2008 CADILLAC STS steering wheel adjustment

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Power Tilt Wheel and Telescopic
Steering Column.........................................3-7
Heated Steering Wheel...................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-8
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-9
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System..............3-10
Flash-to-Pass...............................................3-13
Windshield Wipers........................................3-14
Rainsense™ II Wipers...................................3-15
Windshield Washer.......................................3-16
Headlamp Washer........................................3-16
Cruise Control..............................................3-17
Adaptive Cruise Control.................................3-20
Headlamps..................................................3-33
Wiper Activated Headlamps............................3-37Headlamps on Reminder................................3-37
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-37
Fog Lamps..................................................3-39
Twilight Sentinel
®..........................................3-39
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver........................3-40
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-41
Entry Lighting...............................................3-41
Parade Dimming...........................................3-41
Reading Lamps............................................3-42
Battery Load Management.............................3-42
Electric Power Management...........................3-42
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver.....................3-43
Head-Up Display (HUD).................................3-43
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-46
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-47
Climate Controls............................................3-48
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-48
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-54
Rear Climate Control System.........................3-54
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-55
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

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

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.
4-14

Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you will want to
get to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
You will need more passing distance up ahead when
you are towing a trailer. And, because the vehicle
is a good deal longer, you will need to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before you can return to
your lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.
Then, to move the trailer to the left, just move that hand
to the left. To move the trailer to the right, move your
hand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,
have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while trailering
could cause the trailer to come in contact with the
vehicle. Your vehicle could be damaged. Avoid
making very sharp turns while trailering.
When you are turning with a trailer, make wider turns
than normal. Do this so your trailer will not strike
soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.
Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well in
advance.
4-38

Oil, Engine Oil Life System..............................5-21
Older Children, Restraints................................1-28
Online Owner Center........................................ 7-4
OnStar, Privacy..............................................7-17
OnStar
®System, see OnStar®Manual...............2-48
Operation, Universal Home Remote System........2-52
Other Warning Devices...................................... 3-6
Outlet Adjustment............................................3-54
Outlets
Accessory Power.........................................3-46
Outside
Automatic Dimming Mirror.............................2-44
Convex Mirror.............................................2-44
Parallel Park Assist Mirror.............................2-44
Power Heated Mirrors..................................2-43
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode.....5-31
Owner Checks and Services.............................. 6-9
Owners, Canadian............................................... ii
P
Paint, Damage..............................................5-114
Panic Brake Assist..........................................4-12
Parade Dimming.............................................3-41
Park Aid........................................................2-45
Park Brake....................................................2-35Park (P)
Shifting Into................................................2-36
Shifting Out of............................................2-37
Parking
Assist........................................................2-45
Over Things That Burn.................................2-38
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator.....................3-61
Passenger Compartment Air Filter.....................3-55
Passenger Sensing System..............................1-60
Passing.........................................................4-16
Perchlorate Materials Requirements, California....... 5-4
Power
Door Locks.................................................2-14
Electrical System.......................................5-117
Inadvertent Battery Saver.............................3-43
Lumbar Controls........................................... 1-2
Reclining Seatbacks...................................... 1-4
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-29
Seat............................................................ 1-2
Steering Fluid.............................................5-39
Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering Column......... 3-7
Windows....................................................2-20
Privacy..........................................................7-16
Event Data Recorders..................................7-16
Navigation System.......................................7-17
OnStar.......................................................7-17
Radio Frequency Identication.......................7-17
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................2-15
9

Traction
Control System (TCS).................................... 4-6
Control System Warning Light.......................3-65
Enhanced StabiliTrak
®................................... 4-9
Limited-Slip Rear Axle.................................... 4-8
Magnetic Ride Control................................... 4-8
StabiliTrak
®System....................................... 4-8
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-25
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-32
Trunk............................................................2-16
Turn and Lane-Change Signals.......................... 3-8
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-8
Twilight Sentinel
®............................................3-39
U
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)...............2-45
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-79
Universal Home Remote System.......................2-51
Operation...................................................2-52
Using this Manual............................................... iii
V
Valet Lockout Switch.......................................2-25
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-3
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-26
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy..................7-16
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN)............................................5-116
Service Parts Identication Label..................5-116
Vehicle Personalization....................................2-60
Memory Seat, Mirrors and Steering Wheel.........2-77
Vehicle, Remote Start......................................2-12
Ventilated Seats............................................... 1-3
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-54
Visors...........................................................2-22
13