2009 CADILLAC STS hood open

Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low
on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
The remote start feature provides two separate starts,
each with 10 minutes of engine running. If you press
the lock button and then hold the remote start button
on the keyless access transmitter again for at least
three seconds before the rst 10 minutes of engine
running time has expired, 10 minutes is added to the
remaining minutes. For example, if the remote start is
initiated again after ve minutes of the engine run time,
10 minutes is added and you now have 15 minutes with
the engine running. Once two remote starts or 20 minutes
of the engine running have been provided, the vehicle
must be started using the keyless access with pushbutton
start feature, if the engine needs to be restarted. See
Starting the Engine on page 2-27for more information
regarding the keyless ignition.The remote start feature will not operate if any of the
following occur:
The check engine light is displayed. See “Check
Engine Light” underMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-66.
The valet lockout switch is on.
The keyless access transmitter is in the vehicle.
The vehicle’s hood is open.
The vehicle personalization feature is not enabled.
An unauthorized vehicle entry or a vehicle theft
was attempted.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the keyless
access transmitter functions will have an increased
range of operation. However, the range may be
less while the vehicle is running.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, seeKeyless Access
System on page 2-4.
2-12

To arm the system:
Press the lock button on the keyless access
transmitter. If the door is closed when the lock button
is pressed, the security light will stay illuminated
for 30 seconds. After the security light goes off, the
theft-deterrent system is armed. Pressing the lock
button twice will arm the system immediately.
If the vehicle is locked using the keyless access
transmitter and the trunk lid, hood or a door is open
or not closed completely, the security light will ash
for 60 seconds and then turn off. The theft-deterrent
system is armed but the alarm will not sound if
the trunk lid, hood or door that was not closed
completely is tampered with or opened. The alarm
will sound for the trunk lid, hood or a door that was
completely closed at the time the vehicle was locked
using the keyless access transmitter.
Exit the vehicle and lock the door with the power
door lock switch or lock button on the keyless access
transmitter. The security light should ash. Close the
door. The security light will stop ashing and stay
on. After 30 seconds the light should turn off, the
theft-deterrent system is armed.
If Passive Arming is activated through the vehicle
personalization feature, the system will arm
automatically after you close the door and take at
least one keyless access transmitter with you. The
security light will turn on. After 60 seconds the light
should turn off. The theft-deterrent system is armed.
SeeVehicle Personalization on page 2-61.
If a door, hood, or the trunk is opened without the
keyless access transmitter, the horn will sound for
30 seconds and the lamps will ash for two minutes.
The vehicle cannot be started without a keyless access
transmitter.
The Theft-Deterrent system will not arm if:
The key is used to turn the key cylinder to the lock
position.
The driver’s door is locked using the power door
lock switch after the doors are closed.
The vehicle can be programmed to automatically unlock
the doors and disarm the theft-deterrent system when
you approach the vehicle and the keyless access
transmitter is with you. SeeVehicle Personalization
on page 2-61.
Pressing the unlock button on the keyless access
transmitter or using the key to unlock the driver’s door
disarms the theft-deterrent system. Unlocking a door
any other way while the system is armed will activate
the alarm.
2-22

Stopping the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) and press the
Acc. button located on the instrument panel. If the
shifter is not in P (Park), the engine shuts off and the
vehicle goes into the Accessory Mode. The DIC
displays SHIFT TO PARK. Once the shifter is moved
to P (Park), the vehicle turns off.
The DIC displays NO FOB, OFF OR RUN?, if the
keyless access transmitter is not detected inside the
vehicle when it is turned off.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-79for
more information.
Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater can provide easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up in cold
weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C). Vehicles with
an engine coolant heater should be plugged in at least
four hours before starting. Some models have an internal
thermostat in the cord which will prevent engine coolant
heater operation at temperatures above 0°F (−18°C).
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
For the 3.6L V6 and 4.4L V8 engine, the cord is
located in the front of the engine compartment,
on the passenger side of the vehicle.
For the 4.6L V8 engine, the cord is located in the
engine compartment on the driver side of the vehicle
near the inner fender and above the strut.
3. You must remove the plastic cap to access
the plug.
4. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could
cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of
extension cord could overheat and cause a re.
You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into a
properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet.
If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty
three-prong extension cord rated for at least
15 amps.
2-29

x(Delay Adjustment):Use this band to set the
length of the delay between wipes when using the delay
feature. The closer the band is moved toward mist,
the longer the delay. The windshield wiper lever must
be in delay for this feature to work.
6(Low Speed):For slow, steady wiping cycles.
1(High Speed):For rapid wiping cycles.
If the windshield wipers are in use for about six seconds
while you are driving, the exterior lamps will come on
automatically if the exterior lamp control is in AUTO.
SeeWiper Activated Headlamps on page 3-36for
more information.
Clear snow and ice from the wiper blades before using
them. If the blades are frozen to the windshield, loosen or
thaw them. If they become damaged, install new blades.
For more information, seeWindshield Wiper Blade
Replacement on page 5-52.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor.
A circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools down.
For STS-V, the vehicle is equipped with a feature
that disables the wiper system when the hood is open
and the vehicle is stopped. Opening the hood will
automatically park the wipers if they are not parked.
Rainsense™ II Wipers
For vehicles with this feature, the moisture sensor is
mounted on the interior side of the windshield behind the
rearview mirror. It is used to automatically operate the
wipers by monitoring the amount of moisture build-up
on the windshield. Wipes occur as needed to clear the
windshield depending on driving conditions and the
sensitivity setting. In light rain or snow, fewer wipes will
occur. In heavy rain or snow, wipes will occur more
frequently. The Rainsense wipers operate in a delay
mode as well as a continuous low or high speed as
needed. If the system is left on for long periods of time,
occasional wipes may occur without any moisture on
the windshield. This is normal and indicates that the
Rainsense system is activated.
To activate the Rainsense system, turn the wiper band
to delay mode and select one of the four sensitivity levels
indicated on the wiper stalk. The position closest to off is
the lowest sensitivity setting, level one. This allows more
rain or snow to collect on the windshield between wipes.
Turning the wiper band away from you to higher
sensitivity levels increases the sensitivity of the system
and frequency of wipes. The highest sensitivity setting,
level four, is closest to low. A single wipe occurs each
time the wiper stalk is turned to a higher sensitivity level
to indicate that the sensitivity level has been increased.
3-14

Sensors
The solar sensor located on the instrument panel, near
the windshield, monitors the solar heat.
The interior temperature sensor located on the
instrument panel to the right of the steering wheel,
measures the temperature of the air inside the vehicle.
The climate control system uses the information
from these sensors to adjust the temperature, the fan
speed and the air delivery, in order to maintain the
selected temperature. The system may also supply
cooler air to the side of the vehicle facing the sun.
Do not cover the sensors or the automatic climate
control system will not work properly.
Outlet Adjustment
Use the lever located in the center of each outlet to
change the direction of the airow, either side-to-side or
up and down. Use the thumbwheels to open or close
the outlets to adjust the airow.
Turn the thumbwheel towards the vehicle door to open
the outlets and allow the maximum amount of air to
enter your vehicle. Turn the thumbwheel towards
the center console to close the outlets and minimize
the amount of air entering the vehicle.
Operation Tips

Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that may
block the ow of air into your vehicle.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of your vehicle more
effectively.
If the airow seems low when the fan speed is at
the highest setting, the passenger compartment air
lter may need to be replaced. For more information,
seePassenger Compartment Air Filter on page 3-54.
3-52

SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM
This message displays when there is a problem with the
hood open and closed switches. The switches may need
to be replaced. When this message is displayed, the
theft-deterrent system will still be protecting the interior of
the vehicle, however, the hood area will not be protected
at this time. Also, the remote start function will not work
when this message appears. See your dealer/retailer for
service.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there is a problem with
the transmission. Have your vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM OFF
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system, this message displays when the SBZA system
has been turned off. SeeSide Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) on
page 2-44andDIC Operation and Displays on page 3-72
for more information.
SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEM
UNAVAILABLE
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system, this message displays when the SBZA system
is disabled because the sensor is blocked and cannot
detect vehicles in your blind zone. The sensor may be
blocked by mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush. This message
may also display during heavy rain or due to road spray.
Your vehicle does not need service. For cleaning
instructions, seeWashing Your Vehicle on page 5-118.
SeeSide Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) on page 2-44for more
information.
SPEED LIMIT: 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 speed limit. SeeDIC Operation
and Displays on page 3-72for more information.
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX
This message displays when the vehicle speed is
limited to XXX, mph in English mode and km/h in
Metric mode, because the vehicle detects a problem
in the steering, stability control, or suspension system.
Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
3-92

If the vehicle has the 4.4L V8 engine (VIN Code D), use
premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating
of 91 or higher. For best performance, use premium
unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating of 93.
In an emergency, you can use regular unleaded gasoline
with an octane rating of 87 or higher. If 87 octane fuel is
used, do not perform any aggressive driving maneuvers
such as wide open throttle applications. You might also
hear audible spark knock during acceleration. Rell the
tank with premium fuel as soon as possible to avoid
damaging the engine. If you are using gasoline rated
at 91 octane or higher and you hear heavy knocking,
the engine needs service.
Gasoline Specications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM specication
D 4814 in the United States or CAN/CGSB-3.5 or 3.511 in
Canada. Some gasolines contain an octane-enhancing
additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend against the use of
gasolines containing MMT. SeeAdditives on page 5-7
for additional information.
California Fuel
If the vehicle is certied to meet California Emissions
Standards, it is designed to operate on fuels that meet
California specications. See the underhood emission
control label. If this fuel is not available in states adopting
California emissions standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specications, but
emission control system performance might be affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp could turn on and the
vehicle might fail a smog-check test. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-66. If this occurs, return to your
authorized dealer/retailer for diagnosis. If it is determined
that the condition is caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
5-6

Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{CAUTION:
Never ll a portable fuel container while it is in
the vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the fuel vapor. You can be
badly burned and the vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others:
Dispense fuel only into approved containers.
Do not ll a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed,
or on any surface other than the ground.
Bring the ll nozzle in contact with the inside
of the ll opening before operating the nozzle.
Contact should be maintained until the lling
is complete.
Do not smoke while pumping fuel.
Do not use a cellular phone while
pumping fuel.
Checking Things Under
the Hood
{CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a re. These include liquids like fuel, oil,
coolant, brake uid, windshield washer and other
uids, and plastic or rubber. You or others could
be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill things
that will burn onto a hot engine.
5-10