2005 CADILLAC XLR check oil

Engine Oil Pressure Gage
The engine oil pressure gage shows the engine oil
pressure in psi (pounds per square inch) or kPa
(kilopascals) when the engine is running.
Oil pressure should be 20 to 80 psi (140 to 550 kPa).
In certain situations such as long, extended idles on hot
days, it could read as low as 6 psi (40 kPa) and still
be considered normal. It may vary with engine speed,
outside temperature and oil viscosity. The Driver
Information Center (DIC) may display messages
regarding the oil condition. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-64andEngine Oil on page 6-13.
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low. If
you do, your engine can become so hot that it
catches re. You or others could be burned.
Check your oil as soon as possible and have
your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance may
damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Always follow the
maintenance schedule in this manual for changing
engine oil. United States
Canada
3-58

DIC Warnings and Messages
These messages will appear if there is a problem
sensed in one of your vehicle’s systems. You must then
press RESET to clear the display screen for further
use. However, be sure to take any message that
appears on the display screen seriously and remember
that pressing the RESET button will only make the
message disappear, not the problem.
DIC messages can also be displayed in English,
French, German, Italian and Spanish.
ABS ACTIVE:When your anti-lock system is adjusting
brake pressure to help avoid a braking skid, the ABS
ACTIVE message will be displayed.
Slippery road conditions may exist if this message is
displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly. The
message may stay on for a few seconds after the
system stops adjusting brake pressure.
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE:This message is displayed
when the vehicle has detected that the battery voltage
is dropping beyond a reasonable point. The battery
saver system will start reducing certain features of the
vehicle that you may not be able to notice. At the
point that features are disabled, this message is
displayed. It means that the vehicle is trying to save the
charge in the battery. Turn off unnecessary accessories
to allow the battery to recharge.CHANGE OIL NOW:This means that the life of the
engine oil has expired. SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 7-4. After an oil change, the Oil Life Indicator
must be reset. SeeOil Life Indicator on page 3-77and
Engine Oil Life System on page 6-16.
CHARGE SYSTEM FAULT:This message will display
when a problem with the charging system has been
detected. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.
CHECK GAS CAP:This message will appear if the
gas cap has not been fully tightened. You should
recheck your gas cap to ensure that it is on properly.
CLEAN RADAR CRUISE:This message indicates the
ACC system is disabled because the radar is blocked and
cannot detect vehicles in your path. It may also activate
during heavy rain or due to road spray. To clean the
system, see “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)” underTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
CLOSE CARGO DIVIDER:This message indicates that
the cargo divider is not in place. Open the trunk and
make sure the cargo divider is secure and no objects are
on the divider. SeeRear Storage Area on page 2-44
for more information.
3-64

HIGH VOLTAGE:This message shows that the
electrical charging system is overcharging. To avoid
being stranded, have the electrical system checked by
your GM dealer. You can reduce the charging
overload by using the accessories. Turn on the lamps
and radio, set the climate control on AUTO and the
fan speed on HI, and turn the rear window defogger on.
You can monitor battery voltage on the DIC by
pressing the information button. The normal range is
11.5 to 15.5 volts when the engine is running.
HOT ENGINE–A/C OFF:This message displays when
the engine coolant becomes hotter than the normal
operating temperature. To avoid added strain on a hot
engine, the air conditioning compressor is automatically
turned off. When the coolant temperature returns to
normal, the A/C operation will automatically resume. You
can continue to drive your vehicle. If this message
continues to appear, have the system repaired by
your GM dealer as soon as possible to avoid
compressor damage.
ICE POSSIBLE:This message appears when the
outside air temperature is cold enough to create icy road
conditions.
LEFT DOOR AJAR:This message will display anytime
the vehicle engine is running, the transmission is not
in PARK (P) and the driver’s door is open or ajar.
A chime will sound when the vehicle’s speed is greater
than 3 mph (4.8 km/h).LOW BRAKE FLUID:This message will display if the
vehicle is running to inform the driver that the brake
uid level is low. Have the brake system serviced
by your GM dealer as soon as possible. See “Brake
Fluid” underBrakes on page 6-33.
LOW COOLANT:This message will appear when there
is a low level of engine coolant. Have the cooling
system serviced by your GM dealer as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Coolant on page 6-20.
LOW FUEL:This message will appear when the fuel
supply is less than 5 gallons (18.9 L) and the display is
turned off. A single chime will also sound when this
message is displayed.
LOW OIL LEVEL:For correct operation of the low oil
sensing system, your vehicle should be on a level
surface. A false LOW OIL LEVEL message may appear if
the vehicle is parked on a grade. The oil level sensing
system does not check for actual oil level if the engine
has been off for a short period of time, and the oil level is
never checked while the engine is running. If the LOW
OIL LEVEL message appears, and your vehicle has been
parked on level ground with the engine off for at least
30 minutes, the oil level should be checked by observing
the oil dipstick. Prior to checking the oil level, be sure the
engine has been off for a few minutes and your vehicle is
on a level surface. Then check the dipstick and add oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 6-13.
3-66

LOW OIL PRESSURE:If this message appears while
the engine is running, stop the engine and do not
operate it until the cause of low oil pressure is corrected.
Severe damage to the engine can result. A multiple
chime will sound when this message is displayed.
LOW VOLTAGE:This message will appear when the
electrical system is charging less than 10 volts or if
the battery has been drained. If this message appears
immediately after starting, it is possible that the
generator can still recharge the battery. The battery
should recharge while driving but may take a few hours
to do so. Consider using an auxiliary charger (be
sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions) to boost
the battery after returning home or to a nal destination.
If this message appears while driving or after starting
your vehicle and stays on, have it checked immediately
by your GM dealer to determine the cause of this
problem. To help the generator recharge the battery
quickly, you can reduce the load on the electrical system
by turning off the accessories. You can monitor battery
voltage on the DIC by pressing the INFO button.
The normal range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts.
LOW WASHER FLUID:This message means that your
vehicle is low on windshield washer uid. See
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 6-32.MAX SPEED XX MPH (XX KM/H):A failure in the
magnetic ride control system has occurred when this
message appears. The Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) determines the speed to which your vehicle is
limited. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer if
this message appears.
NO FOB DETECTED:This message is displayed if the
vehicle does not detect the presence of a keyless
access transmitter when you have attempted to start the
vehicle or a vehicle door has just closed. The following
conditions may cause this message to appear:
Driver-added equipment, such as two-way radios or
power inverters, is causing interference. Try moving
the keyless access transmitter away from these
devices when starting the vehicle.
The vehicle is experiencing Electro-Magnetic
Interference (EMI). Some locations, such as airports
or some gas stations, have EMI elds which may
interfere with your keyless access transmitter. If
moving the transmitter to different locations within the
vehicle does not help, place the transmitter in the
glove box transmitter pocket with the buttons facing
to the right and then press the START button.
3-67

Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do
not, under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive
on to the next exit.
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 — such as after
a day’s work — 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 inated 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?
5-22

Service............................................................6-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................6-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................6-5
Fuel................................................................6-5
Gasoline Octane............................................6-5
Gasoline Specications....................................6-5
California Fuel...............................................6-5
Additives.......................................................6-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................6-6
Filling Your Tank............................................6-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................6-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................6-10
Hood Release..............................................6-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................6-12
Engine Oil...................................................6-13
Engine Oil Life System..................................6-16
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................6-18
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................6-20
Engine Coolant.............................................6-20
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................6-23
Engine Overheating.......................................6-23
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................6-25
Cooling System............................................6-26
Power Steering Fluid.....................................6-31Windshield Washer Fluid................................6-32
Brakes........................................................6-33
Battery........................................................6-36
Jump Starting...............................................6-37
Rear Axle.......................................................6-41
Headlamp Aiming...........................................6-42
Headlamp Vertical Aiming..............................6-43
Bulb Replacement..........................................6-44
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............6-45
Tires..............................................................6-46
Tire Sidewall Labelling...................................6-47
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................6-49
Run-Flat Tires..............................................6-52
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................6-53
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................6-55
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................6-57
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................6-58
Buying New Tires.........................................6-58
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................6-59
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................6-61
Wheel Replacement......................................6-61
Tire Chains..................................................6-63
Lifting Your Vehicle.......................................6-64
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................6-68
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
6-1

Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States
are now required to contain additives that will help
prevent engine and fuel system deposits from forming,
allowing your emission control system to work properly. In
most cases, you should not have to add anything to your
fuel. However, some gasolines contain only the minimum
amount of additive required to meet U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency regulations. General Motors
recommends that you buy gasolines that are advertised
to help keep fuel injectors and intake valves clean. If your
vehicle experiences problems due to dirty injectors or
valves, try a different brand of gasoline. Also, your GM
dealer has additives that will help correct and prevent
most deposit-related problems.
Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and
ethanol, and reformulated gasolines may be available in
your area to contribute to clean air. General Motors
recommends that you use these gasolines, particularly if
they comply with the specications described earlier.
Notice:Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that
contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in your fuel
system and also damage the plastic and rubber
parts. That damage would not be covered under
your warranty.Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions may contain an octane-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant where you buy
gasoline whether the fuel contains MMT. General Motors
does not recommend the use of such gasolines.
Fuels containing MMT can reduce the life of spark plugs
and the performance of the emission control system
may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp
may turn on. If this occurs, return to your authorized
GM dealer for service.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard
to nd. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel
not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper fuel would not
be covered by your warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in the
country where you will be driving.
6-6

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.
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.
{CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts
and start a re. These include liquids like fuel,
oil, coolant, brake uid, windshield washer and
other uids, and plastic or rubber. You or
others could be burned. Be careful not to drop
or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.
6-10