering Column.........................................3-6
Heated Steering Wheel...................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-8
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-9
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System................3-9
Flash-to-Pass...............................................3-13
Windshield Wipers........................................3-13
Rainsense™ II Wipers...................................3-14
Windshield Washer.......................................3-15
Headlamp Washer........................................3-16
Cruise Control..............................................3-16
Adaptive Cruise Control.................................3-20
Headlamps..................................................3-33
Wiper Activated Headlamps............................3-37
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-37
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-38
Fog Lamps..................................................3-39
Twilight Sentinel
®..........................................3-40
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver........................3-41
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-41Entry Lighting...............................................3-42
Parade Dimming...........................................3-42
Reading Lamps............................................3-42
Battery Load Management.............................3-42
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver.....................3-43
Head-Up Display (HUD).................................3-43
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)............3-47
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-49
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-49
Climate Controls............................................3-50
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-50
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-56
Rear Climate Control System.........................3-57
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-58
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-60
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-61
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-62
Tachometer.................................................3-62
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-62
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-63
Charging System Light..................................3-64
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-64
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-65
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light....................3-66
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light......3-66
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the airbag symbol. The system
checks the airbag’s electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an electrical problem.
The system check includes the airbag sensors, the
airbag modules, the wiring and the diagnostic module.
For more information on the airbag system, see
Airbag System on page 1-45.
This light will come on
when you start your
vehicle, and it will ash
for a few seconds.
Then the light should go
out. This means the
system is ready.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you start
the vehicle or comes on when you are driving,
your airbag system may not work properly. Have your
vehicle serviced right away.{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you
start your vehicle, it means the airbag system
may not be working properly. The airbags in
your vehicle may not inate in a crash, or they
could even inate without a crash. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others, have your
vehicle serviced right away if the airbag
readiness light stays on after you start your
vehicle.
The airbag readiness light should ash for a few
seconds when you turn the vehicle on. If the light does
not come on then, have it xed so it will be ready to
warn you if there is a problem.
If there is a problem with the airbag system in your
vehicle, the Service airbag message will appear on the
DIC display. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-78for more information.
3-63

SERVICE AIR BAG
This message will display when there is a problem with
the airbag system. Have your vehicle serviced by
your GM dealer immediately. SeeAirbag Readiness
Light on page 3-63for more information.
SERVICE RADAR CRUISE
When this message displays, it means that the Adaptive
Cruise Control system is disabled and needs service.
See your GM dealer.
SERVICE STABILITY SYS (System)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a vehicle stability
enhancement system called StabiliTrak®.
SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-10. The SERVICE
STABILITY SYS message will display if there has
been a problem detected with StabiliTrak
®.
If the SERVICE STABILITY SYS message comes on
while you are driving, pull off the road as soon as
possible and stop carefully. Try resetting the system by
turning the ignition off then back on. If the SERVICE
STABILITY SYS message still stays on or comes back
on again while you are driving, your vehicle needs
service. Have the StabiliTrak
®System inspected by your
GM dealer as soon as possible.
SERVICE STEERING SYS (System)
Your vehicle may be equipped with a speed variable
assist steering system. SeeSteering on page 4-11.
The SERVICE STEERING SYS message will display if
a problem is detected with the speed variable assist
steering system. When this message is displayed, you
may notice that the effort required to steer the vehicle
increases or feels “heavier,” but you will still be able to
steer the vehicle.
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS (System)
This message will display when the suspension
system is not operating properly. Have your vehicle
serviced by your GM dealer.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
This message will display if the Tire Pressure
Monitor (TPM) system, if equipped, is not working
properly. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer
as soon as possible.
3-88

Doing Your Own Service Work
If you want to do some of your own service work, you
will want to use the proper service manual. It tells
you much more about how to service your vehicle than
this manual can. To order the proper service manual,
seeService Publications Ordering Information on
page 7-11.
Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to
do your own service work, seeServicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-56.
You should keep a record with all parts receipts and list
the mileage and the date of any service work you
perform. SeeMaintenance Record on page 6-15.{CAUTION:
You can be injured and your vehicle could be
damaged if you try to do service work on a
vehicle without knowing enough about it.
Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,
experience, the proper replacement parts,
and tools before you attempt any vehicle
maintenance task.
Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts, and
other fasteners. English and metric
fasteners can be easily confused. If you
use the wrong fasteners, parts can later
break or fall off. You could be hurt.
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle
Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle can
affect the airow around it. This may cause wind
noise and affect windshield washer performance. Check
with your dealer before adding equipment to the
outside of your vehicle.
5-4