2008 CADILLAC SRX power steering

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Heated Steering Wheel...................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-9
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...........................3-11
Headlamp Washer........................................3-12
Cruise Control..............................................3-12
Headlamps..................................................3-16
Wiper Activated Headlamps............................3-16Headlamps on Reminder................................3-16
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-17
Fog Lamps..................................................3-18
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver........................3-19
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-19
Entry Lighting...............................................3-19
Parade Dimming...........................................3-19
Reading Lamps............................................3-20
Electric Power Management...........................3-20
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-21
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-21
Analog Clock...............................................3-22
Climate Controls............................................3-23
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-23
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-29
Rear Air Conditioning System.........................3-29
Passenger Compartment Air Filter..................
.3-30
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
This message displays, while the ignition is on, when
the brake uid level is low. The brake system warning
light on the instrument panel cluster also comes on.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-38for more
information. Have the brake system serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SERVICE PARKING ASSIST
If your vehicle has the Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) system, this message displays if there
is a problem with the URPA system. Do not use
this system to help you park. SeeUltrasonic Rear
Parking Assist (URPA) on page 2-45for more
information. See your dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
Your vehicle may have a speed variable assist steering
system. SeeSteering on page 4-8.
This message displays if a problem is detected with
the speed variable assist steering system. When
this message is displayed, you may notice that the effort
required to steer the vehicle decreases or feels lighter,
but you will still be able to steer the vehicle.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
This message displays if there has been a problem
detected with the StabiliTrak®system.
If this message comes on while you are driving, pull off
the road as soon as possible and stop carefully. Try
resetting the system by turning the ignition off then back
on. If this message still stays on or comes back on again
while you are driving, your vehicle needs service. Have
the StabiliTrak
®system inspected by your dealer/retailer
as soon as possible. SeeStabiliTrak®System on
page 4-7for more information.
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS (System)
This message displays when the magnetic ride
control or automatic leveling control system is not
operating properly. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM
This message displays when there is a problem with
the theft-deterrent system programmed in the key.
A fault has been detected in the system which means
that the system is disabled and it is not protecting
the vehicle. The vehicle usually restarts; however, you
may want to take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer
before turning off the engine. SeePASS-Key
®III+
Operation on page 2-22for more information.
3-58

While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make
sure that it can be added by checking with your
dealer/retailer. Also, check federal rules covering
mobile radio and telephone units. If sound equipment
can be added, it is very important to do it properly.
Added sound equipment may interfere with the
operation of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or other
systems, and even damage them. Your vehicle’s
systems may interfere with the operation of sound
equipment that has been added.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system can be played
even after the ignition is turned off. SeeRetained
Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-26for more
information.
Setting the Time
Radio with a Single CD or a Six-Disc
CD Player
Your vehicle equipped with a Bose®sound system, has
an analog clock as well as the digital radio clock. At
the time of new vehicle delivery, the digital radio clock
display should be disabled. If you decide to use the
digital radio clock as well as the analog clock, you can
change the setting to enable the radio clock display.
Enabling/Disabling the Digital Radio
Clock
For the Single CD Player
Turn the radio clock display on or off by following these
steps:
1. Turn the radio on.
2. Press the
H(clock) button until the clock and date
setting menus appear.
3. Press the pushbutton located under the forward
arrow label until the menu for default clock and
date settings appear.
3-71

Remember: ABS does not change the time you need to
get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, you will not have time to apply the brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though you
have ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down
rmly and let antilock work for you. You might feel the
brakes vibrate or notice some noise, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time. In
many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle has a traction control system that limits
wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. On a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, the
system operates if it senses that one or both of the rear
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction.On an All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) vehicle, the system will
operate if it senses that any of the wheels are spinning
or beginning to lose traction. When this happens, the
system brakes the spinning wheel(s) and/or reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this
is normal.
The TCS warning light will also ash to indicate that
the traction control system is active.
This warning light will come
on to let you know if there is
a problem with your traction
control system.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) Warning Light on
page 3-39. When this warning light is on, the system will
not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The TCS automatically comes on whenever you
start your vehicle. To limit wheel spin, especially in
slippery road conditions, you should always leave the
system on. But you can turn the traction control system
off if you ever need to.
4-5

Panic Brake Assist
Your vehicle has a panic brake assist system that
monitors the intention of the driver while braking. If the
system senses that the driver has applied hard/fast
pressure to the brake pedal, the system will generate
additional pressure, making it easier for the driver to
maintain brake application. When this happens the brake
pedal will feel easier to push. Just hold the brake pedal
down rmly and let the system work for you. You may feel
the brakes vibrate, or you may notice some noise but this
is normal. The brakes will return to normal operation after
the brake pedal has been released.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
If your vehicle has this feature, engine power is sent to
all four wheels all the time. This is like four-wheel
drive, but it is fully automatic.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer
but it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject
to the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you
turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia will
keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you
have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you will
understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of the tires and the road surface, the angle at
which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you
are in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.
Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control
systems — steering and acceleration — have to
do their work where the tires meet the road. Adding
the sudden acceleration can demand too much of
those places. You can lose control. SeeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-7.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease
up on the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the
way you want it to go, and slow down.
4-8

Driving Uphill
Once you decide you can safely drive up the hill, you
need to take some special steps.
Use a low gear and get a rm grip on the steering
wheel.
Get a smooth start up the hill and try to maintain
your speed. Do not use more power than you
need, because you do not want the wheels to start
spinning or sliding.
{CAUTION:
Turning or driving across steep hills can be
dangerous. You could lose traction, slide
sideways, and possibly roll over. You could be
seriously injured or killed. When driving up
hills, always try to go straight up.
Try to drive straight up the hill if at all possible. If
the path twists and turns, you might want to nd
another route.
Ease up on your speed as you approach the top of
the hill.
Attach a ag to the vehicle to make you more
visible to approaching traffic on trails or hills.
Sound the horn as you approach the top of the hill
to let opposing traffic know you are there.
Use your headlamps, even during the day.
They make your vehicle more visible to
oncoming traffic.
{CAUTION:
Driving to the top (crest) of a hill at full speed
can cause an accident. There could be a
drop-off, embankment, cliff, or even another
vehicle. You could be seriously injured or
killed. As you near the top of a hill, slow down
and stay alert.
4-17

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the
Outside of Your Vehicle...............................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-16
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-19
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-21
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-23
Engine Coolant.............................................5-23
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-26
Engine Overheating.......................................5-26Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . .5-28
Cooling System............................................5-29
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-33
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-34
Brakes........................................................5-35
Battery........................................................5-39
Jump Starting...............................................5-40
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-44
Rear Axle.......................................................5-46
Front Axle......................................................5-46
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-47
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-47
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............5-48
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-48
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-49
Tires..............................................................5-51
Winter Tires.................................................5-52
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-53
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-56
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-59
High-Speed Operation...................................5-60
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-61
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-62
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-66
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

A. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-101.
B. Remote Negative (-) Terminal. SeeJump Starting
on page 5-40.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting
on page 5-40.
D. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-39.
E. Passenger Compartment Air Filter. SeePassenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 3-30.
F. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-33.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-16.H. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-16.
I. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-35.
J. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap on page 5-26
andCooling System on page 5-29.
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21.
L. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-34.
5-13