2008 CADILLAC SRX cooling

Manual Liftgate Operation
With the doors unlocked, the power liftgate can always
be manually opened and closed.
To open the liftgate, pull up on the handle on the outside
of the liftgate. To close the liftgate, use the pull cup to
lower the liftgate and close. The liftgate latch will power
cinch to closed position. Do not force the liftgate during
a power cycle.
Always close the liftgate before driving.{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the liftgate
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You can not see or
smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and
even death. If you must drive with the liftgate
open or if electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass through the seal
between the body and the liftgate:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed and select the
control setting that will force outside air
into your vehicle. SeeDual Climate Control
System on page 3-23.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-39.
2-15

Reading Lamps
The reading lamps are located on the overhead console.
These lamps come on automatically when any door is
opened.
For manual operation, press the button next to each
lamp to turn it on or off.
If the reading lamps are left on, they automatically shut
off 10 minutes after the ignition has been turned off.
Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM)
that estimates the battery’s temperature and state
of charge. It then adjusts the voltage for best
performance and extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage is
raised slightly to quickly put the charge back in. When the
state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered slightly to
prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a voltmeter gage
or a voltage display on the Driver Information Center
(DIC), you may see the voltage move up or down. This is
normal. If there is a problem, an alert will be displayed.The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator (alternator) may not be
spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the power that
is needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following loads are on: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at
high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output
and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase engine
idle speed to generate more power, whenever needed.
It can temporarily reduce the power demands of some
accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels of
corrective action, this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message
might be displayed, such as Battery Saver Active or
Service Battery Charging System. If this message is
displayed, it is recommended that the driver reduce the
electrical loads as much as possible. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-53.
3-20

Climate Controls
Dual Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, defrosting, and ventilation for the
vehicle can be controlled with this system.
Automatic Operation
The climate control system automatically adjusts the
air temperature, air delivery mode, fan speed, and air
conditioning for best comfort in the vehicle. To activate
the automatic system:
AUTO (Automatic Mode):
1. Turn the fan and mode controls to the AUTO
position. This also sets the recirculation mode
to automatic operation on the display.
2. Press the up or down arrows to adjust the
temperature to a comfortable setting between
70°F (21°C) and 80°F (27°C).
3. Allow the system time to stabilize. This might take
several minutes in very hot or cold weather. Then
adjust the temperature, as needed for best comfort.
Choosing the coldest or warmest temperature setting
will not cause the system to heat or cool any faster.
In cold weather, the system starts at reduced fan
speeds to avoid blowing cold air into the vehicle until
warmer air is available. The automatic system starts
out blowing air at the oor, but changes modes
automatically as the vehicle warms up to maintain
the chosen temperature setting. The length of time
needed to warm the interior depends on the outside
temperature and the amount of time that has passed
since the vehicle was last driven. Dual Climate Control System
3-23

PASS (Passenger’s Climate Control):Press this
button to turn the passenger’s climate control system on
or off. Then press the up or down buttons to choose the
desired setting. Pressing the button again automatically
sets the passengers temperature to the drivers setting.
Turning the passenger’s temperature display off does not
turn off the climate control system for the passenger.
Recirculation Operation
There are three options for bringing air into the
climate control system. They are controlled by
pressing the center button on the climate control panel.
The climate control display indicates one of the following
three modes:
9(Auto Air Inlet):This mode lets the automatic
climate control system choose the best air inlet position
for cooling or warming the vehicle. To have full automatic
climate control, the fan and mode controls must be set to
the AUTO position. Generally, recirculation will only
automatically be selected on hot days.Your vehicle may have an optional Air Quality Sensor.
To activate the air quality sensor, the auto air inlet setting
must be used. For more information, see Air Quality
Sensor found later in this section.
?(Recirculation):This mode recirculates air inside
the vehicle and keeps outside air from coming into
the vehicle. It can be used to help cool the vehicle more
quickly or to prevent odors from entering the vehicle.
Recirculation is not available in the defrost mode.
It is also cancelled when oor or defog mode is selected.
In some conditions using recirculation for long periods
of time can cause the air inside the vehicle to become
too dry or stuffy. To prevent this from happening,
after the air in the vehicle has cooled, select auto
air inlet or outside air.
:(Outside Air):This mode pulls fresh air from
outside the vehicle. Outside air is always selected
in defrost mode to prevent fogging.
3-25

Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
The engine coolant
temperature warning light
will come on when the
engine has overheated.
If this happens you should pull over and turn off the
engine as soon as possible. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-26for more information.
Notice:Driving with the engine coolant temperature
warning light on could cause your vehicle to
overheat. SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-26.
Your vehicle could be damaged, and it might not
be covered by your warranty. Never drive with
the engine coolant temperature warning light on.
This light will also come on briey when starting
your vehicle. If it does not, have your vehicle serviced.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the
engine coolant
temperature.
It indicates when the engine has warmed up and if
the cooling system is operating properly. If the gage
pointer moves into the shaded area, the engine coolant
is too hot and the engine coolant temperature warning
light will come on. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-26for more information.
3-40

Driving in Water
{CAUTION:
Driving through rushing water can be
dangerous. Deep water can sweep your vehicle
downstream and you and your passengers
could drown. If it is only shallow water, it can
still wash away the ground from under your
tires, and you could lose traction and roll
the vehicle over. Do not drive through
rushing water.
Heavy rain can mean ash ooding, and ood waters
demand extreme caution.
Find out how deep the water is before you drive through
it. If it is deep enough to cover your wheel hubs,
axles, or exhaust pipe, do not try it — you probably will
not get through. Also, water that deep can damage
the axle and other vehicle parts.If the water is not too deep, drive slowly through it.
At faster speeds, water splashes on your vehicle’s
ignition system and your vehicle can stall. Stalling can
also occur if you get the tailpipe under water. And,
as long as the tailpipe is under water, you will never be
able to start the engine. When you go through water,
remember that when the brakes get wet, it may take
you longer to stop.
SeeDriving in Rain and on Wet Roads on page 4-26
for more information on driving through water.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collected on
the underbody, chassis, or under the hood. These
accumulations can be a re hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have the brake linings
cleaned and checked. These substances can cause
glazing and uneven braking. Check the body structure,
steering, suspension, wheels, tires, and exhaust
system for damage. Also, check the fuel lines and
cooling system for any leakage.
Your vehicle will require more frequent service due to
off-road use. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
for additional information.
4-24

Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different
than driving on at or rolling terrain. Tips for driving
in these conditions include:
Keep your vehicle serviced and in good shape.
Check all uid levels and brakes, tires, cooling
system, and transmission.
Going down steep or long hills, shift to a
lower gear.
{CAUTION:
If you do not shift down, the brakes could get
so hot that they would not work well. You
would then have poor braking or even none
going down a hill. You could crash. Shift down
to let the engine assist the brakes on a steep
downhill slope.
{CAUTION:
Coasting downhill in NEUTRAL (N) or with the
ignition off is dangerous. The brakes will have
to do all the work of slowing down and they
could get so hot that they would not work well.
You would then have poor braking or even
none going down a hill. You could crash.
Always have the engine running and your
vehicle in gear when you go downhill.
Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds
that let you stay in your own lane.
Top of hills: Be alert — something could be in your
lane (stalled car, accident).
Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocks
area, winding roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
SeeOff-Road Driving on page 4-12for information
about driving off-road.
4-28

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
start your engine,
shift into a gear, and
release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store
the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you are
pulling a trailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-4for more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission
uid (do not overll), engine oil, axle lubricant, drive
belt, cooling system and brake system. Each of these is
covered in this manual, and the Index will help you
nd them quickly. If you are trailering, it is a good idea
to review this information before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-26.
4-50