2005 CADILLAC XLR coolant temperature

Engine Coolant Heater
Your vehicle may be equipped with an engine
coolant heater.
In very cold weather, 0°F (−18°C) or colder, the engine
coolant heater can help. You will get easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Usually, the coolant heater should be plugged in a
minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle.
At temperatures above 32°F (0°C), use of the coolant
heater is not required.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The electrical cord is located on the driver’s side
of the engine compartment, in front of the engine
coolant surge tank.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause a re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will
not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could
be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead
of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you will be parking
your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice
for that particular area.
2-24

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......................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-9
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Rainsense™ Wipers......................................3-10
Windshield Washer.......................................3-12
Headlamp Washer........................................3-12
Cruise Control..............................................3-12
Adaptive Cruise Control.................................3-16
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-28
Wiper Activated Headlamps............................3-29
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-29
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-30
Fog Lamps..................................................3-31
Twilight Sentinel
®..........................................3-31
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver........................3-32
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-32
Courtesy Lamps...........................................3-33
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................3-33
Reading Lamps............................................3-33Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-33
Head-Up Display (HUD).................................3-34
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)............3-37
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-38
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-39
Climate Controls............................................3-40
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-40
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-45
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-45
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-46
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-46
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-48
Trip Odometer..............................................3-48
Tachometer.................................................3-48
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-48
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-49
Airbag Off Light............................................3-50
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-51
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-52
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-53
Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light......3-53
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-54
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-55
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-55
Engine Oil Pressure Gage.............................3-58
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

You can acknowledge this message by pressing the
RESET button. When the SERVICE STABILITRAK
message is displayed, the StabiliTrak
®system will not
assist you in controlling the vehicle. You should have the
system serviced as soon as possible. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
When the system is working, you will see the
STABILITRAK ACTIVE message displayed in the DIC.
You may also feel of hear the system working. This
is normal.
If you turn off the StabiliTrak
®system, by pressing the
front part of the button on the console for ve seconds,
the traction control system light will come on, a
chime will sound and the TRAC/STABILITRAK OFF
message will be displayed in the DIC. The Traction
Control System will also be turned off. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-64for more
information.
If the StabiliTrak
®system and Traction Control System
are turned off, pressing the console button momentarily
will turn both systems on. The DIC will display the
TRAC/STABILITRAK ON message, the instrument
cluster light will be off and a chime will sound. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-64for more
information.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
As the pointer nears 260°F (125°C), your engine coolant
temperature is high. A message may display on the
Driver Information Center (DIC) depending on how high
the temperature is. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-64for more information.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 6-23for more
information.United States
Canada
3-54

COOLANT OVER TEMP:This message will appear
when the engine coolant temperature is too hot.
Stop and allow your vehicle to idle in PARK (P) until it
cools down and the message is removed. Do not
increase engine speed above a normal idle. If it does
not cool down, turn off the engine and have it serviced
by your GM dealer before driving it again. Severe
engine damage can result from an overheated engine.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 6-23.
CRUISE NOT READY:This message indicates that
ACC will not activate due to a temporary condition. Your
vehicle does not require service. If this message
appears when you attempt to activate the system,
continue driving for several minutes then try again to
activate the system.
DRIVER NO. X (1 OR 2):This message will be
displayed when the vehicle is started or when there is a
change of driver. The message will show which driver
is activating the personalization feature. It will only
stay on for ve seconds.
ENGINE HOT, STOP ENGINE:This message will
appear when the engine has overheated. Stop and turn
the engine off immediately to avoid severe engine
damage. SeeEngine Overheating on page 6-23.A
multiple chime will also sound when this message
is displayed.ENGINE PROTECTION REDUCE ENGINE RPM:
If this message appears, the control system has
determined that continued operation at the existing
engine speed may lead to engine overheating.
Therefore, you should lower the engine speed by
upshifting the transmission or drive at a lower speed.
HEADLAMPS SUGGESTED:If it is dark enough
outside and the headlamps and Twilight Sentinel
®
controls are off, this message will display on the DIC.
This message informs the driver that turning on the
exterior lamps is recommended. It has become
dark enough outside to require the headlamps and/or
other exterior lamps. This message will also appear
if the optional Rainsense™ wiping feature is on and the
Twilight Sentinel
®is off.
HIGH TRANS TEMP:This message indicates that the
transaxle uid in your vehicle is too hot. Stop and
allow your vehicle to idle until it cools down or until this
message is removed.
3-65

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

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, seeService
Publications Ordering Information on page 8-12.
Notice:Use of automatic transmission uid labeled
other than DEXRON
®-III, Approved for the
H-Specication, may damage your vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered by your warranty.
Always use automatic transmission uid labeled
DEXRON
®-III, Approved for the H-Specication.Change both the uid and lter every 50,000 miles
(80 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one of
these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
High performance operation.
If you do not use your vehicle under one of these
conditions, change the uid and lter every
100,000 miles (166 000 km).
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 7-4for the proper
service intervals for the transmission uid and lter.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how
to add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating
on page 6-23.
6-20

A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL®coolant will:
Giving freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as
they should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-halfclean, drinkable waterand
one-half DEX-COOL®coolant which will not damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you do
not need to add anything else.
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
Notice:If you use an improper coolant mixture,
your engine could overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be covered by your
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and
other parts.
If you have to add coolant more than four times a year,
have your dealer check your cooling system.
Notice:If you use the proper coolant, you do not
have to add extra inhibitors or additives which claim
to improve the system. These can be harmful.
6-21

Adding Coolant
If you need more coolant, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixtureat the surge tank,but only when the
engine is cool.
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol,
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
When replacing the pressure cap, press down and turn
it clockwise (right) until you hear a clicking sound.
Make sure you fully install the cap.
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightly
secured.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 6-12for
information on location.
Engine Overheating
You will nd a COOLANT OVER TEMP message or an
ENGINE HOT, STOP ENGINE message displayed in the
Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-64. You will also hear a chime.
There is also an engine coolant temperature gage on the
instrument panel cluster. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Gage on page 3-54.
6-23