2011 CADILLAC STS wiper blades

Black plate (10,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Windshield Wipers
The windshield wiper lever is on the right side of the
steering column.
Move the lever to select the wiper speed:
7(Mist): Single wipe, move to
7and then
release it. The lever will return to its original position.
For several wipes, hold the lever in this position.
9 (Off): Turns the windshield wipers off. &
(Delay): For a delayed wiping cycle, move the lever
to
&and turn the delay adjustment band to adjust the
frequency of wipes.
x (Delay Adjustment Band): Turn the band up for
more frequent wipes or down for less frequent wipes.
The windshield wiper lever must be set to
&for this
feature to work.
6 (Low Speed): Slow wipes.
1 (High Speed): Fast wipes.
If the windshield wipers are in use for about six seconds
while you are driving, the exterior lamps will come on
automatically if the exterior lamp control is in AUTO.
See Wiper Activated Headlamps
on page 4‑31for
more information.
Clear snow and ice from the wiper blades before using
them. If frozen to the windshield, carefully loosen or
thaw them. Damaged blades should be replaced. See
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement on page 6‑49.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor.
A circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools down.
4-10

Black plate (18,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
To prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider having
it serviced by your dealer before departing.
Things to check on your own include:
.Windshield Washer Fluid:Reservoir full? Windows
clean —inside and outside?
.Wiper Blades: In good shape?
.Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids: All levels checked?
.Lamps:Do they all work and are lenses clean?
.Tires:Are treads good? Are tires inflated to
recommended pressure?
.Weather and Maps: Safe to travel? Have
up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings
while driving. If you become tired or sleepy, find a safe
place to park your vehicle and rest.
Other driving tips include:
.Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
.Keep interior temperature cool.
.Keep your eyes moving —scan the road ahead
and to the sides.
.Check the rearview mirror and vehicle instruments
often.
5-18

Black plate (2,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-60
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-62
Tire Inspection and Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-65
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-67
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-67
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-70
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-71
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-72
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-72
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-74
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-74
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit (WithoutSelector Switch) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-76
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit (With Selector Switch) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-85
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit Storage . . . . . . 6-94
Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-94
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-96
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-97
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . 6-103
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-105 Appearance Care
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-106
Interior Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-106
Fabric/Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-107
Leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-108
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-108
Wood Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-109
Speaker Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-109
Care of Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-109
Weatherstrips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-109
Washing Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-109
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-110
Finish Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-110
Windshield and Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-111
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels and Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-112
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-113
Sheet Metal Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-113
Finish Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-113
Underbody Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-113
Chemical Paint Spotting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-113
6-2

Black plate (49,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wear
or cracking. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 7‑3.
It's a good idea to clean or replace the wiper blade
assembly on a regular basis or when worn. For proper
windshield wiper blade length and type, see
Maintenance Replacement Parts on page 7‑11.
To replace the wiper blade assembly, do the following: 1. Pull the windshield wiper assembly away from the windshield.
2. Squeeze the tabs on each side of the wiper bladeassembly and slide the assembly off the end of the
wiper arm.
3. Replace the blade assembly with a new one.
Allowing the wiper blade arm to touch the
windshield when no wiper blade is installed could
damage the windshield. Any damage that occurs
would not be covered by your warranty. Do not
allow the wiper blade arm to touch the windshield.
4. Repeat the steps for the other wiper.
6-49

Black plate (111,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are
marked safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign
matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period
of years. To help keep the paint finish looking new, keep
the vehicle garaged or covered whenever possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts
Bright metal parts should be cleaned regularly to keep
their luster. Washing with water is all that is usually
needed. However, chrome polish may be used on
chrome or stainless steel trim, if necessary.
Use special care with aluminum trim. To avoid
damaging protective trim, never use auto or chrome
polish, steam or caustic soap to clean aluminum.
A coating of wax, rubbed to high polish, is
recommended for all bright metal parts.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield with glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using a lint free cloth or paper
towel soaked with windshield washer fluid or a mild
detergent. Wash the windshield thoroughly when
cleaning the blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a
buildup of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause
wiper streaking. Replace the wiper blades if they are
worn or damaged.
Wipers can be damaged by:
.Extreme dusty conditions
.Sand and salt
.Heat and sun
.Snow and ice, without proper removal
6-111

Black plate (4,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Every Engine Oil Change
.Change engine oil and filter. Reset oil life system.
SeeEngine Oilon page 6‑16andEngine Oil Life
Systemon page 6‑20. An Emission Control
Service.
.Engine coolant level check. See Engine Coolanton page 6‑25.
.Engine cooling system inspection. Visual
inspection of hoses, pipes, fittings, and clamps and
replacement, if needed.
.Windshield washer fluid level check. See
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 6‑34.
.Windshield wiper blade inspection for wear,
cracking, or contamination and windshield and
wiper blade cleaning, if contaminated. See
Windshield and Wiper Blades
on page 6‑111. Worn
or damaged wiper blade replacement. See
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
on
page 6‑49.
.Tire inflation pressures check. See Inflation - Tire
Pressure on page 6‑58.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6‑65.
.If tire rotation is recommended for the vehicle,
rotate tires if necessary. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6‑65.
.Fluids visual leak check (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). A leak in any system must
be repaired and the fluid level checked.
.Engine air cleaner filter inspection. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 6‑21.
.Brake system inspection (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first).
.Steering and suspension inspection. Visual
inspection for damaged, loose, or missing parts
or signs of wear.
.Body hinges and latches, key lock cylinders,
rear compartment hinges, console door hinges,
and glove box door hinges lubrication. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on
page 7‑9. More frequent lubrication may be
required when the vehicle is exposed to a
corrosive environment. Applying silicone grease
on weatherstrips with a clean cloth makes them
last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
.Restraint system component check. See Checking
the Restraint Systems on page 2‑72.
.Fuel system inspection for damage or leaks.
.Exhaust system and nearby heat shields
inspection for loose or damaged components.
7-4

Black plate (11,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Maintenance Replacement Parts
Replacement parts identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.Part GM Part Number ACDelco Part Number
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter Element 25798271A2944C
Engine Oil Filter 25177917PF2129
Passenger Compartment Air Filter 88957450CF13C
Spark Plugs 9222044741-990
Wiper Blades
Driver Side –56.5 cm (22 in) 88958361—
Passenger Side –53.0 cm (21 in) 88958359—
7-11

Black plate (1,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
A
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
Accessory Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-42
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-15
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-114
Additives, Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7
AdjustmentsHeadlamp Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-21
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-50
Airbag Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-EquippedVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-71
Airbag System How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-63
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-66
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 2-70
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-63
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . 2-64
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-62
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-59
Airbags Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-55
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-54
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-57
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-43 All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Antenna
Backglass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-126
Antenna, XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-126
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-5 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-59
Appearance Care Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-112
Care of Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-109
Chemical Paint Spotting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-113
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-110
Fabric/Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-107
Finish Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-110
Finish Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-113
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other PlasticSurfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-108
Interior Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-106
Leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-108
Sheet Metal Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-113
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
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