2006 CADILLAC STS hood open

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.
5-10

Hood Release
To open the hood, do the following:
1. Pull the hood release
lever with this symbol
on it. It is located inside
the vehicle on the lower
left side of the
instrument panel.
2. Then go to the front of the vehicle and nd the
secondary hood release lever. The lever is
located under the front edge of the grille near
the center. Move the release lever to the side and
raise the hood.
Before closing the hood, be sure all the ller caps are
on properly. Then pull the hood down and close it rmly.
5-11

After you have removed the sight shields (if equipped) on the 4.4L V8 STS-V engine, here is what you will see:
A. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-44.
B. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-106.
C. Passenger Compartment Air Filter. SeePassenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 3-55.
D. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-40.
E. Intercooler System Pressure Cap. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-26.
F. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-39.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-18.
H. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-18.I. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-41.
J. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap on page 5-30
andCooling System on page 5-32.
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-24.
If your vehicle is equipped with front compartment
underhood sight shields, before closing the hood be
sure to reinstall the sight shields. To reinstall the shields,
locate the tabs on the left and right sides and insert
them into the openings in the tower to tower brace.
Then insert the fasteners into the top of the shield and
push the fasteners back into place.
5-17

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.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-12for more
information on location.
Engine Overheating
You will nd an ENGINE COOLANT HOT IDLE
ENGINE, an ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE
and a CHECK COOLANT LEVEL message displayed in
the Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-79for more information.
There is also a coolant temperature gage and a coolant
warning light on the instrument panel. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-67andEngine
Coolant Temperature Warning Light on page 3-66
for more information.
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Just turn it off and get everyone away
from the vehicle until it cools down. Wait until
there is no sign of steam or coolant before you
open the hood.
If you keep driving when your engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re. You
or others could be badly burned. Stop your
engine if it overheats, and get out of the vehicle
until the engine is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode on page 5-31for information on driving to
a safe place in an emergency.
Notice:If your engine catches re because you keep
driving with no coolant, your vehicle can be badly
damaged. The costly repairs would not be covered by
your warranty. SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 5-31for information on
driving to a safe place in an emergency.
5-30

If No Steam Is Coming From
Your Engine
An overheat warning, along with a CHECK COOLANT
LEVEL message, can indicate a serious problem.
If you get an engine overheat warning with no CHECK
COOLANT LEVEL message, but see or hear no
steam, the problem may not be too serious. Sometimes
the engine can get a little too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer.
If you get the overheat warning with no sign of steam,
try this for a minute or so:
1. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in NEUTRAL (N)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the road,
shift to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) and let the
engine idle.
2. Set the climate controls to the highest heat setting
and fan speed and open the windows, as
necessary.
If you no longer have the overheat warning, you can
drive. Just to be safe, drive slower for about 10 minutes.
If the warning does not come back on, you can drive
normally.If the warning continues and you have not stopped,
pull over, stop, and park your vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, you can idle the engine
for three minutes while you are parked. If you still have
the warning, turn off the engine and get everyone out of
the vehicle until it cools down. Also, see “Overheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode” later in this section.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This operating mode allows your vehicle to be driven to
a safe place in an emergency. Should an overheated
engine condition exist, an overheat protection mode
which alternates ring groups of cylinders helps prevent
engine damage. In this mode, you will notice a loss
in power and engine performance. A low coolant and/or
engine overheat warning will indicate that an overheat
condition exists. Driving extended miles (km) and/or
towing a trailer in the overheat protection mode should
be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair the
cause of coolant loss and change the oil. SeeEngine
Oil on page 5-18.
5-31

Notice:If you leave your radio or other accessories
on during the jump starting procedure, they could
be damaged. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Always turn off your radio and
other accessories when jump starting your vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or the accessory power outlets. Turn off
the radio and all lamps that are not needed. This
will avoid sparks and help save both batteries.
And it could save the radio!
4. Open the hoods and locate the positive (+) and
negative (−) terminal locations of the other vehicle,
as well as the positive (+) terminal location on
your vehicle’s battery. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for more information on the
location of the battery.
5-46

Windshield Replacement
Keep in mind that your windshield is part of the Head-Up
Display (HUD) system. If you ever have to get your
windshield replaced, be sure to get one that is designed
for HUD or your HUD image may look blurred or out
of focus.
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wear
or cracking. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
It’s 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, seeNormal
Maintenance Replacement Parts on page 6-14.
STS-V models will automatically move the windshield
wipers to the park position if the hood is open.
Make sure the hood is closed before replacing your
windshield wiper blades.To replace the wiper blade assembly, do the following:
1. Pull the windshield wiper assembly away from
the windshield.
2. Squeeze the tabs on each side of the wiper blade
assembly and slide the assembly off the end of the
wiper arm.
5-55

(e)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 airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders. Lubricate all
hinges and latches, including those for the hood, rear
compartment, glove box door, and console door.
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.
(g)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the lter
may require replacement more often.
(h)Change automatic transmission uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as limousine service.
Uses such as high performance operation.(j)Drain, ush, and rell cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-26 for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap, and ller neck. Pressure test the
cooling system and pressure cap.
(k)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.
(l)Inspect throttle body bore and valve plates for
deposits. Open the throttle valve and inspect all
surfaces. Clean as required.
(m)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions,
inspect the lter at each engine oil change.
(n)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks,
or obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability, and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your GM Goodwrench
®dealer can assist you
with these checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
6-8