2008 CADILLAC SRX tow

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-5
Remote Vehicle Start......................................2-7
Doors and Locks............................................2-10
Door Locks..................................................2-10
Central Door Unlocking System......................2-10
Power Door Locks........................................2-10
Delayed Locking...........................................2-11
Programmable Automatic
Door Locks...............................................2-11
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-12
Lockout Protection........................................2-12
Power Liftgate..............................................2-13
Windows........................................................2-16
Power Windows............................................2-17
Sun Visors...................................................2-20
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-20
Theft-Deterrent System..................................2-20
PASS-Key
®III+............................................2-22
PASS-Key®III+ Operation..............................2-22Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-24
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-24
Ignition Positions..........................................2-25
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-26
Starting the Engine.......................................2-26
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal................2-28
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-28
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-30
Tow/Haul Mode............................................2-33
Parking Brake..............................................2-34
Shifting Into PARK (P)...................................2-36
Shifting Out of PARK (P)...............................2-38
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-38
Engine Exhaust............................................2-39
Running the Engine While Parked...................2-40
Mirrors...........................................................2-41
Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror with OnStar
®...................................2-41
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
®and Compass...............................2-41
Outside Power Heated Mirrors........................2-43
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror..................2-44
Park Tilt Mirrors............................................2-44
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-44
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long
run if you follow these guidelines for the
rst 500 miles (805 km):
Do not drive at any one constant speed,
fast or slow.
Do not exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).
Do not make full-throttle starts; also refrain
from using the full throttle while driving.
Avoid downshifting to brake or slow
the vehicle.If these procedures are not followed, the engine,
axle, or other parts could be damaged.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time the new brake
linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops with
new linings can mean premature wear and
earlier replacement. Follow this break-in guideline
every time you get new linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 4-41for the trailer towing
capabilities of your vehicle and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can
be gradually increased.
2-24

Automatic Transmission Operation
The shift lever is located on the center console between
the front seats.
There are several different
positions for the shift lever.
PARK (P):This position locks the rear 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 your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
Do not leave your 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 your
vehicle will not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set your parking
brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P).
SeeShifting Into PARK (P) on page 2-36.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer
on page 4-41.
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 must fully
apply your regular brakes rst and then press the
shift lever button before you can shift from PARK (P)
when the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot
shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever
and push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as
you maintain brake application. Then press the shift
lever button and move the shift lever into another gear.
SeeShifting Out of PARK (P) on page 2-38.
2-30

Notice:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
At low vehicle speeds, you can also use REVERSE (R)
to rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of
snow, ice, or sand without damaging your transmission.
SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or
Snow on page 4-32for additional information.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. You can also
use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not running
at high speed when shifting your vehicle.
DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving. It provides
the best fuel economy for your vehicle. If you need more
power for passing, and you are:
Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down. The transmission will
shift down to a lower gear and have more power.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road
conditions could result in skidding, see “Skidding”
underLoss of Control on page 4-10.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. If you are
stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
2-31

The transmission will only allow you to shift into
gears appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM). The transmission will not
automatically shift to the next higher gear if the engine
RPM is too high.
If shifting is prevented for any reason, the currently
selected gear will ash multiple times, indicating that
the transmission has not shifted gears.
While in the DSC mode, the transmission will
automatically downshift when the vehicle comes to a stop
and while quickly applying the accelerator to increase
speed. This will allow for more power during take-off.
When accelerating your vehicle from a stop in snowy and
icy conditions, you may want to shift into second gear.
A higher gear ratio allows you to gain more traction on
slippery surfaces.Tow/Haul Mode
Your vehicle may be equipped with a Tow/Haul mode.
The button is located on instrument panel under the
climate controls. You should use this feature to assist
when towing or hauling a heavy load.
2-33

When Tow/Haul is activated the Tow/Haul symbol
will illuminate on the instrument panel cluster.
SeeTow/Haul ModeunderTowing a Trailer on
page 4-41for more information.
Grade Braking
Grade Braking assists when driving on a downhill
grade. It maintains the vehicle’s speed by automatically
implementing a shift schedule that uses the engine
and the transmission to slow the vehicle. This reduces
wear on the brakes system and increases control of the
vehicle. The system constantly monitors the vehicle’s
speed, acceleration, throttle position, and whether the
brake pedal is being pressed, and determines when
to keep the current vehicle speed or to slow down.
The system will then automatically command downshifts
that reduces the vehicles speed, until the brake pedal is
no longer being pressed. This indicates the desired
vehicle speed has been reached.The tow/haul mode and grade braking shift modes can
be activated by pressing the button on the instrument
panel console. While in the DSC mode, grade braking is
deactivated, allowing the driver to select a gear.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on page 2-30.
Parking Brake
The parking brake pedal
is located on the lower
portion of the instrument
panel to the left of the
steering wheel.
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot and push the parking brake
pedal down with your left foot.
2-34

If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
on the instrument panel cluster should come on.
If it does not, you need to have your vehicle serviced.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-38for
more information.
To release the parking brake, pull the release lever
located to the left of the steering wheel on the
instrument panel.Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make
sure that the parking brake is fully released and
the brake warning light is off before driving.
A warning chime will sound if the parking brake is set,
the ignition is on, and the vehicle begins to move.
To stop the chime, fully release the parking brake.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a hill,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-41for more information.
2-35

Shifting Into PARK (P)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine running, the
vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will
not move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-41.Use this procedure to shift into PARK (P):
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by pressing the
button on the front of the shift lever while pushing
the lever all the way toward the front of the vehicle.
Release the button.
3. With your right foot still holding the brake pedal
down, set the parking brake with your left foot.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-34for more
information.
4. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
5. Remove the key from the ignition switch and take it
with you. If you can leave your vehicle with the key
in your hand, the vehicle is in PARK (P).
2-36