2008 CADILLAC STS transmission

DIC Buttons (Base Level)
If your vehicle does
not have a Head-Up
Display (HUD), these
are the buttons for
the DIC.
«4ª(Information):Press the top or bottom of this
button to scroll through the available vehicle information
displays which include digital speed display, if your
vehicle has this feature, fuel range, fuel economy,
fuel used, average speed, timer, battery voltage,
tire pressure, and engine oil life, if your vehicle has
this feature.If you have an STS-V, the DIC also has additional
vehicle information displays which include engine boost,
engine oil temperature, oil pressure, and transmission
uid temperature.
See “MPH (km)” later in this section for more information
on the digital speed display.
AB
300 (Trip Information):Press the top of this
button to scroll through the odometer, trip odometer A
and trip odometer B. Press and hold the bottom of
this button to reset each trip odometer back to zero.
4// (Reset):Press this button to reset certain DIC
features and to acknowledge DIC warning messages
and clear them from the DIC display.
EM (English/Metric):Press this button to change
the display from English to metric.
3-75

ENGINE OIL LIFE
If your vehicle has this display, it shows the estimated
oil life remaining. If you see 99% ENGINE OIL LIFE
on the display, that means that 99% of the current oil
life remains.
When the oil life is depleted, the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message will appear on the display. Change
the oil as soon as possible. In addition to the engine oil
life system monitoring the oil life, additional maintenance
is recommended in the Maintenance Schedule in this
manual. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
andEngine Oil on page 5-18.
After an oil change, reset the ENGINE OIL LIFE display.
To reset, seeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-21.
The display will show 100% ENGINE OIL LIFE after
it has been reset. Also clear the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message from the display.
ENGLISH DISPLAY UNITS
(METRIC DISPLAY UNITS)
This display allows you to select between English and
metric units of measurement if your vehicle has the
uplevel DIC. Press the reset button to switch between
English and metric units.
Blank Line
This display shows no information.
ENGINE BOOST (STS-V Only)
This display shows a graphic that indicates the amount
of boost the engine is receiving in either pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa).
ENGINE OIL TEMPERATURE (STS-V Only)
This display shows the engine oil temperature in
either degrees Fahrenheit (°F) or degrees Celsius (°C).
OIL PRESSURE (STS-V Only)
This display shows the oil pressure in either pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa).
TRANS (Transmission) FLUID TEMP
(Temperature) (STS-V Only)
This display shows the transmission uid temperature in
either degrees Fahrenheit (°F) or degrees Celsius (°C).
3-79

SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also ashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-67. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-70for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM
This message displays when there is a problem with
the hood open and closed switches. The switches may
need to be replaced. When this message is displayed,
the theft-deterrent system will still be protecting the
interior of the vehicle, however, the hood area will not
be protected at this time. Also, the remote start function
will not work when this message appears. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there is a problem with
the transmission. Have your vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM OFF
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system, this message displays when the SBZA system
has been turned off. See the Index in the Navigation
manual andDIC Operation and Displays on page 3-74
for more information.
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX
This message displays when the vehicle speed is
limited to XXX, mph in English mode and km/h in
Metric mode, because the vehicle detects a problem
in the steering, stability control, or suspension system.
Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
3-93

STARTING DISABLED THROTTLE
PROBLEM
This message displays when your vehicle’s throttle
system is not functioning properly. Have your vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer.
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This symbol appears
with this message.
This message displays if the theft-deterrent system
has detected a break-in attempt while you were away
from your vehicle.
TRACTION ACTIVE
This message displays when the Traction Control
System (TCS) is actively limiting wheel spin. Slippery
road conditions may exist if this message is displayed,
so adjust your driving accordingly. The message
stays on for a few seconds after the TCS stops limiting
wheel spin. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-6for more information.
TRANS (Transmission) HOT IDLE
ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
transmission uid is overheating and the
transmission temperature warning is displayed
on the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, you
can damage the transmission. This could lead
to costly repairs that would not be covered by
your warranty. Do not drive your vehicle with
overheated transmission uid or while the
transmission temperature warning is displayed.
This message displays when the transmission uid
in your vehicle is too hot. Stop the vehicle and allow
it to idle until the transmission cools down or until
this message is removed.
3-96

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

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.
4-21

Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
First, turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the
area around the front wheels. Turn off any traction or
stability system. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-6andStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-8or
Enhanced StabiliTrak®on page 4-9. Then shift back and
forth between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. To prevent
transmission wear, wait until the wheels stop spinning
before shifting gears. Release the accelerator pedal while
you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when
the transmission is in gear. By slowly spinning the wheels
in the forward and reverse directions, you will cause a
rocking motion that could free your vehicle. If that does
not get your vehicle out after a few tries, it might need to
be towed out. If your vehicle does need to be towed out,
seeTowing Your Vehicle on page 4-31.
Loading Your Vehicle
It is very important to know how much weight your
vehicle can carry. This weight is called the vehicle
capacity weight and includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all nonfactory-installed
options. Two labels on your vehicle show how much
weight it may properly carry, the Tire and Loading
Information label, and the Certication label.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). If you do,
parts on your vehicle can break, and it
can change the way your vehicle handles.
These could cause you to lose control
and crash. Also, overloading can shorten
the life of your vehicle.
4-26

Towing a Trailer (Vehicles With
Heavy Duty Cooling)
{CAUTION:
If you do not use the correct equipment and
drive properly, you can lose control when you
pull a trailer. For example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work well — or even
at all. You and your passengers could be
seriously injured. You may also damage your
vehicle; the resulting repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Pull a trailer only if
you have followed all the steps in this section.
Ask your dealer/retailer for advice and
information about towing a trailer with your
vehicle.
Vehicles with heavy duty cooling can tow a trailer if it is
equipped with the proper trailer towing equipment.
To identify the trailering capacity of your vehicle, you
should read the information in “Weight of the Trailer” that
appears later in this section. Trailering is different
than just driving your vehicle by itself. Trailering meanschanges in handling, acceleration, braking, durability
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be used properly.
That is the reason for this part. In it are many
time-tested, important trailering tips and safety rules.
Many of these are important for your safety and that of
your passengers. So please read this section carefully
before you pull a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine,
transmission, wheel assemblies and tires are forced to
work harder against the drag of the added weight.
The engine is required to operate at relatively higher
speeds and under greater loads, generating extra heat.
Also, the trailer adds considerably to wind resistance,
increasing the pulling requirements.
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer
If you do, here are some important points:
There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
your rig will be legal, not only where you live
but also where you will be driving. A good source
for this information can be state or provincial police.
Consider using a sway control. You can ask a hitch
dealer/retailer about sway controls.
4-34