
Black plate (82,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
HOOD AJAR
This symbol appears
with this message.
This message displays when the hood is not closed
completely. Make sure that the hood is closed
completely. See Hood Release on page 6‑12.
ICE POSSIBLE
This message displays when the outside temperature is
cold enough to create icy road conditions. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
KEY FOB BATTERY LOW
This message displays when the battery in the keyless
access transmitter is low. Replace the battery in the
transmitter. See“Battery Replacement” underKeyless
Access System Operation on page 3‑5.
LANE DEPARTURE SYSTEM
UNAVAILABLE
If your vehicle has the Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
system, this message may display if the LDW system
does not activate due to a temporary condition. See the
Index in the Navigation manual for more information.
LEFT REAR DOOR AJAR
This symbol appears
with this message.
This message displays when the driver side rear door is
not closed completely. Make sure that the door is closed
completely.
4-82

Black plate (83,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
NO FOBS DETECTED
This message displays if the vehicle does not detect the
presence of a keyless access transmitter when you
have attempted to start the vehicle or a vehicle door
has just closed. The following conditions may cause this
message to appear:
.Driver-added equipment plugged into the
accessory power outlet on the center console
is causing interference. Examples of these
devices are cell phones and cell phone chargers,
two-way radios, power inverters, or similar items.
Try moving the keyless access transmitter away
from these devices when starting the vehicle. In
addition, PDA devices and remote garage and
gate openers may also generate Electromagnetic
Interference (EMI) that may interfere with the
keyless access transmitter. Do not carry the
keyless access transmitter in the same pocket
or bag as these devices.
.The vehicle is experiencing Electromagnetic
Interference (EMI). Some locations, such as
airports, automatic toll booths, and some gas
stations, have EMI fields which may interfere
with the keyless access transmitter.
If moving the transmitter
to different locations
within the vehicle does
not help, place the
transmitter in the center
console transmitter pocket
with the buttons facing
forward and then press
the START button.
.The vehicle's battery voltage is low. The battery
voltage must be above 10 volts for the keyless
access transmitter to be detected properly.
4-83

Black plate (98,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Setting Preset Stations
Up to 30 stations (six FM1, six FM2, six AM, six XM1 and
six XM2), can be programmed on the six numbered
pushbuttons.
To program preset stations:1. Tune to a station and select the equalization, DSP, or PTY (program type) setting if desired.
2. Press and hold one of the six numbered pushbuttons for two seconds until a beep sounds.
The set preset station number displays above the
set pushbutton. If the numbered pushbutton is
pressed for less then two seconds, the radio tunes
to the station set to that pushbutton.
3. Repeat the steps for each pushbutton.
AUTOSTORE PRESETS: When Autostore is used, the
radio automatically searches the selected band and
stores the six radio stations with the strongest signal.
The stations are stored by signal strength, not
sequential order. This feature does not function with
XM radio stations.
To program autostore presets:
1. Press
wto enter the main menu.
2. Turn
wuntil AUTOSTORE PRESETS displays. 3. Press
wto select AUTOSTORE PRESETS. The
radio begins searching and AUTOSTORE displays.
4. Press F6 to exit the display. To return to the original display, repeatedly press F6 or wait for the
display to time out.
The radio presets do not have to be reset when the
vehicle is started, or when the battery power is
removed.
PRESETS HOME/AWAY: This feature stores two
different kinds of station presets. HOME can be used for
local stations and AWAY for stations outside of the local
broadcasting area. This feature does not function with
the XM radio stations.
To set preset stations for home and away:
1. Press
wto enter the main menu.
2. Turn
wuntil PRESETS HOME/AWAY displays.
3. Press
wto select HOME or AWAY.
4. Press F6 to exit the display. To return to the original display, repeatedly press F6 or wait for the
display to time out.
5. Follow the steps for programming presets or autostore presets.
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Black plate (126,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
XM™Satellite Radio Service
XM Satellite Radio Service gives digital radio reception
from coast-to-coast in the 48 contiguous United States,
and in Canada. Just as with FM, tall buildings or hills
can interfere with satellite radio signals, causing the
sound to fade in and out. In addition, traveling or
standing under heavy foliage, bridges, garages,
or tunnels may cause loss of the XM signal for a
period of time.
Cellular Phone Usage
Cellular phone usage may cause interference with
the vehicle's radio. This interference may occur
when making or receiving phone calls, charging the
phone's battery, or simply having the phone on. This
interference causes an increased level of static while
listening to the radio. If static is received while listening
to the radio, unplug the cellular phone and turn it off.
Backglass Antenna
The AM-FM antenna is integrated with the rear window
defogger, located in the rear window. Make sure that the
inside surface of the rear window is not scratched and
that the lines on the glass are not damaged. If the
inside surface is damaged, it could interfere with radio
reception. For proper radio reception, the antenna
connector needs to be properly attached to the post on
the glass. If a cellular telephone antenna needs to be attached to
the glass, make sure that the grid lines for the AM-FM
antenna are not damaged. There is enough space
between the grid lines to attach a cellular telephone
antenna without interfering with radio reception.
Notice:
Using a razor blade or sharp object to clear
the inside rear window can damage the rear window
antenna and/or the rear window defogger. Repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do
not clear the inside rear window with sharp objects.
Notice: Do not apply aftermarket glass tinting
with metallic film. The metallic film in some tinting
materials will interfere with or distort the incoming
radio reception. Any damage caused to your
backglass antenna due to metallic tinting materials
will not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System
The XM Satellite Radio antenna is located on the roof
or the rear of the vehicle. Keep the antenna clear of
obstructions for clear radio reception.
4-126

Black plate (12,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
SeeDIC Warnings and Messageson page 4‑76. The
normal power steering system is still operational. You
might notice that the center position of the steering
wheel is changed and that more steering effort at low
speeds and less steering effort at high speeds is
required. You can continue to drive the vehicle with
normal power steering but you should have your dealer
inspect the steering system as soon as possible in
order to have the problem corrected and the steering
wheel position centered.
When stability control activates, the system
automatically adjusts the front road wheel steering
angle, modifies the suspension stiffness, and selectively
applies braking pressure at any one of the vehicle's
brakes to help maintain directional control of the
vehicle. Adjustments to the steering will not be felt in
the steering wheel. See Enhanced StabiliTrak
®on
page 5‑7.
It is recommended that the battery not be disconnected
when the steering wheel is turned from the center
position. If this occurs, the center position of the
steering wheel could be temporarily changed a small
amount. You can continue to operate the vehicle and,
after a short time, the center position of the steering
wheel will return to normal.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering
the curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
To help you steer in the direction you want to go, during
certain sharp or sudden cornering maneuvers, gear
selection is controlled. This will maximize the available
drive wheel torque and minimize the transmission
response time and shift activity. During this kind of
maneuver, the transmission shifts automatically as
vehicle speed changes.
5-12

Black plate (22,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods as
needed to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine
off and close the window most of the way to save heat.
Repeat this until help arrives but only when you 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 Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the
vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 5‑23.If the vehicle has a traction system, it can often help
to free a stuck vehicle. Refer to the vehicle's traction
system in the Index. 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 6‑74.
5-22

Black plate (1,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Gasoline Octane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
California Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
Checking Things Under the Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-12
Hood Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-20
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-21
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-23
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-24
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-25
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-30 Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-32
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-33
Windshield Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-34
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-35
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-38
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-38
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-43
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-44
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-45
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-46
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-47
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . 6-47
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-47
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-48
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-48
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-48
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . .6-49
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-50
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-51
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-52
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55
Inflation - Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-58
High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-60
6-1

Black plate (15,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
After you have removed the sight shields (if equipped):A. Underhood Fuse Block. See Underhood Fuse
Block on page 6‑116.
B. Remote Negative (-) Terminal. See Jump Starting
on page 6‑38.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. See Jump Starting
on page 6‑38.
D. Battery. See Battery on page 6‑38.
E. Passenger Compartment Air Filter. See Passenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 4‑50.
F. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power
Steering Fluid on page 6‑33.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
under Engine Oil on page 6‑16.
H. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 6‑16. I. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See
“Brake
Fluid” under Brakes on page 6‑35.
J. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System on page 6‑24.
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter on page 6‑21.
L. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on
page 6‑34.
If your vehicle is equipped with front compartment
underhood sight shields, before closing the hood be
sure to reinstall the sight shields. To reinstall the
shields, locate the tabs on the left and right sides and
insert them into the openings in the tower to tower
brace. Then insert the fasteners into the top of the
shield and push the fasteners back into place.
6-15