2008 CADILLAC STS change wheel

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 current driver and 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 either the
odometer, the trip odometer A or the trip odometer B
information on the left side. Only one odometer
can appear at a time. See “Trip Information” underDIC
Operation and Displays on page 3-74for information
on changing the display to show the odometer or
trip odometer information. The bottom line of the DIC
display also shows the outside temperature on the right
side and the shift lever position indicator in the center.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on page 2-32
for more information on the shift lever positions.When the sport mode is active, an S will appear next
to the shift position indicator on the center of the
DIC display. When the manual mode is active, an M
will appear on the DIC display. When the normal mode
is active, only the shift position indicator will appear.
While the Driver Shift Control (DSC) feature is active,
the DIC will change to show the selected gear.
See “Driver Shift Control (DSC)” underAutomatic
Transmission Operation on page 2-32for more
information.
If a problem is detected, a warning message will appear
on the display. Be sure to take any message that
appears on the display seriously and remember that
clearing the message will only make the message
disappear, not correct the problem.
DIC Operation and Displays
The Driver Information Center (DIC) has different modes
which can be accessed by pressing the four DIC buttons
located on the instrument panel, to the left of the
steering wheel.
3-74

STABILITY COMPETITIVE MODE
If your All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle has the
Active Steering with Enhanced StabiliTrak®option,
this message displays when the Competitive Mode
for stability control has been turned on using the
TC (traction control) button. SeeEnhanced StabiliTrak
®
on page 4-9. When the Enhanced StabiliTrak®
Competitive Mode has been activated, traction control
operates in competitive mode and cannot be turned
off. Also, the Active Steering and the Magnetic
Ride Control systems operate in the Performance
Mode. For more information, see “Active Steering
and Magnetic Ride Control” in the Index in the
Navigation manual.
STABILITY SECURE MODE
If your All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle has the
Active Steering with Enhanced StabiliTrak®option,
this message displays when the stability control system
is in the secure mode. Stability Secure Mode is set
automatically when certain system faults or vehicle
conditions are detected. When the Stability Secure
Mode is activated, the stability control system will
not respond to driver requests to change the stability
mode until the next ignition cycle or until the vehicle
condition or fault is returned to normal. SeeEnhanced
StabiliTrak
®on page 4-9.
STABILITY SYS (System) ACTIVE
This message displays any time the StabiliTrak®system
or Enhanced StabiliTrak®system is actively assisting
with directional control of the vehicle. Slippery road
conditions may exist when this message is displayed,
so adjust your driving accordingly. This message
may stay on for a few seconds after StabiliTrak
®
stops assisting with directional control of the vehicle.
SeeStabiliTrak®System on page 4-8orEnhanced
StabiliTrak®on page 4-9for more information.
STABILITY SYS (System) NOT READY
This message displays if the StabiliTrak®system is
not ready. Two conditions may cause this message
to display:
The vehicle needs to be driven in a straight line
until the sensors are centered. Once the sensors
are centered, the StabiliTrak
®system is ready and
the STABILITY SYS READY message displays.
The system needs to warm up. This may occur
when rst starting your vehicle and driving away
during cold winter weather. This is normal. To
acknowledge this message, press the reset button.
The StabiliTrak
®performance is affected until the
STABILITY SYS READY message is displayed in the
DIC. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-8for more
information.
3-94

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), an
advanced electronic braking system that will help
prevent a braking skid.
When you start the engine and begin to drive away,
ABS will check itself. You might hear a momentary
motor or clicking noise while this test is going on, and
you might even notice that the brake pedal moves
a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light will
stay on. SeeAntilock
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-65.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that wheels are slowing down. If
one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.ABS can change the brake pressure faster than any
driver could. The computer is programmed to make the
most of available tire and road conditions. This can
help you steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As you brake, the computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls braking pressure
accordingly.
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 hear
the antilock pump or motor operate, and feel the
brake pedal pulsate, but this is normal.
4-5

When certain faults or vehicle conditions are detected,
the Stability control will automatically go into a secure
mode and the STABILITY SECURE MODE message will
be displayed on the DIC. When the Stability Secure Mode
is activated, the stability control system will not respond
to driver requests to change the stability mode until the
next ignition cycle or until the vehicle condition or fault is
returned to normal. When the Stability Secure Mode is
activated, you may see other messages, such as
SERVICE STEERING SYS, SERVICE SUSPENSION
SYS or CHECK TIRE PRESSURE on the DIC. When the
Stability Secure Mode is activated, a larger degree of
steering wheel input at low vehicle speeds and a smaller
degree of steering wheel input at high vehicle speeds
may be required. Stability Secure Mode will be activated
if you are using a compact spare tire. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-80andCompact Spare Tire on
page 5-106.
Persistent operation of your vehicle in the STABILITY
SECURE MODE may be an indication that your vehicle
needs to be serviced by the dealer/retailer.
When certain faults are present, the vehicle’s speed may
be limited and the SPEED LIMITED TO XXX message
will be displayed on the DIC. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-80. When the vehicle’s speed is
limited, you may see other messages, such as SERVICE
STABILITY SYS, SERVICE STEERING SYS or
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS on the DIC. Have your
vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.Enhanced StabiliTrak®and Traction
Control Mode Selection
Enhanced StabiliTrak®can be operated in Touring Mode
or Competitive Mode. It can also be turned off. The
traction control button is used to change stability control
modes (Touring, Competitive or Off) as well as to turn
traction control on or off. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 4-6. The following information describes
the operation of the traction control button for changing
Traction Control and Stability Control Modes.
When you start your vehicle, Stability control comes on
automatically in the Stability Touring Mode.
To change from Stability Touring Mode to Stability
Competitive Mode, press and hold the traction
control button for about three seconds until
the STABILITY COMPETITIVE MODE message is
displayed on the DIC.
To change from Stability Touring Mode to Stability
Off Mode, press and hold the traction control
button for about ve seconds until the STABILITY
SYS OFF message is displayed on the DIC.
The DIC will temporarily display the STABILITY
COMPETITIVE MODE message prior to displaying
the STABILITY SYS OFF message.
4-11

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.
Speed Variable Assist Steering
Your vehicle has a steering system that continuously
adjusts the effort you feel when steering at all vehicle
speeds. It provides ease when parking, yet a rm, solid
feel at highway speeds.
Active Steering
All-wheel-drive vehicles with the Active Steering with
Enhanced StabiliTrak®option have an electronically
controlled active steering system. The active steering
system uses the steering actuator to automatically adjust
the front road wheel turning angle based on vehicle
speed and how much you turn the steering wheel. Thissystem reduces steering effort at low speeds, improves
steering feel at moderate speeds, and reduces
steering sensitivity at higher speeds.
During some operating conditions, the active steering
might deactivate to protect the system from damage.
You might notice that the center position of the steering
wheel is changed. Unless there is a SERVICE
STEERING SYS message, the system will return to
normal operation as soon as the condition ceases,
usually within a very short period of time.
At low speeds, the active steering system requires less
movement of the steering wheel to change vehicle
direction than the normal power steering system. Adjust
your driving accordingly.
When certain steering faults are present, the active
steering deactivates and vehicle speed might be limited.
The SERVICE STEERING SYS and SPEED LIMITED
TO XXX messages will be displayed. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-80. The normal power
steering system is still operational. You might notice that
the center position of the steering wheel is changed
and that more steering effort at low speeds and
less steering effort at high speeds is required. You can
continue to drive your vehicle with normal power
steering but you should have your dealer/retailer inspect
the steering system as soon as possible in order to
have the problem corrected and the steering wheel
position centered.
4-13

When stability control activates, the system
automatically adjusts the front road wheel steering
angle, modies the suspension stiffness, and selectively
applies braking pressure at any one of the vehicle’s
brakes to help maintain directional control of the vehicle.
Adjustments to the steering will not be felt in the
steering wheel. SeeEnhanced StabiliTrak
®on page 4-9.
It is recommended that the battery not be disconnected
when the steering wheel is turned from the center
position. If this occurs, the center position of the steering
wheel could be temporarily changed a small amount.
You can continue to operate your vehicle and, after
a short time, the center position of the steering wheel
will return to normal.
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. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-6andStabiliTrak
®System on
page 4-8orEnhanced StabiliTrak®on page 4-9.
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.
Your stability system might be active. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-80andStabiliTrak
®System
on page 4-8orEnhanced StabiliTrak®on page 4-9.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should
adjust your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are
based on good weather and road conditions. Under less
favorable conditions you will want to go slower.
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a
curve, do it before you enter the curve, while the
front wheels are straight ahead.
4-14

Try to adjust your speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait
to accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
To help you steer in the direction you want to go, during
certain sharp or sudden cornering maneuvers, gear
selection is controlled. This will maximize the available
drive wheel torque and minimize the transmission
response time and shift activity. During this kind of
maneuver, the transmission shifts automatically
as vehicle speed changes.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and nd
a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out
from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked
cars and stops right in front of you. You can avoid these
problems by braking — if you can stop in time. But
sometimes you cannot; there is not room. That is the time
for evasive action — steering around the problem.
Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like
these. First apply the brakes. SeeBraking on
page 4-4. It is better to remove as much speed as youcan from a possible collision. Then steer around the
problem, to the left or right depending on the space
available.
An emergency like this requires close attention and a
quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel at
the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you
can turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without
removing either hand. But you have to act fast, steer
quickly, and just as quickly straighten the wheel
once you have avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving
at all times and wear safety belts properly.
4-15

Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels are
not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too much
throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid only
the acceleration skid. If your traction control system is
off, then an acceleration skid is also best handled
by easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready
for a second skid if it occurs.You might see the STABILITY SYS ACTIVE message
on the Driver Information Center. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-80andStabiliTrak®System on
page 4-8orEnhanced StabiliTrak®on page 4-9.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, you
will want to slow down and adjust your driving to
these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your
best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower
gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
You may not realize the surface is slippery until your
vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on
the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down
when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
4-17