2006 CADILLAC STS engine warning light

Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build
up under your tires that they can actually ride on
the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough
and you are going fast enough. When your vehicle
is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.
Hydroplaning does not happen often. But it can if
your tires do not have much tread or if the pressure in
one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is
standing on the road. If you can see reections
from trees, telephone poles, or other vehicles, and
raindrops dimple the water’s surface, there could be
hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There
just is not a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.
The best advice is to slow down when it is raining.
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
Notice:If you drive too quickly through deep
puddles or standing water, water can come in
through your engine’s air intake and badly damage
your engine. Never drive through water that is
slightly lower than the underbody of your vehicle.
If you cannot avoid deep puddles or standing water,
drive through them very slowly.
Driving Through Flowing Water
{CAUTION:
Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.
If you try to drive through owing water, as you
might at a low water crossing, your vehicle can
be carried away. As little as six inches of
owing water can carry away a smaller vehicle.
If this happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not ignore police
warning signs, and otherwise be very cautious
about trying to drive through owing water.
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, allow some extra following
distance. And be especially careful when you
pass another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear
room ahead, and be prepared to have your
view restricted by road spray.
Have good tires with proper tread depth. SeeTires
on page 5-56.
4-21

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle..............................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-18
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-22
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-24
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-26
Engine Coolant.............................................5-26
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-30
Engine Overheating.......................................5-30
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-31Cooling System............................................5-32
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-39
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-40
Brakes........................................................5-41
Battery........................................................5-44
Jump Starting...............................................5-45
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-50
Rear Axle.......................................................5-51
Front Axle......................................................5-52
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-53
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............5-53
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-53
Back-Up Lamps............................................5-54
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-54
Windshield Replacement.................................5-55
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-55
Tires..............................................................5-56
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-58
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-60
Run-Flat Tires (STS-V)..................................5-63
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-64
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-66
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-70
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-71
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
The Engine Oil Life System calculates when to change
your engine oil and lter based on vehicle use. Anytime
your oil is changed, reset the system so it can calculate
when the next oil change is required. If a situation occurs
where you change your oil prior to a CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message in the DIC being turned on, reset
the system.
After the oil has been changed, the CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message must be reset. To reset the
message use the following procedure:
1. Press the up or down arrow to scroll the DIC to
show OIL LIFE.
2. Once the XXX% ENGINE OIL LIFE menu item is
highlighted, press and hold the RESET button until
the percentage shows 100%.
If the percentage does not return to 100% or if the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message comes
back on when you start your vehicle, the engine oil
life system has not reset. Repeat the procedure.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good
hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or
rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer’s
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
lter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it in
the trash, pouring it on the ground, into sewers, or into
streams or bodies of water. Instead, recycle it by taking it
to a place that collects used oil. If you have a problem
properly disposing of your used oil, ask your dealer, a
service station, or a local recycling center for help.
5-23

Automatic Transmission Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
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 the dealership
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 the dealership
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 7-14.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage your vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by your warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in
Additional Required Services on page 6-6, and be sure
to use the uid listed inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-12.
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 5-30.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give 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 the rst maintenance
service after each 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.
5-26

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

A
Accessories and Modications............................ 5-3
Accessory Power Outlet(s)...............................3-46
Adaptive Cruise Control...................................3-19
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle.......................................................1-63
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Electrical Equipment...........................5-104
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-24
Air Conditioning..............................................3-48
Airbag
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-61
Readiness Light..........................................3-60
Airbag Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM)...... 7-8
Airbag System................................................1-49
Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle...................................................1-63
How Does an Airbag Restrain?......................1-57
Passenger Sensing System...........................1-59
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle..........1-63
What Makes an Airbag Inate?......................1-57
What Will You See After an Airbag Inates?....1-57
When Should an Airbag Inate?....................1-55
Where Are the Airbags?...............................1-52
All-Wheel Drive...............................................5-50
All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) System.........................4-12
Antenna, Diversity Antenna System..................3-122Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio
Antenna System........................................3-122
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)........................... 4-7
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-65
Appearance Care
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-99
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-97
Chemical Paint Spotting..............................5-101
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-98
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-94
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-96
Finish Care.................................................5-98
Finish Damage..........................................5-101
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-97
Leather......................................................5-96
Sheet Metal Damage..................................5-100
Speaker Covers..........................................5-97
Tires........................................................5-100
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-101
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials...............5-102
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-98
Weatherstrips..............................................5-97
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-99
Wood Panels..............................................5-97
Ashtray(s)......................................................3-47
Audio System(s).............................................3-94
Audio Steering Wheel Controls....................3-119
Care of Your CD Player..............................3-122
1

Chains, Tire...................................................5-78
Charging System Light....................................3-63
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-67
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-101
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-32
Infants and Young Children...........................1-29
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-37
Older Children.............................................1-26
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Seat Position...................................1-44
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-46
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-36
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-47
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels..............5-99
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................5-98
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-96
Finish Care.................................................5-98
Inside of Your Vehicle..................................5-94
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-97
Leather......................................................5-96
Speaker Covers..........................................5-97
Tires........................................................5-100
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-101Cleaning (cont.)
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-98
Weatherstrips..............................................5-97
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................5-99
Wood Panels..............................................5-97
Climate Control System
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment.................3-55
Dual ..........................................................3-48
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-54
Rear ..........................................................3-54
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-10
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belt.....................1-23
Compact Spare Tire........................................5-94
Compass.................................................1-7, 2-42
Competitive Driving.........................................4-18
Competitive Driving Mode................................4-10
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-6
Convenience Net............................................2-51
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-67
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-66
Heater, Engine............................................2-27
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-30
Cooling System..............................................5-32
Cruise Control................................................3-16
Cruise Control, Adaptive..................................3-19
Cruise Control, Forward Collision Alert (FAC)
System........................................................ 3-9
Cruise Control Light........................................3-72
3

Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-24
Battery.......................................................5-44
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-67
Coolant......................................................5-26
Coolant Heater............................................2-27
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-67
Coolant Temperature Warning Light................3-66
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-15
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-39
Oil .............................................................5-18
Oil Life System...........................................5-22
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-31
Overheating................................................5-30
Starting......................................................2-25
Entry Lighting.................................................3-39
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................. 7-8
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-26
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver..........................3-38
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-24
Finish Damage.............................................5-101
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-12
Flat Tire........................................................5-81
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-83
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-92
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-26
Power Steering...........................................5-39
Windshield Washer......................................5-40
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-71
Fog Lamps ....................................................3-37
Forward Collision Alert (FAC) System.................. 3-9
Front Axle......................................................5-52
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................5-10
Filling Your Tank........................................... 5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 5-7
Gage .........................................................3-72
Gasoline Octane........................................... 5-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 5-6
Fuses
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-105
Rear Underseat Fuse Block.........................5-110
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-106
Windshield Wiper.......................................5-104
5