2009 CADILLAC CTS power steering

Exterior Lighting Battery Saver
The exterior lamps turn off about 10 minutes after the
ignition is turned to LOCK/OFF, if the parking lamps
or headlamps have been left on. This protects against
draining the battery. The battery saver does not work
if the headlamps are turned on after the ignition is turned
to LOCK/OFF.
To keep the lamps on for more than 10 minutes, turn
the lamps back on with the exterior lamp control.
Instrument Panel Brightness
The knob with this symbol
is located on the instrument
panel to the left of the
steering column.
Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to brighten
or dim the lights.
Turn the knob completely clockwise to turn on the
interior lamps.
Entry Lighting
The entry lighting system turns on the reading and
dome lamps and the backlighting to the exterior lamp
control, when a door is opened or if the transmitter
unlock button is pressed. If activated by the transmitter,
the lighting stays on for about 25 seconds. The entry
lighting system uses the light sensor on the instrument
panel; so it must be dark outside in order for the lamps
to turn on. The lamps turn off about 25 seconds after
the last door is closed. They dim then turn off if the
ignition key is turned to ON/RUN. They immediately
turn off if the power locks are used.
Parade Dimming
This feature does not let the instrument panel backlight
dim during daylight hours while the key is in the
ignition and the headlamps are on. Parade dimming
automatically works with the light sensor, located on top
of the dashboard. If it is dark enough outside and the
parking lamps are on, the backlight on the instrument
panel can be adjusted by turning the instrument panel
brightness knob clockwise or counterclockwise to
brighten or dim the lighting. SeeInstrument Panel
Brightness on page 3-20.
3-20

Service Brake System
This message displays, while the ignition is on, when
the brake uid level is low. The brake system warning
light on the instrument panel cluster also comes on.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-39for more
information. Have the brake system serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
Service Keyless Start System
If the vehicle has the keyless access system, this
message displays when there is a problem with this
feature. See your dealer/retailer.
Service Park Brake
For vehicles with the Electric Parking Brake, this
message displays if a problem is detected with the
electric parking brake system. See your dealer/retailer
for service.
Service Parking Assist
If the vehicle has the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
(URPA) system, this message displays if there is
a problem with the URPA system. SeeUltrasonic
Rear Parking Assist (URPA) on page 2-54for more
information. See your dealer/retailer for service.
Service Power Steering
This message displays if a problem is detected with
the speed variable assist steering system. When
this message is displayed, you may notice that the
effort required to steer the vehicle increases or feels
heavier, but you will still be able to steer the vehicle.
SeeSteering on page 4-9.
Service Stabilitrak
This message displays if there has been a
problem detected with the StabiliTrak®system.
The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light on the instrument
panel cluster also comes on.
If this message comes on while you are driving, pull
off the road as soon as possible and stop carefully.
Try resetting the system by turning the ignition off then
back on. If this message still stays on or comes back
on again while you are driving, the vehicle needs
service. Have the StabiliTrak system inspected by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible. SeeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-6for more information.
Service Suspension System
This message displays when there is a problem with the
Magnetic Ride Control system. SeeMagnetic Ride
Control™ on page 4-8for more information. Have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
3-68

Park Tilt Mirrors
If the vehicle has this feature, it allows you to select
whether or not the outside mirror(s) will automatically tilt
down when the vehicle is shifted into R (Reverse).
SeePark Tilt Mirrors on page 2-53for more information.
Press the customization button until Park Tilt Mirrors
appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset button
once to access the settings for this feature. Then press
the menu up/down button to scroll through the following
settings:
Off (default):Neither outside mirror will be tilted down
when the vehicle is shifted into R (Reverse).
Driver Mirror:The driver’s outside mirror will be tilted
down when the vehicle is shifted into R (Reverse).
Passenger Mirror:The passenger’s outside mirror
will be tilted down when the vehicle is shifted into
R (Reverse).
Both Mirrors:The driver’s and passenger’s outside
mirrors will be tilted down when the vehicle is shifted
into R (Reverse).
No Change:No change will be made to this feature.
The current setting will remain.
To select a setting, press the set/reset button while the
desired setting is displayed on the DIC.
Easy Exit Recall
If the vehicle has this feature, it allows you to select
your preference for the automatic easy exit seat feature.
SeeMemory Seat, Mirrors and Steering Wheel on
page 1-8for more information.
Press the customization button until Easy Exit Recall
appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset button
once to access the settings for this feature. Then press
the menu up/down button to scroll through the following
settings:
Door Button Only:No automatic seat exit recall will
occur. The recall will only occur after pressing the easy
exit seat button.
Button And Automatic (Keyless Access default):
If the features are enabled though the Easy Exit Setup
menu, the driver’s seat will move back, and if the vehicle
has the power tilt wheel and telescopic steering feature,
the power steering column will move up and forward
when the vehicle is parked and the driver door is opened,
or after pressing the easy exit seat button.
The automatic easy exit seat movement will only occur
one time after the driver door is opened. If the automatic
movement has already occurred, and you close and then
open the driver door, the seat and steering column will
stay in the original exit position, unless a memory recall
took place prior to opening the driver door again.
3-81

Button And Automatic (Key Access default):If the
features are enabled though the Easy Exit Setup menu,
the driver’s seat will move back, and if the vehicle
has the power tilt wheel and telescopic steering feature,
the power steering column will move up and forward
when the key is removed from the ignition or after
pressing the easy exit seat button. The automatic easy
exit seat movement will only occur one time after
the key is removed from the ignition. If the automatic
movement has already occurred, and you put the
key back in the ignition and remove it again, the seat
and steering column will stay in the original exit position,
unless a memory recall took place prior to removing
the key again.
No Change:No change will be made to this feature.
The current setting will remain.
To select a setting, press the set/reset button while the
desired setting is displayed on the DIC.
Easy Exit Setup
If the vehicle has this feature, it allows you to select
which areas will recall with the automatic easy exit seat
feature. It also allows you to turn off the automatic
easy exit feature. SeeMemory Seat, Mirrors and
Steering Wheel on page 1-8and “Easy Exit Recall”
earlier for more information.Press the customization button until Easy Exit Setup
appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset button
once to access the settings for this feature. Then press
the menu up/down button to scroll through the following
settings:
Off:No automatic seat exit will recall.
Seat Only:The driver’s seat will recall.
Tilt Only:The steering wheel tilt feature will recall.
Telescope Only:The steering column telescope
feature will recall.
Seat/Tilt:The driver’s seat and the steering wheel tilt
feature will recall.
Seat/Telescope:The driver’s seat and the steering
column telescope feature will recall.
Tilt/Telescope:The steering wheel tilt and steering
column telescope features will recall.
All (default):The driver’s seat and the steering wheel
tilt and steering column telescope features will recall,
if the vehicle has this option.
No Change:No change will be made to this feature.
The current setting will remain.
To select a setting, press the set/reset button while the
desired setting is displayed on the DIC.
3-82

Memory Seat Recall
If the vehicle has this feature, it allows you to select
your preference for the remote memory seat recall
feature. SeeMemory Seat, Mirrors and Steering Wheel
on page 1-8for more information.
Press the customization button until Memory Seat Recall
appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset button
once to access the settings for this feature. Then press
the menu up/down button to scroll through the following
settings:
Off (default):No remote memory seat recall will occur.
On:The driver’s seat and outside mirrors will
automatically move to the stored driving position when
the unlock button on the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
or keyless access transmitter is pressed. The steering
column will also move on vehicles with the power tilt
and telescopic steering feature. SeePower Tilt Wheel
and Telescopic Steering Column on page 3-7for
more information. See “Relearn Remote Key” under
DIC Operation and Displays on page 3-51for more
information on matching transmitters to driver
ID numbers.
No Change:No change will be made to this feature.
The current setting will remain.
To select a setting, press the set/reset button while the
desired setting is displayed on the DIC.
Remote Start
If the vehicle has this feature, it allows you to turn the
remote start feature off or on. The remote start feature
allows you to start the engine from outside of the vehicle
using the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) or keyless access
transmitter. SeeRemote Vehicle Start on page 2-14for
more information.
Press the customization button until Remote Start
appears in the DIC display. Press the set/reset button
once to access the settings for this feature. Then press
the menu up/down button to scroll through the following
settings:
Off:The remote start feature will be disabled.
On (default):The remote start feature will be enabled.
No Change:No change will be made to this feature.
The current setting will remain.
To select a setting, press the set/reset button while the
desired setting is displayed on the DIC.
3-83

If there is a problem with
ABS, this warning light will
stay on. SeeAntilock Brake
System (ABS) Warning
Light on page 3-40.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.
Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slam
on the brakes and continue braking. Here is what
happens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down.
If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, the computer
will separately work the brakes at each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, as
required, faster than any driver could. This can help
you steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As you brake, the computer keeps receiving updates on
wheel speed and controls braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time you need to
get your foot up to the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle in
front of you, you will not have time to apply the brakes
if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always leave
enough room up ahead to stop, even though you
have ABS.Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down
rmly and let antilock work for you. You might hear the
antilock pump or motor operate, and feel the brake pedal
pulsate, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time.
In many emergencies, steering can help more than even
the very best braking.
Brake Assist (Except CTS-V)
This vehicle has a Brake Assist feature designed to
assist the driver in stopping or decreasing vehicle speed
in emergency driving conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake control module to
supplement the power brake system under conditions
where the driver has quickly and forcefully applied
the brake pedal in an attempt to quickly stop or slow
down the vehicle. The stability system hydraulic
brake control module increases brake pressure at each
corner of the vehicle until the ABS activates. Minor
brake pedal pulsations or pedal movement during this
time is normal and the driver should continue to
apply the brake pedal as the driving situation dictates
The Brake Assist feature will automatically disengage
when the brake pedal is released or brake pedal
pressure is quickly decreased.
4-5

StabiliTrak®System
The vehicle has an electronic stability control system
called StabiliTrak. It is an advanced computer controlled
system that assists with directional control of the vehicle
in difficult driving conditions.
StabiliTrak activates when the computer senses a
discrepancy between your intended path and the
direction the vehicle is actually traveling. StabiliTrak
selectively applies braking pressure at any one of the
vehicle’s brakes to help steer the vehicle in the direction
which you are steering.
When the system activates, the Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak warning light on the instrument panel
cluster ashes. You may also hear a noise or feel
vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal. Continue
to steer the vehicle in the direction you want it to go.
If there is a problem detected with StabiliTrak, a Service
Stability System message displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC) and the TCS/StabiliTrak
warning light on the instrument panel cluster comes on.
When this message and warning light displays, the
system is not operational. Driving should be adjusted
accordingly. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-58andWarning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
on page 3-30for more information.StabiliTrak comes on automatically whenever the vehicle
is started. The system should be left on to help assist with
directional control of the vehicle. If StabiliTrak needs to
be turned off, press the TC (traction control) on/off button.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6.
If cruise control is being used when the StabiliTrak
activates, the cruise control will automatically disengage.
When road conditions allow, reengage the cruise control.
SeeCruise Control on page 3-14for more information.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS) that
limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. On a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, the
system operates if it senses that one or both of the rear
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. On an
All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) vehicle, the system will operate if
it senses that any of the wheels are spinning or beginning
to lose traction. When this happens, the system brakes
the spinning wheel(s) and/or reduces engine power to
limit wheel spin.
The system may be heard or felt while it is working, but
this is normal.
The TCS/StabiliTrak
®warning light will ash when the
traction control system is limiting wheel spin.
4-6

Press and release this
button, located in the
center of the instrument
panel, to change modes.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Vehicles with a limited-slip rear axle can give more
traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like
a standard axle most of the time, but when traction
is low, this feature allows the drive wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
With this feature, the AWD system will automatically
monitor and adjust engine power to the front and
rear wheels for the best traction and handling. If there is
a loss of traction or stability, the AWD system works
with the electronic stability control system to increase
power to the front wheels as necessary.
If the spare tire is on the vehicle, there may be a slight
reduction in performance of the AWD system.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-58for
AWD related DIC messages.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Speed Variable Assist Steering
Your vehicle has a steering system that varies the
amount of effort required to steer the vehicle in relation
to the speed of the vehicle.
The amount of steering effort required is less at slower
speeds to make the vehicle more maneuverable and
easier to park. At faster speeds, the steering effort
increases to provide a sport-like feel to the steering.
This provides maximum control and stability.
If your vehicle seems harder to steer than normal when
parking or driving slowly, there may be a problem
with the system. You will still have power steering, but
steering will be stiffer than normal at slow speeds.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
4-9