2011 CADILLAC STS suspension

Black plate (20,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Personalization
Some vehicle features can be programmed by using the
buttons on the remote keyless access transmitter and
the buttons on the audio system. The features that can
be programmed include:
.Driver Greeting
.Key Fob Reminder
.Remote Start
.Memory Features
.Lock and Unlock Feedback
.Lighting Features
.Door Lock and Unlock Settings
.Window Lock
.Chime Volume
.Suspension Mode
See Vehicle Personalization on page 3‑59.
Cruise Control
These controls are
located on the end of the
multifunction lever.
9 :Turns the system off.
R : Turns the system on.
+ : Use this position to make the vehicle resume to a
previously set speed or to accelerate.
T :Press to set the speed or to decrease the speed
when cruise is already active.
[: Press to disengage cruise control without erasing
the set speed from memory.
See Cruise Control
on page 4‑12andAdaptive Cruise
Controlon page 4‑15(If Equipped).
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Black plate (74,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
CHIME VOLUME HIGH
This feature allows you to adjust the volume level of the
vehicle's warning chimes. The chime volume cannot be
turned off, only adjusted.
Programmable Modes
Mode 1:NORMAL (default)
Mode 2: HIGH
To program the vehicle to a different mode: 1. Enter the PERSONAL SETTINGS MENU by following the instructions listed previously under
“Entering the Personal Settings Menu.”
2. Turn the tune/select knob until CHIME VOLUME HIGH is highlighted.
3. Press the tune/select knob to switch back and forth between the normal and high settings. A check
mark indicates that the chime volume is set
to HIGH.
The mode you selected is now set. You can either exit
the programming mode by following the instructions
later in this section or program the next feature
available on your vehicle.
SUSPENSION MODE
If your vehicle has this feature, you can select between
performance or touring modes. Performance mode is
used where road conditions or personal preference
demand more control. Touring mode is used for normal
city and highway driving.
Programmable Modes
Mode 1: PERFORMANCE
Mode 2: TOURING (default)
To program the vehicle to a different mode: 1. Enter the PERSONAL SETTINGS MENU by following the instructions listed previously under
“Entering the Personal Settings Menu.”
2. Turn the tune/select knob until SUSPENSION MODE is highlighted.
3. Press the tune/select knob to enter the SUSPENSION MODE submenu.
4. Turn the tune/select knob to highlight TOURING or PERFORMANCE.
5. Press the tune/select knob to select the setting.
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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 (89,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM OFF
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system, this message displays when the SBZA system
has been turned off. SeeSide Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
on page 3‑44andDIC Operation and Displayson
page 4‑70for more information.
SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEM
UNAVAILABLE
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system, this message displays when the SBZA system
is disabled because the sensor is blocked and cannot
detect vehicles in your blind zone. The sensor may be
blocked by mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush. This message
may also display during heavy rain or due to road spray.
Your vehicle does not need service. For cleaning
instructions, see Washing Your Vehicle
on page 6‑109.
See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)on page 3‑44for
more information.
SPEED LIMIT: XXX MPH (KM/H)
This message displays when the Speed Alert has
been turned on through the DIC Information Menu
and the vehicle is at or above the speed limit. See
DIC Operation and Displays
on page 4‑70for more
information.
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX
This message displays when the vehicle speed is
limited to XXX, mph in English mode and km/h in Metric
mode, because the vehicle detects a problem in the
steering, stability control, or suspension system. Have
your vehicle serviced by your dealer.
STABILITY SECURE MODE
If your All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle has the Active
Steering with Enhanced StabiliTrak option, this
message displays when the stability control system
is in the secure mode. Stability Secure Mode is set
automatically when certain system faults or vehicle
conditions are detected. When the Stability Secure
Mode is activated, the stability control system will not
respond to driver requests to change the stability mode
until the next ignition cycle or until the vehicle condition
or fault is returned to normal. See Enhanced
StabiliTrak
®on page 5‑7for more information.
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Black plate (7,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
StabiliTrak comes on automatically whenever the
vehicle is started. To help assist with directional control
of the vehicle, always leave the system on. StabiliTrak
can be turned off, however, by using the Traction
Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak button. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 5‑9.
If cruise control is being used when StabiliTrak
activates, it will automatically disengage. Cruise control
may be reengaged when road conditions allow. See
Cruise Control
on page 4‑12or Adaptive Cruise
Controlon page 4‑15for more information.
Enhanced StabiliTrak®
All‐wheel‐drive (AWD) vehicles with the Active Steering
with Enhanced StabiliTrak option have an enhanced
computer controlled vehicle stability system that assists
with directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving
conditions. This system coordinates automatic control of
the Active Steering System, the Magnetic Ride Control
Suspension System, and the Brake Control System for
better vehicle performance.
During extreme cold temperature conditions, the active
steering function may be temporarily disabled which
may cause the steering wheel to be offset from the
center position while driving straight. This is normal
operation and the vehicle is safe to drive in these
cases. Stability control activates when the computer senses a
difference between the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling. Stability control
automatically adjusts the front road wheel steering
angle, modifies the suspension stiffness, and selectively
applies braking pressure at any one of the vehicle’s
brakes to help maintain directional control of the
vehicle.
When the system activates, a STABILITY SYS ACTIVE
message displays on the Driver Information Center
(DIC). See
DIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑76.
It is normal to hear a noise or feel vibration in the brake
pedal when the system is working. Continue to steer the
vehicle in the intended direction.
If cruise control is engaged when Enhanced
StabiliTrak activates, the cruise control will
automatically disengage. Re-engage cruise control
when road conditions allow. See Cruise Control
on
page 4‑12, or Adaptive Cruise Controlon page 4‑15for more information.
Enhanced StabiliTrak comes on automatically in the
Stability Touring Mode, when the vehicle is started.
The Stability Touring Mode is recommended for normal
driving.
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Black plate (8,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
To assist with directional control of the vehicle, always
leave the system on. Stability control can be turned off
however, by using the TC button. SeeTraction Control
System (TCS)
on page 5‑9. The STABILITY SYS
OFF message will be displayed on the DIC. See DIC
Warnings and Messages on page 4‑76.
If there is a problem detected with Enhanced
StabiliTrak, the SERVICE STABILITY SYS message
will be displayed on the DIC. See DIC Warnings and
Messages
on page 4‑76. When this message is
displayed, the system is not operating. Driving should
be adjusted accordingly.
When certain faults or vehicle conditions are detected,
the Stability control will automatically go into a secure
mode and the STABILITY SECURE MODE message
will be displayed on the DIC. When the Stability Secure
Mode is activated, the stability control system will not
respond to driver requests to change the stability mode
until the next ignition cycle or until the vehicle condition
or fault is returned to normal. When the Stability Secure
Mode is activated, other messages may be displayed,
such as SERVICE STEERING SYS, SERVICE
SUSPENSION SYS or CHECK TIRE PRESSURE on
the DIC. When the Stability Secure Mode is activated,
a larger degree of steering wheel input at low vehicle
speeds and a smaller degree of steering wheel input at
high vehicle speeds may be required. Stability Secure Mode will be activated if a compact spare tire is being
used. See
DIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑76andCompact Spare Tire on page 6‑105.
Persistent operation of the vehicle in the STABILITY
SECURE MODE may be an indication that the vehicle
needs to be serviced by your dealer.
When certain faults are present, the vehicle’s speed
may be limited and the SPEED LIMITED TO XXX
message will be displayed on the DIC. See DIC
Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑76. When the
vehicle’s speed is limited, other messages may be
displayed, such as SERVICE STABILITY SYS,
SERVICE STEERING SYS or SERVICE SUSPENSION
SYS on the DIC. Have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer.
Enhanced StabiliTrak and Traction Control
Mode Selection
Enhanced StabiliTrak can be operated in Touring Mode.
It can also be turned off. The TC button is used to
change stability control modes (Touring or Off) as well
as to turn traction control on or off. See Traction Control
System (TCS)
on page 5‑9. The following information
describes the operation of the TC button for changing
Traction Control and Stability Control Modes.
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Black plate (12,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
SeeDIC Warnings and Messageson page 4‑76. The
normal power steering system is still operational. You
might notice that the center position of the steering
wheel is changed and that more steering effort at low
speeds and less steering effort at high speeds is
required. You can continue to drive the vehicle with
normal power steering but you should have your dealer
inspect the steering system as soon as possible in
order to have the problem corrected and the steering
wheel position centered.
When stability control activates, the system
automatically adjusts the front road wheel steering
angle, modifies the suspension stiffness, and selectively
applies braking pressure at any one of the vehicle's
brakes to help maintain directional control of the
vehicle. Adjustments to the steering will not be felt in
the steering wheel. See Enhanced StabiliTrak
®on
page 5‑7.
It is recommended that the battery not be disconnected
when the steering wheel is turned from the center
position. If this occurs, the center position of the
steering wheel could be temporarily changed a small
amount. You can continue to operate the vehicle and,
after a short time, the center position of the steering
wheel will return to normal.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tires
and the road surface, the angle at which the curve is
banked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed is
the one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before entering
the curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerate
gently into the straightaway.
To help you steer in the direction you want to go, during
certain sharp or sudden cornering maneuvers, gear
selection is controlled. This will maximize the available
drive wheel torque and minimize the transmission
response time and shift activity. During this kind of
maneuver, the transmission shifts automatically as
vehicle speed changes.
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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.
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