2009 CADILLAC STS maintenance schedule

Engine Air Cleaner/FilterThe engine air cleaner/lter is in the engine
compartment on the driver’s side of the vehicle,
near the front. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for more information on locating the
air cleaner/lter.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/lter at the MaintenanceII
intervals and replace it at the rst oil change after
each 50,000 mile (80 000 km) interval. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4for more information.
If you are driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect
the lter at each engine oil change.
4.6L V8 Engine shown, 3.6L V6 Engine similar
5-23

How to Check Lubricant
A. Drain Plug
B. Fill Plug
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.If the level is below the bottom of the ller plug hole,
located on the transfer case, you’ll need to add
some lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise the level
to the bottom of the ller plug hole. Use care not to
overtighten the plug.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check rear axle uid
unless you suspect there is a leak or you hear an
unusual noise. A uid loss could indicate a problem.
Have it inspected and repaired.
5-48

How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.If the level is below the bottom of the ller plug hole,
located on the rear axle, you’ll need to add some
lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise the level
to the bottom of the ller plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Front Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check the front axle
uid unless you suspect there is a leak or you hear an
unusual noise. A uid loss could indicate a problem.
Have it inspected and repaired.
5-49

How to Check Lubricant
A. Drain Plug
B. Filler Plug
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
If the level is below the bottom of the ller plug hole,
located on the front axle, you may need to add
some lubricant.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp aim has been preset at the factory and
should need no further adjustment.
However, if your vehicle is damaged in a crash, the
headlamp aim may be affected. Aim adjustment to the
low-beam headlamps may be necessary if oncoming
drivers ash their high-beam headlamps at you
(for vertical aim).
If the headlamps need to be re-aimed, it is
recommended that you take the vehicle to your
dealer/retailer for service.
5-50

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

11. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure
level as indicated on the tire and loading information
label.
12. Put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
We recommend that you regularly inspect your
vehicle’s tires, including the spare tire, for signs
of wear or damage. SeeWhen It Is Time for
New Tires on page 5-73for more information.
Tire rotation is not recommended if your vehicle
has the following performance tire combinations:
P235/50R17 size tires on the front wheels
and P255/45R17 size tires on the rear wheels.
P235/50ZR18 size tires on the front wheels
and P255/45ZR18 size tires on the rear
wheels.
P255/45R18 size tires on the front wheels and
P275/40R19 size tires on the rear wheels.Different tire sizes should not be rotated front to
rear. Each tire and wheel should only be used
in the original front or rear position it is in.
Tire rotation is recommended if the vehicle is
equipped with P235/50R17 size tires on all four
wheel positions or 255/45ZR18 size tires on all
four wheel positions. These tires should be rotated
every 5,000 to 8,000 miles (8 000 to 13 000 km).
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
The purpose of a regular tire rotation is to achieve
a uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. This
will ensure that the vehicle continues to perform
most like it did when the tires were new.
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate
your tires as soon as possible and check wheel
alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels.
SeeWhen It Is Time for New Tires on page 5-73
andWheel Replacement on page 5-79.
5-71

Maintenance Schedule......................................6-2
Introduction...................................................6-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................6-2
Using the Maintenance Schedule......................6-3
Scheduled Maintenance...................................6-4
Additional Required Services............................6-6
Maintenance Footnotes...................................6-8Owner Checks and Services..........................6-10
At Each Fuel Fill..........................................6-10
At Least Once a Month.................................6-11
At Least Once a Year...................................6-11
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants...............6-13
Maintenance Replacement Parts.....................6-15
Engine Drive Belt Routing..............................6-16
Maintenance Record.....................................6-18
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
6-1

Maintenance Schedule
Introduction
Important: Keep engine oil at the proper level and
change as recommended.
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements the vehicle warranties. See the Warranty
and Owner Assistance booklet or your dealer/retailer
for details.
Maintenance Requirements
Notice:Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections,
replacement parts, and recommended uids and
lubricants as prescribed in this manual are necessary
to keep this vehicle in good working condition.
Any damage caused by failure to follow scheduled
maintenance might not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep the
vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance is
important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even affect
the quality of the air we breathe. Improper uid levels or
the wrong tire ination can increase the level of emissions
from the vehicle. To help protect the environment, and to
keep the vehicle in good condition, be sure to maintain
the vehicle properly.
6-2