2009 CADILLAC STS four wheel drive

G(Trunk):Press and hold to unlock the trunk. If
the engine is running, the shift lever must be in P (Park).
L(Vehicle Locator/Panic Alarm):Press and release
to locate the vehicle. The horn sounds three times and
the turn signal lamps ash three times. Press and hold
Lfor three seconds to sound the panic alarm. The horn
sounds and the turn signal lamps ash for 30 seconds.
Press and release
Lagain to cancel the panic alarm.
The vehicle comes with two transmitters. Each
transmitter will have a number on top of it,″1″or″2″.
These numbers correspond to the driver of the vehicle.
For example, the memory seat position for driver 1
will be recalled when using the transmitter labeled″1″,
if enabled through the vehicle personalization. See
Memory Seat, Mirrors and Steering Wheel on page 2-77
andVehicle Personalization on page 2-61.
Programming Transmitters to the
Vehicle
Only keyless access transmitters programmed to
this vehicle will work. If a transmitter is lost or stolen,
a replacement can be purchased and programmed
through your dealer/retailer. The vehicle can be
reprogrammed so that lost or stolen transmitters
no longer work. Each vehicle can have up to
four transmitters programmed to it.
Programming with a Recognized
Transmitter
A new transmitter can be programmed to the vehicle
when there is one recognized transmitter. For vehicles
sold in Canada, two recognized transmitters are
required to program a new transmitter.
1. The vehicle must be off.
2. Both the recognized and new transmitters must be
with you.
3. Insert the vehicle key into the key cylinder located
on the outside of the driver door.
4. Turn the key to the unlock position ve times within
ve seconds.
5. The Driver Information Center (DIC) displays
READY FOR FOB 2, 3 or 4.
2-7

Outside Power Mirrors
Controls for the outside
power mirrors are located
on the driver’s door.
To adjust the mirrors:
1. Move the selector switch left or right to choose the
driver’s side or passenger side mirror.
2. Press one of the four arrows located on the control
pad to move the mirror to the desired direction.3. Adjust each mirror so you can see the side of your
vehicle and the area behind your vehicle.
4. Return the selector switch to the center position
when nished adjusting.
The preferred mirror positions can be stored with the
memory option. SeeMemory Seat, Mirrors and Steering
Wheel on page 2-77.
Manually fold the mirrors inward to prevent damage
when going through car washes or conned spaces.
To fold, push the mirror toward the vehicle. To return
the mirror to its original position, push outward. Return
both mirrors to their original unfolded position before
driving.
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror
The driver’s side mirror adjusts for the glare of
headlamps behind you. This feature is controlled
by the on and off settings on the automatic dimming
inside rearview mirror. SeeAutomatic Dimming
Rearview Mirror on page 2-38for more information.
2-40

Driver Information Center (DIC)
The Driver Information Center (DIC) gives you the status
of many of your vehicle’s systems. The DIC is also used
to display warning/status messages. All messages will
appear in the DIC display located at the bottom of the
instrument panel cluster, below the tachometer and
speedometer. The DIC buttons are located on the
instrument panel, to the left of the steering wheel.
The DIC comes on when the ignition is on. After a short
delay, the DIC will display the current driver and the
information that was last displayed before the engine
was turned off.
The top line of the DIC display shows the vehicle
system information and the warning/status messages.
The bottom line of the DIC display shows either the
odometer, the trip odometer A or the trip odometer B
information on the left side. Only one odometer can
appear at a time. See “Trip Information” underDIC
Operation and Displays on page 3-72for information
on changing the display to show the odometer or trip
odometer information. The bottom line of the DIC display
also shows the outside temperature on the right side
and the shift lever position indicator in the center.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on page 2-30
for more information on the shift lever positions.When the sport mode is active, an S will appear next
to the shift position indicator on the center of the DIC
display. When the manual mode is active, an M will
appear on the DIC display. When the normal mode is
active, only the shift position indicator will appear. While
the Driver Shift Control (DSC) feature is active, the DIC
will change to show the selected gear. See “Driver Shift
Control (DSC)” underAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-30for more information.
If a problem is detected, a warning message will appear
on the display. Be sure to take any message that
appears on the display seriously and remember that
clearing the message will only make the message
disappear, not correct the problem.
DIC Operation and Displays
The Driver Information Center (DIC) has different modes
which can be accessed by pressing the four DIC buttons
located on the instrument panel, to the left of the steering
wheel.
3-72

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.
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Magnetic Ride Control™
Vehicles with this feature automatically adjust the ride
of the vehicle based on driving conditions. Magnetic Ride
Control monitors the suspension system to determine
the proper system response. If the controller detects a
problem within the system, the DIC will display a
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS message. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-79for more
information. See your dealer/retailer for service.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Vehicles with a limited-slip rear axle can give more
traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like
a standard axle most of the time, but when traction
is low, this feature allows the drive wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
With this feature, engine power is sent to all four wheels
at all times. This is like four-wheel drive, but there is
no separate lever or switch to engage or disengage the
front axle. It is fully automatic, and adjusts itself as
needed for road conditions.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Speed Variable Assist Steering
Your vehicle has a steering system that continuously
adjusts the effort you feel when steering at all vehicle
speeds. It provides ease when parking, yet a rm, solid
feel at highway speeds.
Active Steering
All-wheel-drive vehicles with the Active Steering with
Enhanced StabiliTrak®option have an electronically
controlled active steering system. The active steering
system uses the steering actuator to automatically adjust
the front road wheel turning angle based on vehicle
speed and how much you turn the steering wheel.
This system reduces steering effort at low speeds,
improves steering feel at moderate speeds, and
reduces steering sensitivity at higher speeds.
4-12

Here are some important things to consider before
recreational vehicle towing:
What is the towing capacity of the towing vehicle?
Be sure to read the tow vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations.
What is the distance that will be travelled? Some
vehicles have restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.
Is the proper towing equipment going to be used?
See your dealer/retailer or trailering professional
for additional advice and equipment
recommendations.
Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as preparing
the vehicle for a long trip, make sure the vehicle is
prepared to be towed. SeeBefore Leaving on a
Long Trip on page 4-19.
Dinghy Towing
Notice:If the vehicle is towed with all four wheels
on the ground, the drivetrain components could
be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not tow the vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground.
The vehicle was not designed to be towed with all four
wheels on the ground. If the vehicle must be towed,
use a dolly. See “Dolly Towing” later in this section for
more information.
Dolly Towing (Rear-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles) (STS Only)
Notice:Dolly towing or dinghy towing the vehicle
may cause damage because of reduced ground
clearance. Always tow the vehicle using the towing
procedures listed in this section or put the vehicle
on a atbed truck or trailer.
4-30

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

Low-Prole Performance Tires
If your vehicle has 255/45ZR18, P255/45R18
or P275/40R19 size tires, they are classied as
low-prole performance tires. These tires are
designed for very responsive driving on wet or
dry pavement. You may also notice more road
noise with low-prole performance tires and that
they tend to wear faster. These performance tires
are not rated as all-season tires. Winter tires are
recommended for snow or ice covered roads.
Notice:If the vehicle has low-prole tires, they
are more susceptible to damage from road
hazards or curb impact than standard prole
tires. Tire and/or wheel assembly damage
can occur when coming into contact with
road hazards like, potholes, or sharp edged
objects, or when sliding into a curb. The
vehicle warranty does not cover this type of
damage. Keep tires set to the correct ination
pressure and, when possible avoid contact
with curbs, potholes, and other road hazards.
Winter Tires
If you expect to drive on snow or ice covered roads
often, you may want to get winter tires for your vehicle.
All season tires provide good overall performance on
most surfaces but they may not offer the traction
you would like or the same level of performance
as winter tires on snow or ice covered roads.
Winter tires, in general, are designed for increased
traction on snow and ice covered roads. With winter
tires, there may be decreased dry road traction,
increased road noise, and shorter tread life. After
switching to winter tires, be alert for changes in
vehicle handling and braking.
See your dealer/retailer for details regarding winter tire
availability and proper tire selection. Also, seeBuying
New Tires on page 5-74.
If you choose to use winter tires:
Use tires of the same brand and tread type on all
four wheel positions.
Use only radial ply tires of the same size, load
range, and speed rating as the original equipment
tires.
Winter tires with the same speed rating as your original
equipment tires may not be available for H, V, W, Y,
and ZR speed rated tires. If you choose winter tires with
a lower speed rating, never exceed the tire’s maximum
speed capability.
5-55