2008 CADILLAC XLR traction control

Some automatic downshifts can occur to maintain
minimum engine speed. This only happens if the vehicle
is left in too high of a gear for the vehicle’s speed.
For example, if you have been driving in sixth gear
range and come to a stop without manually
downshifting, the transmission automatically downshifts
to rst gear and displays rst gear on the HUD. As
you begin to drive and accelerate, the transmission
remains in rst gear until the driver selects an upshift.
DSC can be used while using cruise control, but
transmission shifting is different while the cruise control
is on. This is not a malfunction and is necessary to
let proper operation of the cruise control.
To return to fully automatic operation, move the shift
lever to the right and back into DRIVE (D).
When accelerating your vehicle from a stop in snowy
and icy conditions, you may want to shift into second
gear. A higher gear lets you gain more traction on
slippery surfaces.
In higher gears, on the XLR only, an automatic downshift
occurs if you press the accelerator pedal to the oor.
This feature provides adequate acceleration capabilities
if you forget to downshift manually. Tap the shifter
forward and the vehicle upshifts.Parking Brake
The parking brake pedal is
located to the left of the
regular brake pedal,
near the driver’s door.
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot and push the parking brake
pedal down with your left foot.
If the ignition is on, the parking brake indicator light
on the instrument panel cluster should come on.
If it does not, you need to have your vehicle serviced.
2-30

Voltmeter Gage............................................3-50
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-50
Antilock Brake System
Warning Light...........................................3-51
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light...........................................3-52
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-53
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-53
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-54
Engine Oil Pressure Gage.............................3-57
Security Light...............................................3-58
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-58
Lights On Reminder......................................3-58
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-58
Fuel Gage...................................................3-59Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-60
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-60
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-63
Other Messages...........................................3-74
DIC Vehicle Personalization............................3-76
Trip Computer................................................3-80
Oil Life Indicator...........................................3-80
Audio System(s).............................................3-81
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-82
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-82
Radio Reception...........................................3-84
Care of Your CDs.........................................3-85
Care of the CD Player...................................3-85
Diversity Antenna System..............................3-85
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System.............3-85
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Head-Up Display (HUD) Controls/Instrument Panel
Brightness Controls. SeeHead-Up Display (HUD)
on page 3-33orInstrument Panel Brightness
on page 3-32.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-8.Cruise
Control. SeeCruise Control on page 3-12. Exterior
Lamps Control. SeeExterior Lamps on page 3-28.
Fog Lamps. SeeFog Lamps on page 3-30.
C. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-44.
D. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever. See “Windshield
Wipers” underTurn Signal/Multifunction Lever
on page 3-8.
E. Driver Information Center (DIC) Controls/Interior
Lamps. SeeDIC Operation and Displays on
page 3-60.
F. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-42.
G. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
H. Voice Commands/Audio Controls. SeeOnStar
®
System on page 2-41orAudio Steering Wheel
Controls on page 3-82.
I. Adaptive Cruise Controls (If Equipped).
See “Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)” under
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-8.J. Power Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering Button.
SeePower Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering
Column on page 3-7.
K. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
L. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. SeeAudio Steering
Wheel Controls on page 3-82.
M. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-23.
N. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-26.
O. Traction Control Button. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS) on page 5-6.
P. Retractable Hardtop Button. SeeRetractable
Hardtop on page 2-54.
Q. Cupholders. SeeCupholder(s) on page 2-52.
R. Cigarette Lighter. SeeAshtray(s) and Cigarette
Lighter on page 3-37.
S. Climate Controls. SeeDual Climate Control System
on page 3-38.
T. Audio/Navigation System. SeeNavigation System
Overview on page 4-2.
U. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-52.
3-5

With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about
25 mph (40 km/h) or more 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).
Cruise control will not work if the parking brake is set,
or if the master cylinder brake uid level is low.
{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 has the traction control system and it
begins to limit wheel spin while cruise control is on,
the cruise control will automatically disengage.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 5-6.
When road conditions allow you to safely use it
again, you may turn cruise control back on.
Setting Cruise Control
{CAUTION:
If you leave your cruise control on when you
are not using cruise, you might hit a button
and go into cruise when you do not want to.
You could be startled and even lose control.
Keep the cruise control switch off until you
want to use cruise control.
1. Move the cruise control switch to on.
2. Get up to the speed desired.
3. Press the set button at the end of the lever
and release it.
4. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
The cruise symbol on the
instrument panel cluster
will be lit when the
cruise control is engaged.
3-13

CAUTION: (Continued)

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.
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.The cruise controls are
located on the end of
the multifunction lever.
The Adaptive Cruise controls are located on the
outboard side of the steering wheel.
9(Off):This position turns the system off.
R(On):This position turns the system on.
S(Resume/Increase):Push the switch to this symbol
to make the vehicle resume the speed set previously
or to increase the set speed when Adaptive Cruise
Control is already active.
T(Set/Decrease):Press this button to set the speed
or to decrease the set speed when Adaptive Cruise
Control is already active.
[(Cancel):Press this button located on the steering
wheel to cancel Adaptive cruise control.
3-17

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 automatically disengages.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 5-6and
StabiliTrak
®System on page 5-8. When road conditions
allow you to safely use it again, the Adaptive Cruise
Control can be turned back on.
Increasing Set Speed While Using
Adaptive Cruise Control
There are two ways to increase the set speed:
Use the accelerator to get to the higher speed. Press
the set button at the end of the lever, then release
the button and the accelerator pedal. Your vehicle
will now cruise at the higher speed.
Move the Adaptive Cruise Control switch from on to
resume/increase. Hold it there until the desired set
speed is displayed in the HUD, then release the
switch. To increase your set speed in very small
amounts, move the switch briey to resume/increase.
Each time this is done, your vehicle set speed
increases by about 1 mph (1.6 km/h).Your vehicle will not reach the set speed until the system
determines there is no vehicle in front of you. At that
point, your vehicle speed will increase to the set speed.
Decreasing Set Speed While Using
Adaptive Cruise Control
Press in the set/decrease button on the end of the lever
until you reach the lower desired speed, then release
the button.
To slow down in very small amounts, briey press the
set/decrease button. Each this is done, your set
speed will be 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.
Resuming a Set Speed
If you apply the brakes while the Adaptive Cruise Control
is at a set speed, this disengages the Adaptive Cruise
Control. But it does not need to be reset.
Once the vehicle reaches about 25 mph (40 km/h) or
more, move the Adaptive Cruise Control switch briey
from on to resume/increase. Adaptive Cruise Control will
be engaged with the speed selected previously.
3-19

Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
This light should
come on briey as
you start the engine.
If the light 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 while the StabiliTrak
®system
warms up and the STABILITRAK WARMING message
will be displayed in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
If it stays on, or comes on and the DIC shows a
SERVICE TRACTION SYS message when you are
driving, there is a problem with your Traction Control
System (TCS) and your vehicle needs service.
When this light is on, the system will not limit wheel
spin. Adjust your driving accordingly. If the driver turns
off TCS by pressing the button on the console, the
TCS light will come on and the TRACTION SYSTEM
OFF message will show on the DIC.If the light stays on or comes on while you are driving,
a chime sounds and a SERVICE STABILITRAK
message appears on the DIC, there is a problem with
your StabiliTrak
®and the vehicle needs service.
You can acknowledge this message by pressing the
RESET button. When the SERVICE STABILITRAK
message is displayed, the StabiliTrak
®system will not
assist you in controlling the vehicle. You should have the
system serviced as soon as possible. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
When the system is working, you will see the
STABILITRAK ACTIVE message displayed in the DIC.
You may also feel of hear the system working.
This is normal.
If you turn off the StabiliTrak
®system, by pressing the
front part of the button on the console for ve seconds,
the TCS light will come on, a chime will sound and
the TRAC/STABILITRAK OFF message will be
displayed in the DIC. The TCS will also be turned off.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-63
for more information.
If the StabiliTrak
®system and TCS are turned off,
pressing the console button momentarily will
turn both systems on. The DIC will display the
TRAC/STABILITRAK ON message, the instrument
cluster light will be off and a chime will sound.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-63for
more information.
3-52

REDUCED ENGINE POWER
This message displays when the vehicle is reducing
engine power because the transmission is being placed
in gear under conditions that may cause damage to
the vehicle’s engine, transmission, or ability to
accelerate. Reduced engine power can affect the
vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no reduction in performance, proceed
to your destination. The performance may be reduced
the next time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may
be driven at a reduced speed while this message is on,
but acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime
this message stays on, the vehicle should be taken
to your dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
RIGHT DOOR AJAR
This message displays anytime the engine is running,
the transmission is not in PARK (P), and the passenger
door is open or ajar. A chime sounds if the vehicle’s
speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).
SERVICE A/C
This message displays when the electronic sensors that
control the air conditioning and heating systems are
no longer working. Have the climate control system
serviced by your dealer/retailer if you notice a drop in
heating and air conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE ABS (Antilock Brake System)
If this message displays when you are driving, stop
as soon as possible and turn the ignition off. Then start
the engine again to reset the system. If the message
stays on, or comes back on again while you are driving,
your vehicle is in need of service. See your
dealer/retailer.
If the SERVICE ABS message is being displayed, the
Traction Control System (TCS) and StabiliTrak
®System
will also be disabled. The Driver Information Center
will scroll three messages: SERVICE ABS, SERVICE
TRACTION SYS, and SERVICE STABILITRAK, and the
antilock brake system and traction control warning
lights on the instrument panel cluster will be illuminated.
SeeAntilock Brake System Warning Light on page 3-51
andTraction Control System (TCS) Warning Light on
page 3-52. The driver can acknowledge these messages
by pressing the RESET button three times. When the
service message is displayed, the computer controlled
systems will not assist the driver and you should
have the system repaired by your dealer/retailer as
soon as possible. Adjust your driving accordingly.
3-70