2008 CADILLAC XLR Owners Manual

Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to or change
about the vehicle that could keep the airbags
from working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, height, front end or side
sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or moving any parts
of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing
and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, the inside review mirror, front sensors, or
airbag wiring can affect the operation of the airbag
system.
In addition, your vehicle has a passenger sensing
system for the right front passenger’s position,
which includes sensors that are part of the
passenger’s seat. The passenger sensing system
may not operate properly if the original seat trim
is replaced with non-GM covers, upholstery or trim,
or with GM covers, upholstery or trim designed
for a different vehicle. Any object, such as an
aftermarket seat heater or a comfort enhancing pad
or device, installed under or on top of the seatfabric, could also interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This could either
prevent proper deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing system
from properly turning off the passenger airbag(s).
SeePassenger Sensing System on page 1-45.
If you have any questions about this, you should
contact Customer Assistance before you modify
your vehicle. The phone numbers and addresses for
Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the
Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on
page 8-2.
Q:Because I have a disability, I have to get my
vehicle modied. How can I nd out whether
this will affect my airbag system?
A:If you have questions, call Customer Assistance.
The phone numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See
Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 8-2.
Your dealer/retailer and the service manual have
information about the location of the airbag sensors,
sensing and diagnostic module and airbag wiring.
1-51

Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems
Safety Belts
Now and then, make sure the safety belt reminder light
and all your belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors
and anchorages are working properly.
Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system
parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety
belt system from doing its job, have it repaired. Torn or
frayed safety belts may not protect you in a crash.
They can rip apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn
or frayed, get a new one right away.
Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working.
SeeSafety Belt Reminders on page 3-46for more
information.
Keep safety belts clean and dry. SeeCare of Safety
Belts on page 6-83.
Airbags
The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled
maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 3-46for more information.
Notice:If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work properly.
Do not open or break the airbag coverings.
If there are any opened or broken airbag covers,
have the airbag covering and/or airbag module
replaced. For the location of the airbag modules,
seeWhat Makes an Airbag Inflate? on page 1-43.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
1-52

Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
{CAUTION:
A crash can damage the restraint systems in
your vehicle. A damaged restraint system
may not properly protect the person using it,
resulting in serious injury or even death in a
crash. To help make sure your restraint
systems are working properly after a crash,
have them inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.If you have had a crash, do you need new belts?
After a very minor crash, nothing may be necessary.
But the belt assemblies that were used during any crash
may have been stressed or damaged. See your
dealer/retailer to have your safety belt assemblies
inspected or replaced.
New parts and repairs may be necessary even if the
belt was not being used at the time of the crash.
If an airbag inates, you will need to replace airbag
system parts. See the part on the airbag system earlier
in this section.
Have your safety belt pretensioners checked if your
vehicle has been in a crash, or if your airbag readiness
light stays on after you start your vehicle or while
you are driving. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on
page 3-46.
1-53

✍NOTES
1-54

Keys...............................................................2-3
Keyless Access System...................................2-5
Keyless Access System Operation....................2-6
Doors and Locks............................................2-10
Door Locks..................................................2-10
Power Door Locks........................................2-12
Automatic Door Lock.....................................2-12
Programmable Automatic Door Unlock.............2-12
Lockout Protection........................................2-12
Trunk..........................................................2-13
Windows........................................................2-16
Power Windows............................................2-17
Sun Visors...................................................2-19
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-19
Theft-Deterrent System..................................2-19
Valet Lockout Switch.....................................2-21
Immobilizer..................................................2-21
Immobilizer Operation....................................2-22
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-23
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-23
Ignition Positions..........................................2-23
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-24Starting the Engine.......................................2-24
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-26
Parking Brake..............................................2-30
Shifting Into PARK (P)...................................2-32
Shifting Out of PARK (P)...............................2-33
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-34
Engine Exhaust............................................2-34
Running the Engine While Parked...................2-35
Mirrors...........................................................2-36
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with OnStar
®............................................2-36
Outside Power Heated Mirrors........................2-36
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror..................2-37
Park Assist Mirror.........................................2-37
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-38
Object Detection Systems...............................2-38
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)..............2-38
OnStar
®System.............................................2-41
Universal Home Remote System......................2-44
Universal Home Remote System.....................2-44
Universal Home Remote System Operation
(With Three Round LED)............................2-45
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Storage Areas................................................2-52
Glove Box...................................................2-52
Cupholder(s)................................................2-52
Center Console Storage.................................2-52
Floor Mats...................................................2-52Rear Storage Area........................................2-53
Convenience Net..........................................2-53
Retractable Hardtop........................................2-54
Lowering the Retractable Hardtop...................2-54
Raising the Retractable Hardtop......................2-55
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-2

Keys
{CAUTION:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the keyless
access transmitter is dangerous for many
reasons, children or others could be badly
injured or even killed. They could operate the
power windows or other controls or even make
the vehicle move. The windows will function
with the keyless access transmitter in the
vehicle and they could be seriously injured
or killed if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave the keyless access
transmitter in a vehicle with children.
2-3

This key, located inside
the keyless access
transmitter, can be used
for the glove box and
the trunk, if vehicle power
is lost. SeeTrunk on
page 2-13for more
information.To remove the key, press
the button (A) near the
bottom of the keyless
access transmitter, and
pull the key out. Never pull
the key out without
pressing the button.
Your vehicle has a keyless access system with
pushbutton start. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-23
for information on starting the vehicle.
Notice:If you ever lose your transmitter(s) and/or
key, it could be difficult to get into your vehicle.
You may even have to damage your vehicle to get
in. Be sure you have a spare transmitter and/or key.
In an emergency, contact Cadillac Roadside Assistance.
SeeRoadside Service on page 8-7.
2-4