Black plate (22,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS).
The TPMS warming light
alerts you to a significant
loss in pressure of one of
the vehicles tires.
If the warning light comes on, stop as soon as possible
and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the tire loading information label. See
Loading the Vehicle
on page 5‑23. The warning light
will remain on until the tire pressure is corrected.
During cooler conditions, the low tire pressure warning
light may appear when the vehicle is first started and
then turn off. This may be an early indicator that the tire
pressures are getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal monthly tire
maintenance. It is the driver ’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 6‑60and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 6‑62.
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
This vehicle may come with a jack and spare tire or a
tire sealant and compressor kit. The kit can be used to
seal small punctures in the tread area of the tire.
See Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit (Without Selector
Switch)
on page 6‑76or Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit (With Selector Switch)on page 6‑85for complete
operating information.
If the vehicle came with a jack and spare tire, see
Changing a Flat Tire on page 6‑94.
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates engine oil life
based on vehicle use and displays a DIC message
when it is necessary to change the engine oil and filter.
The oil life system should be reset to 100% only
following an oil change.
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Black plate (23,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Press the up or down arrow to scroll the DIC toshow OIL LIFE.
2. Once the XXX% ENGINE OIL LIFE menu item is highlighted, press and hold the RESET button until
the percentage shows 100%.
If the percentage does not return to 100% or if the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message comes
back on when the vehicle is started, the engine oil
life system has not reset. Repeat the procedure.
See Engine Oil Life System on page 6‑20.
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some
driving tips to get the best fuel economy possible.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.
.When road and weather conditions are
appropriate, use cruise control, if equipped.
.Always follow posted speed limits or drive more
slowly when conditions require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.Combine several trips into a single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with the same TPC
Spec number molded into the tire's sidewall near
the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.
Roadside Service
U.S. or Canada: 1-800-882-1112
TTY Users: 1-888-889-2438
As the owner of a new Cadillac, you are automatically
enrolled in the Roadside Service program which is
available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to give minor
repair information or make towing arrangements.
For more information see Roadside Service
on
page 1‑23.
Roadside Service and OnStar
If you have a current OnStar subscription, press
the
Qbutton and the current GPS location will be sent
to an OnStar Advisor who will assess your problem,
contact Roadside Service, and relay exact location to
get you the help you need.
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Black plate (7,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Driver Selection Submenu Items
DRIVER 1/DRIVER 2
The numbers on the back of each keyless access
transmitter correspond to DRIVER 1 and DRIVER 2.
If you would like to recall or store driver settings for the
driver that does not correspond to the number on the
back of the keyless access transmitter that you are
using:1. Enter the memory programming mode for your driver settings by following the instructions listed
previously under “Entering the Driver Selection
Submenu.”
2. From the DRIVER SELECTION submenu, turn the tune/select knob to highlight the driver number that
you want, either DRIVER 1 or DRIVER 2.
3. Set your choice by pressing in the tune/ select knob.
If you would like to recall or store driver settings for the
selected driver, see “RECALL DRIVER SETTINGS” or
“STORE DRIVER SETTINGS” later in this section.
If you would like to recall or store exit settings for the
selected driver, see “RECALL EXIT SETTINGS” or
“STORE EXIT SETTINGS” later in this section.
RECALL DRIVER SETTINGS
To recall driver settings:
1. Enter the memory programming mode for your driver settings by following the instructions listed
previously under “Entering the Driver Selection
Submenu.”
2. From the DRIVER SELECTION submenu, turn the tune/select knob to scroll to RECALL DRIVER
SETTINGS and press in the knob.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), one beep will sound
and your previously saved driving position will then
be recalled.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), three beeps will
sound and your previously saved driving 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 driving positions to be
recalled when unlocking your vehicle with the keyless
access transmitter or when starting your vehicle, see
“REMOTE RECALL MEMORY” or“START BUTTON
RECALL” underVehicle Personalization on page 3‑59.
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Black plate (25,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
If the vehicle does not start and the keyless access
transmitter appears to be undamaged, try another
keyless access transmitter. Or, place the transmitter in
the transmitter pocket. See“NO FOBS DETECTED”
under DIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑76for
additional information. Check the fuse. See Fuses and
Circuit Breakers
on page 6‑115. If the engine still does
not start with the other transmitter, the vehicle needs
service. If the engine does start, the first transmitter
may be faulty. See your dealer or have a new keyless
access transmitter programmed to the vehicle.
The immobilizer system can learn new or replacement
keyless access transmitters. Up to four keyless access
transmitters can be programmed for the vehicle.
To program additional transmitters, see “Matching
transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle” underKeyless Access
System Operation on page 3‑5.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice: The vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
.Do not drive at any one constant speed,
fast or slow, for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Do not make full-throttle starts. Avoid
downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle.
.Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time the
new brake linings are not yet broken in. Hard
stops with new linings can mean premature
wear and earlier replacement. Follow this
breaking-in guideline every time you get new
brake linings.
.Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See
Towing a Trailer
on page 5‑31for the trailer
towing capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break‐in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
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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.
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Black plate (27,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
If the engine is off, press this button to turn on the
accessory mode. ACCESSORY ACTIVE will display on
the Driver Information Center (DIC). Accessory mode
allows use of the audio system and windshield wipers.
Accessory mode must be used if the vehicle must be
towed or in motion when the engine is not running.
After the vehicle has been in accessory mode for more
than 20 minutes, the vehicle will enter RAP or turn off,
depending on if the doors are opened or closed.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
20 minutes after the engine is turned off:
.Audio System
.Audio Steering Wheel Controls
.Power Windows
Power to these accessories will work up to 20 minutes
or until one of the front doors is opened. For an
additional 20 minutes of operation, close all the doors
and press Acc. to place the vehicle in accessory mode.
Press the button again to return to RAP.
Starting the Engine
To place the transmission in the proper gear:
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). To restart
the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use
N (Neutral).
Notice: Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage
the transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
The keyless access transmitter must be inside the
vehicle for the ignition to work.
Cell phone chargers can interfere with the operation of
the Keyless Access System. Battery chargers should
not be plugged in when starting or turning off the
engine.
To start the vehicle, do the following:
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot on the brake pedal, press the START button located on the instrument panel.
If there is not a keyless access transmitter
in the vehicle or if there is something causing
interference with it, the DIC will display NO FOBS
DETECTED. See DIC Warnings and Messages
on
page 4‑76for more information.
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Black plate (28,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
2. When the engine begins cranking, let go of thebutton and the engine cranks automatically until
it starts. If the battery in the keyless access
transmitter is weak, the DIC displays KEY FOB
BATTERY LOW. You can still drive the vehicle.
See “Battery Replacement” underKeyless Access
System Operation
on page 3‑5for more
information. If the fob battery is dead, you need to
insert the fob into the fob slot to enable engine
starting. See “No Fobs Detected” underDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 4‑76.
3. Do not race the engine immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.
4. If the engine does not start and no DIC message is displayed, wait 15 seconds before trying again to
let the cranking motor cool down.
If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below
0°F or −18°C), it could be flooded with too
much gasoline. Try pushing the accelerator
pedal all the way to the floor while cranking
for up to 15 seconds maximum. Notice:
Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by pressing the START button immediately
after cranking has ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the battery. Wait at
least 15 seconds between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down.
When the engine starts, let go of the accelerator. If the
vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, do the same
thing. This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the engine and
protects components. Once cranking has been initiated,
the engine continues cranking for a few seconds or until
the vehicle starts. If the engine does not start, cranking
automatically stops after 15 seconds to prevent
cranking motor damage. To prevent gear damage, this
system also prevents cranking if the engine is already
running.
Notice: The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in the vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way
the engine operates. Before adding electrical
equipment, check with your dealer. If you do not,
the engine might not perform properly. Any
resulting damage would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
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Black plate (29,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Stopping the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) and press the Acc.
button located on the instrument panel. If the shifter is
not in P (Park), the engine shuts off and the vehicle
goes into the Accessory Mode. The DIC displays SHIFT
TO PARK. Once the shifter is moved to P (Park), the
vehicle turns off.
The DIC displays NO FOB, OFF OR RUN?, if the
keyless access transmitter is not detected inside the
vehicle when it is turned off.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑76for
more information.
Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater can provide easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm‐up in
cold weather conditions at or below −18°C (0°F).
Vehicles with an engine coolant heater should be
plugged in at least four hours before starting. Some
models have an internal thermostat in the cord which
will prevent engine coolant heater operation at
temperatures above −18°C (0°F).
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The cord is located in the front of the engine
compartment, on the passenger side of the vehicle.
3. You must remove the plastic cap to access the plug.
4. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{WARNING:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could
cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of
extension cord could overheat and cause a fire.
You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into
a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC
outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty
three-prong extension cord rated for at least
15 amps.
5. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it was before to keep it away from
moving engine parts. If you do not, it could be
damaged.
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