2008 CADILLAC STS steering

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Off-Road Recovery
You may nd that your vehicle’s right wheels have
dropped off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while
you are driving.
If the level of the shoulder is only slightly below the
pavement, recovery should be fairly easy. Ease off the
accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way,
steer so that your vehicle straddles the edge of
the pavement. You can turn the steering wheel up to
one-quarter turn until the right front tire contacts
the pavement edge. Then turn the steering wheel to go
straight down the roadway.
Passing
Passing another vehicle on a two-lane road can be
dangerous. To reduce the risk of danger while passing,
we suggest the following tips:
Look down the road, to the sides, and to crossroads
for situations that might affect a successful pass. If
in doubt, wait.
Watch for traffic signs, pavement markings, and
lines that could indicate a turn or an intersection.
Never cross a solid or double-solid line on your side
of the lane.
Do not get too close to the vehicle you want to
pass. Doing so can reduce your visibility.
Wait your turn to pass a slow vehicle.
When you are being passed, ease to the right.
Loss of Control
Let us review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems — brakes,
steering, and acceleration — do not have enough friction
where the tires meet the road to do what the driver
has asked.
In any emergency, do not give up. Keep trying to steer
and constantly seek an escape route or area of less
danger.
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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.
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The Traction Control System (TCS) improves your
ability to accelerate when driving on a slippery road.
Even though you have TCS, slow down and adjust your
driving to the road conditions. Under certain conditions,
you might want to turn the TCS off, such as when
driving through deep snow and loose gravel, to help
maintain vehicle motion at lower speeds. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-6,StabiliTrak
®System
on page 4-8orEnhanced StabiliTrak®on page 4-9,
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-26, and
“Winter Tires” underTires on page 5-57.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves your
vehicle’s stability when you make a hard stop on a
slippery road. Even though you have ABS, begin
stopping sooner than you would on dry pavement. See
Antilock Brake System (ABS) on page 4-5.
Allow greater following distance on any
slippery road.
Watch for slippery spots. The road might be ne until
you hit a spot that is covered with ice. On an
otherwise clear road, ice patches can appear in
shaded areas where the sun cannot reach, such as
around clumps of trees, behind buildings, or under
bridges. Sometimes the surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when the surrounding roads
are clear. If you see a patch of ice ahead of you,
brake before you are on it. Try not to brake while you
are actually on the ice, and avoid sudden steering
maneuvers.
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard
If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a
serious situation. You should probably stay with
your vehicle unless you know for sure that you are near
help and you can hike through the snow. Here are
some things to do to summon help and keep yourself
and your passengers safe:
Turn on the hazard warning ashers.
Tie a red cloth to your vehicle to alert police that
you have been stopped by the snow.
Put on extra clothing or wrap a blanket around you.
If you do not have blankets or extra clothing, make
body insulators from newspapers, burlap bags,
rags, oor mats — anything you can wrap around
yourself or tuck under your clothing to keep warm.
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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.
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