2009 CADILLAC STS ignition

If there is a problem detected with Enhanced StabiliTrak,
the SERVICE STABILITY SYS message will be
displayed on the DIC. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-79. When this message is displayed, the
system is not operating. Driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
When certain faults or vehicle conditions are detected,
the Stability control will automatically go into a secure
mode and the STABILITY SECURE MODE message will
be displayed on the DIC. When the Stability Secure
Mode is activated, the stability control system will
not respond to driver requests to change the stability
mode until the next ignition cycle or until the vehicle
condition or fault is returned to normal. When the
Stability Secure Mode is activated, other messages
may be displayed, such as SERVICE STEERING SYS,
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS or CHECK TIRE
PRESSURE on the DIC. When the Stability Secure
Mode is activated, a larger degree of steering wheel
input at low vehicle speeds and a smaller degree
of steering wheel input at high vehicle speeds may be
required. Stability Secure Mode will be activated if
a compact spare tire is being used. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-79andCompact Spare
Tire on page 5-114.Persistent operation of the vehicle in the STABILITY
SECURE MODE may be an indication that the vehicle
needs to be serviced by your dealer/retailer.
When certain faults are present, the vehicle’s speed
may be limited and the SPEED LIMITED TO XXX
message will be displayed on the DIC. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-79. When the
vehicle’s speed is limited, other messages may
be displayed, such as SERVICE STABILITY SYS,
SERVICE STEERING SYS or SERVICE SUSPENSION
SYS on the DIC. Have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
Enhanced StabiliTrak and Traction Control
Mode Selection
Enhanced StabiliTrak can be operated in Touring Mode
or Competitive Mode. It can also be turned off. The
TC button is used to change stability control modes
(Touring, Competitive or Off) as well as to turn traction
control on or off. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-10. The following information describes
the operation of the TC button for changing Traction
Control and Stability Control Modes.
4-8

Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different
than driving on at or rolling terrain. Tips for driving
in these conditions include:
Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
Check all uid levels and brakes, tires, cooling
system, and transmission.
Going down steep or long hills, shift to a
lower gear.
{CAUTION:
If you do not shift down, the brakes could get so
hot that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{CAUTION:
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the ignition
off is dangerous. The brakes will have to do all the
work of slowing down and they could get so hot
that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Always have the engine running
and the vehicle in gear when going downhill.
Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds
that let you stay in your own lane.
Top of hills: Be alert — something could be in your
lane (stalled car, accident).
Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocks
area, winding roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
4-20

Rear-wheel drive vehicles can be towed using a dolly.
To tow the vehicle using a dolly, follow these steps:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly
manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the dolly.
3. Firmly set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-33.
4. Put the transmission in P (Park).
5. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the
manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Use an adequate clamping device designed for
towing to ensure that the front wheels are locked
into the straight position.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Dolly Towing (STS-V)
Notice:Dolly towing or dinghy towing the vehicle
may cause damage because of reduced ground
clearance. Always put the vehicle on a atbed truck.
The STS-V can only be towed on a at-bed truck or
trailer.
Dolly Towing (All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles)
Notice:Towing an all-wheel-drive vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground, or even with only two of
its wheels on the ground, will damage drivetrain
components. Do not tow an all-wheel-drive vehicle
with any of its wheels on the ground.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles can only be towed on a
at-bed truck or trailer.
Towing a Trailer (Vehicles Without
Heavy Duty Cooling)
Vehicles without heavy duty cooling are neither designed
nor intended to tow a trailer.
4-31

Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for
reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
To check the power steering uid, do the following:
1. Turn the ignition off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the uid level on
the dipstick.
The level should be within the HOT mark. If necessary,
add only enough uid to bring the level within the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Always use the proper uid.
Notice:Use of the incorrect uid may damage
the vehicle and the damages may not be covered by
the vehicle’s warranty. Always use the correct uid
listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-13.
5-37

Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master
cylinder reservoir is lled
with DOT-3 brake uid.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12
for reservoir location and
access.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid level in
the reservoir might go down:
The brake uid level goes down because of normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are installed,
the uid level goes back up.
A uid leak in the brake hydraulic system can also
cause a low uid level. Have the brake hydraulic
system xed, since a leak means that sooner
or later the brakes will not work well.Do not top off the brake uid. Adding uid does not
correct a leak. If uid is added when the linings are worn,
there will be too much uid when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove brake uid, as necessary, only
when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If too much brake uid is added, it can spill on the
engine and burn, if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and the vehicle could
be damaged. Add brake uid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
If the ignition is on and the brake uid is low, the
CHECK BRAKE FLUID message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-79.
5-39

Notice:Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to your vehicle that would not be covered
by your warranty.
Trying to start your vehicle by pushing or pulling it
will not work, and it could damage your vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
Notice:If the other vehicle’s system is not a 12-volt
system with a negative ground, both vehicles can
be damaged. Only use vehicles with 12-volt systems
with negative grounds to jump start your vehicle.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles are not touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you do not want. You would not be able
to start your vehicle and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake rmly on both vehicles involved
in the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission
in NEUTRAL before setting the parking brake.Notice:If you leave the radio or other accessories
on during the jump starting procedure, they could
be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by
the warranty. Always turn off the radio and other
accessories when jump starting the vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or the accessory power outlets. Turn off
the radio and all lamps that are not needed.
This will avoid sparks and help save both batteries.
And it could save the radio!
4. Open the hoods and locate the positive (+)
and negative (−) terminal locations or the remote
positive (+) and remote negative (−) terminals of the
other vehicle. Then locate the remote positive (+)
location on your vehicle. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for more information on
locations the terminals.
5-43

Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS). The TPMS is designed to warn the driver when
a low tire pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel assembly, excluding
the spare tire and wheel assembly, if the vehicle has one.
The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in the
vehicle’s tires and transmits the tire pressure readings to
a receiver located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure
condition is detected, the
TPMS illuminates the low
tire pressure warning light
located on the instrument
panel cluster.
At the same time a message to check the pressure in
a specic tire appears on the Driver Information Center
(DIC) display. The low tire pressure warning light and the
DIC warning message come on at each ignition cycle
until the tires are inated to the correct ination pressure.
Using the DIC, tire pressure levels can be viewed by
the driver. For additional information and details about
the DIC operation and displays seeDIC Operation and
Displays on page 3-72andDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-79.The low tire pressure warning light may come on in
cool weather when the vehicle is rst started, and then
turn off as you start to drive. This could be an early
indicator that the air pressure in the tire(s) are getting
low and need to be inated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label, attached to
your vehicle, shows the size of your vehicle’s original
equipment tires and the correct ination pressure for
your vehicle’s tires when they are cold. SeeLoading
the Vehicle on page 4-24for an example of the Tire and
Loading Information label and its location on your vehicle.
Also seeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-64.
Your vehicle’s TPMS can warn you about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace normal
tire maintenance. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-71andTires on page 5-54.
Notice:Using non-approved tire sealants could
damage the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
sensors. TPMS sensor damage caused by using
an incorrect tire sealant is not covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use the GM approved
tire sealant available through your dealer/retailer.
Your vehicle, when new, included a factory-installed
Tire Inator Kit. This kit uses a GM approved liquid tire
sealant. Using non-approved tire sealants could damage
the TPMS sensors. SeeTire Sealant and Compressor Kit
on page 5-87for information regarding the inator kit
materials and instructions.
5-68

TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
The TPMS will not function properly if one or more of
the TPMS sensors are missing or inoperable. When the
system detects a malfunction, the low tire warning light
ashes for about one minute and then stays on for the
remainder of the ignition cycle. A DIC warning message
is also displayed. The low tire warning light and DIC
warning message come on at each ignition cycle until
the problem is corrected. Some of the conditions that
can cause the malfunction light and DIC message to
come on are:
One of the road tires has been replaced with the
spare tire, if the vehicle has one. The spare tire does
not have a TPMS sensor. The DIC message should
go off once you re-install the road tire containing the
TPMS sensor.
The TPMS sensor matching process was started but
not completed or not completed successfully after
rotating the vehicle’s tires. The DIC message and
TPMS malfunction light should go off once the TPMS
sensor matching process is performed successfully.
See “TPMS Sensor Matching Process” later in this
section.
One or more TPMS sensors are missing or
damaged. The DIC message and the TPMS
malfunction light should go off when the TPMS
sensors are installed and the sensor matching
process is performed successfully. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
Replacement tires or wheels do not match your
vehicle’s original equipment tires or wheels. Tires
and wheels other than those recommended for your
vehicle could prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. SeeBuying New Tires on page 5-74.
Operating electronic devices or being near facilities
using radio wave frequencies similar to the TPMS
could cause the TPMS sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning it cannot detect or
signal a low tire condition. See your dealer/retailer for
service if the TPMS malfunction light and DIC message
comes on and stays on.
5-69