2011 CADILLAC CTS steering

Black plate (9,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-9
{WARNING
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.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow
or ice between the tires and the
road, creating less traction or grip.
Wet ice can occur at about 0°C
(32°F) when freezing rain begins to
fall, resulting in even less traction.
Avoid driving on wet ice or in
freezing rain until roads can be
treated with salt or sand.
Drive with caution, whatever the
condition. Accelerate gently so
traction is not lost. Accelerating too
quickly causes the wheels to spin
and makes the surface under the
tires slick, so there is even less
traction. Try not to break the fragile traction.
If you accelerate too fast, the drive
wheels will spin and polish the
surface under the tires even more.
The
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
on page 9‑32improves vehicle
stability during hard stops on
slippery roads, but apply the brakes
sooner than when on dry pavement.
Allow greater following distance on
any slippery road and watch for
slippery spots. Icy patches can
occur on otherwise clear roads in
shaded areas. The surface of a
curve or an overpass can remain icy
when the surrounding roads are
clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
Turn off cruise control, if equipped,
on slippery surfaces.

Black plate (11,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-11
feel really uncomfortable from the
cold. Moving about to keep warm
also helps.
If it takes some time for help to
arrive, now and then when you run
the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs
faster than the idle speed. This
keeps the battery charged to restart
the vehicle and to signal for help
with the headlamps. Do this as little
as possible to save fuel.
If the Vehicle is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method.
{WARNING
If the 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 fire or other
damage. Spin the wheels as little
as possible and avoid going
above 55 km/h (35 mph) as
shown on the speedometer.
For information about using tire
chains on the vehicle, see Tire
Chains on page 10‑89.
Rocking the Vehicle to Get
it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and
right to clear the area around the
front wheels. Turn off any traction
system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a forward
gear, or with a manual transmission,
between 1 (First) or 2 (Second) and
R (Reverse), 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,
see
Towing the Vehicle
on
page 10‑117.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how
much weight the vehicle can
carry. This weight is called the
vehicle capacity weight and
includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo and all
nonfactory‐installed options.

Black plate (17,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-17
you have a manual transmission
vehicle, turn the steering wheel
left and right while you turn the
key hard. If none of this works,
then the vehicle needs service.
A (STOPPING THE ENGINE/
LOCK/OFF):When the vehicle is
stopped, turn the ignition switch to
LOCK/OFF to turn the engine off.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
will remain active. See Retained
Accessory Power (RAP)
on
page 9‑19for more information.
This is the only position in which the
key can be removed. This position
locks the ignition and shifter on
automatic transmission vehicles,
and the ignition and steering wheel
on manual transmission vehicles.
Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
the airbags. In an emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady
pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to neutral. This can be done while the vehicle is
moving. After shifting to neutral,
firmly apply the brakes and steer
the vehicle to a safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop. Shift to P (Park) with an automatic
transmission, or Neutral with a
manual transmission. Turn the
ignition to LOCK/OFF.
4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake (Manual)
on
page 9‑33or Parking Brake
(Electric) on page 9‑34 The ignition switch can bind in the
LOCK/OFF position with the wheels
turned off center. If this happens,
move the steering wheel from right
to left while turning the key to ACC/
ACCESSORY. If this does not work,
then the vehicle needs service.
B (ACC/ACCESSORY):
This
position lets you use things like the
radio and the windshield wipers
when the engine is off. This position
allows you to turn off the engine.
C (ON/RUN): This position is for
driving. It is the position the ignition
switch returns to after the engine
starts, and the key is released.
To shift the transmission out of
P (Park), the ignition key has to be
in ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN.
The battery could be drained if the
key is left in the ACC/ACCESSORY
or ON/RUN position with the engine
off. The vehicle might not start if the
battery is allowed to drain for an
extended period of time.

Black plate (18,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual - 2011
9-18 Driving and Operating
D (START):This position starts the
engine. When the engine starts,
release the key. The ignition switch
returns to ON/RUN for driving.
A warning tone will sound when the
driver door is opened, the ignition is
in ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/
OFF, and the key is in the ignition.
Ignition Positions
(Keyless Access)
You can turn the ignition control
knob to four different positions.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition
must be in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY and the regular brake
pedal must be applied.Using a tool to force the ignition
control knob from its cylinder could
damage it.
Make sure the keyless access
transmitter is inside the vehicle
when trying to turn the ignition
control knob.
A (STOPPING THE ENGINE/
LOCK/OFF): When the vehicle is
stopped, turn the ignition switch to
LOCK/OFF to turn the engine off.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
will remain active. See Retained
Accessory Power (RAP)
on
page 9‑19
The ignition control knob cannot be
removed from the vehicle. The
keyless access transmitter must be
inside the vehicle to start the
engine. This position locks the
ignition and shifter on automatic
transmission vehicles, and the
ignition and steering wheel on
manual transmission vehicles.
Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
the airbags.
In an emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to neutral. This can be done while the vehicle is
moving. After shifting to neutral,
firmly apply the brakes and steer
the vehicle to a safe location.

Black plate (28,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual - 2011
9-28 Driving and Operating
Manual Mode
Driver Shift Control (DSC) or
Tap Shift
Notice:If you drive the vehicle at
high RPMs without upshifting
while using Driver Shift Control
(DSC), you could damage the
vehicle. Always upshift when
necessary while using DSC.
Driver Shift Control (DSC) allows
shifting an automatic transmission
similar to a manual transmission.
Use DSC through the shift lever or
the Tap Shift controls on the back of
the steering wheel (if equipped).
To use the DSC feature using the
shift lever:
1. Move the shift lever to the right from D (Drive) to
M (Manual Mode).
Once in M (Manual Mode)
position, if you do not move the
shift lever forward or rearward,
the vehicle will be in sport mode.
When you are in sport mode the vehicle will still shift
automatically. The transmission
may remain in a gear longer
than it would in the normal
driving mode based on braking,
throttle input, and vehicle lateral
acceleration.
SPORT MODE will be displayed
in the DIC momentarily. The
vehicle will remain in sport mode
if the shift lever is not moved.
Sport mode will shift
automatically but remain in a
gear longer then it would in
normal driving mode based on
braking and acceleration.
2. To go from sport mode to DSC, move the shift lever forward to
upshift or rearward to downshift.
3. To exit DSC mode and enter sport mode, hold the shift lever
in the upshift/forward position
briefly. To use the DSC feature with the Tap
Shift controls (if equipped):
1. Move the shift lever to the right
from D (Drive) to
M (Manual Mode).
2. The Tap Shift controls are on the back of the steering wheel. Tap
the left control to downshift, and
the right control to upshift.
3. To return to sport mode, hold the upshift/right control briefly.

Black plate (33,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-33
Remember: ABS does not change
the time needed to get a foot up to
the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to
apply the brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to
stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down firmly and let
ABS work. You might hear the ABS
pump or motor operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsate, but this is
normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows the driver to steer and
brake at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
more than even the very best
braking.
Parking Brake (Manual)
The parking brake pedal is located
on the lower portion of the
instrument panel to the left of the
steering wheel.
To set the parking brake, hold the
brake pedal down, then push the
parking brake pedal down.
If the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light on the
instrument panel cluster should
come on. If it does not, you need tohave the vehicle serviced. See
Brake System Warning Light
on
page 5‑22for more information.
To release the parking brake, pull
the release lever located to the left
of the steering wheel on the
instrument panel.
Notice: Driving with the parking
brake on can overheat the brake
system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system
parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the
brake warning light is off before
driving.

Black plate (37,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-37
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control
System (TCS)
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) that limits wheel
spin. This is especially useful in
slippery road conditions. On a
rear-wheel-drive vehicle, the system
operates if it senses that one or
both of the rear wheels are spinning
or beginning to lose traction. On an
All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) vehicle, the
system will operate if it senses that
any of the wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, the system brakes the
spinning wheel(s) and/or reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
The system may be heard or felt
while it is working, but this is
normal.The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light
flashes when the traction control
system is limiting wheel spin.
The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light
comes on if there is a problem with
the traction control system. When
the TCS/StabiliTrak warning light is
on, the system will not limit wheel
spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®Lighton
page 5‑24for more information.
TCS automatically comes on
whenever the vehicle is started. To
limit wheel spin, especially in
slippery road conditions, the system
should always be left on, but it may
be necessary to turn the system off
if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud
or snow and rocking the vehicle is
required. See If the Vehicle is Stuck
on page 9‑11for more information. See
Winter Driving
on page 9‑9for information on using TCS when
driving in snowy or icy conditions.
This button is located on the
instrument panel (CTS) or the
steering wheel (CTS-V).
Press and release the TCS/
StabiliTrak button and the traction
control system will turn off and the
TCS/StabiliTrak warning light will
come on. Press the button again to
turn the system back on. For
information on turning StabiliTrak off
and on, see StabiliTrak System
following.
Adding non‐dealer accessories can
affect your vehicle's performance.
SeeAccessories and Modifications
on page 10‑4for more information.

Black plate (38,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual - 2011
9-38 Driving and Operating
StabiliTrak System
The vehicle has an electronic
stability control system called
StabiliTrak. It is an advanced
computer controlled system that
assists with directional control of the
vehicle in difficult driving conditions.
StabiliTrak activates when the
system senses a discrepancy
between the intended path and the
direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak selectively
applies braking pressure at any one
of the vehicle's brakes to help steer
the vehicle in the direction which
you are steering.
When the system activates, this
warning light flashes on the
instrument panel. A noise may be
heard or a vibration may be felt inthe brake pedal. This is normal.
Continue to steer the vehicle in the
intended direction.
If there is a problem detected
with StabiliTrak, SERVICE
STABILITRAK displays on the
Driver Information Center (DIC) and
the TCS/StabiliTrak warning light
comes on the instrument panel
cluster. When this message and
warning light displays, the system is
not operational. Driving should be
adjusted accordingly. See
Driver
Information Center (DIC)
on
page 5‑27and Messages and
Traction Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak
®Lighton page 5‑24for
more information.
This button is located on the
instrument panel (CTS) or the
steering wheel (CTS-V).
StabiliTrak comes on automatically
whenever the vehicle is started. The
system should be left on to help
assist with directional control of the
vehicle. If StabiliTrak needs to be
turned off, press and hold the TCS/
StabiliTrak button until the TCS/
StabiliTrak warning light comes on
and STABILITRAK OFF comes on
the DIC. More steering effort is
required when the system is
turned off.