
Black plate (65,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
{WARNING:
A crash severe enough to inflate the airbags may
have also damaged important functions in the
vehicle, such as the fuel system, brake and
steering systems, etc. Even if the vehicle appears
to be drivable after a moderate crash, there may
be concealed damage that could make it difficult
to safely operate the vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt to restart the
engine after a crash has occurred.In many crashes severe enough to inflate the airbag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from
the right front passenger airbag..Airbags are designed to inflate only once. After an
airbag inflates, you will need some new parts for
the airbag system. If you do not get them, the
airbag system will not be there to help protect you
in another crash. A new system will include airbag
modules and possibly other parts. The service
manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace
other parts.
.The vehicle has a crash sensing and diagnostic
module which records information after a crash.
See
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
on
page 8‑19and Event Data Recorderson
page 8‑19.
.Let only qualified technicians work on the airbag
systems. Improper service can mean that an
airbag system will not work properly. See your
dealer for service.
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Black plate (69,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on the
seat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helps
the passenger sensing system maintain the passenger
airbag status. See“Safety Belts”and“Child Restraints”
in the Index for additional information about the
importance of proper restraint use.
{WARNING:
If the airbag readiness light in the instrument
panel cluster ever comes on and stays on, it
means that something may be wrong with the
airbag system. If this ever happens, have the
vehicle serviced promptly, because an adult-size
person sitting in the right front passenger's seat
may not have the protection of the airbag(s). See
Airbag Readiness Light
on page 4‑54for more
on this, including important safety information.
A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket
or cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat
covers, seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect
how well the passenger sensing system operates.
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Black plate (70,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
We recommend that you not use seat covers or other
aftermarket equipment other than any that GM has
approved for your specific vehicle. SeeAdding
Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
on
page 2‑71for more information about modifications
that can affect how the system 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 places
around the vehicle. Your dealer and the service manual
have information about servicing the vehicle and the
airbag system. To purchase a service manual, see
Service Publications Ordering Information
on
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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Black plate (71,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q: Is there anything I might add to or change aboutthe vehicle that could keep the airbags from
working properly?
A: Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle's
frame, bumper system, height, front end or side
sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or moving any parts of
the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing and
diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument panel,
roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner or pillar
garnish trim, overhead console, front sensors, side
impact sensors, or airbag wiring can affect the
operation of the airbag system.
In addition, your vehicle has a passenger sensing
system for the right front passenger's position, which
includes sensors that are part of the passenger's
seat. The passenger sensing system may not
operate properly if the original seat trim is replaced
with non-GM covers, upholstery or trim, or with GM
covers, upholstery or trim designed for a different
vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarket seat
heater or a comfort enhancing pad or device, installed under or on top of the seat fabric, could
also interfere with the operation of the passenger
sensing system. This could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger airbag(s) or prevent
the passenger sensing system from properly turning
off the passenger airbag(s). See
Passenger Sensing
System on page 2‑66.
If you have any questions about this, you should
contact Customer Assistance before you modify
your vehicle. The phone numbers and addresses
for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the
Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
See Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 8‑2.
Q: Because I have a disability, I have to get my vehicle modified. How can I find out whether this
will affect my airbag system?
A: If you have questions, call Customer Assistance.
The phone numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See
Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 8‑2.
In addition, your dealer and the service manual have
information about the location of the airbag sensors,
sensing and diagnostic module and airbag wiring.
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Black plate (72,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems
Safety Belts
Now and then, check that the safety belt reminder light,
safety belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are all working properly.
Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system
parts that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job. See your dealer to have it repaired. Torn or frayed
safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip
apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get
a new one right away.
Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working.
SeeSafety Belt Reminders
on page 4‑53for more
information.
Keep safety belts clean and dry. See Care of Safety
Belts
on page 6‑109.
Airbags
The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled
maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. See Airbag Readiness Light
on page 4‑54for more information.
Notice: If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work properly. Do not
open or break the airbag coverings. If there are any
opened or broken airbag covers, have the airbag
covering and/or airbag module replaced. For the
location of the airbag modules, see What Makes an
Airbag Inflate?
on page 2‑63. See your dealer for
service.
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Black plate (4,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
The key located inside
the keyless access
transmitter can be used
for all locks.
Press the button (A) near
the bottom of the keyless
access transmitter to
remove the key. Never
pull the key without
pressing the button.Your vehicle has a Keyless Access System with
pushbutton start. See
Ignition Positions
on page 3‑26for information on starting the vehicle.
Notice:If you ever lose your transmitter(s) and/or
key, it could be difficult to get into your vehicle.
You may even have to damage your vehicle to get
in. Be sure you have a spare transmitter and/or key.
In an emergency, contact Cadillac Roadside Service.
See Roadside Service on page 8‑8.
Keyless Access System
SeeRadio Frequency Statementon page 8‑20for information regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) rules and
Industry Canada Standards RSS-210/220/310.
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Black plate (5,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
If there is a decrease in the RKE operating range,
try this:
.Check the distance. The transmitter may be too
far from the vehicle. Stand closer during rainy or
snowy weather.
.Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the left
or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again.
.Check the transmitter's battery. See“Battery
Replacement” later in this section.
.If the transmitter is still not working correctly, see
your dealer or a qualified technician for service.
Keyless Access System Operation
The Keyless Access System transmitter functions will
work up to 195 feet (60 m) away from the vehicle.
The Keyless Access System lets you lock and unlock
the doors without removing the remote transmitter from
your pocket, purse, briefcase, etc. The keyless access
transmitter must be within 3 feet (1 m) of the front door
or trunk being opened.
Keyless Unlocking
Pull the door handle to unlock and open the door(s)
if the keyless access transmitter is within range. See
Door Locks
on page 3‑12for additional information.
To customize which doors unlock when pulling the
driver or passenger handle, see “Keyless FT (Front)
Door Unlock” and“Keyless Doors Unlock” under
Vehicle Personalization
on page 3‑59for additional
information.
Keyless Locking
The doors lock after several seconds if all doors are
closed and at least one keyless access transmitter
has been removed from the interior of the vehicle. To
customize whether the doors automatically lock when
exiting the vehicle, see "Keyless Lock Delay" under
Vehicle Personalization
on page 3‑59. for additional
information.
Keyless Trunk Opening
To open the trunk with the keyless access transmitter
within range, press the trunk release button located
above the license plate on the trunk. See Trunk
on
page 3‑15for additional information.
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Black plate (23,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
If a door, hood, or the trunk is opened without the
keyless access transmitter, the horn will sound for
30 seconds and the lamps will flash for two minutes.
The vehicle cannot be started without a keyless access
transmitter.
The Theft-Deterrent system will not arm if :
.The key is used to turn the key cylinder to the lock
position.
.The driver's door is locked using the power door
lock switch after the doors are closed.
The vehicle can be programmed to automatically unlock
the doors and disarm the theft‐deterrent system when
you approach the vehicle and the keyless access
transmitter is with you. See Vehicle Personalization
on
page 3‑59.
Pressing the unlock button on the keyless access
transmitter or using the key to unlock the driver's door
disarms the theft-deterrent system. Unlocking a door
any other way while the system is armed will activate
the alarm.
Testing the Alarm
1. From inside the vehicle, roll down the window, then get out of the vehicle, keeping the door open.
2. From outside of the vehicle, with the door open, lock the vehicle using the power door lock switch
or the keyless access transmitter and close the
door. Wait about 30 seconds until the security light
goes off.
3. Reach in and open the door using the inside door handle. The horn will sound and the exterior lamps
will flash.
You can turn off the alarm by pressing the unlock button
on the keyless access transmitter or by starting the car.
If the alarm does not sound when it should, check to
see if the horn works. The horn fuse may be blown. To
replace the fuse, see Fuses and Circuit Breakers
on
page 6‑115. If the fuse does not need to be replaced,
you may need to have your vehicle serviced.
To reduce the possibility of theft, always arm the
Theft-Deterrent system when leaving your vehicle.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
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