2009 CADILLAC STS belt

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Power Tilt Wheel and Telescopic
Steering Column.........................................3-6
Heated Steering Wheel...................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-9
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System................3-9
Flash-to-Pass...............................................3-13
Windshield Wipers........................................3-13
Rainsense™ II Wipers...................................3-14
Windshield Washer.......................................3-15
Headlamp Washer........................................3-16
Cruise Control..............................................3-16
Adaptive Cruise Control.................................3-20
Headlamps..................................................3-32
Wiper Activated Headlamps............................3-36
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-36
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-36
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-38
Twilight Sentinel
®..........................................3-38
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver........................3-40Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-40
Entry Lighting...............................................3-41
Parade Dimming...........................................3-41
Reading Lamps............................................3-41
Battery Load Management.............................3-41
Electric Power Management...........................3-42
Inadvertent Power Battery Saver.....................3-42
Head-Up Display (HUD).................................3-43
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-46
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-47
Climate Controls............................................3-48
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-48
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-52
Rear Climate Control System.........................3-53
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-54
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-55
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-56
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-57
Tachometer.................................................3-57
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-57
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-58
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-59
Charging System Light..................................3-61
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-62
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Speedometer and Odometer
The speedometer shows the speed in both miles
per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
See “MPH (km)” underDIC Operation and Displays
on page 3-72for more information.
The odometer mileage can be checked without the
vehicle running. The vehicle’s odometer works together
with the driver information center. The odometer can
be set for a Trip A and a Trip B. See “Trip Information”
underDIC Operation and Displays on page 3-72for
more information.
If the vehicle ever needs a new odometer installed,
the new one will be set to the correct mileage total
of the old odometer.
Tachometer
This gage indicates the engine speed in revolutions
per minute (rpm).
Safety Belt Reminders
Driver Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the engine is started, a chime sounds for
several seconds to remind the driver to fasten the safety
belt, unless the driver’s safety belt is already buckled.
The driver safety belt light
comes on and stays on
for several seconds,
then ashes for
several more.
This chime and light are repeated if the driver remains
unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. If the driver’s
safety belt is already buckled, neither the chime nor
the light comes on.
3-57

Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light
Several seconds after the engine is started,
a chime sounds for several seconds to remind
the front passenger to buckle their safety belt.
This only occurs if the passenger airbag is enabled.
SeePassenger Sensing System on page 1-59for more
information. The passenger safety belt light, located
on the instrument panel, comes on and stays on for
several seconds and then ashes for several more.
This chime and light are
repeated if the passenger
remains unbuckled and
the vehicle is in motion.
If the passenger safety belt is buckled, neither the
chime nor the light comes on.
Airbag Readiness Light
The system checks the airbag’s electrical system for
possible malfunctions. If the light stays on it indicates
there is an electrical problem. The system check includes
the airbag sensor, the pretensioners, the airbag modules,
the wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information on the airbag system, seeAirbag
System on page 1-51.
The airbag readiness light
ashes for a few seconds
when the engine is
started. If the light does
not come on then, have
it xed immediately.
3-58

{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light in the instrument panel
cluster ever comes on and stays on, it means that
something may be wrong with the airbag system.
If this ever happens, have the vehicle serviced
promptly, because an adult-size person sitting in
the right front passenger’s seat may not have the
protection of the airbag(s). SeeAirbag Readiness
Light on page 3-58for more on this, including
important safety information.
Charging System Light
This light comes on briey
when the ignition key is
turned to START, but the
engine is not running, as a
check to show it is working.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
The light should go out once the engine starts. If it stays
on, or comes on while driving, there could be a problem
with the charging system. A charging system message
in the Driver Information Center (DIC) can also appear.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-79for more
information. This light could indicate that there are
problems with a generator drive belt, or that there is an
electrical problem. Have it checked right away. If the
vehicle must be driven a short distance with the light
on, turn off accessories, such as the radio and air
conditioner.
3-61

Your Driving, the Road, and
the Vehicle
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The rst step in driving defensively is to
wear your safety belt — SeeSafety Belts: They Are for
Everyone on page 1-7.
{CAUTION:
Assume that other road users (pedestrians,
bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what
they might do and be ready. In addition:
Allow enough following distance between you
and the driver in front of you.
Focus on the task of driving.
Driver distraction can cause collisions resulting in
injury or possible death. These simple defensive
driving techniques could save your life.
Drunk Driving
{CAUTION:
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your
reexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment
can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol.
You can have a serious — or even fatal — collision
if you drive after drinking. Do not drink and drive or
ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride home
in a cab; or if you are with a group, designate a
driver who will not drink.
Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is
a global tragedy.
Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive a
vehicle: judgment, muscular coordination, vision, and
attentiveness.
Police records show that almost 40 percent of all motor
vehicle-related deaths involve alcohol. In most cases,
these deaths are the result of someone who was drinking
and driving. In recent years, more than 17,000 annual
motor vehicle-related deaths have been associated with
the use of alcohol, with about 250,000 people injured.
4-2

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

Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer
attached can be dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be
injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always park the rig on a
at surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park)
yet. Turn the wheels into the curb if facing downhill
or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking
brake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
Start the engine
Shift into a gear
Release the parking brake
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. See this manual’s Maintenance Schedule
or Index for more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission
uid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system
and brake system. It is a good idea to inspect
these before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-34.
4-38

Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-71
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-73
Buying New Tires.........................................5-74
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-76
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-77
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-79
Wheel Replacement......................................5-79
Tire Chains..................................................5-81
Lifting the Vehicle (STS-V).............................5-82
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-84
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
(Without Selector Switch)............................5-87
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
(With Selector Switch)................................5-96
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit Storage.......5-104
Changing a Flat Tire...................................5-104
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools..............5-106
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire.........................................5-107
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools...........5-112
Compact Spare Tire....................................5-114
Appearance Care..........................................5-115
Interior Cleaning.........................................5-115
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-116
Leather......................................................5-117
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.......................................5-117Wood Panels..............................................5-117
Speaker Covers..........................................5-118
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-118
Weatherstrips.............................................5-118
Washing Your Vehicle..................................5-118
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-119
Finish Care................................................5-119
Windshield and Wiper Blades.......................5-120
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
and Trim................................................5-120
Tires.........................................................5-121
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-121
Finish Damage...........................................5-121
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-121
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-122
Vehicle Identication.....................................5-122
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)................5-122
Service Parts Identication Label...................5-122
Electrical System..........................................5-123
Add-On Electrical Equipment.........................5-123
Headlamp Wiring........................................5-123
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-123
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-123
Fuses and Circuit Breakers..........................5-123
Underhood Fuse Block................................5-124
Rear Underseat Fuse Block..........................5-128
Capacities and Specications........................5-134
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2