2008 CADILLAC XLR service

TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
The TPMS will not function properly if one or more of the
TPMS sensors are missing or inoperable. When the
system detects a malfunction, the low tire warning light
ashes for about one minute and then stays on for
the remainder of the ignition cycle. A DIC warning
message is also displayed. The low tire warning light
and DIC warning message come on at each ignition
cycle until the problem is corrected. Some of the
conditions that can cause the malfunction light and
DIC message to come on are:
The TPMS sensor matching process was not done
or not completed successfully. The DIC message
should go off after successfully completing the
sensor matching process.
One or more TPMS sensors are missing or
damaged. Under these conditions the TPMS
malfunction light (low tire warning light) comes on,
and at the same time the DIC message is
displayed. The DIC message and TPMS malfunction
light should go off once the TPMS sensors are
installed and the sensor matching process is
performed successfully.
Replacement tires or wheels do not match your
vehicle’s original equipment tires or wheels.
Tires and wheels other than those recommended
for your vehicle could prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. SeeBuying New Tires on
page 6-67.
Operating electronic devices or being near facilities
using radio wave frequencies similar to the TPMS
could cause the TPMS sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning it cannot detect or
signal a low tire condition. See your dealer/retailer for
service if the TPMS malfunction light and DIC message
comes on and stays on.
TPMS Sensor Matching Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique identication code.
Any time you replace one or more of the TPMS sensors
or rotate your vehicle’s tires, the identication codes
will need to be matched to the new tire/wheel position.
The sensors are matched to the tire/wheel positions
in the following order: driver side front tire, passenger
side front tire, passenger side rear tire, and driver
side rear tire using a TPMS diagnostic tool. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
6-64

Tire Inspection and Rotation
We recommend that you regularly inspect your
vehicle’s tires for signs of wear or damage.
SeeWhen It Is Time for New Tires on page 6-66
for additional information.
If your vehicle has P235/50R18 size tires they
should be rotated any time you notice unusual
wear. Rotate the tires as soon as possible
and check wheel alignment. Also check for
damaged tires or wheels. SeeWhen It Is Time for
New Tires on page 6-66andWheel Replacement
on page 6-70.
When rotating P235/50R18 size tires, always use
the correct rotation pattern shown here.After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear ination pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label, seeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 6-60andLoading Your Vehicle
on page 5-22. Vehicles that have the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) need the TPMS sensors
reset after a tire rotation is performed. A special tool
is needed to reset the sensor identication codes.
See your dealer/retailer for service. Make certain
that all wheel nuts are properly tightened. See
Wheel Replacement on page 6-70and “Wheel Nut
Torque” underCapacities and Specifications on
page 6-97
.
{CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after a time. The wheel
could come off and cause a crash. When
you change a wheel, remove any rust or
dirt from places where the wheel attaches
to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use a cloth or a paper towel to do this;
but be sure to use a scraper or wire brush
later, if you need to, to get all the rust or
dirt off.
6-65

Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on
the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which
grades tires by treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This applies only to
vehicles sold in the United States. The grades are
molded on the sidewalls of most passenger car
tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type
snow tires, space-saver, or temporary use
spare tires, tires with nominal rim diameters of
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), or to some
limited-production tires.
While the tires available on General Motors
passenger cars and light trucks may vary with
respect to these grades, they must also conform
to federal safety requirements and additional
General Motors Tire Performance Criteria (TPC)
standards.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specied
government test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and a half (1.5) times
as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires
depends upon the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart signicantly from
the norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices, and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA,
A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s
ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specied government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance.
Warning:The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests,
and does not include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.
6-69

If you ever use a jack to lift your vehicle, follow the
instructions that came with the jack, and be sure to use
the correct lifting points to avoid damaging your vehicle.
Notice:Lifting your vehicle improperly can
damage your vehicle and result in costly repairs not
covered by your warranty. To lift your vehicle
properly, follow the advice in this part.
To help prevent vehicle damage:
Be sure to place a block or pad between the
jack and the vehicle.
Make sure the jack you are using spans at least
two crossmember ribs.
Lift only in the areas shown in the following
pictures.
For additional information, see your GM dealer and
the Cadillac XLR service manual.
Lifting From the Front
The front lifting points can be accessed from either side
of your vehicle, behind the front tires.
6-75

3. Lift the vehicle with the jack, making sure the jack
spans at least two of the crossmember ribs (B).
For more information, seeDoing Your Own Service
Work on page 6-4.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out while you are driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air
goes out of a tire, it is much more likely to leak out
slowly. SeeTires on page 6-52for additional
information.
Your vehicle, when new, had run-at tires. This type of
tire can operate effectively with no air pressure, so
you will not need to stop on the side of the road
to change a at tire. You can just keep on driving.
The shorter the distance you drive and the slower the
speed, the greater the chance that the run-at tire
will not have to be replaced. Run-at tires perform so
well without any air that a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
is used to alert you if a tire has lost pressure.
SeeRun-Flat Tires on page 6-58andTire Pressure
Monitor System on page 6-61.
6-78

{CAUTION:
When the TIRE FLAT MAX SPD 55, REDUCED
HNDLG message is displayed on the Driver
Information Center, your vehicle’s handling
capabilities will be reduced during severe
maneuvers. If you drive too fast, you could
lose control of your vehicle. You or others
could be injured. Don’t drive over 55 mph
(90 km/h) when the TIRE FLAT MAX SPD 55,
REDUCED HNDLG message is displayed.
Drive cautiously and check your tire pressures
as soon as you can.
If the TPM system detects a tire pressure below
5 psi (34 kPa), the TIRE FLAT MAX SPD 55, REDUCED
HNDLG warning message is displayed on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Operation and
Displays on page 3-60andDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-63for information and details about the
DIC operation and displays.
{CAUTION:
Special tools and procedures are required to
service a run-at tire. If these special tools and
procedures are not used you or others could
be injured and your vehicle could be damaged.
Always be sure the proper tools and
procedures, as described in the service
manual, are used.
Notice:Using liquid sealants can damage the tire
valves and tire pressure monitor sensors in your
vehicle’s run-at tires. This damage would not
be covered by warranty. Do not use liquid sealants
in your vehicle’s run-at tires.
To order a service manual, seeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 8-16.
If a tire goes at, the stability control system will turn
on automatically even if it was disabled by the driver.
When a at tire condition exists the StabiliTrak
®system
cannot be turned off. SeeStabiliTrak®System on
page 5-8.
6-79

Vehicle Identication
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
This is the legal identier for your vehicle. It appears on
a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on
the driver side. You can see it if you look through
the windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certication and Service Parts
labels and the certicates of title and registration.
Engine Identication
The eighth character in the VIN is the engine code.
This code helps you identify your vehicle’s engine,
specications, and replacement parts.
Service Parts Identication Label
This label is on the rear compartment cover in the
trunk. It is very helpful if you ever need to order parts.
The label has the following information:
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
Model designation
Paint information
Production options and special equipment
Do not remove this label from the vehicle.
Electrical System
Add-On Electrical Equipment
Notice:Do not add anything electrical to your
vehicle unless you check with your dealer/retailer
rst. Some electrical equipment can damage your
vehicle and the damage would not be covered by
your warranty. Some add-on electrical equipment can
keep other components from working as they should.
Add-on equipment can drain your vehicle’s battery, even
if your vehicle is not operating.
Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to your vehicle, seeServicing
Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-50.
6-89

Maintenance Schedule......................................7-2
Introduction...................................................7-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................7-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................7-2
Using the Maintenance Schedule......................7-2
Scheduled Maintenance...................................7-4
Additional Required Services............................7-5
Maintenance Footnotes...................................7-6Owner Checks and Services............................7-8
At Each Fuel Fill............................................7-8
At Least Once a Month...................................7-8
At Least Once a Year.....................................7-9
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants...............7-11
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts..........7-13
Engine Drive Belt Routing..............................7-14
Maintenance Record.....................................7-15
Section 7 Maintenance Schedule
7-1