2007 CADILLAC SRX instrument panel

Tow/Haul Mode
Tow/haul is designed to assist while your vehicle
is pulling a large or heavy load or trailer.
Tow/haul is most useful while pulling such a load
in rolling terrain, in stop-and-go traffic, or when
you need improved low-speed control, such
as when parking. The purpose of the tow/haul
mode is to do the following:
Reduce the frequency and improve the
predictability of transmission shifts when
pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load.
Provide the same solid shift feel when pulling a
heavy trailer or a large or heavy load as when
the vehicle is unloaded.
Improve control of vehicle speed while
requiring less throttle pedal activity when
pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavy load.
Tow/haul is designed to be most effective
when the vehicle and trailer combined weight is at
least 75 percent of the vehicle’s Gross
Combination Weight Rating (GCWR). See “Weight
of the Trailer” later in this section.Press this button,
located on the console,
to enable/disable the
tow/haul mode.
A light on the instrument
panel will illuminate to
indicate that tow/haul
mode has been
selected.
The vehicle will automatically turn off tow/haul
every time it is started.
Driving with tow/haul activated without a heavy
load or with no trailer will cause reduced fuel
economy and unpleasant engine and transmission
driving characteristics, but will not cause
damage.
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Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead
as you would when driving your vehicle without
a trailer. This can help you avoid situations
that require heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You’ll need more passing distance up ahead when
you’re towing a trailer. And, because you’re a
good deal longer, you’ll need to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before you can
return to your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one
hand. Then, to move the trailer to the left,
just move that hand to the left. To move the trailer
to the right, move your hand to the right. Always
back up slowly and, if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to come in
contact with the vehicle. Your vehicle could be
damaged. Avoid making very sharp turns while
trailering.
When you’re turning with a trailer, make wider
turns than normal. Do this so your trailer
won’t strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs,
trees or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
When you tow a trailer, your vehicle may need a
different turn signal asher and/or extra wiring.
Check with your dealer. The arrows on your
instrument panel will ash whenever you signal a
turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the
trailer lamps will also ash, telling other drivers
you’re about to turn, change lanes or stop.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on your
instrument panel will ash for turns even if the bulbs
on the trailer are burned out. Thus, you may think
drivers behind you are seeing your signal when
they are not. It’s important to check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still working.
339

Tires............................................................ 398
Winter Tires.............................................. 400
Tire Sidewall Labeling............................... 401
Tire Terminology and Denitions............... 404
Ination - Tire Pressure............................. 407
High-Speed Operation............................... 409
Tire Pressure Monitor System................... 410
Tire Inspection and Rotation...................... 414
When It Is Time for New Tires.................. 416
Buying New Tires...................................... 416
Different Size Tires and Wheels................ 418
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..................... 419
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance............ 420
Wheel Replacement.................................. 421
Tire Chains............................................... 422
If a Tire Goes Flat.................................... 423
Changing a Flat Tire................................. 424
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools.......... 426
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire....................................... 429
Secondary Latch System........................... 436
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools...... 439
Compact Spare Tire.................................. 442Appearance Care........................................ 443
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.......... 443
Fabric/Carpet............................................. 445
Leather...................................................... 446
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces..................................... 446
Wood Panels............................................. 447
Speaker Covers........................................ 447
Care of Safety Belts.................................. 447
Weatherstrips............................................ 447
Washing Your Vehicle............................... 447
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses................ 448
Finish Care............................................... 448
Windshield and Wiper Blades.................... 449
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels......... 449
Tires......................................................... 450
Sheet Metal Damage................................. 450
Finish Damage.......................................... 451
Underbody Maintenance............................ 451
Chemical Paint Spotting............................ 451
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials............ 452
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
344

Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part
of the proper maintenance of your vehicle. To
help keep your engine clean and maintain optimum
vehicle performance, GM recommends the use
of gasoline advertised as TOP TIER Detergent
Gasoline.
The 8th digit of your Vehicle Identication Number
(VIN) shows the code letter or number that
identies your engine. You will nd the VIN at the
top left of the instrument panel. SeeVehicle
Identication Number (VIN) on page 453.
Gasoline Octane
If your vehicle has the 3.6L V6 engine
(VIN Code 7), use regular unleaded gasoline
with a posted octane rating of 87 or higher. For best
performance or trailer towing, you may choose to
use middle grade 89 octane unleaded gasoline.If the octane rating is less than 87, you may notice
an audible knocking noise when you drive,
commonly referred to as spark knock. If this occurs,
use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon
as possible. If you are using gasoline rated at
87 octane or higher and you hear heavy knocking,
your engine needs service.
If your vehicle has the 4.6L V8 engine (VIN Code
A), use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted
octane rating of 91 or higher. You may also use
regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher, but your vehicle’s acceleration may be
slightly reduced, and you may notice a slight
audible knocking noise, commonly referred to as
spark knock. If the octane is less than 87, you may
notice a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If
this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might
damage your engine. If you are using gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear heavy
knocking, your engine needs service.
349

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.
355

Engine Overheating
There are two engine hot messages that could be
displayed in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 220
for more information.
If the engine is overheating, then you will nd a
coolant temperature gage and a coolant warning
light on the instrument panel. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Gage on page 207and
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light on
page 206for 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. Turn
it off and get everyone away from the
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
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 the vehicles
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 374for
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. See
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
on page 374for information on driving to a
safe place in an emergency.
372

Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses
radio and sensor technology to check tire pressure
levels. If your vehicle has this feature, sensors
are mounted on each tire and wheel assembly,
except for the compact spare tire and wheel. The
TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in your
vehicle’s tires and transmit the tire pressure
readings to a receiver located in the vehicle. The
TPMS is designed to alert the driver if a low
pressure condition exists.
Using the Driver Information Center (DIC), the
driver can also check tire pressure levels using the
DIC. For additional information and details about
the DIC operation and displays seeDIC Controls
and Displays on page 215andDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 220.When a low tire pressure condition is detected,
the TPMS illuminates the low tire pressure warning
symbol located in the instrument panel cluster,
and at the same time a DIC message to check the
pressure in a specic tire also appears on the
DIC display. The low tire pressure warning symbol
and the CHECK TIRE PRESSURE message on
the DIC display appear at each ignition cycle until
the tires are inated to the correct ination
pressure.
You may notice, during cooler weather conditions,
the low tire pressure warning light and DIC
warning message may come on when the vehicle
is rst started, and then turn off as you start to
drive. This could be an early indicator that the air
pressure in the tire(s) is getting low and needs
to be inated to the proper pressure.
410

Leather
A soft cloth dampened with water may be used to
remove dust. If a more thorough cleaning is
necessary, a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap
solution can be used. Allow the leather to dry
naturally. Do not use heat to dry. Never use steam
to clean leather. Never use spot lifters or spot
removers on leather. Many commercial leather
cleaners and coatings that are sold to preserve
and protect leather may permanently change
the appearance and feel of your leather and are
not recommended. Do not use silicone or
wax-based products, or those containing organic
solvents to clean your vehicle’s interior because
they can alter the appearance by increasing
the gloss in a non-uniform manner. Never use
shoe polish on your leather.
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces
A soft cloth dampened with water may be used to
remove dust. If a more thorough cleaning is
necessary, a clean soft cloth dampened with a
mild soap solution can be used to gently remove
dust and dirt. Never use spot lifters or removers
on plastic surfaces. Many commercial cleaners and
coatings that are sold to preserve and protect
soft plastic surfaces may permanently change the
appearance and feel of your interior and are
not recommended. Do not use silicone or
wax-based products, or those containing organic
solvents to clean your vehicle’s interior because
they can alter the appearance by increasing
the gloss in a non-uniform manner.
Some commercial products may increase gloss on
your instrument panel. The increase in gloss
may cause annoying reections in the windshield
and even make it difficult to see through the
windshield under certain conditions.
446