2010 CADILLAC DTS traction control

Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
This warning light comeson briefly while startingthe engine.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by yourdealer/retailer. If the system is working normally theindicator light will then go off.
If it stays on, or comes on while driving, there may be aproblem with the traction control system and thevehicle needs service. When this warning light is on, thesystem will not limit wheel spin.
If the traction control system warning light comes onand stays on when the system is turned on, the vehicleneeds service. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)on page 5-6for more information.
StabiliTrak®Indicator Light
For vehicles with theStabiliTrak®system, thislight comes on briefly whilestarting the engine.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by yourdealer/retailer. If the system is working normally theindicator light then goes off.
If the light comes on and stays on while driving, therecould be a problem with the StabiliTrak®system and thevehicle might need service. When this warning light ison, the StabiliTrak®system is off and does not limitwheel spin.
The light flashes if the system is active and is workingto assist the driver with directional control of thevehicle in difficult driving conditions.
SeeStabiliTrak®System on page 5-5for moreinformation.
4-54

SERVICE STABILITRAK
Your vehicle may have a vehicle stability enhancementsystem called StabiliTrak®. SeeStabiliTrak®Systemon page 5-5.
This message displays if there has been a problemdetected with the StabiliTrak system.
If this message comes on while you are driving, pull offthe road as soon as possible and stop carefully. Tryresetting the system by turning the ignition off then backon. If this message still stays on or comes back onagain while you are driving, your vehicle needs service.Have the StabiliTrak system inspected by yourdealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS (System)
This message displays when the magnetic ridecontrol or automatic leveling control system is notoperating properly. Have your vehicle serviced by yourdealer/retailer.
SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM
This message displays when there is a problem withthe theft-deterrent system programmed in the key.A fault has been detected in the system which meansthat the system is disabled and it is not protectingthe vehicle. The vehicle usually restarts; however, youmay want to take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer
before turning off the engine. SeePASS-Key®III+Electronic Immobilizer Operation on page 3-21for moreinformation.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System(TPMS), this message displays if a part on the TPMS isnot working properly. The tire pressure light alsoflashes and then remains on during the same ignitioncycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on page 4-56. Severalconditions may cause this message to appear. SeeTirePressure Monitor Operation on page 6-58for moreinformation. If the warning comes on and stays on, theremay be a problem with the TPMS, see yourdealer/retailer.
SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL
This message displays when there is a problem with theTraction Control System (TCS). When this messageis displayed, the system will not limit wheel spin. Adjustyour driving accordingly. See your dealer/retailer forservice. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 5-6for more information.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there is a problem with thevehicle’s transmission. Have your vehicle serviced byyour dealer/retailer.
4-76

STABILITRAK NOT READY
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message may displayand the Traction Control System and StabiliTrak WarningLight on the instrument panel cluster may be on after firstdriving the vehicle and exceeding 30 km/h (19 mph) for30 seconds. The StabiliTrak system is not functional untilthe light has turned off. SeeStabiliTrak®System onpage 5-5for more information.
STARTING DISABLED SERVICE
THROTTLE
This message displays when your vehicle’s throttlesystem is not functioning properly. Have your vehicleserviced by your dealer/retailer.
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This symbol appears withthis message.
This message displays if the content theft-deterrentsystem has detected a break-in attempt while you wereaway from your vehicle. SeeContent Theft-Deterrenton page 3-19for more information.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message displays when the fuel cap has not beenfully tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to ensure that itis on and tightened properly.
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
This message displays when the Tire Pressure MonitorSystem (TPMS) is re-learning the tire positions on yourvehicle. The tire positions must be re-learned afterrotating the tires or after replacing a tire or sensor. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 6-62,Tire PressureMonitor System on page 6-57, andInflation - TirePressure on page 6-54for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the Traction ControlSystem (TCS) is turned off. Adjust your drivingaccordingly. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) onpage 5-6for more information.
4-78

TRACTION CONTROL ON
This message displays when the Traction ControlSystem (TCS) is turned on. SeeTraction Control System(TCS) on page 5-6for more information.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while thetransmission fluid is overheating and thetransmission temperature warning is displayed onthe instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, youcan damage the transmission. This could lead tocostly repairs that would not be covered byyour warranty. Do not drive your vehicle withoverheated transmission fluid or while thetransmission temperature warning is displayed.
This message displays when the transmission fluid inyour vehicle is too hot. Stop the vehicle and allowit to idle until the transmission cools down or until thismessage is removed.
TRUNK OPEN
This symbol appears withthis message.
This message displays when the trunk is not closedcompletely. Make sure that the trunk is closedcompletely.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays as a reminder to turn off the turnsignal if you drive your vehicle for more than about1 mile (1.6 km) with a turn signal on. A multiple chimesounds when this message is displayed.
4-79

Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle. . . . . . . . . . . .5-2Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4Braking in Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5StabiliTrak®System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6Magnetic Ride Control™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-9Passing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-10
Driving at Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-11Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-12Before Leaving on a Long Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-13Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-13Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-14Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-15If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,Ice, or Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17Loading the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-18
Towing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-24Towing Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-24Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-24Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-26
Section 5 Driving Your Vehicle
5-1

For persons under 21, it is against the law in everyU.S. state to drink alcohol. There are good medical,psychological, and developmental reasons forthese laws.
The obvious way to eliminate the leading highwaysafety problem is for people never to drink alcohol andthen drive.
Medical research shows that alcohol in a person’ssystem can make crash injuries worse, especiallyinjuries to the brain, spinal cord, or heart. This meansthat when anyone who has been drinking — driveror passenger — is in a crash, that person’s chance ofbeing killed or permanently disabled is higher than if theperson had not been drinking.
Control of a Vehicle
The following three systems help to control the vehiclewhile driving — brakes, steering, and accelerator. Attimes, as when driving on snow or ice, it is easy to askmore of those control systems than the tires and road canprovide. Meaning, you can lose control of the vehicle.SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 5-6.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can affectvehicle performance. SeeAccessories and Modificationson page 6-3.
Braking
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 4-52.
Braking action involves perception time and reactiontime. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perceptiontime. Actually doing it is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of asecond. But that is only an average. It might be lesswith one driver and as long as two or three seconds ormore with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of asecond, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels20 m (66 feet). That could be a lot of distance in anemergency, so keeping enough space betweenthe vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatlywith the surface of the road, whether it is pavement orgravel; the condition of the road, whether it is wet, dry, oricy; tire tread; the condition of the brakes; the weight ofthe vehicle; and the amount of brake force applied.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive inspurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavybraking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This isa mistake. The brakes might not have time to coolbetween hard stops. The brakes will wear out muchfaster with a lot of heavy braking.
5-3

Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedaldown firmly and let antilock work. The antilock pump ormotor operating might be heard and the brake pedalmight be felt to pulsate, but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows the driver to steer and brake at the sametime. In many emergencies, steering can help more thaneven the very best braking.
Brake Assist
This vehicle has a Brake Assist feature designed toassist the driver in stopping or decreasing vehicle speedin emergency driving conditions. This feature uses thestability system hydraulic brake control module tosupplement the power brake system under conditionswhere the driver has quickly and forcefully appliedthe brake pedal in an attempt to quickly stop or slowdown the vehicle. The stability system hydraulicbrake control module increases brake pressure at eachcorner of the vehicle until the ABS activates. Minorbrake pedal pulsations or pedal movement during thistime is normal and the driver should continue toapply the brake pedal as the driving situation dictatesThe Brake Assist feature will automatically disengagewhen the brake pedal is released or brake pedalpressure is quickly decreased.
StabiliTrak®System
The vehicle may have the StabiliTrak system whichcombines antilock brake, traction and stability controlsystems and helps the driver maintain directional controlof the vehicle in most driving conditions. This isaccomplished by selectively applying any one of thevehicle’s brakes and reducing engine power.
The StabiliTrak system comes on automaticallywhenever the vehicle is started. The system cannot beturned off.
This light will flash whenthe system is operating.
The STABILITRAK NOT READY message may bedisplayed in the Driver Information Center (DIC) and theTraction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak warninglight on the instrument panel cluster comes on after firstdriving the vehicle and exceeding 19 mph (30 km/h)for 30 seconds. The StabiliTrak system is off untilthe light has turned off. This could take up to 15 minutes.
5-5

The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light on the instrumentpanel cluster will flash when the system is operating.SeeTraction Control System (TCS) Warning Lighton page 4-54andStabiliTrak®Indicator Light onpage 4-54for more information. The system may beheard or felt while it is working. This is normal.
The SERVICE STABILITRAK message is displayed andthe TCS/StabiliTrak warning light on the instrumentpanel cluster comes on if there is a problem with thesystem. When this light and the SERVICESTABILITRAK message are on, the system is notworking. Adjust your driving accordingly.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS) thatlimits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery roadconditions. The system operates only if it senses that thefront wheels are spinning too much or beginning to losetraction. When this happens, the system works the frontbrakes and reduces engine power (by closing the throttleand managing engine spark) to limit wheel spin.
The TCS and StabiliTrak®
light will flash when thesystem is limitingwheel spin.
The system may be heard or felt while it is working, butthis is normal. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)Warning Light on page 4-54for more information.
If the vehicle is in cruise control when TCS begins tolimit wheel spin, the cruise control will automaticallydisengage. The cruise control may be re-engaged whenroad conditions allow. SeeCruise Control on page 4-12.
The SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL message inthe DIC and the TCS/StabiliTrak warning light comes onif there is a problem with the traction control system.SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-67.
When this light and the SERVICE TRACTIONCONTROL message are on, the system will not limitwheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
5-6