2008 CADILLAC XLR suspension

To turn the system off,
press the front part of the
traction control button
located on the center
console.
The TRACTION SYSTEM OFF message will display on
the DIC and the traction control system warning light
will come on. If the system is limiting wheel spin when
you press the button, the TRACTION SYSTEM OFF
message will display – but the system will not turn
off right away. It will wait until there is no longer
a current need to limit wheel spin.
You can turn the system back on at any time by
pressing the button again. The TRACTION SYSTEM
ON message should display briey on the Driver
Information Center. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-63for more information.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 6-3for more information.Magnetic Ride Control
Magnetic Ride Control automatically adjusts the ride
of your vehicle. Automatic ride control is achieved
through a computer used to control and monitor the
suspension system. The controller receives input from
various sensors to determine the proper system
response. If the controller detects a problem within the
system, the DIC will display a SERVICE RIDE
CONTROL message. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-63for more information. See your dealer
for service.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Your limited-slip rear axle can give you additional
traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like
a standard axle most of the time, but when one of
the rear wheels has no traction and the other does,
this feature will allow the wheel with traction to move
the vehicle.
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Headlamp Aiming
The high intensity discharge (HID) visual optical aiming
type headlamps have been preset at the factory and
should need no further adjustment. If you suspect that
the headlamps need to be reaimed, it is recommended
that you contact your dealer/retailer for service.
However, it is possible for you to re-aim your headlamps
as described in the following procedure.
Notice:To make sure your headlamps are aimed
properly, read all the instructions before beginning.
Failure to follow these instructions could cause
damage to headlamp parts.The vehicle should be properly prepared as follows:
The vehicle should be placed so the headlamps are
25 ft (7.6 m) from a light colored wall.
The vehicle must have all four tires on a perfectly
level surface which is level all the way to the wall.
The vehicle should be placed so it is perpendicular
to the wall.
The vehicle should not have any snow, ice or mud
attached to it.
The vehicle should be fully assembled and all other
work stopped while headlamp aiming is being done.
The vehicle should be normally loaded with a
full tank of fuel and one person or 160 lbs (75 kg)
on the driver seat.
Tires should be properly inated.
Start the vehicle and rock it to level the suspension.
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Used Replacement Wheels
{CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You cannot know how it has been
used or how far it has been driven. It could fail
suddenly and cause a crash. If you have to
replace a wheel, use a new GM original
equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
Do not use tire chains. There is not enough
clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle
without the proper amount of clearance can
cause damage to the brakes, suspension, or
other vehicle parts. The area damaged by the
tire chains could cause you to lose control of
your vehicle and you or others may be injured
in a crash. Use another type of traction device
only if its manufacturer recommends it for use
on your vehicle and tire size combination and
road conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, re-adjust or remove the
device if it is contacting your vehicle, and do
not spin your wheels. If you do nd traction
devices that will t, install them on the
rear tires.
6-73

Underhood Fuse Block
The underhood fuse block
is located next to the
engine on the passenger’s
side of the vehicle.
For more information on
location, seeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 6-12.
Notice:Spilling liquid on any electrical components
on your vehicle may damage it. Always keep the
covers on any electrical component.
To access the fuses, push in the tab located at the end
of the fuse block cover. Then lift the cover open.
Fuses Usage
1Antilock Brake System, Electronic
Suspension Control, Adaptive
Forward Lighting System (AFS)
2 Horn
3Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC),
Transmission Controls
4 Windshield Wipers
5 Stop/Back-Up Lamps
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Fuses Usage
6 Oxygen Sensor
7 Battery 5
8 Parking Lamps
9 Electronic Throttle Control
10 Fuel Pump
11Engine Control Module,
Transmission Control Module
12 Odd Injectors
13 Electronic Suspension Control
14 Emission Controls
15 Air Conditioning Compressor
16 Even Injectors
17Windshield Washer, Adaptive
Forward Lighting System (AFS),
Intercooler Pump
18 Headlamp Washer
19 Right Low Beam Headlamp
20 Not Used
21 Left Low Beam Headlamp
22 Fog LampFuses Usage
23 Right High Beam Headlamp
24 Left High Beam Headlamp
25 Cooling Fan
26 Battery 3
27 Antilock Brakes
28 Climate Controls
29 Battery 2
30 Starter
31 Audio Amplier
32 Not Used
33 Battery 1
48 Spare
49 Spare
50 Spare
51 Spare
52 Spare
53 Not Used
54 Fuse Puller
6-95

Scheduled Maintenance
To maintain the ride, handling, and performance of your
vehicle, it is important that the rst tire rotation service be
performed when you notice unusual wear. Check tires for
ination pressures and wear. SeeTires on page 6-52.If
tire rotation is recommended for your vehicle, rotate tires.
SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 6-65.
When the CHANGE OIL NOW message in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) comes on, it means that service
is required for your vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced as
soon as possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km).
It is possible that, if you are driving under the best
conditions, the engine oil life system may not indicate that
vehicle service is necessary for over a year. However,
your engine oil and lter must be changed at least once
a year and at this time the system must be reset. Your
dealer/retailer has trained service technicians who will
perform this work using genuine parts and reset the
system.
If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
you must service your vehicle within 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) since your last service. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil Life System on page 6-20for information on
the Engine Oil Life System and resetting the system.When the CHANGE OIL NOW message appears, the
following services, checks, and inspections are required:
❑Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on
page 6-16. Reset oil life system. SeeEngine Oil Life
System on page 6-20.An Emission Control Service.
❑Visually check for any leaks or damage.
See footnote (a).
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace
lter. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-22.
See footnote (h).
❑Check tires for ination pressures and wear. SeeTires
on page 6-52. If tire rotation is recommended for your
vehicle, rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 6-65.
❑Inspect brake system.See footnote (l).
❑Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid
levels. If you have the 4.4L V8 supercharged engine,
check intercooler uid level. Add uid as needed.
❑Perform any needed additional services. See
“Additional Required Services” in this section.
❑Inspect suspension and steering components.
See footnote (n).
❑Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (m).
❑Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (b).
❑Inspect restraint system components.
See footnote (c).
❑Lubricate body components.See footnote (d).
7-4

(d)Lubricate the trunk key lock cylinder. Lubricate all
body door hinges. Lubricate all hinges and latches,
including those for the hood, trunk, console door, and
any folding seat hardware. More frequent lubrication may
be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.
Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean
cloth will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
(e)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the
filter may require replacement more often.
(f)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
Uses such as high performance operation.
(g)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 6-24
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure
test the cooling system and pressure cap.
(h)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.(j)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks,
or obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
(k)Drain, flush, and refill intercooler system. This
service can be complex; you should have your
dealer/retailer perform this service. See Engine Coolant
on page 6-24 for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean
pressure cap and filler neck. Pressure test the system
and pressure cap.
(l)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc
brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition.
Inspect other brake parts, including calipers, parking
brake, etc.
(m)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if
they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all
pipes, fittings, and clamps; replace with genuine parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(n)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing,
etc. XLR-V Only: Lubricate the outer ends of both
rear toe-links every other oil change.
7-7

Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, please notify General Motors.
Call 1-800-458-8006, or write:
Cadillac Customer Assistance Center
Cadillac Motor Car Division
P.O. Box 33169
Detroit, MI 48232-5169
In Canada, call 1-888-446-2000, or write:
Canadian Cadillac Customer Communication Centre,
CA1-163-005
General Motors of Canada Limited
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins’ give additional technical service
information needed to knowledgeably service
General Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains
instructions to assist in the diagnosis and service of
your vehicle.
Owner Information
Owner publications are written specically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
Without Portfolio: Owner Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
Current and Past Model Order Forms
Technical Service Bulletins and Manuals are available
for current and past model GM vehicles. To request
an order form, specify year and model name of
the vehicle.
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