2008 CADILLAC STS warning

HOOD AJAR
This symbol appears
with this message.
This message displays when the hood is not closed
completely. Make sure that the hood is closed
completely. SeeHood Release on page 5-10.
ICE POSSIBLE
This message displays when the outside temperature
is cold enough to create icy road conditions. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
KEY FOB BATTERY LOW
This message displays when the battery in the keyless
access transmitter is low. Replace the battery in the
transmitter. See “Battery Replacement” underKeyless
Access System Operation on page 2-6.
LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM
UNAVAILABLE
If your vehicle has the Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
system, this message may display if the LDW system
does not activate due to a temporary condition. See the
Index in the Navigation manual for more information.
LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR
This symbol appears
with this message.
This message displays when the driver side rear door
is not closed completely. Make sure that the door
is closed completely.
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The keyless access transmitter needs to be inside of
the vehicle in order for the vehicle to start. SeeStarting
the Engine on page 2-29for more information.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
oil pressure is low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure warning appears on
the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the
vehicle as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle
until the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-18for more information.
This message displays when the vehicle’s engine
oil pressure is low.
A multiple chime sounds when this message is
displayed. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-18for more
information.
Stop the vehicle immediately, as engine damage can
result from driving a vehicle with low oil pressure.
Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer as
soon as possible when this message is displayed.
PASSENGER DOOR AJAR
This symbol appears
with this message.
This message displays when the passenger side front
door is not closed completely. Make sure that the door
is closed completely.
PRESS START AND BRAKE TO
START ENGINE
This message displays when you need to press down
on the brake pedal while pressing the start button on
the electronic keyless ignition when trying to start
your vehicle. SeeStarting the Engine on page 2-29for
more information.
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SERVICE LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM
If your vehicle has the Lane Departure Warning
(LDW) system, this message may display to
indicate that the LDW system is not working properly.
If this message remains on after continued driving,
the system needs service. See your dealer/retailer.
See the Index in the Navigation manual for more
information.
SERVICE RADAR CRUISE
This message displays when the Adaptive Cruise
Control system is disabled and needs service.
See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system and this message displays, both SBZA
displays will remain on indicating there is a problem
with the SBZA system. If these displays remain on
after continued driving, the system needs service.
See your dealer/retailer. See the Index in the
Navigation manual for more information.
SERVICE STABILITY SYS (System)
Your vehicle has a vehicle stability enhancement system
called StabiliTrak®. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle
with the Active Steering with Enhanced StabiliTrak®
option have a stability enhancement system called
Enhanced StabiliTrak®.
This message displays if there has been a problem
detected with the stability system.
If this message comes on while driving, pull off the road
as soon as possible and stop carefully. Try resetting
the system by turning the ignition off then back on. If this
message still stays on or comes back on again while
driving, your vehicle needs service. Have the stability
system inspected by your dealer/retailer as soon
as possible. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-8or
Enhanced StabiliTrak®on page 4-9for more information.
For vehicles with the Active Steering with Enhanced
StabiliTrak
®option, in some cases when the SERVICE
STABILITY SYS message is displayed, a larger
degree of steering wheel input at low vehicle speeds
and a smaller degree of steering wheel input at higher
vehicle speeds may be required.
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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.
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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.
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Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-64.
Braking action involves perception time and reaction
time. First, you have to decide to push on the brake
pedal. That is perception time. Then you have to bring
up your foot and do it. That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
your vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement
or gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is
wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes;
the weight of the vehicle; and the amount of brake force
applied.Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is a
mistake. The brakes might not have time to cool between
hard stops. The brakes will wear out much faster if you do
a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace with the traffic
and allow realistic following distances, you will eliminate a
lot of unnecessary braking. That means better braking
and longer brake life.
If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are driving,
brake normally but do not pump the brakes. If you do,
the pedal could get harder to push down. If the
engine stops, you will still have some power brake
assist. But you will use it when you brake. Once the
power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 5-3.
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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.
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Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time. In
many emergencies, steering can help you more than
even the very best braking.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Your vehicle has a traction control system that limits
wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. On a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, the
system operates if it senses that one or both of the rear
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. On
an All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) vehicle, the system will
operate if it senses that any of the wheels are spinning
or beginning to lose traction. When this happens,
the system brakes the spinning wheel(s) and/or reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
You may feel or hear the system working, but this is
normal.
This warning light will
come on to let you know if
there is a problem with
your traction control
system.SeeTraction Control System (TCS) Warning Light on
page 3-65. When this warning light is on, the system will
not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The Traction Control System (TCS) automatically comes
on whenever you start your vehicle. To limit wheel
spin, especially in slippery road conditions, you should
always leave the system on. But you can turn the
TCS off if you ever need to.
Notice:Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when the TCS is off. You could damage your
vehicle’s driveline.
When the TCS is switched off on AWD and STS-V
vehicles, you may still feel the system working. This is
normal and necessary with the hardware on your
vehicle.
You should turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets
stuck in sand, mud or snow and rocking the vehicle
is required. SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on
page 4-26andIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-25for more information.
See alsoWinter Driving on page 4-22for information on
using TCS when driving in snowy or icy conditions.
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