2008 CADILLAC STS maintenance schedule

3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake, and then shift to PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
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.
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’re
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission uid (don’t overll),
engine oil, 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’re
trailering, it’s 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 5-29.
Towing a Trailer (Vehicles Without
Heavy Duty Cooling)
Vehicles without heavy duty cooling are neither designed
nor intended to tow a trailer.
4-40

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/lter is in the engine
compartment on the driver’s side of the vehicle, near
the front. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-11for more information on locating the air
cleaner/lter.
When to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/lter at the MaintenanceII
intervals and replace it at the rst oil change after each
50,000 mile (80 000 km) interval. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4for more information. If you
are driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect the lter
at each engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/lter remove the lter from
the vehicle and lightly shake the lter to release
loose dust and dirt. If the lter remains caked with dirt,
a new lter is required.
To inspect or replace the lter in the 3.6L V6 or
4.6L V8 engines, do the following:
1. Remove the two screws located on the top of
the cover.
2. Disconnect the coolant recovery hose so that it
is not going across the top of the engine air
cleaner/lter. 4.6L V8 Engine shown, 3.6L V6 Engine similar
5-23

How to Check Lubricant
A. Drain Plug
B. Fill PlugTo get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
If the level is below the bottom of the ller plug hole,
located on the transfer case, you’ll need to add
some lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise the level
to the bottom of the ller plug hole. Use care not to
overtighten the plug.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check rear axle uid
unless you suspect there is a leak or you hear an
unusual noise. A uid loss could indicate a problem.
Have it inspected and repaired.
5-51

How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.If the level is below the bottom of the ller plug hole,
located on the rear axle, you’ll need to add some
lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise the level to the
bottom of the ller plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Front Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check the front axle uid
unless you suspect there is a leak or you hear an
unusual noise. A uid loss could indicate a problem.
Have it inspected and repaired.
5-52

How to Check Lubricant
A. Drain Plug
B. Filler Plug
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
If the level is below the bottom of the ller plug hole,
located on the front axle, you may need to add
some lubricant.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp aim has been preset at the factory and
should need no further adjustment.
However, if your vehicle is damaged in a crash, the
headlamp aim may be affected. Aim adjustment to the
low-beam headlamps may be necessary if oncoming
drivers ash their high-beam headlamps at you
(for vertical aim).
If the headlamps need to be re-aimed, it is
recommended that you take the vehicle to your
dealer/retailer for service.
5-53

2. Pull out the push pins holding down the top portion
of the cloth cover.
3. Fold the cover down slightly and locate the lamp
assembly.
4. Turn the socket counterclockwise and pull it straight
out to remove it from the lamp assembly.
5. Pull the old bulb straight out and reinstall the
new bulb.
6. Reverse the steps to reinstall.
Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamp Bulb Number
Back-up 3157K
For replacement bulbs not listed here, contact your
dealer/retailer.
Windshield Replacement
Your windshield is part of the Head-Up Display (HUD)
system. If you ever have to get your windshield
replaced, get one that is designed for HUD or your
HUD image may look out of focus.
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wear
or cracking. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
It’s a good idea to clean or replace the wiper blade
assembly on a regular basis or when worn. For proper
windshield wiper blade length and type, seeNormal
Maintenance Replacement Parts on page 6-15.
5-55

Different tire sizes should not be rotated front to
rear. Each tire and wheel should only be used
in the original front or rear position it is in.
Tire rotation is recommended if the vehicle is
equipped with P235/50R17 size tires on all four
wheel positions or 255/45ZR18 size tires on
all four wheel positions. These tires should be
rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles (8 000 to
13 000 km). SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-4.
The purpose of a regular tire rotation is to achieve
a uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. This
will ensure that the vehicle continues to perform
most like it did when the tires were new.
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your
tires as soon as possible and check wheel
alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels.
SeeWhen It Is Time for New Tires on page 5-75
andWheel Replacement on page 5-80.When rotating P235/50R17 size tires or
255/45ZR18 size tires, always use the correct
rotation pattern shown here.
If the vehicle has a compact spare tire, do not
include the compact spare tire in the tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear ination pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-66andLoading Your Vehicle
on page 4-26.
5-74

Maintenance Schedule......................................6-2
Introduction...................................................6-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................6-2
Using the Maintenance Schedule......................6-3
Scheduled Maintenance...................................6-4
Additional Required Services............................6-6
Maintenance Footnotes...................................6-8Owner Checks and Services............................6-9
At Each Fuel Fill............................................6-9
At Least Once a Month.................................6-10
At Least Once a Year...................................6-11
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants...............6-13
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts..........6-15
Engine Drive Belt Routing..............................6-16
Maintenance Record.....................................6-18
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
6-1