2009 CADILLAC STS clock

To help you steer in the direction you want to go, during
certain sharp or sudden cornering maneuvers, gear
selection is controlled. This will maximize the available
drive wheel torque and minimize the transmission
response time and shift activity. During this kind of
maneuver, the transmission shifts automatically
as vehicle speed changes.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and nd
a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pulls out
from nowhere, or a child darts out from between parked
cars and stops right in front of you. You can avoid these
problems by braking — if you can stop in time. But
sometimes you cannot; there is not room. That is the
time for evasive action — steering around the problem.
Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies like
these. First apply the brakes. SeeBraking on page 4-3.
It is better to remove as much speed as you can from a
possible collision. Then steer around the problem, to the
left or right depending on the space available.An emergency like this requires close attention and a
quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel
at the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can
turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing
either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly, and
just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have
avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving
at all times and wear safety belts properly.
4-14

Filling the Tank
{CAUTION:
Fuel vapor burns violently and a fuel re can
cause bad injuries. To help avoid injuries to you
and others, read and follow all the instructions on
the pump island. Turn off the engine when you are
refueling. Do not smoke if you are near fuel or
refueling the vehicle. Do not use cellular phones.
Keep sparks, ames, and smoking materials away
from fuel. Do not leave the fuel pump unattended
when refueling the vehicle. This is against the law
in some places. Do not re-enter the vehicle while
pumping fuel. Keep children away from the fuel
pump; never let children pump fuel.The tethered fuel cap is
located behind a hinged
fuel door on the passenger
side of the vehicle.
To open the fuel door, push the rearward center edge in
and release and it will pop open.
To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly counterclockwise.
The fuel cap has a spring in it; if the cap is released
too soon, it will spring back to the right.
While refueling, hang the tethered fuel cap from the
hook on the fuel door.
5-8

{CAUTION:
Fuel can spray out on you if you open the fuel cap
too quickly. If you spill fuel and then something
ignites it, you could be badly burned. This spray
can happen if the tank is nearly full, and is more
likely in hot weather. Open the fuel cap slowly and
wait for any hiss noise to stop. Then unscrew the
cap all the way.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not top off or overll the
tank, and wait a few seconds after you have nished
pumping before removing the nozzle. Clean fuel from
painted surfaces as soon as possible. SeeWashing
Your Vehicle on page 5-118.
When replacing the fuel cap, turn it clockwise until it
clicks. Make sure the cap is fully installed. The diagnostic
system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate
into the atmosphere. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 3-66.The CHECK GAS CAP message will appear on the
Driver Information Center (DIC) display if the fuel cap
is not reinstalled properly. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-79for more information.
{CAUTION:
If a re starts while you are refueling, do not
remove the nozzle. Shut off the ow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by notifying the station
attendant. Leave the area immediately.
Notice:If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get
the right type. Your dealer/retailer can get one
for you. If you get the wrong type, it may not t
properly. This may cause the malfunction indicator
lamp to light and may damage the fuel tank and
emissions system. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-66.
5-9

{CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They are
under pressure, and if you turn the coolant surge
tank pressure cap — even a little — they can
come out at high speed. Never turn the cap when
the cooling system, including the coolant surge
tank pressure cap, is hot. Wait for the cooling
system and coolant surge tank pressure cap to
cool if you ever have to turn the pressure cap.
{CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can
start up even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.If no coolant is visible in the surge tank, add coolant as
follows:
1. Remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when
the cooling system, including the coolant surge tank
pressure cap and upper radiator hose, is no longer
hot. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise
about one-quarter of a turn. If you hear a hiss, wait
for that to stop. A hiss means there is still some
pressure left.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and
remove it.
5-31

How to Add Coolant to the
Intercooler System Fill Neck
(4.4L V8 STS-V Engine Only)
Turn the engine off and allow it to cool down, then
check to see if coolant is visible within the horizontal tube
section of the ll neck. If coolant is not visible, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®
coolant to the ll neck. Be sure the Intercooler System,
including the Intercooler System pressure cap, is cool
before doing so. SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-27for
more information.
{CAUTION:
Turning the Intercooler System pressure cap when
the engine and intercooler are hot can allow steam
and scalding liquids to blow out and burn you badly.
Never turn the Intercooler System pressure cap,
even a little, when the engine and intercooler
are hot.1. Remove the Intercooler System pressure cap
when the Intercooler System, including the upper
intercooler hoses, are no longer hot. Turn the
pressure cap slowly counterclockwise about
one-quarter of a turn. If you hear a hiss, wait for
that to stop. This allows any pressure still left to
be vented.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and
remove it.
5-33

Back-Up Lamps
To replace a back-up lamp bulb:
1. Open the trunk. SeeTrunk on page 2-15.
2. Pull out the push pins holding down the top portion
of the cloth cover.
3. Fold the cover down slightly and locate the lamp
assembly.
4. Turn the socket counterclockwise and pull it straight
out to remove it from the lamp assembly.
5. Pull the old bulb straight out and reinstall the
new bulb.
6. Put the cover back in place and reinstall the
push pins.
Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamp Bulb Number
Back-up 3157K
For replacement bulbs not listed here, contact your
dealer/retailer.
Windshield Replacement
The windshield is part of the Head-Up Display (HUD)
system. If you ever have to get the windshield replaced,
get one that is designed for HUD or the HUD image
may look out of focus.
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wear
or cracking. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
It’s a good idea to clean or replace the wiper blade
assembly on a regular basis or when worn. For proper
windshield wiper blade length and type, seeMaintenance
Replacement Parts on page 6-15.
5-52

Using the Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit to Temporarily Seal and Inate a
Punctured Tire
When using the tire sealant and compressor kit during
cold temperatures, warm the kit in a heated environment
for 5 minutes. This will help to inate the tire faster.Always do a safety check rst. SeeIf a Tire Goes Flat
on page 5-84. Do not remove any objects that have
penetrated the tire.
1. Remove the tire sealant and compressor kit from its
storage location. SeeTire Sealant and Compressor
Kit Storage on page 5-104.
Make sure the on/off button (D) is in the off (O)
position.
2. Unwrap the sealant/air hose (F) and the power
plug (C).
3. Place the kit on the ground.
Make sure the tire valve stem is positioned close to
the ground so the hose will reach it.
4. Remove the valve stem cap from the at tire by
turning it counterclockwise.
5. Attach the sealant/air hose (F) onto the tire valve
stem. Turn it clockwise until it is tight.
6. Plug the power plug (C) into the accessory power
outlet in the vehicle. Unplug all items from other
accessory power outlets. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-46.
If the vehicle has an accessory power outlet, do not
use the cigarette lighter.
If the vehicle only has a cigarette lighter, use the
cigarette lighter.
Do not pinch the power plug cord in the door or
window.
5-90

7. Start the vehicle. The vehicle must be running while
using the air compressor.
8. Press the on/off (D) button to turn the tire sealant
and compressor kit on.
The compressor will inject sealant and air into
the tire.
The pressure gage (E) will initially show a high
pressure while the compressor pushes the sealant
into the tire. Once the sealant is completely
dispersed into the tire, the pressure will quickly drop
and start to rise again as the tire inates with air only.
9. Inate the tire to the recommended ination
pressure using the pressure gage (E). The
recommended ination pressure can be found
on the Tire and Loading Information label.
SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-64.
The pressure gage (E) may read higher than the
actual tire pressure while the compressor is on.
Turn the compressor off to get an accurate pressure
reading. The compressor may be turned on/off
until the correct pressure is reached.Notice:If the recommended pressure cannot be
reached after approximately 25 minutes, the vehicle
should not be driven farther. The tire is too severely
damaged and the tire sealant and compressor kit
cannot inate the tire. Remove the power plug from
the accessory power outlet and unscrew the inating
hose from the tire valve. SeeRoadside Service on
page 7-7.
10. Press the on/off button (D) to turn the tire sealant
and compressor kit off.
The tire is not sealed and will continue to leak
air until the vehicle is driven and the sealant is
distributed in the tire, therefore, Steps 11 through 17
must be done immediately after Step 10.
Be careful while handling the tire sealant and
compressor kit as it could be warm after usage.
11. Unplug the power plug (C) from the accessory
power outlet in the vehicle.
12. Turn the sealant/air hose (F) counterclockwise to
remove it from the tire valve stem.
13. Replace the tire valve stem cap.
14. Replace the sealant/air hose (F), and the power
plug (C) back in their original location.
5-91