2008 CADILLAC STS Owners Manual

Valet Lockout Switch
The valet lockout switch
is located inside the
glove box.
9(Off):Press9to turn the lockout feature off.
When the lockout feature is off, you can open the trunk
using either the keyless access transmitter or the
trunk release button located on the driver’s door.
R(On):PressRto turn the lockout feature on.
When the lockout feature is turned on, the trunk cannot
be unlocked with the keyless access transmitter or
the trunk release button located on the driver’s door.
If the valet lockout feature is on it will also disable
the remote start feature and the Universal Home
Remote transmitter, if equipped.
Locking the glove box with your key will also help to
secure your vehicle.
SeeKeyless Access System Operation on page 2-6
andTrunk on page 2-16for additional information.
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Immobilizer
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.
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.
Immobilizer Operation
Your vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed when the ignition
mode transitions to off.
The immobilization system is disarmed when the ignition
mode transitions to OFF/ACCESSORY or START and
a valid transmitter is found in the vehicle.
You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system.
The security light will come on if there is a problem
with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
The system has one or more keyless access
transmitters that are matched to an immobilizer control
unit in your vehicle. Only a correctly matched keyless
access transmitter will start the vehicle. If the keyless
access transmitter is ever damaged, you may not
be able to start your vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not
start and the security light comes on, there may be
a problem with your immobilizer system. Press
the START button again.
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If the vehicle does not start and the keyless access
transmitter appears to be undamaged, try another
keyless access transmitter. Or, you may try placing the
transmitter in the transmitter pocket. See “NO FOBS
DETECTED” underDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-80for additional information. At this time,
you may also want to check the fuse. SeeFuses and
Circuit Breakers on page 5-117. If the engine still
does not start with the other transmitter, your vehicle
needs service. If the engine does start, the rst
transmitter may be faulty. See your dealer/retailer
who can service the theft-deterrent system and have
a new keyless access transmitter programmed to
the vehicle.
It is possible for the immobilizer system to learn new
or replacement keyless access transmitters. Up to
4 keyless access transmitters can be programmed for
the vehicle. To program additional transmitters, see
“Matching transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle” underKeyless
Access System Operation on page 2-6.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.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:
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or
slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
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 breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer (Vehicles With Heavy Duty Cooling) on
page 4-34orTowing a Trailer (Vehicles Without
Heavy Duty Cooling) on page 4-40for the trailer
towing capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
2-27

Ignition Positions
Your vehicle has an
electronic keyless ignition
with pushbutton start.
To shift out of PARK (P), the vehicle must be running or
in ACCESSORY mode and the regular brake pedal
must be applied.
/(START):Press this button while your foot is on the
brake to start the engine. The shifter must be in
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to start the engine and the
keyless access transmitter must be in the vehicle for
the ignition to work.
9/Acc. (OFF/ACCESSORY):When this button is
pressed, the engine will turn off even if the shifter is not
in PARK (P). If the shifter is in PARK (P), the ignition
mode will change to RAP, if all doors are closed.
The ignition mode will change to off, if a front door is
opened. SeeRetained Accessory Power (RAP) on
page 2-29for more information. If the shifter is not in
PARK (P), the ignition mode will change to Acc.
SeeShifting Into PARK (P) on page 2-36.
When the engine is off, press this button to place the
vehicle in accessory mode. ACCESSORY ACTIVE
will display on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
This mode allows you to use things like the radio and
the windshield wipers while the engine is off. Use
accessory mode if you must have your vehicle in motion
while the engine is off, for example, if your vehicle is
being towed. If the door is open while in accessory
mode, the key in reminder chime will sound
continuously.
If the push-button start is not working, your vehicle
may be near a strong radio antenna signal causing
interference to the keyless access system. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-80for more
information.
After being in Acc. for about 20 minutes, the vehicle will
automatically enter RAP or will turn off, depending on
if the doors are opened or closed.
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Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
20 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
Power Windows
Power to these accessories will work up to 20 minutes
or until one of the front doors is opened. For an
additional 20 minutes of operation, close all the doors
and press Acc. to place the vehicle in accessory mode.
Press the button again to return to RAP.
Starting the Engine
To place the transmission in the proper gear:
Move the shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
To restart when you are already moving, use
NEUTRAL (N).
Notice:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
The keyless access transmitter must be inside the
vehicle for the ignition to work.Cell phone chargers can interfere with the operation of
the Keyless Access System. Battery chargers should
not be plugged in when starting or turning off the engine.
To start your vehicle, do the following:
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot on the brake pedal, press the
START button located on the instrument panel.
If there is not a keyless access transmitter in
the vehicle or if there is something causing
interference with it, the DIC will display NO FOBS
DETECTED. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-80for more information.
2. When the engine begins cranking, let go of the
button and the engine cranks automatically until
it starts. If the battery in the keyless access
transmitter is weak, the DIC displays KEY FOB
BATTERY LOW. You can still drive the vehicle.
See “Battery Replacement” underKeyless Access
System Operation on page 2-6for more information.
If the fob battery is dead, you need to insert the
fob into the fob slot to enable engine starting.
See “No Fobs Detected” underDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-80.
3. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.
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4. If the engine does not start and no DIC message is
displayed, wait 15 seconds before trying again to let
the cranking motor cool down.
If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or−18°C),
it could be ooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the
oor while cranking for up to 15 seconds maximum.
Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down. When the engine
starts, let go of the accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briey but then stops again, do the same thing.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by pressing the START button immediately
after cranking has ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the battery. Wait at
least 15 seconds between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the engine
and protects components. Once cranking has
been initiated, the engine continues cranking for a
few seconds or until the vehicle starts. If the engine
does not start, cranking automatically stops after
15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage.To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents
cranking if the engine is already running.
Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, your
engine might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranty.
Stopping Your Engine
Move the shift lever to PARK (P) and press the Acc.
button located on the instrument panel. If the shifter is
not in PARK (P), the engine shuts off and the vehicle
goes into the Accessory Mode. The DIC displays SHIFT
TO PARK. Once the shifter is moved to PARK (P),
the vehicle turns off.
The DIC displays NO FOB, OFF OR RUN?, if the
keyless access transmitter is not detected inside the
vehicle when it is turned off.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-80for
more information.
2-30

Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater, if available, can help in cold
weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C) for easier
starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Plug in the coolant heater at least four hours before
starting your vehicle. An internal thermostat in the
plug-end of the cord may exist which will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at temperatures
above 0°F (−18°C).
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
For the 3.6L V6 and 4.4L V8 engine, the cord is
located in the front of the engine compartment,
on the passenger’s side of the vehicle.
For the 4.6L V8 engine, the cord is located in the
engine compartment on the driver’s side of the
vehicle near the inner fender and above the strut.
3. You must remove the plastic cap to access the plug.
4. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause a re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will
not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
5. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could be
damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead
of trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact
your dealer in the area where you will be parking
your vehicle. The dealer can give you the best advice
for that particular area.
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Automatic Transmission Operation
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
(Vehicles With Heavy Duty Cooling) on
page 4-34orTowing a Trailer (Vehicles Without
Heavy Duty Cooling) on page 4-40.
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 vehicle is running. 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 2-37.
2-32