2008 CADILLAC DTS brakes

Automatic Transmission Operation
The automatic transmission may have a shift lever
located either on the steering column or on the console
between the seats.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
PARK (P):This position locks the front wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine because
your vehicle cannot move easily.{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set the parking brake
and move the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting
Into Park on page 2-31. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-27.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You have to fully
apply your regular brakes before you can shift from
PARK (P) while the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you
cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift
lever. Push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P)
as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift
lever into another gear. SeeShifting Out of Park on
page 2-33.
2-27

Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see Skidding underLoss of
Control on page 4-10.
Notice:Driving your vehicle if you notice that it is
moving slowly or not shifting gears as you increase
speed may damage the transmission. Have your
vehicle serviced right away. You can drive in
SECOND (2) when you are driving less than 35 mph
(55 km/h) and DRIVE (D) for higher speeds until then.
DRIVE (D) can be used for towing. You may want to
shift the transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, to a
lower gear if the transmission shifts too often under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
SeeTowing a Trailer on page 4-27for more information.
THIRD (3):This position is also used for normal driving.
However, it reduces vehicle speed more than DRIVE (D)
without using your brakes. You might choose THIRD (3)
instead of DRIVE (D) when driving on hilly, winding
roads, when towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears and when going down a steep hill.
SECOND (2):This position reduces vehicle speed more
than THIRD (3) without using your brakes. You can
use SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed
as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you
would also want to use your brakes off and on.Notice:Do not shift into SECOND (2) unless you
are going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h), or you can
damage your engine and/or transmission.
FIRST (1):This position reduces vehicle speed even
more than SECOND (2) without using your brakes.
You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or
mud. If the shift lever is put in FIRST (1) while the
vehicle is moving forward, the transmission will not shift
into rst gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by your warranty. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
Performance Shifting
If your vehicle has this feature, it can detect a change in
driving patterns. If you make an aggressive driving
maneuver, the vehicle’s transmission automatically
shifts to the lowest possible gear to maximize vehicle
performance. The vehicle will automatically return to
normal operation when you return to normal driving
patterns.
2-29

Shifting Out of Park
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
This vehicle has an electronic shift lock release system.
The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever is
in PARK (P)
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of PARK (P),
unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock is always functional except in the case of
a an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-42.
Console Shift
If your console shift cannot be moved out of PARK (P)
1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY
position. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-23for
more information.3. Let up on the shift lever and make sure the shift
lever is pushed all the way into PARK (P).
4. Then, move the shift into the desired gear.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
Column Shift
If your park lock cable cannot be moved out of PARK (P)
1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY position. SeeIgnition Positions
on page 2-23for more information.
3. Shift out of the PARK (P) position to the
NEUTRAL (N) position.
4. Move the vehicle to a safe location.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
2-33

When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
The driver disables the system.
The parking brake pedal is depressed.
The ultrasonic sensors are not kept clean. So be
sure to keep your vehicle’s front and rear bumpers
free of mud, dirt, snow, ice and slush. For cleaning
instructions, seeWashing Your Vehicle on
page 5-94.
A trailer was attached to your vehicle, or a bicycle or
an object was hanging out of your trunk during your
last drive cycle, the red light may illuminate in the
rear display. Once the attached object is removed,
UFRPA will return to normal operation.
A tow bar is attached to your vehicle.
The vehicle’s bumper is damaged. Take the vehicle
to your dealer/retailer to repair the system.
Other conditions may affect system performance,
such as vibrations from a jackhammer or the
compression of air brakes on a very large truck.
If the system is still disabled after driving forward at
least 15 mph (25 km/h), take your vehicle to your
dealer/retailer.
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
Your vehicle may have a Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system. Read this entire section before using the system.
The SBZA system operates on a radio frequency
subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This device complies with RSS-310 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Frequency of operation: 24.05GHz – 24.25GHz
Field Strength: Not greater than 2.5V/m peak (0.25V/m
average) at a distance of 3m
2-43

Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System
If your vehicle has this feature, be sure to read this
entire section before using it.
The system operates on a radio frequency subject to
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and
with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.The Forward Collision Alert (FCA) system provides an
audible and visual alert if you approach a vehicle
too quickly that is directly ahead. FCA also provides a
visual alert with no audible alert if you are following
another vehicle much too closely. The FCA alert symbol
is located on top of the instrument panel to the right
of the driver. FCA uses the Adaptive Cruise Control
radar to detect a vehicle directly ahead, in your path,
within a distance of 328 ft (100 m) and operates at
speeds above 20 mph (32 km/h).
{CAUTION:
FCA is only a warning system and does not
apply the brakes. When you are approaching a
vehicle or object too rapidly or when you are
following a vehicle too closely that is ahead of
you, FCA may not provide you with enough
time to avoid a collision. FCA is not designed
to warn the driver of pedestrians or animals.
Your complete attention is always required
while driving and you should be ready to take
action and apply the brakes. For more
information, seeDefensive Driving on page 4-2.
3-10

Cruise Control
With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of
approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or more without
keeping your foot on the accelerator. This is helpful on
long trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds
below about 25 mph (40 km/h). When cruise control is
on, you will see a cruise light on the instrument
panel cluster.
When you apply your brakes, the cruise control
shuts off.{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you
cannot drive safely at a steady speed. So, do
not use your cruise control on winding roads
or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery
roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire
traction can cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the Traction
Control System (TCS) begins to limit wheel spin,
the cruise control automatically turns off. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-5. When road
conditions let you safely use it again, you can turn the
cruise control back on.
3-16

Setting Cruise Control
{CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control on when you
are not using cruise, you might hit a button
and go into cruise when you do not want to.
You could be startled and even lose control.
Keep the cruise control switch off until you
want to use cruise control.
The cruise control buttons
are located on left side of
the steering wheel.
I(On):This position turns on the system.
+ RES (Resume/Accelerate):Press this button to
make the vehicle accelerate or resume to a previously
set speed.
SET– (Set):Press this button to set the speed.
[(Cancel):Press this button to cancel cruise control.
Cruise control will not work if the parking brake is
set, or if the master cylinder brake uid level is low.
If the brakes are applied, the cruise control shuts off.
The cruise light on the instrument panel cluster comes
on after the cruise control has been set to the desired
speed.
1. Press the cruise control button.
2. Get up to the desired speed.
3. Press the SET– button located on the steering
wheel and release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator.
3-17

Braking is limited to 0.25 g’s (2.45 m/sec2) of
deceleration, which is comparable to moderate
application of the vehicle’s brakes. To disengage
Adaptive Cruise Control, apply the brake. If no vehicle
is in your path, the vehicle will react like traditional cruise
control.
{CAUTION:
Adaptive Cruise Control will not apply hard
braking or bring the vehicle to a complete
stop. It will not respond to stopped vehicles,
pedestrians or animals. When you are
approaching a vehicle or object, Adaptive
Cruise Control may not have time to slow your
vehicle enough to avoid a collision. Your
complete attention is always required while
driving and you should be ready to take action
and apply the brakes. For more information,
seeDefensive Driving on page 4-2.
{CAUTION:
On winding roads, Adaptive Cruise Control
may not detect a vehicle ahead. You could
crash into a vehicle ahead of you. Do
not use Adaptive Cruise Control on
winding roads.
Adaptive Cruise Control may not have time
to slow your vehicle enough to avoid a
crash when you are driving in conditions
where vehicles may suddenly slow or stop
ahead of you, enter your lane, or cross
your vehicle’s path. If you are driving in
these conditions, do not use Adaptive
Cruise Control. The warning beep and alert
symbol may indicate that you are driving
in conditions where Adaptive Cruise
Control should not be used. See “Alerting
the Driver” in this section.
CAUTION: (Continued)
3-20