2008 CADILLAC STS jump start

After you have moved the shift lever into PARK (P),
hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you can
move the shift lever away from PARK (P) without rst
pushing the button on the shift lever. If you can, it means
that the shift lever was not fully locked into PARK (P).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl
in the transmission. You may nd it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque
lock.” To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and
then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave
the driver’s seat. To nd out how, see “Shifting
Into PARK (P)” listed previously.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have
another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of
the pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission,
so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent shifting out of PARK (P) unless the vehicle
is running or in Accessory mode and the regular brake
pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional except in the
case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-45
To shift out of PARK (P) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Then press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of PARK (P):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the
shift lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
2-37

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.
4-5

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle...........................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-9
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-10
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-11
Engine Oil...................................................5-18
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-21
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-23
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-25
Engine Coolant.............................................5-25
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-29
Engine Overheating.......................................5-29
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . .5-31Cooling System............................................5-32
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-39
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-40
Brakes........................................................5-41
Battery........................................................5-44
Jump Starting...............................................5-45
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-50
Rear Axle.......................................................5-51
Front Axle......................................................5-52
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-53
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-54
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............5-54
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-54
Back-Up Lamps............................................5-54
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-55
Windshield Replacement.................................5-55
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-55
Tires..............................................................5-57
Winter Tires.................................................5-58
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-59
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-62
Run-Flat Tires (STS-V)..................................5-65
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-66
High-Speed Operation...................................5-68
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

After you have removed the sight shields (if equipped) on the 3.6L V6 engine, here is what you will see:
A. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-118.
B. Remote Negative (-) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-45.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-45.
D. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-44.
E. Passenger Compartment Air Filter. SeePassenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 3-55.
F. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-39.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-18.H. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-18.
I. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-41.
J. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap on page 5-29
andCooling System on page 5-32.
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-23.
L. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-40.
5-13

After you have removed the sight shields (if equipped) on the 4.6L V8 engine, here is what you will see:
A. Remote Negative (-) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-45.
B. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-45.
C. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-44.
D. Passenger Compartment Air Filter. SeePassenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 3-55.
E. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-39.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-18.
G. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-18.H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-41.
I. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap on page 5-29
andCooling System on page 5-32.
J. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-23.
K. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-118.
L. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-40.
5-15

After you have removed the sight shields (if equipped) on the 4.4L V8 STS-V engine, here is what you will see:
A. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-118.
B. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-45.
C. Remote Negative (-) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-45.
D. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-44.
E. Passenger Compartment Air Filter. SeePassenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 3-55.
F. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-40.
G. Intercooler System Pressure Cap. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-25.
H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-39.
I. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-18.J. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-18.
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-41.
L. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap on page 5-29
andCooling System on page 5-32.
M. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-23.
If your vehicle is equipped with front compartment
underhood sight shields, before closing the hood be sure
to reinstall the sight shields. To reinstall the shields,
locate the tabs on the left and right sides and insert
them into the openings in the tower to tower brace. Then
insert the fasteners into the top of the shield and push
the fasteners back into place.
5-17

Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top-quality brake parts.
When you replace parts of the braking system — for
example, when the brake linings wear down and you
need new ones put in — be sure you get new approved
replacement parts. If you do not, the brakes might not
work properly. For example, if someone puts in brake
linings that are wrong for your vehicle, the balance
between the front and rear brakes can change — for the
worse. The braking performance you have come to
expect can change in many other ways if someone puts
in the wrong replacement brake parts.
Battery
Your vehicle has a maintenance free battery. When
it is time for a new battery, see your dealer/retailer
for one that has the replacement number shown on
the original battery’s label. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-11for battery location.
Warning:Battery posts, terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
Vehicle Storage
{CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and
gas that can explode. You can be badly hurt
if you are not careful. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-45for tips on working around a battery
without getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: If you drive your vehicle infrequently,
remove the black, negative (−) cable from the battery.
This will help keep the battery from running down.
Extended Storage: For extended storage of your vehicle,
remove the black, negative (−) cable from the battery
or use a battery trickle charger. This will help maintain
the charge of the battery over an extended period
of time.
5-44

Jump Starting
If your vehicle’s battery has run down, you may want to
use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your
vehicle. Be sure to use the following steps to do it safely.
{CAUTION:
Batteries can hurt you. They can be dangerous
because:
They contain acid that can burn you.
They contain gas that can explode or
ignite.
They contain enough electricity to
burn you.
If you do not follow these steps exactly, some
or all of these things can hurt you.Notice:Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to your vehicle that would not be covered
by your warranty.
Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling it
will not work, and it could damage your vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
Notice:If the other vehicle’s system is not a 12-volt
system with a negative ground, both vehicles can
be damaged. Only use vehicles with 12-volt systems
with negative grounds to jump start your vehicle.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles are not touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you do not want. You would not be able
to start your vehicle and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake rmly on both vehicles involved in
the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in PARK (P) or a manual transmission
in NEUTRAL before setting the parking brake.
5-45