2009 CADILLAC XLR transmission

HOT ENGINE–A/C OFF
This message displays when the engine coolant
becomes hotter than the normal operating temperature.
You can continue to drive the vehicle. If this message
continues to display, have the system repaired by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible to avoid
compressor damage.
ICE POSSIBLE
This message displays when the outside air temperature
is cold enough to create icy road conditions. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
LEFT DOOR AJAR
This message displays anytime the engine is running,
the transmission is not in P (Park), and the driver door
is open or ajar. A chime sounds when the vehicle’s
speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).
LOW BRAKE FLUID
This message displays if the engine is running to inform
the driver that the brake uid level is low. Have the
brake system serviced by your dealer/retailer as soon
as possible. See “Brake Fluid” underBrakes on
page 6-32.
LOW COOLANT
This message displays when there is a low level of
engine coolant. Have the cooling system serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 6-23.
LOW FUEL
This message displays when the fuel supply is less
than 5 gallons (18.9 L) and the display is turned off.
A single chime also sounds when this message is
displayed.
LOW OIL LEVEL
For correct operation of the low oil sensing system,
the vehicle should be on a level surface. A false LOW
OIL LEVEL message may display if the vehicle is parked
on a grade. The oil level sensing system does not
check for actual oil level if the engine has been off for a
short period of time, and the oil level is never checked
while the engine is running. If the LOW OIL LEVEL
message displays, and the vehicle has been parked on
level ground with the engine off for at least 30 minutes,
the oil level should be checked by observing the oil
dipstick. Prior to checking the oil level, make sure the
engine has been off for a few minutes and the vehicle is
on a level surface. Then check the dipstick and add
oil if necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 6-15.
3-63

NO FOB, OFF OR RUN?
This message displays when a keyless access
transmitter is not detected inside the vehicle while
you are trying to turn the ignition off. The vehicle may
be near a strong radio antenna signal causing the
keyless access system to be jammed. The vehicle will
remain in ACCESSORY until the vehicle is turned off or
is restarted, or ve minutes has expired. If you turn
the ignition off and you cannot nd the keyless access
transmitter, you will not be able to restart the vehicle.
The keyless access transmitter needs to be inside of the
vehicle in order for the vehicle to start. SeeStarting
the Engine on page 2-26for more information.
OVER SPEED WARNING
This message displays when the vehicle speed exceeds
a certain limit as required by some export countries.
A chime sounds when this message is displayed.
PRESS BRAKE TO START
This message displays to inform you that the brake
pedal must be applied to start the vehicle. Make sure
you are pressing the brake pedal all the way down.
REDUCED ENGINE POWER
This message displays when the vehicle is reducing
engine power because the transmission is being placed
in gear under conditions that may cause damage to the
vehicle’s engine, transmission, or ability to accelerate.
Reduced engine power can affect the vehicle’s ability to
accelerate. If this message is on, but there is no reduction
in performance, proceed to your destination. The
performance may be reduced the next time the vehicle is
driven. The vehicle may be driven at a reduced speed
while this message is on, but acceleration and speed may
be reduced. Anytime this message stays on, the vehicle
should be taken to your dealer/retailer for service as soon
as possible.
RIGHT DOOR AJAR
This message displays anytime the engine is running,
the transmission is not in P (Park), and the passenger
door is open or ajar. A chime sounds if the vehicle’s
speed is greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).
SERVICE A/C
This message displays when the electronic sensors that
control the air conditioning and heating systems are
no longer working. Have the climate control system
serviced by your dealer/retailer if you notice a drop in
heating and air conditioning efficiency.
3-66

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

Performance Mode — XLR-V Only
Notice:When traction control is turned off, or
Performance Mode is active, it is possible to lose
traction. If a shift is attempted with the rear wheels
spinning with a loss of traction, it is possible to
cause damage to the transmission. Do not attempt to
shift when the rear wheels do not have traction.
Damage caused by misuse of the vehicle is not
covered. See the warranty book for additional
information.
For vehicles with this feature, the Performance Mode
can be selected by pressing the TCS/StabiliTrak button
on the console two times quickly. PERFORMANCE
MODE comes on the DIC. Performance Mode allows the
driver to have full control of the rear wheels while the
StabiliTrak System helps maintain directional control of
the vehicle by applying the brakes as necessary.
The TCS/StabiliTrak light will not be on. The TCS will
not be operating. Adjust your driving accordingly.
When the TCS/StabiliTrak button is pressed again, the
StabiliTrak and Traction Control Systems will be on.
The TRAC/STABILITRAK ON message will be displayed
briey in the DIC and a chime will be heard.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The vehicle has a traction control system that limits
wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. The system operates only if it senses
that one or both of the rear wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this happens,
the system works the rear brakes and reduces engine
power to limit wheel spin.
The TRAC SYSTEM ACTIVE message will display on
the Driver Information Center (DIC) when the traction
control system is limiting wheel spin. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-60. The system may be
heard or felt while it is working, but this is normal.
If cruise control is being used when the traction control
system begins to limit wheel spin, the cruise control
will automatically disengage. Cruise control may be
reengaged when road conditions allow. SeeAdaptive
Cruise Control on page 3-14orCruise Control on
page 3-11for more information.
5-8

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.
5-17

If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the
vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 5-20.
If the vehicle has a traction system, it can often help
to free a stuck vehicle. Refer to the vehicle’s traction
system in the Index. If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the traction system off
and use the rocking method.
{CAUTION:
If you let your vehicle’s tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others could be
injured. The vehicle can overheat, causing an
engine compartment re or other damage. Spin the
wheels as little as possible and avoid going above
35 mph (55 km/h) as shown on the speedometer.
For information about using tire chains on the vehicle,
seeTire Chains on page 6-68.
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the area
around the front wheels. Turn off any traction or stability
system. Shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and a
forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible.
To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears. Release the accelerator
pedal while shifting, and press lightly on the accelerator
pedal when the transmission is in gear. Slowly spinning
the wheels in the forward and reverse directions causes a
rocking motion that could free the vehicle. If that does not
get the vehicle out after a few tries, it might need to be
towed out. If the vehicle does need to be towed out,
seeTowing Your Vehicle on page 5-26.
5-20

Service............................................................6-3
Accessories and Modications..........................6-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................6-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....6-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................6-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle......................................................6-5
Fuel................................................................6-5
Gasoline Octane............................................6-5
Gasoline Specications....................................6-6
California Fuel...............................................6-6
Additives.......................................................6-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................6-7
Filling the Tank..............................................6-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................6-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................6-10
Hood Release..............................................6-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................6-12
Engine Oil...................................................6-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................6-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................6-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................6-21
Cooling System............................................6-22
Engine Coolant.............................................6-23Engine Overheating.......................................6-27
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................6-29
Power Steering Fluid.....................................6-30
Windshield Washer Fluid................................6-31
Brakes........................................................6-32
Battery........................................................6-35
Jump Starting...............................................6-36
Rear Axle.......................................................6-41
Headlamp Aiming...........................................6-42
Headlamp Vertical Aiming..............................6-43
Bulb Replacement..........................................6-45
Windshield Replacement.................................6-45
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............6-45
Tires..............................................................6-46
Winter Tires (XLR-V).....................................6-47
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................6-48
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................6-50
Run-Flat Tires..............................................6-52
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................6-54
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................6-55
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................6-57
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................6-60
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
6-1

4. Remove the engine air cleaner/lter and any loose
debris that might be found in the air cleaner base.
5. Inspect or replace the lter.
6. Repeat the procedure for the second air
cleaner/lter.
Reverse the procedure to reinstall the engine air
cleaner/lter.
{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/lter off
can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to stop
ames if the engine backres. If it is not there and
the engine backres, you could be burned. Do not
drive with it off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner/lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is off, a backre can
cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt can easily get
into the engine, which will damage it. Always have
the air cleaner/lter in place when you are driving.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission uid level.
A transmission uid leak is the only reason for uid loss.
If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to the dealer/retailer
service department and have it repaired as soon as
possible.
There is a special procedure for checking and changing
the transmission uid. Because this procedure is
difficult, you should have this done at the dealer/retailer
service department. Contact your dealer/retailer for
additional information or the procedure can be found in
the service manual. To purchase a service manual,
seeService Publications Ordering Information on
page 8-15.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage the vehicle, and the damages may
not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty. Always
use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-11.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in
Additional Required Services on page 7-6, and be
sure to use the uid listed inRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 7-11.
6-21