Page 241 of 528

Black plate (55,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
{WARNING:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after the
vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it
means the airbag system might not be working
properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not
inflate in a crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the
vehicle serviced right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag system, an airbag
Driver Information Center (DIC) message can also
come on. See DIC Warnings and Messages
on
page 4‑76for more information.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
Your vehicle has the passenger sensing system. Your
overhead console has a passenger airbag status
indicator.
United StatesCanada
When you start the vehicle, the passenger airbag status
indicator will light ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and
off, for several seconds as a system check. If you use
remote start to start your vehicle from a distance, if your
vehicle has this feature, you may not see the system
check.
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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.
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Black plate (88,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS (System)
This message displays when the suspension system is
not operating properly. Have your vehicle serviced by
your dealer.
If your All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle has the Active
Steering with Enhanced StabiliTrak option and the
suspension system needs service, the Enhanced
StabiliTrak system may be operating in the Stability
Secure Mode and the STABILITY SECURE MODE
message will display. SeeEnhanced StabiliTrak
®on
page 5‑7.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also flashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. See Tire Pressure Light
on
page 4‑62. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. See Tire Pressure Monitor Operationon
page 6‑62for more information. If the warning comes
on and stays on, there may be a problem with the
TPMS. See your dealer.
SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM
This message displays when there is a problem with the
hood open and closed switches. The switches may
need to be replaced. When this message is displayed,
the theft-deterrent system will still be protecting the
interior of the vehicle, however, the hood area will not
be protected at this time. Also, the remote start function
will not work when this message appears. See your
dealer for service.
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there is a problem with
the transmission. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer as soon as possible.
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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.
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Page 389 of 528

Black plate (39,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Notice:Ignoring these steps could result in costly
damage to the vehicle that would not be covered by
the warranty.
Trying to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling it
will not work, and it could damage the vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery with a negative ground system.
Notice: If the other vehicle's system is not a 12-volt
system with a negative ground, both vehicles can
be damaged. Only use vehicles with 12-volt systems
with negative grounds to jump start your vehicle.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles are not
touching each other. If they are, it could cause a
ground connection you do not want. You would not
be able to start your vehicle and the bad grounding
could damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved
in the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission
in NEUTRAL before setting the parking brake. Notice:
If you leave the radio or other accessories
on during the jump starting procedure, they could
be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by
the warranty. Always turn off the radio and other
accessories when jump starting the vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug unnecessary accessories plugged into the
cigarette lighter or the accessory power outlets.
Turn off the radio and all lamps that are not
needed. This will avoid sparks and help save both
batteries. And it could save the radio!
4. Open the hoods and locate the positive (+) and negative (−) terminal locations or the remote
positive (+) and remote negative (−) terminals of
the other vehicle. Then locate the remote
positive (+) location on your vehicle. See Engine
Compartment Overview
on page 6‑13for more
information on locations the terminals.
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Page 390 of 528
Black plate (40,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Your vehicle has a remote negative (−) ground
location, as shown in the illustration. It is located
on the passenger side front shock tower. See
Engine Compartment Overview
on page 6‑13.
You should always use this remote ground
location, instead of the terminal on the battery. Notice:
If you connect a negative cable to the
Engine Control Module (ECM), ECM mounting
bracket, or any cables that attach to the ECM
bracket, you may damage the ECM. Always attach
the negative cable to your vehicle's remote negative
ground location, instead of the ECM, ECM bracket,
or any cables attached to the ECM bracket.
{WARNING:
An electric fan can start up even when the engine
is not running and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
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Black plate (42,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
6. Connect the red positive (+) cable to thepositive (+) terminal of the dead battery. Use a
remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.
7. Do not let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a
remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one. 8. Now connect the black negative (−) cable to the
negative terminal of the good battery. Use a
remote negative (−) terminal if the vehicle has one.
Do not let the other end touch anything until the
next step. The other end of the negative (−) cable
does not go to the dead battery. It goes to a heavy,
unpainted metal engine part or to a remote
negative (−) terminal on the vehicle with the dead
battery.
9. Connect the other end of the negative (−) cable at least 18 inches (45 cm) away from the dead
battery, but not near engine parts that move. The
electrical connection is just as good there, and the
chance of sparks getting back to the battery is
much less.
Use a remote negative (−) terminal if the vehicle
has one. Your vehicle's remote negative (−) ground
location is for this purpose.
10. Now start the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine for a while.
11. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not start after a few tries, it probably needs
service.
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Black plate (9,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Cadillac Owner Privileges™
.Emergency Fuel Delivery:Delivery of enough
fuel for the vehicle to get to the nearest service
station.
.Lock‐Out Service: Service to unlock the vehicle
if you are locked out. A remote unlock may be
available if you have OnStar
®. For security
reasons, the driver must present identification
before this service is given.
.Emergency Tow From a Public Road or
Highway: Tow to the nearest Cadillac dealer for
warranty service, or if the vehicle was in a crash
and cannot be driven. Assistance is also given
when the vehicle is stuck in the sand, mud,
or snow.
.Flat Tire Change: Service to change a flat tire
with spare tire. The spare tire, if equipped, must be
in good condition and properly inflated. It is your
responsibility for the repair or replacement of the
tire if it is not covered by the warranty.
.Battery Jump Start: Service to jump start a dead
battery.
.Trip Routing Service: Detailed maps of North
America are provided when requested either with
the most direct route or the most scenic route.
Additional travel information is also available. Allow
three weeks for delivery.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Service: If your
trip is interrupted due to a warranty failure,
incidental expenses may be reimbursed during the
5 years/160 000 km (100,000 miles) Powertrain
warranty period. Items considered are hotel,
meals, and rental car.
8-9