
Black plate (60,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
High-Speed Operation
{WARNING:
Driving at high speeds, 160 km/h (100 mph) or
higher, puts an additional strain on tires.
Sustained high-speed driving causes excessive
heat build up and can cause sudden tire failure.
You could have a crash and you or others could
be killed. Some high-speed rated tires require
inflation pressure adjustment for high speed
operation. When speed limits and road conditions
are such that a vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, make sure the tires are rated for high
speed operation, in excellent condition, and set to
the correct cold tire inflation pressure for the
vehicle load.
If you will be driving at high speeds, speeds of 100 mph
(160 km/h) or higher, where it is legal, set the cold
inflation pressure to the maximum inflation pressure
shown on the tire sidewall, or 38 psi (265 kPa),
whichever is lower. See the example following. When
you end this high-speed driving, return the tires to the
cold inflation pressure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Loading the Vehicle
on
page 5‑23. Example:
You will find the maximum load and inflation pressure
molded on the tire's sidewall, in small letters, near the
rim flange. It will read something like this: Maximum
load 690 kg (1521 lbs) 300 kPa (44 psi) Max. Press.
For this example, you would set the inflation pressure
for high‐speed driving at 38 psi (265 kPa).
Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses radio
and sensor technology to check tire pressure levels.
The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in your
vehicle's tires and transmit tire pressure readings to a
receiver located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be
checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If
your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label, you should determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been
equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when
one or more of your tires is significantly under‐inflated.
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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 (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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Black plate (74,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Tire Chains
{WARNING:
If your vehicle has P255/45R17, P255/45ZR18,
or 255/45ZR18 size tires, do not use tire chains,
as there is not enough clearance.
Tire chains used on a vehicle without the proper
amount of clearance can cause damage to the
brakes, suspension, or other vehicle parts. The
area damaged by the tire chains could cause you
to lose control of the vehicle and you or others
may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on your
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
instructions. To help avoid damage to the vehicle,
drive slowly, readjust, or remove the device if it is
contacting the vehicle, and do not spin the
vehicle's wheels.
If you do find traction devices that will fit, install
them on the rear tires only.Notice:
If your vehicle has P235/50R17 size tires,
use tire chains only where legal and only when you
must. Use only SAE Class S‐type chains that are the
proper size for your tires. Install them on the rear
tires and tighten them as tightly as possible with the
ends securely fastened. Drive slowly and follow the
chain manufacturer's instructions. If you can hear
the chains contacting your vehicle, stop and
retighten them. If the contact continues, slow down
until it stops. Driving too fast or spinning the wheels
with chains on will damage your vehicle.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are driving,
especially if you maintain your vehicle's tires properly.
If air goes out of a tire, it is much more likely to leak out
slowly. But if you should ever have a blowout, here are
a few tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates a drag that pulls
the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop, well off the road, if possible.
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Black plate (112,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
and Trim
The vehicle may have either aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels.
Keep the wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with mild
soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After rinsing
thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax may then
be applied.
Notice:Chrome wheels and other chrome trim
may be damaged if the vehicle is not washed after
driving on roads that have been sprayed with
magnesium, calcium or sodium chloride. These
chlorides are used on roads for conditions such as
ice and dust. Always wash the vehicle's chrome
with soap and water after exposure.
Notice: Using strong soaps, chemicals, abrasive
polishes, cleaners, brushes, or cleaners that contain
acid on aluminum or chrome-plated wheels, could
damage the surface of the wheel(s). The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Use
only approved cleaners on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of the vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners,
cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes on
them because they could damage the surface. Do not
use chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
Notice:
Using chrome polish on aluminum wheels
could damage the wheels. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Use chrome polish
on chrome wheels only.
Use chrome polish only on chrome-plated wheels, but
avoid any painted surface of the wheel, and buff off
immediately after application.
Notice: Driving the vehicle through an automatic
car wash that has silicone carbide tire cleaning
brushes, could damage the aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Never drive a
vehicle that has aluminum or chrome-plated wheels
through an automatic car wash that uses silicone
carbide tire cleaning brushes.
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Black plate (113,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Tires
To clean the tires, use a stiff brush with tire cleaner.
Notice:Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on the vehicle may damage the paint finish
and/or tires. When applying a tire dressing, always
wipe off any overspray from all painted surfaces on
the vehicle.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal
repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop
applies anti-corrosion material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement parts will provide the
corrosion protection while maintaining the vehicle
warranty.
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the
finish should be repaired right away. Bare metal will
corrode quickly and may develop into major repair
expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with
touch-up materials available from your dealer. Larger
areas of finish damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these are not
removed, corrosion and rust can develop on the
underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan,
and exhaust system even though they have corrosion
protection.
At least every spring, flush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where
mud and debris can collect. Dirt packed in close areas
of the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can
do this.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a
chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted surfaces on the vehicle. This damage
can take two forms: blotchy, ring-shaped discolorations,
and small, irregular dark spots etched into the paint
surface.
Although no defect in the paint job causes this, we will
repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of new
vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase,
whichever occurs first.
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Black plate (117,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
The underhood fuse block is located in the front of the
engine compartment on the passenger side of the
vehicle. SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on
page 6‑13for more information on location and
removal procedure for the front compartment underhood
sights shields.
To access the fuses, push in the tabs located on each
side of the fuse block cover, then lift the cover off.
Notice: Spilling liquid on any electrical component
on the vehicle may damage it. Always keep the
covers on any electrical component.
Fuses JCase Usage
ABS MTR ABS Module- ABS Module-Stabilitrak AFS Active Front Steering
BLWR Blower Motor
FAN 1 Cooling Fan-Low Speed
FAN 2 Cooling Fan-High Speed
LPDB 1 Driver Side Rear Fuse Block
LPDB 2 Driver Side Rear Fuse Block
RPDB 1 Passenger Side Rear Fuse Block
RPDB 2 Passenger Side Rear Fuse Block
Fuses JCase Usage
SPARE Spare
SPARE Spare
STRTR Starter
Fuses MiniUsage
A/C CLTCH Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch
ABS ABS Module-Stabilitrak
ABS IGN Antilock Brake Controller
AUX OUTLET Rear Accessory Power Outlet BRK
VAC PUMP Brake Vacuum Pump
CCP Climate Control Panel
CCP/RLY COILS Climate Control Panel, Headlamp
Level Control, Active Cruise Control,
Relay Coils, Starter, Front Blower
ECM 1 Engine Control Module (ECM)
ECM/TCM BATT ECM, Transmission Control
Module (TCM)
ECM/TCM IGN ECM, TCM, Instrument Panel Cluster
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Black plate (119,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Fuses MiniUsage
V/CHKInstrument Panel Module-Voltage
Check
WPR Wipe/Wash Module Assembly
WPR SW/VICS Rain Sensor, Wiper Switch
Relays Usage
A/C CMPRSR
CLTCH Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch
ACCY Accessory, Rain Sensor, Headlamp
Washer Relay Coil, Windshield
Wiper/Washer Module
BRK
VAC PUMP Brake Vacuum Pump
FAN S/P Cooling Fan Series/Parallel
FOG LAMP Fog Lamps FRT BLWR Front Blower Motor
FUEL COOL Fuel Cooling Pump
HI BEAM High Beam Headlamp
HI FAN SPD Cooling Fan High Speed HORN Horn
Relays Usage
LO FAN SPD Cooling Fan Low Speed
LOW BEAM
W/O HID/HID Low Beam Headlamp, High Intensity
Discharge (HID)
PRK LAMP Parking Lamps, Instrument Panel
Dimming, Rear License Plate Lamps
PWR/TRN Engine Controls
RUN CRNK Heated Washer Nozzle, Air Quality,
Antilock Brake System, Climate
Control Panel, TCM, ECM, Instrument
Panel Cluster
SPARE Spare
SPARE Spare
SPARE Spare
STRTR Starter
WPR HI Windshield Wiper High Speed
Circuit
Breakers Usage
HDLP WASH
Headlamp Washer Motor
(Circuit Breaker)
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