2009 CADILLAC STS mirror

Driving with IntelliBeam
IntelliBeam only activates the high-beams when driving
over 20 mph (32 km/h).
The high-beam headlamps remain on, under the control
of IntelliBeam, until any of the following situations occur:
The system detects an approaching vehicle’s
headlamps.
The system detects a preceding vehicle’s taillamps.
The outside light is bright enough that high-beam
headlamps are not required.
The high-beam headlamps are manually turned on
or you use the ash-to-pass feature. SeeHeadlamp
High/Low-Beam Changer on page 3-9and
Flash-to-Pass on page 3-13.
When either of these conditions occur, the IntelliBeam
feature is temporarily disabled until the high-beam
stalk is returned to its starting position. If either of
these conditions occur and IntelliBeam already has
the high-beam headlamps on, the feature is disabled
and the light in the mirror turns off.
The exterior lamp control is turned to any setting
except AUTO.
When this occurs, IntelliBeam is disabled until the
control is turned back to the AUTO position and the
AUTOMATIC LIGHTS ON message displays on
the DIC.
The IntelliBeam system is turned off at the inside
rearview mirror.
The vehicle’s speed drops below 15 mph (24 km/h).
IntelliBeam may not turn off the high-beams if the
system cannot detect other vehicle’s lamps because
of any of the following:
The others vehicle’s lamp(s) are missing, damaged,
obstructed from view, or otherwise undetected.
The other vehicle’s lamp(s) are covered with dirt,
snow and/or road spray.
The other vehicle’s lamp(s) cannot be detected due
to dense exhaust, smoke, fog, snow, road spray,
mist, or other airborne obstructions.
Your vehicle’s windshield is dirty, cracked, or
obstructed by something that blocks the view of
the IntelliBeam light sensor.
Your vehicle’s windshield is covered with ice, dirt,
haze, or other obstructions.
Your vehicle is loaded such that the front end of
the vehicle points upward, causing the IntelliBeam
sensor to aim high and not detect headlamps
and taillamps.
You are driving on winding or hilly roads.
You might need to manually disable or cancel the
high-beam headlamps by turning the low-beam
headlamps on, if any of the above conditions exist.
3-34

Disabling and Resetting IntelliBeam at the
Rearview Mirror
IntelliBeam can be disabled and reset to the original
factory setting by using the controls on the inside
rearview mirror.
AUTO
3(IntelliBeam On/Off):To disable the
system, press this button on the inside rearview mirror.
The IntelliBeam indicator turns off and does not come
back on until the IntelliBeam button is pressed again.
When IntelliBeam has turned on the high-beams, pull or
push the high-beam stalk. This disables IntelliBeam and
the IntelliBeam indicator on the rearview mirror turns off.
To re-enable IntelliBeam, press the IntelliBeam button on
the mirror.
A different sensitivity setting is available for dealer
diagnostics. This is done by pushing and holding this
button for 20 seconds until the light ashes three times.
If you accidentally activate this, the vehicle’s setting
automatically resets each time the ignition is turned off
and then on again; otherwise, refer to the text above for
resetting the system.
Cleaning the IntelliBeam Light Sensor
The light sensor is located
on the inside of the vehicle
at the back of the
rearview mirror.
Clean the light sensor window, periodically, using glass
cleaner on a soft cloth. Gently wipe the sensor window.
Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the surface of the
sensor window.
3-35

Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
The defogger only works when the ignition is on or
during remote start, if programmed. See “Personal
Settings Menu” underVehicle Personalization on
page 2-61for additional information.
=(Rear Window Defogger):Press to turn the rear
window defogger on or off. The rear window defogger
stays on for 10 minutes, before turning off.
If the vehicle’s speed is above 30 mph (48 km/h), the
rear defogger stays on continuously. If turned on again,
the defogger only runs for about ve minutes before
turning off. The defogger can also be turned off by
turning off the engine.The heated outside rearview mirrors also heat to help
clear fog or frost from the surface of the mirror when
the rear window defogger is on. SeeOutside Heated
Mirrors on page 2-41.
Notice:Do not use a razor blade or sharp object to
clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere anything
to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass. These
actions may damage the rear defogger. Repairs
would not be covered by your warranty.
{(Ventilated Seat):If the vehicle has this feature,
press to turn the driver or passenger side ventilated seat
on. SeeHeated and Ventilated Seats on page 1-3.
J(Heated Seat):If the vehicle has this feature, press
to turn the driver or passenger side heated seat and
seatback on. SeeHeated and Ventilated Seats on
page 1-3.
3-51

DRIVER SELECTION
The following submenu displays when this item is
selected:
DRIVER 1
DRIVER 2
RECALL DRIVER SETTINGS
STORE DRIVER SETTINGS
For more information on the DRIVER SELECTION
submenu item, see “Recalling Driver Settings”
and “Storing Driver Settings” underMemory Seat,
Mirrors and Steering Wheel on page 2-77.
DRIVER EXIT SETTINGS
The following submenu displays when this item is
selected:
RECALL EXIT SETTINGS
STORE EXIT SETTINGSFor more information on the DRIVER EXIT SETTINGS
submenu item, see “Recalling Exit Settings” and “Storing
Exit Settings” underMemory Seat, Mirrors and Steering
Wheel on page 2-77.
CONFIGURE DISPLAY KEYS
(Base Audio System)
This item allows the four congurable keys located to
the left and right of the audio display to be customized.
See “Congurable Radio Display Keys” underRadio(s)
on page 3-98for programming information.
Theft-Deterrent Feature
THEFTLOCK®is designed to discourage theft of the
vehicle’s radio by learning a portion of the Vehicle
Identication Number (VIN). The radio does not operate
if it is stolen or moved to a different vehicle.
3-130

Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’s
three control systems. In the braking skid, the wheels
are not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip
and lose cornering force. And in the acceleration
skid, too much throttle causes the driving wheels
to spin.
Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid
only the acceleration skid. If your traction control system
is off, then an acceleration skid is best handled by
easing your foot off the accelerator pedal.
If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,
your vehicle may straighten out. Always be ready
for a second skid if it occurs.You might see the STABILITY SYS ACTIVE message
on the Driver Information Center. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-79andStabiliTrak®System on
page 4-6orEnhanced StabiliTrak®on page 4-6.
Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety,
you will want to slow down and adjust your driving to
these conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try your
best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower
gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery until
your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning
clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on
the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down
when you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
avoid only the braking skid.
4-16

Competitive Driving
See your warranty book before using your vehicle for
competitive driving.
Notice:If you use your vehicle for competitive
driving, the engine may use more oil than it would
with normal use. Low oil levels can damage the
engine. Be sure to check the oil level often during
competitive driving and keep the level at or near the
upper mark that shows the proper operating range
on the engine oil dipstick. For information on how to
add oil, seeEngine Oil on page 5-18.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving
because some drivers are likely to be impaired — by
alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by
fatigue.
Night driving tips include:
Drive defensively.
Do not drink and drive.
Reduce headlamp glare by adjusting the inside
rearview mirror.
Slow down and keep more space between you and
other vehicles because headlamps can only light up
so much road ahead.
Watch for animals.
When tired, pull off the road.
Do not wear sunglasses.
Avoid staring directly into approaching headlamps.
Keep the windshield and all glass on your vehicle
clean — inside and out.
Keep your eyes moving, especially during turns or
curves.
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime.
But, as we get older, these differences increase.
A 50-year-old driver might need at least twice as much
light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
4-17

Before Leaving on a Long Trip
To prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider having
it serviced by your dealer/retailer before departing.
Things to check on your own include:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Reservoir full? Windows
clean — inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:In good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:All levels checked?
Lamps:Do they all work and are lenses clean?
Tires:Are treads good? Are tires inated to
recommended pressure?
Weather and Maps:Safe to travel? Have
up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings
while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, nd a
safe place to park your vehicle and rest.
Other driving tips include:
Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
Keep interior temperature cool.
Keep your eyes moving — scan the road ahead
and to the sides.
Check the rearview mirror and vehicle instruments
often.
4-19

Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be in a serious situation.
Stay with the vehicle unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use theRoadside Service on page 7-7.
To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe:
Turn on theHazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{CAUTION:
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle.
This may cause exhaust gases to get inside.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
Clear away snow from around the base of
your vehicle, especially any that is blocking
the exhaust pipe.
Check again from time to time to be sure
snow does not collect there.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Open a window about two inches on the side
of the vehicle that is away from the wind to
bring in fresh air.
Fully open the air outlets on or under the
instrument panel.
Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting
that circulates the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest setting.
See Climate Control System in the Index.
For more information about carbon monoxide, see
Engine Exhaust on page 2-36.
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you.
You cannot see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking the exhaust
Run the engine for short periods only as needed to
keep warm, but be careful.
To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods as
needed to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine off
and close the window most of the way to save heat.
4-22