2008 CADILLAC XLR traction control

SERVICE AFS (Adaptive Forward
Lighting System) LAMPS
This message displays when the Adaptive Forward
Lighting System (AFS) is disabled and needs service.
See your dealer/retailer. SeeAdaptive Forward Lighting
System on page 3-30for more information.
SERVICE ELECT (Electrical) SYSTEM
This message displays if an electrical problem has
occurred within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE FUEL SYSTEM
This message displays when the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) has detected a problem within the
fuel system. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. This message will also be displayed
when the cluster is not getting fuel information from
the PCM.
SERVICE RADAR CRUISE
If your vehicle has this feature, this message displays
when the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system is
disabled and needs service. See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE RIDE CONTROL
This message displays when there is a problem with
the Magnetic Ride Control System. Have your vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE TRACTION SYS (System)
This message displays when there is a problem with
the Traction Control System (TCS). Have your vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
If this message displays, it means there may be a
problem with the stability enhancement system.
If you see this message, try to reset the system.
Stop, turn off the engine, then start the engine again.
If this message still comes on, it means there is a
problem. You should see your dealer/retailer for service.
Reduce your speed and drive accordingly. A single
chime also sounds when this message is displayed.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there is a problem with
the transmission. Have your vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer.
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SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when a non-emissions related
powertrain malfunction occurs. Have your vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SHIFT TO PARK
This message displays if the vehicle is not in PARK (P)
when the engine is being turned off. The vehicle will
be in accessory mode. Once the shift lever is moved
to PARK (P), the vehicle will turn off.
STABILITRAK ACTIVE
You may see this message on the DIC. It means that
an advanced, computer-controlled system has come on
to help your vehicle continue to go in the direction in
which you are steering. This stability enhancement
system activates when the computer senses that your
vehicle is just starting to spin, as it might if you hit
a patch of ice or other slippery spot on the road.
When the system is on, you may hear a noise or
feel a vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal.When this message is on, continue to steer in the
direction you want to go. The system is designed to
help you in bad weather or other difficult driving situations
by making the most of whatever road conditions will
permit. If this message comes on, you will know that
something has caused your vehicle to start to spin,
so consider slowing down. A single chime also sounds
when this message is displayed.
STABILITRAK READY
If this message displays and a chime sounds, the
system has completed the functional check of the
StabiliTrak
®System.
STABILITRAK WARMING
When you rst start your vehicle and drive away,
especially during cold winter weather, this message
may display along with a chime and the traction control
warning light. This is normal. You can acknowledge
this message by pressing the RESET button. The
StabiliTrak
®System performance is affected until the
STABILITRAK READY message is displayed in the DIC,
which can take up to 15 minutes.
3-72

SVC (Service) TIRE MONITOR
This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also ashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-53. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 6-63for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
TOO COLD TO MOVE TOP
This message displays when the retractable hardtop
button is pressed and the hardtop pump motor
temperature is below−4°F (−20°C). Wait for the hardtop
pump motor to warm up before using the retractable
hardtop.
TOP INOP (Inoperative) – VALET ON
This message displays when the retractable hardtop
button is pressed and the valet switch is on. Turn off
the valet switch before using the retractable hardtop.
TOP INOP (Inoperative) OUT OF PARK
This message displays if the retractable hardtop
button is pressed while the vehicle is not in PARK (P).
TOP MOTOR OVER TEMP
(Temperature)
This message displays when the retractable hardtop
button is pressed and the hardtop pump motor
temperature is over 221°F (105°C). Wait for the hardtop
pump motor to cool down before using the retractable
hardtop.
TOP NOT SECURE
This message displays when the retractable hardtop
button is released before the top open or close operation
is complete. Press and hold the retractable hardtop
button to fully open or close the top.
TRAC (Traction) SYSTEM ACTIVE
This message displays when the Traction Control System
(TCS) is limiting wheel spin. Slippery road conditions may
exist if this message is displayed, so adjust your driving
accordingly. This message stays on for a few seconds
after the TCS stops limited wheel spin.
TRAC (Traction)/STABILITRAK OFF
This message displays when both the Traction Control
System (TCS) and the StabiliTrak®System are off.
This message will remain until the systems are turned
on again.
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TRAC (Traction)/STABILITRAK ON
This message displays when both the Traction Control
System (TCS) and the StabiliTrak®System are on.
TRACTION SYSTEM OFF
This message displays when the Traction Control
System (TCS) is off, but the StabiliTrak®System
remains on.
TRACTION SYSTEM ON
This message displays when the Traction Control
System (TCS) is on.
TRUNK AJAR
This message displays when the trunk is open while
the vehicle is running and is not in PARK (P).
WAIT FOR STABILITRAK
This message displays after driving 19 mph (30 km/h)
for 10 seconds if the steering is not centered.
The StabiliTrak
®System is not available until the
steering centers itself and the STABILITRAK READY
message is displayed in the DIC.
Other Messages
Here are more messages that you can receive on the
Driver Information Center (DIC). To acknowledge a
message and read another message that may have
come on at the same time, press the RESET button.
ACCESSORY MODE ON
SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-23.
CHANGE OIL SOON
SeeEngine Oil on page 6-16andEngine Oil
Life System on page 6-20.
FOB BATTERY LOW
See “Battery Replacement” underKeyless
Access System Operation on page 2-6.
HIGH TIRE PRESS LF
SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 6-60.
HIGH TIRE PRESS RF
SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 6-60.
HIGH TIRE PRESS LR
SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 6-60.
HIGH TIRE PRESS RR
SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 6-60.
3-74

Audio System(s)
Your vehicle has the Navigation Audio System. Read the
following pages to familiarize yourself with its features.
{CAUTION:
This system provides you with far greater
access to audio stations and song listings.
Giving extended attention to entertainment
tasks while driving can cause a crash and you
or others can be injured or killed. Always keep
your eyes on the road and your mind on the
drive — avoid engaging in extended searching
while driving.
Keeping your mind on the drive is important for safe
driving. SeeDefensive Driving on page 5-2. Here
are some ways in which you can help avoid distraction
while driving.While your vehicle is parked:
Familiarize yourself with all of its controls.
Familiarize yourself with its operation.
Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,
CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio,
make sure that it can be added by checking with
your dealer/retailer. Also, check federal rules
covering mobile radio and telephone units. If sound
equipment can be added, it is very important to
do it properly. Added sound equipment may
interfere with the operation of your vehicle’s engine,
radio, or other systems, and even damage them.
Your vehicle’s systems may interfere with the
operation of sound equipment that has been added.
Your vehicle has a feature called Retained Accessory
Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system can
be played even after the ignition is turned off.
SeeRetained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-24
for more information.
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Features and Controls
Using the Navigation System
This section presents basic information you will need to
know to operate the navigation system.
Use the keys located on each side of the navigation
screen, as well as the available touch-sensitive screen
buttons, to operate the system. SeeNavigation
System Overview on page 4-2for more information on
location.
Once the vehicle is moving, various functions will be
disabled to reduce driver distraction.
Hard Keys
The following hard keys are located to the left of the
navigation screen:
BAND:Press the BAND key to access the band screen
and switch between AM, FM1, FM2, XM1, XM2, and
WX, if equipped. See “Finding a Station” under
Navigation Audio System on page 4-54.CD:Press the CD key to play a CD. The CD screen
will be displayed. SeeSix-Disc CD Changer on
page 4-67orCD/DVD Player on page 4-70.
DVD:Press the DVD key to play a DVD. The DVD
screen will be displayed. SeeCD/DVD Player on
page 4-70.
yTUNE/SEEKz:Press the TUNE/SEEK up or
down arrows to go to the next or previous radio station
and stay there. See “Finding a Station” under
Navigation Audio System on page 4-54.
e/z:Press the audio/adjust key to view the main
audio menu. See “Main Audio Menu” underNavigation
Audio System on page 4-54.
PWR-VOL (Power/Volume Knob):Press the
power/volume knob to turn the audio and navigation
systems on and off. Turn the knob to increase or
decrease the volume to the audio system.
The following hard keys are located to the right of the
navigation screen:
RPT:Press the repeat key to repeat the current voice
guidance navigation prompt.
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Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........5-2
Defensive Driving...........................................5-2
Drunk Driving.................................................5-2
Control of a Vehicle........................................5-3
Braking.........................................................5-4
Antilock Brake System (ABS)...........................5-5
Braking in Emergencies...................................5-5
Traction Control System (TCS).........................5-6
Magnetic Ride Control.....................................5-7
Limited-Slip Rear Axle.....................................5-7
StabiliTrak
®System........................................5-8
Steering........................................................5-9
Off-Road Recovery.......................................5-11
Passing.......................................................5-12
Loss of Control.............................................5-12Racing or Other Competitive Driving (XLR-V)......5-13
Driving at Night............................................5-14
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................5-14
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................5-15
Highway Hypnosis........................................5-16
Hill and Mountain Roads................................5-16
Winter Driving..............................................5-17
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.............................................5-21
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................5-22
Loading Your Vehicle....................................5-22
Towing..........................................................5-27
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................5-27
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................5-27
Towing a Trailer...........................................5-27
Section 5 Driving Your Vehicle
5-1

Police records show that almost 40 percent of all motor
vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases,
these deaths are the result of someone who was
drinking and driving. In recent years, more than
17,000 annual motor vehicle-related deaths have been
associated with the use of alcohol, with about
250,000 people injured.
For persons under 21, it is against the law in every
U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical,
psychological, and developmental reasons for
these laws.
The obvious way to eliminate the leading highway
safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol
and then drive.
Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’s
system can make crash injuries worse, especially
injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or heart. This means
that when anyone who has been drinking — driver
or passenger — is in a crash, that person’s chance of
being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if the
person had not been drinking.Control of a Vehicle
The following three systems help to control your
vehicle while driving — brakes, steering, and
accelerator. At times, as when driving on snow or ice,
it is easy to ask more of those control systems than the
tires and road can provide. Meaning, you can lose
control of your vehicle. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) on page 5-6andStabiliTrak
®System on
page 5-8.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 6-3.
5-3