2010 CADILLAC DTS tow

6. To tighten the belt, push down on the child restraint,pull the shoulder portion of the belt to tighten thelap portion of the belt and feed the shoulderbelt back into the retractor. When installing aforward-facing child restraint, it may be helpful touse your knee to push down on the child restraint asyou tighten the belt.
7. Push and pull the child restraint in differentdirections to be sure it is secure.
If the airbags are off, the off indicator in the passengerairbag status indicator will come on and stay onwhen the vehicle is started.
If a child restraint has been installed and the onindicator is lit, see “If the On Indicator is Lit for aChild Restraint ” underPassenger Sensing System onpage 2-67for more information.
To remove the child restraint, unbuckle the vehiclesafety belt and let it return to the stowed position.
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What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
In a deployment event, the sensing system sends anelectrical signal triggering a release of gas fromthe inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the airbag causingthe bag to break out of the cover and deploy. Theinflator, the airbag, and related hardware are all part ofthe airbag module.
Frontal airbag modules are located inside the steeringwheel and instrument panel. For vehicles withseat-mounted side impact airbags, there are airbagmodules in the side of the front seatbacks closest to thedoor. For vehicles with roof-rail airbags, there areairbag modules in the ceiling of the vehicle, near theside windows that have occupant seating positions.
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near frontal collisions,even belted occupants can contact the steering wheel orthe instrument panel. In moderate to severe sidecollisions, even belted occupants can contact the insideof the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protection provided by safetybelts. Frontal airbags distribute the force of theimpact more evenly over the occupant’s upper body,stopping the occupant more gradually. Seat-mountedside impact and roof-rail airbags distribute the forceof the impact more evenly over the occupant’supper body.
But airbags would not help in many types of collisions,primarily because the occupant’s motion is nottoward those airbags. SeeWhen Should an AirbagInflate? on page 2-63for more information.
Airbags should never be regarded as anything morethan a supplement to safety belts.
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Additional Factors Affecting System
Operation
Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on theseat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, whichhelps the passenger sensing system maintain thepassenger airbag status. See “Safety Belts” and“Child Restraints” in the Index for additional informationabout the importance of proper restraint use.
A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket orcushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seatcovers, seat heaters, and seat massagers can affecthow well the passenger sensing system operates.We recommend that you not use seat covers or otheraftermarket equipment except when approved by GM foryour specific vehicle. SeeAdding Equipment to YourAirbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 2-73for moreinformation about modifications that can affect how thesystem operates.
{WARNING:
Stowing of articles under the passenger seat or
between the passenger seat cushion and seatback
may interfere with the proper operation of the
passenger sensing system.
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle should be serviced.There are parts of the airbag system in several placesaround the vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and theservice manual have information about servicing thevehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a servicemanual, seeService Publications Ordering Informationon page 8-17.
{WARNING:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off
and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still
inflate during improper service. You can be injured
if you are close to an airbag when it inflates. Avoid
yellow connectors. They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.
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See your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can servicePASS-Key®III+ to get a new key blank that is cutexactly as the ignition key that operates the system.
To program the new key:
1. Verify that the new key has a1stamped on it.
2. Insert the original, already programmed, key in theignition and start the engine. If the engine will notstart, see your dealer/retailer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key toLOCK/OFF, and remove the key.
4. Insert the new key to be programmed and turn it tothe ON/RUN position within five seconds of turningthe original key to LOCK/OFF.
The security light will turn off once the key hasbeen programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are tobe programmed.
If you lose or damage your PASS-Key®III+ key, seeyour dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can servicePASS-Key®III+ to have a new key made.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms ordeactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:The vehicle does not need an elaboratebreak-in. But it will perform better in the long run ifyou follow these guidelines:
•Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or
slow, for the first 500 miles (805 km). Do notmake full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting tobrake or slow the vehicle.
•Avoid making hard stops for the first 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time the new brakelinings are not yet broken in. Hard stopswith new linings can mean premature wear andearlier replacement. Follow this breaking-inguideline every time you get new brake linings.
•Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 5-26for the trailer towingcapabilities of your vehicle and moreinformation.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can begradually increased.
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Automatic Transmission Operation
The automatic transmission may have a shift leverlocated either on the steering column or on the consolebetween the seats.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
P (Park):This position locks the front wheels. It isthe best position to use when you start the enginebecause the vehicle cannot move easily.
{WARNING:
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift
lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly
level ground, always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park on page 3-31. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 5-26.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) beforestarting the engine. The vehicle has an automatictransmission shift lock control system. You have to fullyapply the regular brakes before you can shift fromP (Park) while the ignition key is in ON/RUN. Ifyou cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on theshift lever. Push the shift lever all the way into P (Park)as you maintain brake application. Then move theshift lever into another gear. SeeShifting Out of Park onpage 3-32.
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R (Reverse):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle ismoving forward could damage the transmission.The repairs would not be covered by the vehiclewarranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicleis stopped.
Also use this gear to rock the vehicle back and forth toget out of snow, ice or sand without damaging thetransmission. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,Ice, or Snow on page 5-17for additional information.
N (Neutral):In this position, the engine does notconnect with the wheels. To restart when you arealready moving, use N (Neutral) only. Also, useN (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed.
{WARNING:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your
foot is firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear
while the engine is running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) withthe engine running at high speed may damagethe transmission. The repairs would not be coveredby the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine isnot running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive):This position is for normal driving. Itprovides the best fuel economy for the vehicle. If youneed more power for passing, and you are:
•Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
•Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
The transmission will shift down to the next gear andhave more power.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditionscould result in skidding, see Skidding underLoss ofControl on page 5-10.
Notice:Driving the vehicle if you notice that it ismoving slowly or not shifting gears as you increasespeed may damage the transmission. Have thevehicle serviced right away. You can drive in2 (Second) when you are driving less than 35 mph(55 km/h) and D (Drive) for higher speeds until then.
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D (Drive) can be used for towing. You may want to shiftthe transmission to 3 (Third) or, if necessary, to alower gear if the transmission shifts too often underheavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
SeeTowing a Trailer on page 5-26for more information.
3 (Third):This position is also used for normaldriving. However, it reduces vehicle speed more thanD (Drive) without using the brakes. You might choose3 (Third) instead of D (Drive) when driving on hilly,winding roads, when towing a trailer, so there is lessshifting between gears and when going down asteep hill.
2 (Second):This position reduces vehicle speed morethan 3 (Third) without using the brakes. You can use2 (Second) on hills. It can help control vehicle speed asyou go down steep mountain roads, but then youwould also want to use the brakes off and on.
Notice:Do not shift into 2 (Second) unless you aregoing slower than 65 mph (105 km/h), or you candamage the engine and/or transmission.
1 (First):This position reduces vehicle speed evenmore than 2 (Second) without using the brakes. You canuse it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud.If the shift lever is put in 1 (First) while the vehicle ismoving forward, the transmission will not shift into firstgear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle inone place on a hill using only the acceleratorpedal may damage the transmission. The repair willnot be covered by the vehicle warranty. If youare stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on ahill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
Performance Shifting
If the vehicle has this feature, it can detect a change indriving patterns. If you make an aggressive drivingmaneuver, the vehicle’s transmission automatically shiftsto the lowest possible gear to maximize vehicleperformance. The vehicle will automatically return tonormal operation when you return to normal drivingpatterns.
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Parking Brake
The parking brake pedal islocated to the left of theregular brake pedal,near the driver door.
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedaldown, then push the parking brake pedal down.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light onthe instrument panel cluster should come on. If itdoes not, you need to have the vehicle serviced.
A warning chime will sound if the parking brake is set,the ignition is on, and the vehicle speed is greaterthan 5 mph (8 km/h). The brake light will come on andstay on until the parking brake is released. SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 4-52for moreinformation.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brakepedal down, then push the parking brake pedal down.When you lift your foot off the parking brake pedal,the pedal will follow your foot to the released position.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on canoverheat the brake system and cause prematurewear or damage to brake system parts. Make surethat the parking brake is fully released and the brakewarning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill,seeTowing a Trailer on page 5-26.
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