2008 CADILLAC SRX automatic transmission

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

If you shift the transmission out of PARK (P) while
the power function is in progress, the liftgate power
function will continue to completion. If you shift the
transmission out of PARK (P) and accelerate before
the power liftgate latches closed, the liftgate may
reverse to the open position. Cargo could fall out of
the vehicle. Always make sure the power liftgate
is closed and latched before you drive away.
If you power open the liftgate and the liftgate support
struts have lost pressure, the lights will ash and a
chime will sound. The liftgate will hold open temporarily,
then slowly close. See your dealer for service before
using the liftgate.Obstacle Detection Features
If the liftgate encounters an obstacle during a power
open or close cycle, a warning chime will sound and the
liftgate will automatically reverse direction to the fully
closed or open position. After removing the obstruction,
the liftgate may be power opened or closed normally.
If the liftgate encounters multiple obstacles on the
same power cycle, the power function will deactivate,
and the liftgate will switch to manual operation.
The REAR ACCESS OPEN warning message in the
Driver Information Center (DIC) will indicate that
the liftgate is open. After removing the obstructions,
manually open the liftgate to the fully open position or
close the liftgate to the fully closed and latched position.
The liftgate will now resume normal power operation.
Your vehicle has an obstacle detection sensor located
on the rear edge of the rear quarter panel windows. If an
object is caught between the liftgate and the window
and presses against this sensor, the liftgate will reverse
direction and open fully. The liftgate will remain open
until it is activated again or closed manually.
2-14

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

Driver Shift Control (DSC)
Notice:If you drive your vehicle at high RPMs
without upshifting while using Driver Shift Control
(DSC), you could damage your vehicle. Always
upshift when necessary while using DSC.
Your automatic transmission has a Driver Shift
Control (DSC) feature that allows you to change
gears similar to a manual transmission. To use the
DSC feature:
1. Slide the shift lever over from DRIVE (D) to the
right into the DSC area.
When the transmission
is in DSC mode the sport
symbol in the Driver
Information Center (DIC)
will come on.If you do not move the shift lever forward or rearward, the
vehicle will be in sport mode. When you are in the sport
mode the vehicle will still shift automatically. While driving
in sport mode, the transmission may remain in a gear
longer than it would in the normal driving mode based on
braking, throttle input, and vehicle lateral acceleration.
2. To enter the DSC mode, press the shift lever
forward to upshift or rearward to downshift.
The DIC will show the
requested gear range
when moving the shift
lever forward or rearward.
SeeDriver Information
Center (DIC) on page 3-47.
While using the DSC feature, the vehicle will have
rmer shifting and increased performance. You can use
this for sport driving or when climbing or descending
hills, to stay in gear longer, or to down shift for
more power or engine braking.
2-32

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

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier
for others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
DRL can be helpful in many different driving conditions,
but they can be especially helpful in the short periods
after dawn and before sunset. Fully functional daytime
running lamps are required on all vehicles rst sold
in Canada.
The DRL system will make the turn signal lamps come
on when the following conditions are met:
It is daylight and the ignition is in the ON/RUN
position.
The exterior lamp control is in the off or AUTO
position and the headlamps are off.
The automatic transmission is not in PARK (P).
When DRL are on, only the front turn signal lamps
will be on. No other exterior lamps will be on. The
instrument panel cluster will not be lit up either.When the exterior lamp control is in AUTO and it is dark
enough outside, the DRL will turn off and the low-beam
headlamps will turn on. When it is bright enough outside,
the low-beam headlamps will go off, and the DRL will turn
back on. If the vehicle is started in a dark garage, the
automatic headlamp system comes on immediately.
Once you leave the garage, it takes about one minute for
the automatic headlamp system to change to DRL if it is
light outside. During that delay, the instrument panel
cluster may not be as bright as usual. Make sure the
instrument panel brightness lever is in the full bright
position. SeeInstrument Panel Brightness on page 3-19.
To drive the vehicle with the DRL off, turn the exterior
lamp control off. Then turn on the fog lamps or parking
lamps, and the DRL will turn off. This will work regardless
of gear position and whether or not the parking brake
is set.
As with any vehicle, the regular headlamp system
should be turned on when needed.
3-17

Fuel Gage
The fuel gage shows
approximately how much
fuel is in the fuel tank.
It works only when
the engine is on.
If the fuel supply gets low, the FUEL LEVEL LOW
message will appear on the Driver Information Center
(DIC) and a single chime will sound. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-53for more information.
All of the following situations are normal and do
not indicate that anything is wrong with the fuel gage:
At the gas station the gas pump shuts off before
the gage reads full.
The gage may change when you turn, stop quickly
or accelerate quickly.
It takes a little more or less fuel to ll the tank than
the gage indicated. For example, the gage may
have indicated that the tank was half full, but
it actually took a little more or less than half the
tank’s capacity to ll the tank.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
The Driver Information Center (DIC) gives you the status
of many of your vehicle’s systems. The DIC is also used
to display warning/status messages. All messages will
appear in the DIC display located at the bottom of the
instrument panel cluster, below the tachometer and
speedometer. The DIC buttons are located on the
instrument panel, to the left of the steering wheel.
The DIC comes on when the ignition is on. After a short
delay, the DIC will display the information that was
last displayed before the engine was turned off.
The top line of the DIC display shows the vehicle system
information and the warning/status messages. The
bottom line of the DIC display shows the odometer on
the left side, the outside air temperature on the right side,
and the shift position indicator in the center. For more
information on the shift position indicator, seeAutomatic
Transmission Operation on page 2-30.
3-47