2006 CADILLAC STS transmission

DIC Controls and Displays
The Driver Information Center (DIC) has different modes
which can be accessed by pressing the four DIC
buttons located on the instrument panel, to the left of
the steering wheel.
DIC Buttons (Base Level)
If your vehicle does not
have a Head-Up Display
(HUD), these are the
buttons for your DIC.
«4ª(Information):Press the top or bottom of this
button to scroll through the available vehicle information
displays which include digital speed display, if your
vehicle has this feature, fuel range, fuel economy, fuel
used, average speed, timer, battery voltage, tire
pressure, if your vehicle has a tire pressure monitor
(TPM) system, and engine oil life, if your vehicle has
this feature.
If you have an STS-V, the DIC also has additional
vehicle information displays which include engine boost,
engine oil temperature, oil pressure, and transmission
uid temperature.
See “MPH (km)” later in this section for more information
on the digital speed display.
AB
300 (Trip Information):Press the top of this
button to scroll through the odometer, trip odometer A
and trip odometer B. Press and hold the bottom of
this button to reset each trip odometer back to zero.
4// (Reset):Press this button to reset certain DIC
features and to acknowledge DIC warning messages
and clear them from the DIC display.
EM (English/Metric):Press this button to change the
display from English to metric.
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ENGINE OIL LIFE
If your vehicle has this display, it shows the estimated
oil life remaining. If you see 99% ENGINE OIL LIFE
on the display, that means that 99% of the current oil
life remains.
When the oil life is depleted, the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message will appear on the display. You
should change your oil as soon as possible. In addition
to the engine oil life system monitoring the oil life,
additional maintenance is recommended in the
Maintenance Schedule in this manual. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4andEngine Oil on page 5-18.
After an oil change, reset the ENGINE OIL LIFE
display. To reset, seeEngine Oil Life System on
page 5-22. The display will show 100% ENGINE OIL
LIFE after it has been reset. Also clear the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message from the display.
ENGLISH DISPLAY UNITS (METRIC
DISPLAY UNITS)
This display allows you to select between English and
metric units of measurement if your vehicle has the
uplevel DIC. Press the reset button to switch between
English and metric units.
Blank Line
This display shows no information.
ENGINE BOOST (STS-V Only)
This display shows a graphic that indicates the amount
of boost the engine is receiving in either pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa).
ENGINE OIL TEMPERATURE (STS-V Only)
This display shows the engine oil temperature in
either degrees Fahrenheit (°F) or degrees Celsius (°C).
OIL PRESSURE (STS-V Only)
This display shows the oil pressure in either pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa).
TRANS (Transmission) FLUID TEMP
(Temperature) (STS-V Only)
This display shows the transmission uid temperature in
either degrees Fahrenheit (°F) or degrees Celsius (°C).
Trip Information Display Menu Items
The following display menu items can be displayed by
pressing the trip Information button.
Odometer
Press the trip information button until the odometer
appears on the DIC display. The odometer shows the
total distance the vehicle has been driven in either
miles (mi) or kilometers (km).
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SERVICE STABILITY SYS (System)
Your vehicle may have a vehicle stability enhancement
system called StabiliTrak®.
SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-11. 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 have a speed variable assist steering
system. SeeSteering on page 4-12.
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
If your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
system, this message will display if the TPM system is
not working properly. Have your vehicle serviced by
your GM dealer as soon as possible.
SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM
This message will display when there is a problem with
the hood open and closed switches. The switches may
need to be replaced. When this message is displayed,
the theft-deterrent system will still be protecting the
interior of the vehicle, however, the hood area will not be
protected at this time. Also, the remote start function will
not work when this message appears. See your
GM dealer for service.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message will display when there is a problem with
the transmission of your vehicle. Have your vehicle
serviced by your GM dealer.
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TRACTION ACTIVE
This message will display when the traction control
system is actively limiting wheel spin. Slippery
road conditions may exist if this message is displayed,
so adjust your driving accordingly. The message will
stay on for a few seconds after the traction control
system stops limiting wheel spin. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-9for more information.
TRANS (Transmission) HOT IDLE
ENGINE
This message will display when the transmission uid in
your vehicle is too hot. Stop the vehicle and allow it
to idle until the transmission cools down or until
this message is removed.
TRUNK OPEN
This symbol appears with
the TRUNK OPEN
message.
When this message displays, it means that the trunk
was not closed completely. You should make sure that
the trunk is closed completely.
TURN SIGNAL ON
If you drive your vehicle for more than about 1 mile
(1.6 km) with a turn signal on, this message will display
as a reminder to turn off the turn signal. A multiple
chime will sound when this message is displayed.
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Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject
to the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when
you turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia
will keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If
you have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you
will understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle
at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you
are in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.
Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control
systems — steering and acceleration — have to do
their work where the tires meet the road. Adding the
sudden acceleration can demand too much of those
places. You can lose control. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-9andStabiliTrak
®System
on page 4-11.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up on
the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you
want it to go, and slow down.Since your vehicle is equipped with StabiliTrak
®,
the system may be active. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-79andStabiliTrak
®System on
page 4-11.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds
are based on good weather and road conditions. Under
less favorable conditions you will want to go slower.
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach
a curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your
front wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
To help you steer in the direction you want to go, during
certain sharp or sudden cornering maneuvers, gear
selection is controlled. This will maximize the available
drive wheel torque and minimize the transmission
response time and shift activity. During this kind of
maneuver, the transmission shifts automatically
as vehicle speed changes.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 5-3.
4-13

If you drive regularly in steep country, or if you are
planning to visit there, here are some tips that can make
your trips safer and more enjoyable.
Keep your vehicle in good shape. Check all uid
levels and also the brakes, tires, cooling system,
and transmission. These parts can work hard
on mountain roads.
{CAUTION:
If you do not shift down, your brakes could get
so hot that they would not work well. You
would then have poor braking or even none
going down a hill. You could crash. Shift down
to let your engine assist your brakes on a
steep downhill slope.
{CAUTION:
Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the
ignition off is dangerous. Your brakes will have
to do all the work of slowing down. They could
get so hot that they would not work well.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
You would then have poor braking or even
none going down a hill. You could crash.
Always have your engine running and your
vehicle in gear when you go downhill.
Know how to go down hills. The most important
thing to know is this: let your engine do some of
the slowing down. Shift to a lower gear when you go
down a steep or long hill.
Know how to go uphill. You may want to shift down
to a lower gear. The lower gears help cool your
engine and transmission, and you can climb the
hill better.
Stay in your own lane when driving on two-lane
roads in hills or mountains. Do not swing wide
or cut across the center of the road. Drive at speeds
that let you stay in your own lane.
As you go over the top of a hill, be alert. There
could be something in your lane, like a stalled car
or an accident.
You may see highway signs on mountains that warn
of special problems. Examples are long grades,
passing or no-passing zones, a falling rocks area,
or winding roads. Be alert to these and take
appropriate action.
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Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little
faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator
slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get
and it keeps the battery charged. You will need a
well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly
for signaling later on with your headlamps. Let the
heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window almost all
the way to preserve the heat. Start the engine again and
repeat this only when you feel really uncomfortable from
the cold. But do it as little as possible. Preserve the fuel
as long as you can. To help keep warm, you can get out
of the vehicle and do some fairly vigorous exercises
every half hour or so until help comes.If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow
In order to free your vehicle when it is stuck, you will
need to spin the wheels, but you do not want to
spin your wheels too fast. The method known as rocking
can help you get out when you are stuck, but you
must use caution.
{CAUTION:
If you let your tires spin at high speed, they can
explode, and you or others could be injured.
And, the transmission or other parts of the
vehicle can overheat. That could cause an
engine compartment re or other damage.
When you are stuck, spin the wheels as little as
possible. Do not spin the wheels above 35 mph
(55 km/h) as shown on the speedometer.
Notice:Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of
your vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the
wheels too fast while shifting your transmission
back and forth, you can destroy your transmission.
For more information about using tire chains on your
vehicle, seeTire Chains on page 5-78.
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Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That
will clear the area around your front wheels. You should
turn your traction control system off. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-9. Then shift back
and forth between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. Release
the accelerator pedal while you shift, and press lightly
on the accelerator pedal when the transmission is
in gear. By slowly spinning your wheels in the forward
and reverse directions, you will cause a rocking
motion that may free your vehicle. If that does not get
you out after a few tries, you may need to be towed
out. If you do need to be towed out, seeTowing Your
Vehicle on page 4-37.
Loading Your Vehicle
It is very important to know how much weight your
vehicle can carry. This weight is called the vehicle
capacity weight and includes the weight of all occupants,
cargo, and all nonfactory-installed options. Two labels
on your vehicle show how much weight it may properly
carry, the Tire and Loading Information label and the
Certication label.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or either
the maximum front or rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on your
vehicle can break, and it can change the way
your vehicle handles. These could cause you
to lose control and crash. Also, overloading
can shorten the life of your vehicle.
4-32