2006 CADILLAC XLR traction control

The Driver Information Center will scroll three messages:
SERVICE ABS, SERVICE TRACTION SYS and
SERVICE STABILITRAK, and the anti-lock brake system
and traction control warning lights on the instrument
panel cluster will be illuminated. SeeAnti-Lock Brake
System Warning Light on page 3-55andTraction
Control System (TCS) Warning Light on page 3-56. The
driver can acknowledge these messages by pressing
the RESET button three times. When the service
message is displayed, the computer controlled systems
will not assist the driver and you should have the
system repaired by your GM dealer as soon as possible.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
SERVICE AFS LAMPS:This message indicates that
the Adaptive Forward Lighting System (AFS) is disabled
and needs service. See your GM dealer. SeeAdaptive
Forward Lighting System on page 3-31for more
information.
SERVICE ELECT (Electrical) SYSTEM:This message
will display if an electrical problem has occurred within
the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). Have your vehicle
serviced by your GM dealer.
SERVICE FUEL SYSTEM:The Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) has detected a problem within the
fuel system when this message appears. Have your
vehicle serviced by your GM dealer. This message will
also be displayed when the cluster is not getting
fuel information from the PCM.SERVICE RADAR CRUISE:If your vehicle has this
feature, this message indicates that the Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) system is disabled and needs service.
See your GM dealer.
SERVICE RIDE CONTROL:This message indicates
there is a problem with the Magnetic Ride Control
System. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.
SERVICE TRACTION SYS (System):This message
indicates there is a problem with the Traction Control
System (TCS). Have your vehicle serviced by your
GM dealer.
SERVICE STABILITRAK:If this message appears,
it means there may be a problem with your stability
enhancement system. If you see this message, try to
reset the system. Stop, turn off the engine, then start the
engine again. If the SERVICE STABILITRAK message
still comes on, it means there is a problem. You should
see your GM dealer for service. Reduce your speed and
drive accordingly. A single chime will also sound when
this message is displayed.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION:This message indicates
that there is a problem with the transmission. Have your
vehicle serviced by your GM dealer.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON:This message is displayed
when a non-emissions related powertrain malfunction
occurs. Have your vehicle serviced by your GM dealer
as soon as possible.
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SHIFT TO PARK:This message indicates that the
vehicle is not in PARK (P) when the engine is being
turned off. The vehicle will be in accessory mode. Once
the shifter is moved to PARK (P), the vehicle will turn off.
STABILITRAK ACTIVE:You may see the
STABILITRAK ACTIVE message on the DIC. It means
that an advanced, computer-controlled system has
come on to help your vehicle continue to go in
the direction in which you are steering. This stability
enhancement system activates when the computer
senses that your vehicle is just starting to spin, as it
might if you hit a patch of ice or other slippery spot
on the road. When the system is on, you may hear
a noise or feel a vibration in the brake pedal.
This is normal.
When the STABILITRAK ACTIVE message is on, you
should continue to steer in the direction you want to go.
The system is designed to help you in bad weather
or other difficult driving situations by making the
most of whatever road conditions will permit. If the
STABILITRAK ACTIVE message comes on, you will
know that something has caused your vehicle to start to
spin, so you should consider slowing down. A single
chime will also sound when this message is displayed.
STABILITRAK READY:If this message appears
and a chime sounds, the system has completed the
functional check of the StabiliTrak
®System.STABILITRAK WARMING:When you rst start your
vehicle and drive away, especially during cold winter
weather, the STABILITRAK WARMING message may
be displayed in the DIC along with a chime and the
traction control warning light. This is normal. You can
acknowledge this message by pressing the RESET
button. The StabiliTrak
®performance is affected until the
STABILITRAK READY message is displayed in the
DIC, which can take up to 15 minutes.
SVC (Service) TIRE MONITOR:If this message comes
on, a part on the Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) is not
working properly. If you drive your vehicle while any of the
four sensors are missing or inoperable, the warning will
come on in approximately 10 minutes. If all four sensors
are missing, the warning will come on in approximately
15 to 20 minutes. All the sensors would be missing, for
example, if you put different wheels on your vehicle
without transferring the sensors. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPM.
See your GM dealer.
TOOCOLDTOMOVETOP:This message will display
when the retractable hardtop button is pressed and the
hardtop pump motor temperature is below−4°F (−20°C).
Wait for the hardtop pump motor to warm up before using
the retractable hardtop.
3-75

TOP INOP (Inoperative) – VALET ON:This message
will display when the retractable hardtop button is
pressed and the valet switch is on. Turn off the valet
switch before using the retractable hardtop.
TOP INOP (Inoperative) OUT OF PARK:This
message will display if the retractable hardtop button is
pressed while the vehicle is not in PARK (P).
TOP MOTOR OVER TEMP (Temperature):This
message will display when the retractable hardtop button
is pressed and the hardtop pump motor temperature
is over 221°F (105°C). Wait for the hardtop pump motor
to cool down before using the retractable hardtop.
TOP NOT SECURE:This message will display when
the retractable hardtop button is released before the top
open or close operation is complete. Press and hold the
retractable hardtop button to fully open or close the top.
TRAC (Traction) SYSTEM ACTIVE:When your
traction control system is limiting wheel spin, the
TRACTION SYSTEM ACTIVE message will be
displayed. Slippery road conditions may exist if this
message is displayed, so adjust your driving accordingly.
This message will stay on for a few seconds after the
traction control system stops limited wheel spin.TRAC (Traction)/STABILITRAK OFF:This message
indicates that both the Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak
®are off. The message will remain
until the systems are turned on again.
TRAC (Traction)/STABILITRAK ON:This message
indicates that both the Traction Control System
(TCS) and the StabiliTrak
®are on.
TRACTION SYSTEM OFF:This message indicates
that the Traction Control System (TCS) is off but
StabiliTrak
®remains on.
TRACTION SYSTEM ON:This message indicates that
the Traction Control System (TCS) is on.
TRUNK AJAR:This message indicates that the trunk is
open while the vehicle is running and not in PARK (P).
WAIT FOR STABILITRAK:This message will be
displayed after driving 19 mph (30 km/h) for 10 seconds
if the steering is not centered. StabiliTrak
®is not
available until the steering centers itself and the
STABILITRAK READY message is displayed in the DIC.
3-76

Trip Computer
Oil Life Indicator
This feature lets you know when to change the engine
oil. It is based on the engine oil temperatures and
your driving patterns.
To see the display, press the information button
several times until OIL LIFE appears. If you see 99%
OIL LIFE, 99 percent of your current oil life remains.
The DIC may display a CHANGE OIL NOW message.
If you see CHANGE OIL NOW, it means the oil life
is gone. For more information, seeScheduled
Maintenance on page 7-4andEngine Oil on page 6-15.
When the oil is changed, you will need to reset the
system. SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 6-18.
Always keep a written record of the mileage and date
when you changed your oil.
Audio System(s)
Determine which radio your vehicle has and then read the
pages following to familiarize yourself with its features.
Driving without distraction is a necessity for a safer
driving experience. SeeDefensive Driving on page 5-2.
By taking a few moments to read this manual and get
familiar with your vehicle’s audio system, you can use it
with less effort, as well as take advantage of its features.
While your vehicle is parked, set up your audio system by
presetting your favorite radio stations, setting the tone
and adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite stations
using the presets and steering wheel controls if the
vehicle has them.
{CAUTION:
This system provides you with a far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and you
or others can be injured or killed. Always keep
your eyes on the road and your mind on the
drive — avoid engaging in extended searching
while driving.
3-82

Keeping your mind on the drive is important for safe
driving. For more information, seeDefensive Driving
on page 5-2.
Here are some ways in which you can help avoid
distraction while driving.
While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to your
vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player, CB
radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make sure
that it can be added by checking with your dealer.
Also, check federal rules covering mobile radio and
telephone units. If sound equipment can be added,
it is very important to do it properly. Added sound
equipment may interfere with the operation of your
vehicle’s engine, radio, or other systems, and even
damage them. Your vehicle’s systems may interfere
with the operation of sound equipment that has
been added.Your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system can be
played even after the ignition is turned off. SeeRetained
Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-22for more
information.
Theft-Deterrent Feature
THEFTLOCK®is designed to discourage theft of
your vehicle’s radio. The feature works automatically
by learning a portion of the Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN). If the radio is moved to a different
vehicle, it will not operate. If the radio is removed
from your vehicle, the original VIN in the radio can
be used to trace the radio back to your vehicle.
With THEFTLOCK
®activated, the radio will not
operate if stolen.
3-83

Canceling Your Current Route
Guidance will be canceled once you arrive at your nal
destination. To cancel the current route prior to
arrival at the nal destination, do the following:
1. Press the ROUTE hard key.
2. Press the Route Preference screen button.
3. Press the Cancel Route screen button.
4. Press the Yes screen button to conrm cancellation.
Guidance Volume
To adjust the volume of voice guidance prompts, do the
following:
1. Press the MENU hard key.
2. Press the ON screen button to turn voice volume on.
3. Select the desired volume or select the OFF screen
button. The system will play back the new volume
level.
See “Voice Guidance Volume Settings” underSetup
Menu on page 4-13for more information.
Features and Controls
Using the Navigation System
This section presents basic information you will need to
know to operate the navigation system.
Use the keys located on each side of the navigation
screen, as well as the available touch-sensitive screen
buttons, to operate the system. SeeNavigation System
Overview on page 4-2for more information on location.
Once the vehicle is moving, various functions will be
disabled to reduce driver distraction.
Hard Keys
The following hard keys are located to the left of the
navigation screen:
BAND:Press the BAND key to access the band screen
and switch between AM, FM1, FM2, XM1, XM2, and
WX, if equipped. See “Finding a Station” under
Navigation Audio System on page 4-51.
CD:Press the CD key to play a CD. The CD screen
will be displayed. SeeSix-Disc CD Changer on
page 4-66orCD/DVD Player on page 4-69.
4-10

Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........5-2
Defensive Driving...........................................5-2
Drunken Driving.............................................5-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................5-6
Braking.........................................................5-6
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS).........................5-7
Braking in Emergencies...................................5-9
Traction Control System (TCS).........................5-9
Magnetic Ride Control...................................5-11
Limited-Slip Rear Axle...................................5-11
StabiliTrak
®System......................................5-11
Steering......................................................5-13
Off-Road Recovery.......................................5-15
Passing.......................................................5-16
Loss of Control.............................................5-17
Racing or Other Competitive Driving (XLR-V). . . .5-18
Driving at Night............................................5-19Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................5-20
City Driving..................................................5-22
Freeway Driving...........................................5-23
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................5-24
Highway Hypnosis........................................5-25
Hill and Mountain Roads................................5-26
Winter Driving..............................................5-27
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.............................................5-32
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................5-32
Loading Your Vehicle....................................5-33
Towing..........................................................5-37
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................5-37
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................5-37
Towing a Trailer...........................................5-37
Section 5 Driving Your Vehicle
5-1

Control of a Vehicle
You have three systems that make your vehicle go where
you want it to go. They are the brakes, the steering, and
the accelerator. All three systems have to do their work
at the places where the tires meet the road.
Sometimes, as when you are driving on snow or ice,
it is easy to ask more of those control systems than the
tires and road can provide. That means you can lose
control of your vehicle. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 5-9andStabiliTrak
®System on
page 5-11.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 6-3.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-54.
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal.
That is perception time. Then you have to bring up your
foot and do it. That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
your vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement
or gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is
wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the condition of your brakes;
the weight of the vehicle; and the amount of brake
force applied.
5-6