
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.
6-74

Black plate (82,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Using the Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit without Sealant to Inflate a Tire
(Not Punctured)
To use the air compressor to inflate a tire with air only
and not sealant:
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. SeeHazard Warning Flashers
on
page 4‑3. See
If a Tire Goes Flat
on page 6‑74for other
important safety warnings.
1. Remove the tire sealant and compressor kit from its storage location. See Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit Storage on page 6‑94.
2. Unlock the air only hose (F) from the sealant canister (B) by pulling up on the lever.
3. Pull the air only hose (F) from the sealant canister (B).
4. Remove the power plug (C) from the air compressor (A).
5. Place the kit on the ground. Make sure the tire valve stem is positioned close to
the ground so the hose will reach it.
6. Remove the tire valve stem cap by turning it counterclockwise.
7. Attach the air only hose (F) onto the tire valve stem and push the lever down to secure it.
6-82

Black plate (104,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Compact Spare Tire and Tools
Use the following diagram as a guide for storing the
compact spare tire and tools in the trunk:
A. Compact SpareTire Cover
B. Stow Rod Cap
C. Plastic Wing Nut
D. Retainer E. Jack Container Package
(With Wheel Wrench
and Jack)
F. Compact Spare Tire
G. Foam Support H. Bolt 1. Open the trunk. See
Trunk on page 3‑15.
2. Make sure the foam support (G) is in place in the trunk area.
3. Reinstall the compact spare tire (F) making sure to line up the wheel center hole with the bolt (H) and
place on the compartment floor.
4. Insert the jack container (E) with wheel wrench and jack into the center of the compact spare tire
making sure to line up the wheel nut hole with the
bolt (H) on the compartment floor.
5. Secure the tire and wheel with the retainer (D) and wing nut (C).
6. Cover the exposed bolt with the stow rod cap (B).
7. Reinstall the compact spare tire cover (A).
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Black plate (121,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
WARNING: (Continued)
will not be there to work for the next passenger.
The person sitting in that position could be badly
injured. After reinstalling the seat cushion, always
check to be sure that the safety belts are properly
routed and are not twisted.
1. Buckle the center passenger position safety belt, then route the safety belts through the proper slots
in the seat cushion. Do not let the safety belts get
twisted.
2. Slide the rear of the cushion up and under the seatback so the rear-locating guides hook into the
wire loops on the back frame.
3. With the seat cushion lowered, push rearward and then press down on the seat cushion until the
spring locks on both ends engage. 4. Check to make sure the safety belts are properly
routed and that no portion of any safety belt is
trapped under the seat. Also make sure the seat
cushion is secured.Rear Underseat Fuse Block
There is a fuse block located under the rear seat on the
driver side and passenger side of the vehicle. The rear
seat cushion must be removed to access the fuse
blocks. See “Removing the Rear Seat Cushion” listed
previously in this section.
To access the fuses, push in the two tabs, then lift the
cover off.
6-121

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

Black plate (20,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
GM will not access this data or share it with others
except: with the consent of the vehicle owner or, if the
vehicle is leased, with the consent of the lessee; in
response to an official request of police or similar
government office; as part of GM's defense of litigation
through the discovery process; or, as required by law.
Data that GM collects or receives may also be used for
GM research needs or may be made available to others
for research purposes, where a need is shown and the
data is not tied to a specific vehicle or vehicle owner.
OnStar®
If your vehicle is equipped with an active OnStar
system, that system may also record data in crash or
near crash‐like situations. The OnStar Terms and
Conditions provides information on data collection and
use and is available in the OnStar glove box kit, at
www.onstar.com (U.S.) or www.onstar.ca (Canada),
or by pressing the
Qbutton and speaking to an
advisor.
Navigation System
If the vehicle has a navigation system, use of the
system may result in the storage of destinations,
addresses, telephone numbers, and other trip
information. Refer to the navigation system operating
manual for information on stored data and for deletion
instructions.
Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID)
RFID technology is used in some vehicles for functions
such as tire pressure monitoring and ignition system
security, as well as in connection with conveniences
such as key fobs for remote door locking/unlocking and
starting, and in-vehicle transmitters for garage door
openers. RFID technology in GM vehicles does not use
or record personal information or link with any other GM
system containing personal information.
Radio Frequency Statement
This vehicle has systems that operate on a radio
frequency that comply with Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) rules and with
Industry Canada Standards RSS‐210/220/310.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. The device may not cause interference.
2. The device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modifications to any of these systems by
other than an authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.
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Black plate (3,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Carbon MonoxideEngine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Care of Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-109
CD, MP3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-108
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-56
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-74
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-57
Check
Engine Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-62
Checking Things Under the Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
Chemical Paint Spotting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-113
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-38
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . 2-45
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-51
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-53
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-41
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-43
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-115 Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-112
Exterior Lamps/Lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-110
Fabric/Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-107
Finish Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-110
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other PlasticSurfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-108
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-106
Leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-108
Speaker Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-109
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-113
Underbody Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-113
Washing Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-109
Weatherstrips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-109
Windshield and Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-111
Wood Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-109
Climate Control System Outlet Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-48
Climate Control Systems Dual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-43
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-49
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Clock, Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-95
Collision Damage Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-105
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14, 3-38
Compressor Kit, Tire Sealant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-76, 6-85
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3
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Black plate (4,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-57
CoolantEngine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-25
Engine Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-61
Engine Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-61
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-24
Courtesy Transportation Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-67
Cruise Control, Active . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Cruise Control, Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-56
Customer Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-6 Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6
Customer Assistance Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-6
Customer Information
Service Publications Ordering Information . . . . . . . . 8-17
Customer Satisfaction Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-2
D
Damage Repair, Collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-19
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-32
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2
Disc, MP3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-108 Displays
Head-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-38
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
Programmable Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Rear Door Security Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Drive Systems All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-43
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-69
DIC Operation and Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-70
DIC Warnings and Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-76
Other Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-93
Driving At Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Before a Long Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
In Rain and on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Dual Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-43
i - 4