2008 CADILLAC STS instrument cluster

{CAUTION:
Airbags plus lap-shoulder belts offer the best
protection for adults, but not for young
children and infants. Neither the vehicle’s
safety belt system nor its airbag system is
designed for them. Young children and infants
need the protection that a child restraint
system can provide. Always secure children
properly in your vehicle. To read how, see
Older Children on page 1-28orInfants and
Young Children on page 1-30.
There is an airbag
readiness light on the
instrument panel cluster,
which shows the airbag
symbol.
The system checks the airbag electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-60
for more information.
Where Are the Airbags?
The driver’s frontal airbag is in the middle of the
steering wheel.
1-53

the seat cushion, with the person’s legs comfortably
extended. Restart the vehicle and have the person
remain in this position for two to three minutes.
This will allow the system to detect that person and
then enable the right front passenger’s frontal airbag.Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the
seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which
helps the passenger sensing system maintain the
passenger airbag status. See “Safety Belts” and
“Child Restraints” in the Index for additional information
about the importance of proper restraint use.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light in the instrument
panel cluster ever comes on and stays on, it
means that something may be wrong with the
airbag system. If this ever happens, have the
vehicle serviced promptly, because an
adult-size person sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat may not have the protection
of the airbag(s). SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 3-60for more on this, including
important safety information.
1-63

Window Lockout
o
(Window Lockout):Press to disable the rear
window controls. The light on the button illuminates,
indicating that the feature is in use. The rear windows
can still be raised or lowered using the driver’s window
switches. To restore power to the rear windows, press the
button again. The light on the button will go out.
The front passenger window can be programmed to be
disabled using the window lockout button. SeeVehicle
Personalization on page 2-60.
Secure Car Feature
The windows can be closed by pressing the lock button
on the keyless access transmitter. SeeKeyless Access
System Operation on page 2-6for more information.
If any window is unable to close completely, it reverses
and the horn chirps. See “Anti-Pinch Feature” previously.
The engine must be off to operate this feature.
Sun Visors
Swing down the visor or detach it from the center mount
and move to the side to block out glare. The visors also
have side-to-side slide capability for greater coverage.
Pull the visor down and lift the cover. Move the slide
switch up or down to brighten or dim the lamp.
Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
Although your vehicle has a number of theft-deterrent
features, we know that nothing we put on it can make it
impossible to steal.
Theft-Deterrent System
Your vehicle has a theft-deterrent alarm system.
The security light is
located on the instrument
panel cluster.
If the ignition is off and a door is open, the security light
will ash, reminding you to arm the theft-deterrent
system.
2-22

The transmission will only allow you to shift into gears
appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM). The transmission will
not automatically shift to the next higher gear if the
engine RPM is too high.
If shifting is prevented for any reason, the selected gear
will ash multiple times, indicating that the transmission
has not shifted gears.
The transmission will allow you to shift to the gear
selected and will automatically downshift when
the vehicle comes to a stop. This will allow for more
power during take-off and passing.
Parking Brake
The parking brake pedal
is located on the lower
portion of the instrument
panel to the left of the
steering wheel.This vehicle has a push-to-release parking brake pedal.
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down with your right foot and push the parking
brake pedal down with your left foot.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light on
the instrument panel cluster should come on. If it
does not, you need to have your vehicle serviced.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-64for
more information.
To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal
down with your right foot and push the parking brake
pedal with your left foot. When you lift your left foot,
the parking brake releases.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
A warning chime will sound if the parking brake is set,
the ignition is on and the vehicle begins to move.
To stop the chime, fully release the parking brake.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a hill,
seeTowing a Trailer (Vehicles With Heavy Duty
Cooling) on page 4-34orTowing a Trailer (Vehicles
Without Heavy Duty Cooling) on page 4-40for
more information.
2-35

Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-57
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-58
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-59
Tachometer.................................................3-59
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-59
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-60
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-61
Charging System Light..................................3-63
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-64
Antilock Brake System Warning Light...............3-65
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light...........................................3-65
Lane Departure Warning Light........................3-66
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-66
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-67
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-67
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-68
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-70
Security Light...............................................3-71
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-72
Lights On Reminder......................................3-72Cruise Control Light......................................3-72
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-72
Fuel Gage...................................................3-73
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-74
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-74
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-80
Other Messages...........................................3-97
Audio System(s).............................................3-98
Setting the Time...........................................3-99
Radio(s) (MP3)...........................................3-100
Using an MP3............................................3-112
XM Radio Messages...................................3-116
Navigation/Radio System..............................3-117
Radio Personalization
..................................3-117
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-121
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-121
Radio Reception.........................................3-123
Backglass Antenna......................................3-124
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-124
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-54.
B. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-41. Driver Information
Center (DIC) Buttons. SeeDIC Operation and
Displays on page 3-74. HUD Controls (If Equipped).
SeeHead-Up Display (HUD) on page 3-43.
C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-8.
Headlamp Controls. SeeHeadlamps on
page 3-33. Cruise Control. SeeCruise Control on
page 3-17. Adaptive Cruise Control (If Equipped).
SeeAdaptive Cruise Control on page 3-20.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) (If Equipped).
SeeForward Collision Alert (FCA) System
on page 3-10.
D. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-58.
E. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever. SeeWindshield
Wipers on page 3-14.
F. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-98.
Navigation/Radio System (If Equipped).
SeeNavigation/Radio System on page 3-117.G. Audio Steering Wheel Controls (If Equipped).
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-121.
Adaptive Cruise Control Gap Button (If Equipped).
SeeAdaptive Cruise Control on page 3-20.
Heated Steering Wheel Button (If Equipped).
SeeHeated Steering Wheel on page 3-7.
H. Power Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering Column.
Power Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering Column
on page 3-7.
I. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
J. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-28.
K. Climate Control System. SeeDual Climate
Control System on page 3-48.
L. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
M. Cupholders. SeeCupholder(s) on page 2-58.
N. Traction Control System Button. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-6.
O. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 2-32.
P. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-58.
3-5

Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever
The lever on the left side of the steering column
includes the following:
GTurn and Lane-Change Signals. SeeTurn
and Lane-Change Signals on page 3-8.
OHeadlamps. SeeHeadlamps on page 3-33.
3Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer. See
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on page 3-9.
Flash-To-Pass Feature. SeeFlash-to-Pass
on page 3-13.
-Fog Lamps. SeeFog Lamps on page 3-39.
ICruise Control. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-17.
Adaptive Cruise Control (If Equipped).
SeeAdaptive Cruise Control on page 3-20.
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) (If Equipped).
SeeForward Collision Alert (FCA) System
on page 3-10.
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
To signal a turn, move the lever all the way up or
down. The lever returns automatically when the
turn is complete.
An arrow on the
instrument panel cluster
ashes in the direction
of the turn or lane
change.
3-8

Raise or lower the lever until the arrow starts to ash
to signal a lane change. Hold it briey until the lane
change is complete. The arrow will automatically ash
three times The lever returns to its original position
when it is released.
Rapid ashing of arrows when signaling for a turn
or lane change can be caused by a burned-out signal
bulb. Other drivers will not see the signal.
Replace burned-out bulbs to help avoid possible
accidents. Check the fuse for burned-out bulbs
if the arrow fails to work when signaling a turn.
SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-117
for more information.
Turn Signal On Chime
If the turn signal is left on for about 1 mile (1.6 km),
a warning chime will sound and the TURN SIGNAL
ON message will appear on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) display. See “Turn Signal On” under
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-80for
more information.
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
Push forward on the turn signal/multifunction lever
to change the headlamps from low to high beam.
Pull the lever back and then release it to change
from high to low beam.
If you turn the vehicle off with the high beams on,
the next time you start your vehicle the low beams
will be on.
To re-activate high beams, pull lever toward you and
then push it forward again.
This light on the
instrument panel cluster
will be on, indicating
high-beam usage.
3-9