Black plate (1,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
2011 Cadillac STS Owner ManualM
In Brief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Vehicle Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Performance and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Seats and Restraint System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-34
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-57
Restraint System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-72
Features and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Doors and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-37
Object Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41
Universal Home Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-49 Storage Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-56
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-57
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-59
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-43
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . 4-51
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-69
Audio System(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-94
Driving Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Service and Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Checking Things Under the Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-43
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-44
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-45
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-46
Black plate (8,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Memory Features
If the vehicle has the memory feature, you can program
and recall memory settings for the following features for
up to two drivers:
.The driver seat
.The outside rearview mirrors
.The power tilt wheel and telescopic steering
column
The following settings and presets are set automatically:
.The language, radio and XM™ presets, tone,
volume, playback mode (AM/FM or CD), last
displayed stations, and compact disc position
.The last climate control setting
.The Head-Up Display (HUD) position, if your
vehicle has this feature
.Other personalization settings, for example, remote
start settings
See Memory Seat, Mirrors and Steering Wheel
on
page 2‑5and Vehicle Personalizationon
page 3‑59for more information.
For vehicles with the base audio system, memory
features are programmed and recalled using the
radio menu. For vehicles with the Navigation system, memory
features are programmed and recalled using the
navigation display or voice commands. See
“Personalization”
and“Voice Recognition” in the Index
of the Navigation System manual for more information.
Heated Seats (Front)
On vehicles with heated
front seats, the buttons
are located on the climate
control panel.
z: Press the up or down arrow to turn on the heated
seat at the highest or lowest setting.
Press the up or down arrows a second time to raise or
lower the setting. Press the down arrow until the
indicator on the climate control displays is off.
See Heated Seats
on page 2‑4for more information.
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Black plate (11,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Mirror Adjustment
Exterior Mirrors
Controls for the outside
power mirrors are located
on the driver door.
1. Move the selector switch left or right to choose the driver side or passenger side mirror.
2. Press one of the four arrows located on the control pad to move the mirror to the desired direction.
3. Return the selector switch to the center position when finished adjusting.
The preferred mirror positions can be stored with the
memory option. See Memory Seat, Mirrors and Steering
Wheel on page 3‑75. The dimming feature automatically adjusts the driver
outside mirror for the glare of the headlamps behind
your vehicle. See
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirroron page 3‑37for more information.
Manually fold the mirrors inward to prevent damage
when going through an automatic car wash. To fold,
push the mirror toward the vehicle. Push the mirror
outward, to return to its original position.
Interior Mirror
The vehicle has an automatic dimming inside rearview
mirror. 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.
See Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
on page 3‑37for more information.
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Black plate (5,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Heated and Ventilated Seats
{WARNING:
If you cannot feel temperature change or pain to
the skin, the seat heater may cause burns even at
low temperatures. See the Warning underHeated
Seats on page 2‑4.
On vehicles with this feature, the buttons are on the
climate control panel.
z(Heated Seat and Seatback): Press to heat the seat
and seatback.
{(Ventilated Seat): Press to ventilate the seat.
Press the button once for the highest setting. With each
press of the button, the setting will change to the next
lower setting, and then to the off setting.
A light bar in the climate control display shows the
setting: high, medium, or low.
The heated or ventilated seats shut off when the vehicle
is turned off.
Memory Seat, Mirrors and Steering
Wheel
If the vehicle has the memory feature, you can program
and recall memory settings for the following features for
up to two drivers:
.The driver seat position
.The outside rearview mirrors position
.The power tilt wheel and telescopic steering
column position
The following settings and presets are set automatically:
.The language, radio and XM™ presets, tone,
volume, playback mode (AM/FM or CD), last
displayed stations, and compact disc position
.The last climate control setting
.The Head-Up Display (HUD) position, if your
vehicle has this feature
.Other personalization settings, for example, remote
start settings
See Vehicle Personalization on page 3‑59.
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Black plate (8,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
STORE DRIVER SETTINGS
To store driver settings:1. Adjust your settings for the driver seat, the outside rearview mirrors, and the steering column to a
comfortable driving position.
2. Enter the memory programming mode for your driver settings by following the instructions listed
previously under “Entering the Driver Selection
Submenu.”
3. From the DRIVER SELECTION submenu, turn the tune/select knob to scroll to STORE DRIVER
SETTINGS and press in the knob. Two beeps will
sound to confirm that your driver settings are
saved.
4. Set the HUD position, if your vehicle has this feature, the climate control temperature, fan speed
and mode settings, the radio presets, tone,
volume, playback mode (AM/FM, XM™, or CD),
and compact disc position.
Your memory settings are now programmed.
Any changes that are made to the HUD, audio
system, and climate controls while driving will be
automatically stored when the ignition is turned off.
5. Repeat the procedure for a second driver by programming the other driver number.
Entering the Driver Exit Settings
Submenu
To enter the memory programming mode for your exit
settings:
1. The ignition must be either on, in ACCESSORY, or in RAP and the transmission in P (Park) or
the vehicle speed less than 6 mph (9 km/h).
2. Press any button on the appropriate keyless access transmitter to identify yourself as
Driver 1 or Driver 2.
3. Turn on the radio by pressing the power/ volume knob.
4. Press the CNFG radio button to enter the main menu of the radio.
5. Turn the tune/select knob and scroll to SETUP.
6. Press the tune/select knob to enter the SETUP menu.
7. Turn the tune/select knob and scroll to DRIVER EXIT SETTINGS.
8. Press the tune/select knob to enter the DRIVER EXIT SETTINGS submenu. The following items
will appear:
.RECALL EXIT SETTINGS
.STORE EXIT SETTINGS
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Black plate (9,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Driver Exit Settings Submenu Items
RECALL EXIT SETTINGS
To recall exit settings:1. Enter the memory programming mode for your exit settings by following the instructions listed
previously under “Entering the Driver Exit Settings
Submenu.”
2. From the DRIVER EXIT SETTINGS submenu, turn the tune/select knob to scroll to RECALL EXIT
SETTINGS and press in the knob.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), one beep will sound
and your previously saved exit position will then be
recalled.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), three beeps will
sound and your previously saved exit position will
not be recalled.
A memory recall can be stopped by pressing any
memory seat or mirror position button.
If you would like the stored exit positions to be recalled
when your vehicle is in P (Park), the vehicle is off, and
the driver door is opened, see “AUTO EXIT SEAT”and
“AUTO EXIT COLUMN” underVehicle Personalization
on page 3‑59.
STORE EXIT SETTINGS
To store exit settings:
1. Adjust your settings for the driver seat, the outside rearview mirrors, and the steering column to a
comfortable exit position.
2. Enter the memory programming mode for your exit settings by following the instructions listed
previously under “Entering the Driver Exit Settings
Submenu.”
3. From the DRIVER EXIT SETTINGS submenu, turn the tune/select knob to scroll to STORE EXIT
SETTINGS and press in the knob. Two beeps will
sound to confirm that your new exit settings are
saved.
4. Repeat the procedure for a second driver by programming the other driver number.
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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
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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