2009 CADILLAC STS Owners Manual

DIC Warnings and Messages
Messages are displayed on the DIC to notify the driver
that the status of the vehicle has changed and that
some action may be needed by the driver to correct the
condition. Multiple messages may appear one after
another.
The text messages are the same for both the base
audio and Navigation systems unless otherwise
indicated.
Some messages may not require immediate action, but
you can press the reset button to acknowledge that
you received the messages and to clear them from
the display.
Some messages cannot be cleared from the DIC display
because they are more urgent. These messages require
action before they can be cleared. Take any messages
that appear on the display seriously and remember that
clearing the messages will only make the messages
disappear, not correct the problem.
The following are the possible messages that can be
displayed and some information about them.
ADVISORY: XXX MPH (KM/H)
This message displays when the Speed Alert has been
turned on through the DIC Information Menu and the
vehicle is at or above the advised speed. SeeDIC
Operation and Displays on page 3-72for more
information.
AUTOMATIC LIGHTS OFF
This message displays when the automatic headlamps
are turned off. SeeHeadlamps on page 3-32for
more information.
AUTOMATIC LIGHTS ON
This message displays when the automatic headlamps
are turned on. SeeHeadlamps on page 3-32for
more information.
3-79

BATTERY NOT CHARGING SERVICE
CHARGING SYS (System)
This symbol appears with
this message.
This message displays when a problem with the
charging system has been detected. Have your
vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message displays when the system detects that the
battery voltage is dropping beyond a reasonable level.
The battery saver system starts reducing certain features
of the vehicle that may be noticeable. At the point that
the features are disabled, this message is displayed.
It means that the vehicle is trying to save the charge
in the battery.
Turn off all unnecessary accessories to allow the battery
to recharge.
The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts.
To monitor battery voltage on the DIC, press the
information button until BATTERY VOLTS displays.
BATTERY VOLTAGE HIGH
This symbol appears with
this message.
This message displays when the electrical charging
system is overcharging the battery. When the system
detects that the battery voltage is above an estimated
16 volts, this message displays.
To reduce the charging overload, use the vehicle’s
accessories:
Turn on the exterior lamps and radio.
Set the climate control on AUTO and the fan speed
on the highest setting.
Turn the rear window defogger on.
The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts
when the engine is running. To monitor battery voltage
on the DIC, press the information button until
BATTERY VOLTS displays.
3-80

BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW
This symbol appears with
this message.
This message displays when the electrical system is
charging less than 10 volts or the battery has been
drained.
If this message appears immediately after starting the
engine, it is possible that the generator can still recharge
the battery. The battery should recharge while driving,
but may take a few hours to do so. Consider using
an auxiliary charger to boost the battery after returning
home or to a nal destination. Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions.If this message appears while driving or after starting
your vehicle and stays on, have it checked immediately
to determine the cause of this problem.
To help the generator recharge the battery quickly,
reduce the load on the electrical system by turning off
the accessories.
The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts.
To monitor battery voltage on the DIC, press the
information button until BATTERY VOLTS displays.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when the engine oil needs to be
changed. See your dealer/retailer. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-18andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4for
more information.
After resetting the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message by clearing it from the display, reset the engine
oil life system separately. For more information on
resetting the engine oil life system, seeEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-21.
3-81

CHECK BRAKE FLUID
This message displays if the ignition is on to inform the
driver that the brake uid level is low. Have the brake
system serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as
possible. SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-62
for more information.
CHECK GAS CAP
This message displays when the fuel cap has not been
fully tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to ensure that it
is on and tightened properly.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
This message displays when the pressure in one or
more of the vehicle’s tires needs to be checked. If a tire
pressure message appears on the DIC, stop as soon as
you can. Have the tire pressures checked and set to
those shown on the Tire Loading Information label. See
Tires on page 5-54,Loading the Vehicle on page 4-24,
andInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-64. The DIC also
shows the tire pressure values. SeeDIC Operation and
Displays on page 3-72. If the tire pressure is low, the low
tire pressure warning light comes on. SeeTire Pressure
Light on page 3-65.
CHECK WASHER FLUID
This symbol appears with
this message.
This message displays when the windshield washer
uid is low. Fill the windshield washer uid reservoir
as soon as possible. SeeWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-38for more information.
CLEAN RADAR
This message displays when the Adaptive Cruise
Control system is disabled because the radar is blocked
and cannot detect vehicles in your path. It may also
activate during heavy rain or due to road spray. To clean
the system, see “Cleaning the System” underAdaptive
Cruise Control on page 3-20.
3-82

COMPETITIVE DRIVING (STS-V Only)
This message displays when the competitive driving
mode is turned on with the TC (traction control) button.
The TC (traction control) light comes on when the
competitive driving mode is on. The Traction Control
System (TCS) will not operate while in competitive
driving mode. Adjust your driving accordingly. See
Competitive Driving Mode on page 4-11for more
information.
DRIVER DOOR AJAR
This symbol appears with
this message.
This message displays when the driver door is not
closed completely. Make sure that the door is closed
completely.
ENGINE COOLANT HOT IDLE ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
is overheating, severe engine damage may occur.
If an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-34for more information.
This symbol appears with
this message.
This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle
to idle until it cools down. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light on page 3-64.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating Mode on
page 5-36for information on driving to a safe place
in an emergency.
3-83

ENGINE HOT – AC
(Air Conditioning) OFF
This message displays when the engine coolant
becomes hotter than the normal operating temperature.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-65.
To avoid added strain on a hot engine, the air
conditioning compressor is automatically turned off.
When the coolant temperature returns to normal, the
air conditioning compressor turns back on. You can
continue to drive your vehicle.
If this message continues to appear, have the system
repaired by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible
to avoid damage to the engine.
ENGINE POWER REDUCED
This message displays when the engine power is being
reduced to protect the engine from damage. There could
be several malfunctions that might cause this message.
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, take the
vehicle to your dealer/retailer for service as soon as
possible.
3-84

ENGINE PROTECTION REDUCED
RPM’S (Revolutions Per Minute)
This message displays when your vehicle is in an
overheated engine operating mode. If this message
appears, the vehicle has determined that continued
operation at the existing engine speed may lead to
engine overheating. The vehicle automatically limits
engine RPMs to prevent engine overheating. You may
notice the vehicle upshifting early or reduced speeds
while this message is displayed. When the engine oil
returns to a safe operating temperature, this message
clears from the DIC and the vehicle returns to normal
operation. Your vehicle does not require service when
this message is displayed.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This symbol appears with
this message.
This message displays and a chime sounds if the fuel
level is low. Refuel as soon as possible. SeeFuel Gage
on page 3-71andFuel on page 5-5for more information.
HOOD AJAR
This symbol appears with
this message.
This message displays when the hood is not closed
completely. Make sure that the hood is closed
completely. SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
ICE POSSIBLE
This message displays when the outside temperature
is cold enough to create icy road conditions. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
KEY FOB BATTERY LOW
This message displays when the battery in the keyless
access transmitter is low. Replace the battery in the
transmitter. See “Battery Replacement” underKeyless
Access System Operation on page 2-5.
3-85

LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM
UNAVAILABLE
If your vehicle has the Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
system, this message may display if the LDW system
does not activate due to a temporary condition. See the
Index in the Navigation manual for more information.
LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR
This symbol appears with
this message.
This message displays when the driver side rear door
is not closed completely. Make sure that the door
is closed completely.
NO FOBS DETECTED
This message displays if the vehicle does not detect the
presence of a keyless access transmitter when you have
attempted to start the vehicle or a vehicle door has just
closed. The following conditions may cause this message
to appear:
Driver-added equipment plugged into the accessory
power outlet on the center console is causing
interference. Examples of these devices are cell
phones and cell phone chargers, two-way radios,
power inverters, or similar items. Try moving the
keyless access transmitter away from these devices
when starting the vehicle. In addition, PDA devices
and remote garage and gate openers may also
generate Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) that
may interfere with the keyless access transmitter.
Do not carry the keyless access transmitter in the
same pocket or bag as these devices.
The vehicle is experiencing Electromagnetic
Interference (EMI). Some locations, such as airports,
automatic toll booths, and some gas stations, have
EMI elds which may interfere with the keyless
access transmitter.
3-86