Black plate (1,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Section 3 Features and Controls
Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Keyless Access System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Keyless Access System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Doors and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
Programmable Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Rear Door Security Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-22
Theft-Deterrent System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Valet Lockout Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24 Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
. . . . . . . . . . . .3-25
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
Engine Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29
Automatic Transmission Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Shifting Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
Parking Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-37
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . 3-37
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38
Outside Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-39
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-39
Park Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-40
Outside Convex Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-40
Outside Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-40
3-1
Black plate (11,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
3. If it is the first remote start since the vehicle hasbeen driven, repeat these steps, while the engine
is still running, to extend the engine running time
by 10 minutes. Remote start can be extended
one time.
If the vehicle is left running it will automatically shut off
after 10 minutes unless a time extension has been
done. To manually shut off a remote start, do one of the
following:
.Aim the keyless access transmitter at the vehicle
and press the remote start button until the parking
lamps turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Press the Acc. button (ignition switch). See Ignition
Positions on page 3‑26.
.Turn on the valet lockout switch. See Valet Lockout
Switch on page 3‑24.
When you enter the vehicle during a remote start, press
the brake pedal and press the start button on the
keyless ignition switch to transition from remote start
operation to normal vehicle operation. Laws in some local communities may restrict the use
of remote starters. For example, laws may require a
person using remote start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is low
on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
The remote start feature provides two separate starts,
each with 10 minutes of engine running. If you press
the lock button and then hold the remote start button
on the keyless access transmitter again for at least
three seconds before the first 10 minutes of engine
running time has expired, 10 minutes is added to the
remaining minutes. For example, if the remote start is
initiated again after five minutes of the engine run time,
10 minutes is added and you now have 15 minutes
with the engine running. Once two remote starts or
20 minutes of the engine running have been provided,
the vehicle must be started using the keyless access
with pushbutton start feature, if the engine needs to be
restarted. See
Starting the Engine
on page 3‑27for
more information regarding the keyless ignition.
3-11
Black plate (26,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Ignition Positions
The vehicle has an
electronic keyless ignition
with pushbutton start.
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle must be running or
in ACCESSORY mode and the regular brake pedal
must be applied.
/ (START): Press to start the engine with your foot on
the brake pedal. The shifter must be in P (Park) or
N (Neutral) and the keyless access transmitter must be
in the vehicle.
If the start button does not work, the vehicle may be
near a strong radio antenna signal causing interference
to the keyless access system. See DIC Warnings and
Messages
on page 4‑76for more information. 9/Acc. (STOPPING THE ENGINE/OFF/
ACCESSORY):
When the vehicle is stopped with the
engine on, press the button once to turn the engine off.
If the shifter is in P (Park), RAP will engage if all doors
are closed. RAP will turn off when a front door is
opened. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
on
page 3‑27for more information.
Do not turn the engine off when the vehicle is moving.
This will cause a loss of power assist in the brake and
steering systems and disable the airbags.
In an emergency: 1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This may deplete
power assist, requiring increased brake pedal
force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the vehicle is moving. After shifting
to N (Neutral), firmly apply the brakes and steer
the vehicle to a safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and switch the ignition to OFF. On vehicles with an
automatic transmission, the shift lever must be in
P (Park) to switch the ignition to the OFF position.
4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake
on
page 3‑33.
3-26
Black plate (30,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
The length of time the heater should remain plugged in
depends on several factors. Ask a dealer in the area
where you will be parking the vehicle for the best advice
on this.
Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several
different positions for the
shift lever.
P (Park): This position locks the rear wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily.
{WARNING:
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift
lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly
level ground, always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting Into
Park
on page 3‑34. If you are pulling a trailer,
see Towing a Trailer on page 5‑31.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before
starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You must fully
apply your regular brakes first and then press the shift
lever button before you can shift from P (Park) when the
vehicle is running. If you cannot shift out of P (Park),
ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift
lever all the way into P (Park) as you maintain brake
application. Then press the shift lever button and move
the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting Out of
Park on page 3‑35.
3-30
Black plate (33,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
If shifting is prevented for any reason, the selected gear
will flash multiple times, indicating that the transmission
has not shifted gears.
The transmission will allow you to shift to the gear
selected and will automatically downshift when the
vehicle comes to a stop. This will allow for more power
during take-off and passing.
Parking Brake
The parking brake pedal
is located on the lower
portion of the instrument
panel to the left of the
steering wheel.
The vehicle has a push-to-release parking brake pedal.
To set the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down,
then push the parking brake pedal down. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light on
the instrument panel cluster should come on. If it does
not, you need to have the vehicle serviced. See
Brake
System Warning Light
on page 4‑58for more
information.
To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal
down, then push the parking brake pedal. When you
release the park brake pedal, the parking brake
releases.
Notice: Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the
brake warning light is off before driving.
A warning chime will sound if the parking brake is set,
the ignition is on and the vehicle begins to move. To
stop the chime, fully release the parking brake.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a hill, see
Towing a Trailer
on page 5‑31for more information.
3-33
Black plate (34,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Shifting Into Park
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer
on
page 5‑31
.
To shift into P (Park), use the following steps: 1. Hold the brake pedal down.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pressing the button on the front of the shift lever while pushing
the lever all the way toward the front of the vehicle.
Release the button.
3. With your foot still holding the brake pedal down, set the parking brake. See Parking Brake
on
page 3‑33for more information.
4. Turn the ignition off.
Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the
engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat
and even catch fire. You or others could be
injured. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine
running.
If you leave the vehicle with the engine running, the
vehicle must be in P (Park) and the parking brake set.
After shifting into P (Park), try to move the shift lever out
without first pushing the button on the shift lever. If you
can, the shift lever was not fully locked into P (Park).
3-34
Black plate (35,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of the vehicle puts too
much force on the parking pawl in the transmission.
This happens when parking on a hill and shifting the
transmission into P (Park) is not done properly and then
it is difficult to shift out of P (Park). To prevent torque
lock, set the parking brake and then shift into P (Park).
To find out how, see“Shifting Into P (Park)” listed
previously.
If torque lock does occur, your vehicle may need to be
pushed uphill by another vehicle to relieve the parking
pawl pressure, so you can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting Out of Park
Shift lock release prevents shifting out of P (Park)
unless the vehicle is running or in Accessory mode and
the brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional except in the
case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9‐volt)
battery. See Jump Starting
on page 6‑38for more
information. To shift out of P (Park) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of P (Park): 1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park),
consult your dealer or a professional towing service.
Parking Over Things That Burn
{WARNING:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under the vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things that
can burn.
3-35
Black plate (37,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
WARNING: (Continued)
death. Never run the engine in an enclosed area
that has no fresh air ventilation. For more
information, seeEngine Exhaust on page 3‑36.
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
automatic transmission shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The
vehicle can roll. Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, always set the parking
brake after you move the shift lever to P (Park).
Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not
move. See Shifting Into Park on page 3‑34.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see Towing a
Trailer on page 5‑31.
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
The vehicle may have an inside rearview mirror with
automatic dimming and OnStar®controls; or it may
have OnStar®and a compass display. See the OnStar®
owner guide and/or Compasson page 3‑38for more
information.
O(On/Off): Press to turn the dimming feature on or off.
Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation
Automatic dimming reduces the glare of lights from
behind the vehicle. The dimming feature comes on and
the indicator light illuminates each time the vehicle is
started.
Cleaning the Mirror
Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the mirror. Use a
soft towel dampened with water.
3-37