2009 CADILLAC XLR traction control

SERVICE ABS (Antilock Brake System)
If this message displays when you are driving, stop
as soon as possible and turn the ignition off. Then start
the engine again to reset the system. If the message
stays on, or comes back on again while you are driving,
the vehicle is in need of service. See your dealer/retailer.
If the SERVICE ABS message is being displayed, the
Traction Control System (TCS) and StabiliTrak
®System
will also be disabled. The Driver Information Center
will scroll three messages: SERVICE ABS, SERVICE
TRACTION SYS, and SERVICE STABILITRAK, and the
antilock brake system and traction control warning
lights on the instrument panel cluster will be illuminated.
SeeAntilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light on
page 3-48andStabiliTrak
®/Traction Control System
(TCS) Warning Light on page 3-48. The driver can
acknowledge these messages by pressing the RESET
button three times. When the service message is
displayed, the computer controlled systems will not
assist the driver and you should have the system
repaired by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
SERVICE AFS (Adaptive Forward
Lighting System) LAMPS
This message displays when the Adaptive Forward
Lighting System (AFS) is disabled and needs service.
See your dealer/retailer. SeeAdaptive Forward Lighting
System on page 3-28for more information.
SERVICE ELECT (Electrical) SYSTEM
This message displays if an electrical problem has
occurred within the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE FUEL SYSTEM
This message displays when the Powertrain Control
Module (PCM) has detected a problem within the fuel
system. Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
This message will also be displayed when the cluster is
not getting fuel information from the PCM.
SERVICE RADAR CRUISE
If the vehicle has this feature, this message displays
when the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system
is disabled and needs service. See your dealer/retailer.
3-67

SERVICE RIDE CONTROL
This message displays when there is a problem with
the Magnetic Ride Control System. Have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE TRACTION SYS (System)
This message displays when there is a problem with
the Traction Control System (TCS). Have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
If this message displays, it means there may be a
problem with the stability enhancement system. If you
see this message, try to reset the system. Stop, turn off
the engine, then start the engine again. If this message
still comes on, it means there is a problem. You should
see your dealer/retailer for service. Reduce your
speed and drive accordingly. A single chime also
sounds when this message is displayed.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there is a problem with
the transmission. Have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when a non-emissions related
powertrain malfunction occurs. Have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SHIFT TO PARK
This message displays if the vehicle is not in P (Park)
when the engine is being turned off. The vehicle will be
in accessory mode. Once the shift lever is moved to
P (Park), the vehicle will turn off.
STABILITRAK ACTIVE
You may see this message on the DIC. It means that
an advanced, computer-controlled system has come on
to help the vehicle continue to go in the direction in
which you are steering. This stability enhancement
system activates when the computer senses that the
vehicle is just starting to spin, as it might if you hit
a patch of ice or other slippery spot on the road.
When the system is on, you may hear a noise or
feel a vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal.
When this message is on, continue to steer in the
direction you want to go. The system is designed to help
you in bad weather or other difficult driving situations by
making the most of whatever road conditions will permit.
If this message comes on, you will know that something
has caused the vehicle to start to spin, so consider
slowing down. A single chime also sounds when this
message is displayed.
3-68

STABILITRAK READY
If this message displays and a chime sounds, the
system has completed the functional check of the
StabiliTrak
®System.
SVC (Service) TIRE MONITOR
This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also ashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-50. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 6-57for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
TOO COLD TO MOVE TOP
This message displays when the retractable hardtop
button is pressed and the hardtop pump motor
temperature is below−4°F (−20°C). Wait for the hardtop
pump motor to warm up before using the retractable
hardtop.
TOP INOP (Inoperative) – VALET ON
This message displays when the retractable hardtop
button is pressed and the valet switch is on. Turn off the
valet switch before using the retractable hardtop.
TOP INOP (Inoperative) OUT OF PARK
This message displays if the retractable hardtop
button is pressed while the vehicle is not in P (Park).
TOP MOTOR OVER TEMP (Temperature)
This message displays when the retractable hardtop
button is pressed and the hardtop pump motor
temperature is over 221°F (105°C). Wait for the hardtop
pump motor to cool down before using the retractable
hardtop.
TOP NOT SECURE
This message displays when the retractable hardtop
button is released before the top open or close operation
is complete. Press and hold the retractable hardtop
button to fully open or close the top.
TRAC (Traction) SYSTEM ACTIVE
This message displays when the Traction Control
System (TCS) is limiting wheel spin. Slippery road
conditions may exist if this message is displayed,
so adjust your driving accordingly. This message stays
on for a few seconds after the TCS stops limited
wheel spin.
3-69

TRAC (Traction)/STABILITRAK OFF
This message displays when both the Traction Control
System (TCS) and the StabiliTrak®System are off.
This message will remain until the systems are turned
on again.
TRAC (Traction)/STABILITRAK ON
This message displays when both the Traction Control
System (TCS) and the StabiliTrak®System are on.
TRACTION SYSTEM OFF
This message displays when the Traction Control
System (TCS) is off, but the StabiliTrak®System
remains on.
TRACTION SYSTEM ON
This message displays when the Traction Control
System (TCS) is on.
TRUNK AJAR
This message displays when the trunk is open while the
vehicle is running and is not in P (Park).
Other Messages
Here are more messages that you can receive on the
Driver Information Center (DIC). To acknowledge a
message and read another message that may have
come on at the same time, press the RESET button.
ACCESSORY MODE ON
SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-24.
CHANGE OIL SOON
SeeEngine Oil on page 6-15andEngine Oil Life
System on page 6-18.
FOB BATTERY LOW
See “Battery Replacement” underKeyless Access
System Operation on page 2-5.
HIGH TIRE PRESS LF
SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 6-54.
HIGH TIRE PRESS RF
SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 6-54.
HIGH TIRE PRESS LR
SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 6-54.
HIGH TIRE PRESS RR
SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 6-54.
3-70

Features and Controls
Using the Navigation System
This section presents basic information needed to
operate the navigation system.
Use the keys located on each side of the navigation
screen, as well as the available touch-sensitive screen
buttons, to operate the system. SeeNavigation System
Overview on page 4-2for more information on location.
Once the vehicle is moving, various functions become
disabled to reduce driver distraction.
Hard Keys
The following hard keys are located to the left of the
navigation screen:
BAND:Press to access the band screen and
switch between AM, FM1, FM2, XM1, XM2, and WX
(if equipped). See “Finding a Station” underNavigation
Audio System on page 4-52.CD:Press to play a CD. The CD screen displays.
SeeSix-Disc CD Changer on page 4-65orCD/DVD
Player on page 4-68.
DVD:Press to play a DVD. The DVD screen displays.
SeeCD/DVD Player on page 4-68.
yTUNE/SEEKz:Press the up or down arrows to go
to the next or previous radio station and stay there.
See “Finding a Station” underNavigation Audio System
on page 4-52.
e/z(Audio/Adjust):Press to view the main audio
menu. See “Main Audio Menu” underNavigation
Audio System on page 4-52.
PWR-VOL (Power/Volume Knob):Press the knob to
turn the audio and navigation systems on and off.
Turn the knob to increase or decrease the volume to
the audio system.
4-10

Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle............5-2
Defensive Driving...........................................5-2
Drunk Driving.................................................5-2
Control of a Vehicle........................................5-3
Braking.........................................................5-4
Antilock Brake System (ABS)...........................5-5
Braking in Emergencies...................................5-6
StabiliTrak
®System........................................5-6
Traction Control System (TCS).........................5-8
Magnetic Ride Control™................................5-10
Limited-Slip Rear Axle...................................5-10
Steering......................................................5-10
Off-Road Recovery.......................................5-12
Passing.......................................................5-12
Loss of Control.............................................5-12
Racing or Other Competitive Driving (XLR-V)......5-14Driving at Night............................................5-14
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................5-15
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................5-16
Highway Hypnosis........................................5-16
Hill and Mountain Roads................................5-17
Winter Driving..............................................5-18
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,
Ice, or Snow.............................................5-20
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................5-20
Loading the Vehicle......................................5-21
Towing..........................................................5-26
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................5-26
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................5-26
Towing a Trailer...........................................5-26
Section 5 Driving Your Vehicle
5-1

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.
For persons under 21, it is against the law in every
U.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical,
psychological, and developmental reasons for
these laws.
The obvious way to eliminate the leading highway
safety problem is for people never to drink alcohol
and then drive.
Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’s
system can make crash injuries worse, especially
injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or heart. This meansthat when anyone who has been drinking — driver
or passenger — is in a crash, that person’s chance of
being killed or permanently disabled is higher than if the
person had not been drinking.
Control of a Vehicle
The following three systems help to control your vehicle
while driving — brakes, steering, and accelerator.
At times, as when driving on snow or ice, it is easy to
ask more of those control systems than the tires
and road can provide. Meaning, you can lose control of
your vehicle. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 5-8andStabiliTrak
®System on page 5-6.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affect
your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modifications on page 6-3.
5-3

Braking in Emergencies
With ABS, you can steer and brake at the same time.
In many emergencies, steering can help more than even
the very best braking.
Brake Assist
This vehicle has a Brake Assist feature designed to
assist the driver in stopping or decreasing vehicle speed
in emergency driving conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake control module to
supplement the power brake system under conditions
where the driver has quickly and forcefully applied
the brake pedal in an attempt to quickly stop or slow
down the vehicle. The stability system hydraulic
brake control module increases brake pressure at each
corner of the vehicle until the ABS activates. Minor
brake pedal pulsations or pedal movement during this
time is normal and the driver should continue to
apply the brake pedal as the driving situation dictates
The Brake Assist feature will automatically disengage
when the brake pedal is released or brake pedal
pressure is quickly decreased.
StabiliTrak®System
The StabiliTrak System is a computer controlled system
that helps the driver maintain directional control of the
vehicle in difficult driving conditions. This is accomplished
by selectively applying any one of the vehicle’s brakes.
The Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
light is located on the
instrument panel.
STABILITRAK ACTIVE comes on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) when the system is working. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-60for more
information. The system may be heard or felt while it is
working. This is normal.
The TCS/StabiliTrak light comes on the instrument panel,
a chime will sound, and SERVICE STABILITRAK comes
on the DIC if there is a problem with the system.
5-6