
Black plate (62,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS). The TPMS is designed to warn the driver when
a low tire pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel assembly, excluding
the spare tire and wheel assembly, if the vehicle has
one. The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in the
vehicle's tires and transmits the tire pressure readings
to a receiver located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure
condition is detected, the
TPMS illuminates the low
tire pressure warning light
located on the instrument
panel cluster.
If the warning light comes on, stop as soon as possible
and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the tire loading information label. See
Loading the Vehicle on page 5‑23.
At the same time a message to check the pressure in a
specific tire appears on the Driver Information Center
(DIC) display. The low tire pressure warning light and
the DIC warning message come on at each ignition
cycle until the tires are inflated to the correct inflation
pressure. Using the DIC, tire pressure levels can be viewed by the driver. For additional information and
details about the DIC operation and displays see
DIC
Operation and Displays
on page 4‑70and DIC
Warnings and Messages on page 4‑76.
The low tire pressure warning light may come on in cool
weather when the vehicle is first started, and then turn
off as you start to drive. This could be an early indicator
that the air pressure in the tire(s) are getting low and
need to be inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label , attached to your
vehicle, shows the size of your vehicle's original
equipment tires and the correct inflation pressure for
your vehicle's tires when they are cold. See Loading the
Vehicle
on page 5‑23for an example of the Tire and
Loading Information label and its location on your
vehicle. Also see Inflation - Tire Pressure
on
page 6‑58.
Your vehicle's TPMS can warn you about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace normal tire
maintenance. See Tire Inspection and Rotation
on
page 6‑65and Tires on page 6‑50.
Notice: Using non‐approved tire sealants could
damage the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
sensors. TPMS sensor damage caused by using an
incorrect tire sealant is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the GM approved tire sealant
available through your dealer.
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Black plate (63,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Factory-installed Tire Inflator Kits use a GM approved
liquid tire sealant. Using non-approved tire sealants
could damage the TPMS sensors. SeeTire Sealant and
Compressor Kit (Without Selector Switch)
on
page 6‑76or Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit (With
Selector Switch)on page 6‑85for information
regarding the inflator kit materials and instructions.
TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
The TPMS will not function properly if one or more of
the TPMS sensors are missing or inoperable. When the
system detects a malfunction, the low tire warning light
flashes for about one minute and then stays on for the
remainder of the ignition cycle. A DIC warning message
is also displayed. The low tire warning light and DIC
warning message come on at each ignition cycle until
the problem is corrected. Some of the conditions that
can cause the malfunction light and DIC message to
come on are:
.One of the road tires has been replaced with the
spare tire, if the vehicle has one. The spare tire
does not have a TPMS sensor. The DIC message
should go off once you re‐install the road tire
containing the TPMS sensor.
.The TPMS sensor matching process was started
but not completed or not completed successfully
after rotating the vehicle's tires. The DIC message
and TPMS malfunction light should go off once the
TPMS sensor matching process is performed
successfully. See “TPMS Sensor Matching
Process” later in this section.
.One or more TPMS sensors are missing or
damaged. The DIC message and the TPMS
malfunction light should go off when the TPMS
sensors are installed and the sensor matching
process is performed successfully. See your dealer
for service.
.Replacement tires or wheels do not match your
vehicle's original equipment tires or wheels. Tires
and wheels other than those recommended for
your vehicle could prevent the TPMS from
functioning properly. See Buying New Tires
on
page 6‑67.
.Operating electronic devices or being near facilities
using radio wave frequencies similar to the TPMS
could cause the TPMS sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning it cannot detect or signal
a low tire condition. See your dealer for service if the
TPMS malfunction light and DIC message comes on
and stays on.
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Black plate (64,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
TPMS Sensor Matching Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique identification code.
Any time you replace one or more of the TPMS sensors
or rotate your vehicle's tires, the identification codes will
need to be matched to the new tire/wheel position. The
sensors are matched to the tire/wheel positions in the
following order: driver side front tire, passenger side
front tire, passenger side rear tire, and driver side rear
tire using a TPMS diagnostic tool. See your dealer for
service.
The TPMS sensors may also be matched to each tire/
wheel position by increasing or decreasing the tire's air
pressure. When increasing the tire's pressure, do not
exceed the maximum inflation pressure indicated on the
tire's sidewall. If using this method to match TPMS
sensors, the complete procedure outlined below must
be performed within 15 minutes of the vehicle being
stationary.
To decrease air-pressure out of a tire you can use the
pointed end of the valve cap, a pencil-style air pressure
gauge, or a key.
You will have one minute to match the first tire/wheel
position, and five minutes overall, to match all four
tire/wheel positions. If it takes longer than one minute to
match the first tire and wheel, or more than five minutes
to match all four tire/wheel positions, the matching
process stops and you will need to start over.The TPM matching process is outlined below:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Press the push-button ignition switch to Acc.
3. Using the keyless access transmitter, lock and unlock the vehicle's doors.
4. Press the lock and unlock buttons, at the same time, on the keyless access transmitter. The horn
sounds twice, indicating that the TPMS is ready,
and the sensor matching process can begin.
5. Start with the driver side front tire.
6. Remove the valve cap from the valve stem. Activate the TPMS sensor by increasing or
decreasing the tire's air pressure for five seconds,
or until a horn chirp sounds. The horn chirp, which
may take up to 30 seconds to sound, confirms that
the sensor identification code has been matched to
this tire position.
7. Proceed to the passenger side front tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 6.
8. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 6.
9. Proceed to the driver side rear tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 6.
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Black plate (65,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
10. After hearing the confirming single horn chirp forthe driver side rear tire, a double horn chirp will
sound to signal the tire matching mode is no longer
active. Press the push‐button ignition switch
to Acc.
11. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure level as indicated on the tire and loading
information label.
12. Put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
We recommend that you regularly inspect your
vehicle's tires, including the spare tire, for signs of
wear or damage. See When It Is Time for New
Tires
on page 6‑67for more information.
Always remove the tires if any of the following
statements are true:
.You can see the indicators at three or more
places around the tire.
.You can see cord or fabric showing through
the tire's rubber.
.The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut,
or snagged deep enough to show cord or
fabric.
.The tire has a bump, bulge, or split.
.The tire has a puncture, cut, or other damage
that cannot be repaired well because of the
size or location of the damage.
Tire rotation is not recommended if your vehicle
has P235/50ZR18 size tires on the front wheels
and P255/45ZR18 size tires on the rear wheels.
Different tire sizes should not be rotated front to
rear. Each tire and wheel should only be used in
the original front or rear position it is in.
Tire rotation is recommended if the vehicle is
equipped with P235/50R17 size tires on all four
wheel positions or 255/45ZR18 size tires on all
four wheel positions. These tires should be
rotated every 12 000 km (7,500 miles). See
Scheduled Maintenance
on page 7‑3.
The purpose of a regular tire rotation is to achieve
a uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. This will
ensure that the vehicle continues to perform most
like it did when the tires were new.
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your
tires as soon as possible and check wheel
alignment. Also check for damaged tires or
wheels. See When It Is Time for New Tires
on
page 6‑67
and Wheel Replacementon page 6‑72.
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Black plate (66,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
When rotating P235/50R17 size tires or
255/45ZR18 size tires, always use the correct
rotation pattern shown here.
If the vehicle has a compact spare tire, do not
include the compact spare tire in the tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure
on page 6‑58and Loading the Vehicleon
page 5‑23
.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System. See Tire
Pressure Monitor Operation
on page 6‑62. Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See
“Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specifications
on page 6‑128.
{WARNING:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a
cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire brush later,
if needed, to get all the rust or dirt off. See
Changing a Flat Tire
on page 6‑94.
Lightly coat the center of the wheel hub with
wheel bearing grease after a wheel change or tire
rotation to prevent corrosion or rust build-up. Do
not get grease on the flat wheel mounting surface
or on the wheel nuts or bolts.
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Black plate (69,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Winter tires with the same speed rating as your
original equipment tires may not be available for
H, V, W, Y and ZR speed rated tires. If you choose
snow tires with a lower speed rating, never
exceed the tire's maximum speed capability.
{WARNING:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while
driving. If you mix tires of different sizes (other
than those originally installed on your vehicle),
brands, or types (radial and bias-belted tires), the
vehicle may not handle properly, and you could
have a crash. Using tires of different sizes (other
than those originally installed on your vehicle),
brands, or types may also cause damage to your
vehicle. Be sure to use the correct size, brand,
and type of tires on all wheels. It is all right to
drive with your vehicle's compact spare
temporarily, it was developed for use on your
vehicle. SeeCompact Spare Tire on page 6‑105.
{WARNING:
If you use bias-ply tires on the vehicle, the
wheel rim flanges could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel
could fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use
only radial-ply tires with the wheels on the
vehicle.
If you must replace your vehicle's tires with those
that do not have a TPC Spec number, make sure
they are the same size, load range, speed rating,
and construction type (radial and bias‐belted tires)
as your vehicle's original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire pressure monitoring
system could give an inaccurate low‐pressure
warning if non‐TPC Spec rated tires are installed
on it. Non‐TPC Spec rated tires may give a
low‐pressure warning that is higher or lower
than the proper warning level you would get with
TPC Spec rated tires. See Tire Pressure Monitor
System
on page 6‑60.
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Black plate (70,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Your vehicle's original equipment tires are listed
on the Tire and Loading Information label. See
Loading the Vehicle
on page 5‑23, for more
information about the Tire and Loading
Information label and its location on your vehicle.
Different Size Tires and Wheels
If you add wheels or tires that are a different size than
your original equipment wheels and tires, this may
affect the way your vehicle performs, including its
braking, ride and handling characteristics, stability, and
resistance to rollover. Additionally, if your vehicle has
electronic systems such as, antilock brakes, traction
control, and electronic stability control, the performance
of these systems can be affected.
{WARNING:
If you add different sized wheels, your vehicle
may not provide an acceptable level of
performance and safety if tires not recommended
for those wheels are selected. You may increase
the chance that you will crash and suffer serious
injury. Only use GM specific wheel and tire
systems developed for your vehicle, and have
them properly installed by a GM certified
technician.
See Buying New Tires
on page 6‑67andAccessories
and Modificationson page 6‑4for additional
information.
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Black plate (72,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance. Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak
traction characteristics.
Temperature–A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B,
and C, representing the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the material of the
tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire
failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels
of performance on the laboratory test wheel than
the minimum required by law. Warning: The
temperature grade for this tire is established for a
tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in combination, can
cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The tires and wheels on your vehicle were aligned and
balanced carefully at the factory to give you the longest
tire life and best overall performance. Adjustments
to wheel alignment and tire balancing will not be
necessary on a regular basis. However, if you notice
unusual tire wear or your vehicle pulling to one side or
the other, the alignment might need to be checked.
If you notice your vehicle vibrating when driving on a
smooth road, the tires and wheels might need to be
rebalanced. See your dealer for proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly
rusted or corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming loose,
the wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts should be
replaced. If the wheel leaks air, replace it (except some
aluminum wheels, which can sometimes be repaired).
See your dealer if any of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel you need.
Each new wheel should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset, and be mounted the
same way as the one it replaces.
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