2006 CADILLAC XLR V brake

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 6-35.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 6-22.
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 6-15.
3-70

NO FOB, OFF OR RUN?:When this message displays,
it means that the keyless access transmitter is not
detected inside the vehicle while you are trying to turn
the ignition off. Your vehicle may be near a strong
radio antenna signal causing the keyless access system
to be jammed. The vehicle will remain in ACC until off
or START has been pressed or ve minutes has
expired. If you turn the ignition off and you cannot nd
the keyless access transmitter, you will not be able
to restart the vehicle. The keyless access transmitter
needs to be inside of the vehicle in order for the vehicle
to start. SeeStarting the Engine on page 2-22for
more information.
OVER SPEED WARNING:This message is displayed
when the vehicle speed exceeds a certain limit as
required by some export countries. A chime will sound
when this message is displayed.
PRESS BRAKE TO START:The brake pedal must
be applied to start the vehicle. Make sure you are
pressing the brake pedal all the way down.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER:This message informs
you that the vehicle is reducing engine power because
the transmission is being placed in gear under conditions
that may cause damage to the vehicle’s engine,
transmission, or ability to accelerate. Reduced engine
power can affect the vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this
message is on, but there is no reduction in performance,
proceed to your destination.The performance may be reduced the next time the
vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven at a reduced
speed while this message is on, but acceleration and
speed may be reduced. Anytime this message stays on,
the vehicle should be taken to your GM dealer for service
as soon as possible.
RIGHT DOOR AJAR:The passenger’s door is open or
ajar when this message appears. The vehicle must
be running and the transmission not in PARK (P) for this
message to display. A chime will sound if the vehicle’s
speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).
SERVICE A/C:This message appears when the
electronic sensors that control the air conditioning and
heating systems are no longer working. Have the climate
control system serviced by your GM dealer if you
notice a drop in heating and air conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System):If the
SERVICE ABS message is displayed when you
are driving, stop as soon as possible and turn the
ignition off. Then start the engine again to reset the
system. If the message stays on, or comes back
on again while you are driving, your vehicle is in need
of service. See your GM dealer.
If the SERVICE ABS message is being displayed, your
Traction Control System and StabiliTrak
®System
will also be disabled.
3-73

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.
3-74

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

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

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic.
This is a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to
cool between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out
much faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you
keep pace with the traffic and allow realistic following
distances, you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking.
That means better braking and longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you are driving, brake
normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do,
the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist.
But you will use it when you brake. Once the power
assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications
on page 6-3.Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS),
an advanced electronic braking system that will
help prevent a braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
ABS will check itself. You may hear a momentary motor
or clicking noise while this test is going on, and you
may even notice that your brake pedal moves a
little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light will
stay on. SeeAnti-Lock
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-55.
5-7

Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.ABS can change the brake pressure faster than any
driver could. The computer is programmed to make the
most of available tire and road conditions. This can
help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As you brake, your computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls braking pressure
accordingly.
5-8