2009 CADILLAC STS Owners Manual

If shifting is prevented for any reason, the selected gear
will ash multiple times, indicating that the transmission
has not shifted gears.
The transmission will allow you to shift to the gear
selected and will automatically downshift when the
vehicle comes to a stop. This will allow for more
power during take-off and passing.
Parking Brake
The parking brake pedal is
located on the lower portion
of the instrument panel to
the left of the steering
wheel.
The vehicle has a push-to-release parking brake pedal.
To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down,
then push the parking brake pedal down.If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light on
the instrument panel cluster should come on. If it does
not, you need to have the vehicle serviced. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 3-62for more information.
To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal
down, then push the parking brake pedal. When you
release the park brake pedal, the parking brake
releases.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
A warning chime will sound if the parking brake is set,
the ignition is on and the vehicle begins to move.
To stop the chime, fully release the parking brake.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a hill,
seeTowing a Trailer (Vehicles Without Heavy Duty
Cooling) on page 4-31orTowing a Trailer (Vehicles
With Heavy Duty Cooling) on page 4-32for more
information.
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Shifting Into Park
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake rmly set. The vehicle can roll. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly
level ground, use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer (Vehicles
Without Heavy Duty Cooling) on page 4-31or
Towing a Trailer (Vehicles With Heavy Duty
Cooling) on page 4-32.
To shift into P (Park), use the following steps:
1. Hold the brake pedal down.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pressing the
button on the front of the shift lever while pushing
the lever all the way toward the front of the vehicle.
Release the button.3. With your foot still holding the brake pedal down,
set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-33for more information.
4. Turn the ignition off.
Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the
engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake rmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat
and even catch re. You or others could be
injured. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine
running.
If you leave the vehicle with the engine running, the
vehicle must be in P (Park) and the parking brake set.
After shifting into P (Park), try to move the shift lever
out without rst pushing the button on the shift lever.
If you can, the shift lever was not fully locked into
P (Park).
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Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of the vehicle puts
too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission.
This happens when parking on a hill and shifting the
transmission into P (Park) is not done properly and then it
is difficult to shift out of P (Park). To prevent torque lock,
set the parking brake and then shift into P (Park). To nd
out how, see “Shifting Into P (Park)” listed previously.
If torque lock does occur, your vehicle may need to be
pushed uphill by another vehicle to relieve the parking
pawl pressure, so you can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting Out of Park
Shift lock release prevents shifting out of P (Park)
unless the vehicle is running or in Accessory mode
and the brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional except
in the case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than
9-volt) battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-42for
more information.To shift out of P (Park) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift
lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
Parking Over Things That Burn
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under the vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things
that can burn.
2-35

Engine Exhaust
{CAUTION:
Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
The vehicle idles in areas with poor ventilation
(parking garages, tunnels, deep snow that
may block underbody airow or tail pipes).
The exhaust smells or sounds strange or
different.
The exhaust system leaks due to corrosion or
damage.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

The vehicle’s exhaust system has been
modied, damaged or improperly repaired.
There are holes or openings in the
vehicle body from damage or after-market
modications that are not completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is suspected
that exhaust is coming into the vehicle:
Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine running in
an enclosed area such as a garage or a building
that has no fresh air ventilation.
2-36

Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor
ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Never run the engine in an enclosed area that has
no fresh air ventilation. For more information, see
Engine ExhaustEngine Exhaust on page 2-36.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if
the automatic transmission shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake rmly set. The
vehicle can roll. Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake
after you move the shift lever to P (Park).
Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park on page 2-34.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, seeTowing
a Trailer (Vehicles Without Heavy Duty Cooling)
on page 4-31orTowing a Trailer (Vehicles With
Heavy Duty Cooling) on page 4-32.
2-37

Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
The vehicle may have an automatic dimming inside
rearview mirror with OnStar®controls; or it may have
OnStar and a compass display. SeeOnStar®System
on page 2-50and/orCompass on page 2-38for
more information.
The vehicle could have an Intellibeam™ inside rearview
mirror with OnStar controls. See “Intellibeam Intelligent
High-Beam Headlamp Control System” underHeadlamps
on page 3-32for more information.
For vehicles with OnStar
®:
O(On/Off):Press to turn the dimming feature on
or off.
For vehicles without OnStar
®:
AUTO/
((On/Off):Press and hold to turn the dimming
feature on or off.
Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation
Automatic dimming reduces the glare of lights from
behind the vehicle. The dimming feature comes on and
the indicator light illuminates each time the vehicle is
started.
To turn on and start Intellibeam™, press the
Intellibeam™ button on the inside rearview mirror.
If the vehicle has the IntelliBeam™ Intelligent High-Beam
Headlamp Control System,
Ocan also be used to turn
off or reset this system. See “IntelliBeam™ Intelligent
High-Beam Headlamp Control System” underHeadlamps
on page 3-32.
Cleaning the Mirror
Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the mirror.
Use a soft towel dampened with water.
Compass
Compass Operation
PressOto turn the compass on or off.
When the ignition and the compass feature are on,
the mirror displays the compass heading after a
few seconds.
2-38

Compass Calibration
If after few seconds, the display does not show a
compass heading (for example, N for North), there may
be a strong magnetic eld interfering with the compass.
Interference can be caused by a magnetic antenna
mount, magnetic note pad holder or a similar magnetic
item. If the letter C should ever appear in the compass
window, the compass may need calibration.
The mirror can be calibrated by driving the vehicle in
circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until the display reads
a direction.
The compass can be placed in calibration mode
manually by pressing and holding
Ountil a C is
shown in the compass display.
Compass Variance
The mirror is set to zone eight. If you do not live in zone
eight or drive out of the area, the compass variance
needs to be changed to the appropriate zone.
To adjust for compass variance:
1. Find the current location and variance zone number
on the following zone map.2. Press and holdOuntil a zone number displays.
3. Once the zone number displays, press
O
repeatedly until the correct zone number displays.
Stop pressing the button and the mirror returns to
normal operation. If C appears in the compass
window, the compass may need calibration.
See “Compass Calibration” listed previously.
2-39

Outside Power Mirrors
Controls for the outside
power mirrors are located
on the driver’s door.
To adjust the mirrors:
1. Move the selector switch left or right to choose the
driver’s side or passenger side mirror.
2. Press one of the four arrows located on the control
pad to move the mirror to the desired direction.3. Adjust each mirror so you can see the side of your
vehicle and the area behind your vehicle.
4. Return the selector switch to the center position
when nished adjusting.
The preferred mirror positions can be stored with the
memory option. SeeMemory Seat, Mirrors and Steering
Wheel on page 2-77.
Manually fold the mirrors inward to prevent damage
when going through car washes or conned spaces.
To fold, push the mirror toward the vehicle. To return
the mirror to its original position, push outward. Return
both mirrors to their original unfolded position before
driving.
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror
The driver’s side mirror adjusts for the glare of
headlamps behind you. This feature is controlled
by the on and off settings on the automatic dimming
inside rearview mirror. SeeAutomatic Dimming
Rearview Mirror on page 2-38for more information.
2-40