2009 CADILLAC STS washer fluid

Notice:Going through an automatic car wash with
the wipers on can damage them. Turn the wipers
off when going through an automatic car wash.
The mist and wash cycles operate as normal and are
not affected by the Rainsense function. The Rainsense
system can be overridden at any time by manually
turning the wiper band to low or high speed.
When Rainsense is active, the headlamps turn on
automatically. The headlamps will turn off again once
the wipers turn off if it is light enough outside. If it
is dark, they will remain on. SeeWiper Activated
Headlamps on page 3-36.
Notice:Do not place stickers or other items on
the exterior glass surface directly in front of
the moisture sensor. Doing this could cause
the moisture sensor to malfunction.
Windshield Washer
The windshield washer button is located at the end
of the windshield wiper lever on the right side of
the steering column.
K(Washer Fluid):Press and hold to spray
windshield washer uid on the windshield. The washer
will spray until the button is released. The wipers will
continue to clear the window for about six seconds after
the button is released and then stop or return to the
preset speed.
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your washer until
the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the washer
uid can form ice on the windshield, blocking your
vision.
If the uid in the windshield washer uid reservoir is
low, the message CHECK WASHER FLUID will appear
on the Driver Information Center (DIC) display. It will
take 60 seconds after the bottle is relled for this
message to turn off. For information on the correct
washer uid mixture to use, seeWindshield Washer
Fluid on page 5-38andRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-13.
3-15

CHECK BRAKE FLUID
This message displays if the ignition is on to inform the
driver that the brake uid level is low. Have the brake
system serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as
possible. SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-62
for more information.
CHECK GAS CAP
This message displays when the fuel cap has not been
fully tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to ensure that it
is on and tightened properly.
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
This message displays when the pressure in one or
more of the vehicle’s tires needs to be checked. If a tire
pressure message appears on the DIC, stop as soon as
you can. Have the tire pressures checked and set to
those shown on the Tire Loading Information label. See
Tires on page 5-54,Loading the Vehicle on page 4-24,
andInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-64. The DIC also
shows the tire pressure values. SeeDIC Operation and
Displays on page 3-72. If the tire pressure is low, the low
tire pressure warning light comes on. SeeTire Pressure
Light on page 3-65.
CHECK WASHER FLUID
This symbol appears with
this message.
This message displays when the windshield washer
uid is low. Fill the windshield washer uid reservoir
as soon as possible. SeeWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-38for more information.
CLEAN RADAR
This message displays when the Adaptive Cruise
Control system is disabled because the radar is blocked
and cannot detect vehicles in your path. It may also
activate during heavy rain or due to road spray. To clean
the system, see “Cleaning the System” underAdaptive
Cruise Control on page 3-20.
3-82

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

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements......5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
the Vehicle.................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-18
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-21
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-23
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-25
Cooling System............................................5-26
Engine Coolant.............................................5-27
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-34
Engine Overheating.......................................5-34Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-36
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-37
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-38
Brakes........................................................5-39
Battery........................................................5-42
Jump Starting...............................................5-42
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-47
Rear Axle.......................................................5-48
Front Axle......................................................5-49
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-50
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-51
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............5-51
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-51
Back-Up Lamps............................................5-52
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-52
Windshield Replacement.................................5-52
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-52
Tires..............................................................5-54
Winter Tires.................................................5-55
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-56
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-59
Run-Flat Tires (STS-V)..................................5-62
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-64
High-Speed Operation...................................5-65
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-66
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-68
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

After you have removed the sight shields (if equipped) on the 3.6L V6 engine, here is what you will see:
A. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-124.
B. Remote Negative (-) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-42.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-42.
D. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-42.
E. Passenger Compartment Air Filter. SeePassenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 3-54.
F. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-37.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-18.H. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-18.
I. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-39.
J. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
SeeCoolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap on page 5-34
andCooling System on page 5-26.
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-23.
L. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-38.
5-13

After you have removed the sight shields (if equipped) on the 4.6L V8 engine, here is what you will see:
A. Remote Negative (-) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-42.
B. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-42.
C. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-42.
D. Passenger Compartment Air Filter. SeePassenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 3-54.
E. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-37.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-18.
G. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-18.H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-39.
I. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
SeeCoolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap on page 5-34
andCooling System on page 5-26.
J. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-23.
K. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-124.
L. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-38.
5-15

After you have removed the sight shields (if equipped) on the 4.4L V8 STS-V engine, here is what you will see:
A. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse Block
on page 5-124.
B. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-42.
C. Remote Negative (-) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-42.
D. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-42.
E. Passenger Compartment Air Filter. SeePassenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 3-54.
F. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-38.
G. Intercooler System Pressure Cap. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-27.
H. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-37.I. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-18.
J. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-18.
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-39.
L. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
SeeCoolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap on page 5-34
andCooling System on page 5-26.
M. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-23.
If your vehicle is equipped with front compartment
underhood sight shields, before closing the hood be
sure to reinstall the sight shields. To reinstall the shields,
locate the tabs on the left and right sides and insert them
into the openings in the tower to tower brace. Then insert
the fasteners into the top of the shield and push the
fasteners back into place.
5-17

Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer uid, be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a uid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The CHECK WASHER FLUID message will appear
on the Driver Information Center (DIC) when the uid
level is low. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-79for more information.
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer uid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for reservoir
location.Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for adding water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts of
the washer system. Also, water does not clean as
well as washer uid.
Fill the washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for uid
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage the vehicle’s
windshield washer system and paint.
5-38