2008 CADILLAC STS traction control

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

The headlamps must be on to be washed. If the
headlamps are off, only the windshield will be washed
when the washer button is pressed. If the washer uid
is low, the headlamp washers will not work.
SeeWindshield Washer on page 3-16for additional
information.
Cruise Control
These controls are
located on the end
of the multifunction
lever.
9(Off):Move to this position to turn the system off.
R(On):Move to this position to turn on the system.
+ (Resume/Accelerate):Move to this position to make
the vehicle resume a previously set speed or to
accelerate when cruise is already active.
T(Set/Decrease):Press this button to set the speed
or to decrease the speed when cruise is already active.With cruise control, a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h)
or more can be maintained without keeping your
foot on the accelerator. This can really help on long
trips. Cruise control does not work at speeds below
about 25 mph (40 km/h).
If you apply your brakes, the cruise control shuts off.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you
cannot drive safely at a steady speed. So, do
not use your cruise control on winding roads
or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery
roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire
traction can cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.
If your vehicle is in cruise control when the Traction
Control System (TCS) begins to limit wheel spin or
the stability control system activates, the cruise control
automatically disengages. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 4-6andStabiliTrak
®System
on page 4-8orEnhanced StabiliTrak®on page 4-9.
When road conditions allow you to safely use it again,
you may turn the cruise control back on.
3-17

{CAUTION:
On winding roads, Adaptive Cruise
Control may not detect a vehicle ahead.
You could crash into a vehicle ahead of
you. Do not use Adaptive Cruise Control
on winding roads.
Adaptive Cruise Control may not have time
to slow your vehicle enough to avoid a
crash when you are driving in conditions
where vehicles may suddenly slow or
stop ahead of you, enter your lane, or
cross your vehicle’s path. If you are
driving in these conditions, do not use
Adaptive Cruise Control. The warning
beep and alert symbol may indicate
that you are driving in conditions where
Adaptive Cruise Control should not be
used. See “Alerting the Driver” in this
section.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

On slippery roads, fast changes in
tire traction can cause needless wheel
spinning, and you could lose control.
Do not use cruise control on slippery
roads.
When weather limits visibility, such as
when in fog, rain, or snow conditions,
Adaptive Cruise Control performance is
limited. There may not be enough distance
to adapt to the changing traffic conditions.
Do not use cruise control when visibility
is low.
3-21

The set speed is selected by the driver. This is the
speed you will travel if there is no vehicle detected
in your path.
To set Adaptive Cruise Control, do the following:
1. Make sure the Head-Up Display (HUD) is on and
properly adjusted. You cannot engage Adaptive
Cruise Control unless the HUD is on. SeeHead-Up
Display (HUD) on page 3-43for more information.
2. Move the switch to the on position.
3. Get up to the desired speed.
4. Press in the set button at the end of the lever
and release the button.
5. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Once Adaptive Cruise Control is set, it might
immediately apply the brakes if it detects a vehicle
ahead that is too close or moving slower than
your vehicle.This symbol appears on the
Head-Up Display (HUD)
to indicate that Adaptive
Cruise Control is active.
The number indicates
the set speed.
SeeHead-Up Display (HUD) on page 3-43for more
information.
Make sure the set speed is visible on the HUD so you
know the speed your vehicle will accelerate to if a
vehicle is not detected in your path. Keep in mind
speed limits, surrounding traffic speeds, and weather
conditions when adjusting your set speed.
If your vehicle is in Adaptive Cruise Control when
the traction control system begins to limit wheel spin,
the Adaptive Cruise Control will automatically
disengage. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-6,StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-8or
Enhanced StabiliTrak®on page 4-9. When road
conditions allow you to safely use it again, you can
turn the Adaptive Cruise Control back on.United States version
shown, Canada similar
3-23

Antilock Brake System
Warning Light
For vehicles with the
Antilock Brake System
(ABS), this light will come
on briey when you
start the engine.
That is normal. If the light does not come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off, if the light
comes on when you are driving, stop as soon as it
is safely possible and turn the ignition off. Then start
the engine again to reset the system. If the ABS light still
stays on, or comes on again while you are driving,
your vehicle needs service. If the regular brake system
warning light is not on, you still have brakes, but
you do not have antilock brakes. If the regular brake
system warning light is also on, you do not have antilock
brakes and there is a problem with your regular
brakes. SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-64
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC),
seeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-80for
all brake related DIC messages.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
If the Traction Control
System (TCS) warning
light comes on and stays
on, there may be a
problem with the TCS.
The TCS warning light will come on briey when the
engine is started. If it does not come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
The light will also come on if you turn the TCS off using
the traction control on/off button located on the console.
If this light stays on or comes on while you are driving,
pull off the road as soon as possible and stop carefully.
Turn your engine off and then restart it. If the light still
stays on or comes back on again while you are driving,
your vehicle needs service. Have the TCS inspected as
soon as possible. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-6andStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-8for
more information.
Also seeCompetitive Driving Mode (STS-V) on
page 4-7for more information.
3-65

CLEAN RADAR
This message displays when the Adaptive Cruise
Control system is disabled because the radar is blocked
and cannot detect vehicles in your path. It may also
activate during heavy rain or due to road spray.
To clean the system, see “Cleaning the System”
underAdaptive Cruise Control on page 3-20.
CLEAN SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system, this message displays when the SBZA system
is disabled because the sensor is blocked and cannot
detect vehicles in your blind zone. The sensor may
be blocked by mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush. This
message may also display during heavy rain or due
to road spray. Your vehicle does not need service.
For cleaning instructions, seeWashing Your Vehicle
on page 5-110. See the Index in the Navigation
manual for more information.
COMPETITIVE DRIVING (STS-V Only)
This message displays when the competitive driving
mode is turned on with the TC (traction control) button.
The TC (traction control) light comes on when the
competitive driving mode is on. The Traction Control
System (TCS) will not operate while in competitive
driving mode. Adjust your driving accordingly. See
Competitive Driving Mode (STS-V) on page 4-7for
more information.
DRIVER DOOR AJAR
This symbol appears
with this message.
This message displays when the driver door is not closed
completely. Make sure that the door is closed completely.
3-84

STABILITY COMPETITIVE MODE
If your All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle has the
Active Steering with Enhanced StabiliTrak®option,
this message displays when the Competitive Mode
for stability control has been turned on using the
TC (traction control) button. SeeEnhanced StabiliTrak
®
on page 4-9. When the Enhanced StabiliTrak®
Competitive Mode has been activated, traction control
operates in competitive mode and cannot be turned
off. Also, the Active Steering and the Magnetic
Ride Control systems operate in the Performance
Mode. For more information, see “Active Steering
and Magnetic Ride Control” in the Index in the
Navigation manual.
STABILITY SECURE MODE
If your All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle has the
Active Steering with Enhanced StabiliTrak®option,
this message displays when the stability control system
is in the secure mode. Stability Secure Mode is set
automatically when certain system faults or vehicle
conditions are detected. 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. SeeEnhanced
StabiliTrak
®on page 4-9.
STABILITY SYS (System) ACTIVE
This message displays any time the StabiliTrak®system
or Enhanced StabiliTrak®system is actively assisting
with directional control of the vehicle. Slippery road
conditions may exist when this message is displayed,
so adjust your driving accordingly. This message
may stay on for a few seconds after StabiliTrak
®
stops assisting with directional control of the vehicle.
SeeStabiliTrak®System on page 4-8orEnhanced
StabiliTrak®on page 4-9for more information.
STABILITY SYS (System) NOT READY
This message displays if the StabiliTrak®system is
not ready. Two conditions may cause this message
to display:
The vehicle needs to be driven in a straight line
until the sensors are centered. Once the sensors
are centered, the StabiliTrak
®system is ready and
the STABILITY SYS READY message displays.
The system needs to warm up. This may occur
when rst starting your vehicle and driving away
during cold winter weather. This is normal. To
acknowledge this message, press the reset button.
The StabiliTrak
®performance is affected until the
STABILITY SYS READY message is displayed in the
DIC. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-8for more
information.
3-94