Black plate (21,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-21
4. If the engine does not start andno 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
−18°C or 0°F), 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.
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.
Black plate (30,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
9-30 Driving and Operating
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature always
send engine power to all four
wheels. It is fully automatic, and
adjusts itself as needed for road
conditions.
When using a compact spare tire
on an AWD vehicle, the system
automatically detects the compact
spare and disables AWD.
To restore AWD operation and
prevent excessive wear on the
system, replace the compact spare
with a full-size tire as soon as
possible. SeeCompact Spare Tire
on page 10‑87 for more information.
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the engine is started and the
vehicle begins to drive away, ABS
checks itself. A momentary motor or
clicking noise might be heard while
this test is going on, and it might
even be noticed that the brake
pedal moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
on page 5‑22. If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to
avoid a sudden obstacle, a
computer senses that the wheels
are slowing down. If one of the
wheels is about to stop rolling, the
computer will separately work the
brakes at each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure
to each wheel, as required, faster
than any driver could. This can help
the driver steer around the obstacle
while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls
braking pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change
the time needed to get a foot up to
the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to
Black plate (37,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Driving and Operating 9-37
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Vehicles with a limited-slip rear axle
can give more traction on snow,
mud, ice, sand, or gravel. When
traction is low, this feature allows
the drive wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.
The limited-slip rear axle also gives
the driver enhanced control when
cornering hard or completing a
maneuver, such as a lane change.
Selective Ride Control
The vehicle may have a ride control
system called Selective Ride
Control. The setting can be changed
at any time. Based on road
conditions, steering wheel angle,
and the vehicle speed, the system
automatically adjusts to provide the
best handling while providing a
smooth ride. The Tour and Sport
modes will feel similar on a
smooth road.To switch from TOUR to SPORT
mode, move the shift lever to the
left while the transmission is in
D (Drive).
TOUR:
Use for normal city and
highway driving. This setting
provides a smooth, soft ride.
SPORT: Use where road conditions
or personal preference demand
more control. This setting provides
more “feel,” or response to road
conditions through increased
steering effort and suspension
control. Transmission shift points
and shift firmness are also
enhanced. See Manual Mode on
page 9‑28 under Automatic
Transmission.
If there is a problem detected with
Selective Ride Control, SERVICE
SUSPENSION SYSTEM displays
on the Driver Information Center
(DIC). See Ride Control System
Messages on page 5‑37. Driving
should be adjusted accordingly.
Cruise Control
{WARNING
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. So, do not use
the cruise control on winding
roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.
With cruise control, a speed of
about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more can
be maintained without keeping your
foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
Black plate (50,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
9-50 Driving and Operating
As the outside temperature
approaches freezing, ethanol fuel
distributors should supply winter
grade ethanol, the same as with
unleaded gasoline. Winter grade
blends typically do not exceed
70% ethanol (E70).
The starting characteristics of
ethanol make it more difficult to
start below 0°C (32°F), which may
lead to longer start/crank times.
Engine start on ethanol fuels
down to−30°C (−20°F) is possible,
provided a winter grade ethanol
blend is used.
It is best not to alternate repeatedly
between gasoline and E85. If you
do switch fuels, it is recommended
that you add as much fuel as
possible —do not add less than
11 L (3 gal) when refueling.
You should drive the vehicle
immediately after refueling for at
least 11 km (7 mi) to allow the
vehicle to adapt to the change in
ethanol concentration. E85 has less energy per liter
(gallon) than gasoline, so you will
need to refill the fuel tank more
often when using E85 than when
you are using gasoline. See
Filling
the Tank on page 9‑50.
Notice: Some additives are not
compatible with E85 fuel and can
harm the vehicle's fuel system.
Do not add anything to E85.
Damage caused by additives
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Notice: This vehicle was not
designed for fuel that contains
methanol. Do not use fuel
containing methanol. It can
corrode metal parts in the fuel
system and also damage plastic
and rubber parts. That damage
would not be covered under the
vehicle warranty.Filling the Tank
{WARNING
Fuel vapor burns violently and a
fuel fire can cause bad injuries.
To help avoid injuries to you and
others, read and follow all the
instructions on the fuel pump
island. Turn off the engine when
refueling. Do not smoke near fuel
or when refueling the vehicle.
Do not use cellular phones.
Keep sparks, flames, and
smoking materials away from fuel.
Do not leave the fuel pump
unattended when refueling the
vehicle. This is against the law in
some places. Do not re-enter the
vehicle while pumping fuel. Keep
children away from the fuel pump;
never let children pump fuel.
Black plate (8,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
10-8 Vehicle Care
Engine Cover
A. Oil Fill Cap
B. Engine Cover Bolt
C. Engine Cover
To remove:
1. Remove the oil fill cap (A).
2. Remove the engine coverbolt (B).
3. Raise the engine cover (C) to release from the retainers.
4. Lift and remove the engine cover.
5. Reverse Steps 1 through 4 to reinstall engine cover.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.Always use engine oil approved
to the proper specification and of
the proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
.Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System on page 10‑10.
.Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the
engine oil level at each fuel fill. In
order to get an accurate reading,
the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle
is a yellow loop. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10‑6 for the location of the
engine oil dipstick.
1. If the engine has been running recently, turn off the engine and
allow several minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Checking the oil level too soon
after engine shutoff will not
provide an accurate oil level
reading.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel or cloth,
then push it back in all the way.
Remove it again, keeping the tip
down, and check the level.
Black plate (10,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
10-10 Vehicle Care
Viscosity Grade
SAE 5W‐30 is the best viscosity
grade for the vehicle. Do not use
other viscosity grade oils such as
SAE 10W‐30, 10W‐40, or 20W‐50.
If in an area of extreme cold, where
the temperature falls below−20°F
(−29°C), an SAE 0W‐30 oil should
be used. An oil of this viscosity
grade will provide easier cold
starting for the engine at extremely
low temperatures. When selecting
an oil of the appropriate viscosity
grade, always select an oil that
meets the dexos1 specification or
equivalent. See “Specification”for
more information.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil.
The recommended oils with the
dexos specification and displaying
the dexos certification mark are all
that is needed for good performance
and engine protection. Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably.
For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset
every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished,
it indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on.
Black plate (11,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-11
SeeEngine Oil Messages on
page 5‑35. Change the oil as
soon as possible within the next
1 000 km (600 mi). It is possible that,
if driving under the best conditions,
the oil life system might indicate that
an oil change is not necessary for
up to a year. The engine oil and
filter must be changed at least once
a year and at this time the system
must be reset. Your dealer has
trained service people who will
perform this work and reset the
system. It is also important to check
the oil regularly over the course of
an oil drain interval and keep it at
the proper level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is
changed.How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:
1. Using the DIC MENU button and
thumbwheel on the turn signal
lever, display REMAINING OIL
LIFE on the DIC. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑28 andEngine Oil
Messages on page 5‑35.
2. Press the SET/CLR button to reset the oil life at 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oil life
display accidentally at any time
other than after the oil is
changed. It cannot be reset
accurately until the next oil
change. The oil life system can also be reset
as follows:
1. Turn the ignition on with the
engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times
within five seconds.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message is not on,
the system is reset.
The system is reset when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message is off.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat
the procedure.
Black plate (22,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
10-22 Vehicle Care
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications inCapacities and
Specifications on page 12‑2.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service might be
required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time the brakes are applied,
with or without the vehicle moving,
the brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is
complex. Its many parts have to be
of top quality and work well together
if the vehicle is to have really good
braking. The vehicle was designed
and tested with top-quality brake
parts. When parts of the braking
system are replaced, be sure to get
new, approved replacement parts.
If this is not done, the brakes might
not work properly. For example,
installing disc brake pads that are
wrong for the vehicle, can change
the balance between the front
and rear brakes —for the worse.
The braking performance expected
can change in many other ways if
the wrong replacement brake parts
are installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap.
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir
might go down:
.The brake fluid level goes down
because of normal brake lining
wear. When new linings are
installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system can also cause
a low fluid level. Have the brake
hydraulic system fixed, since a
leak means that sooner or later
the brakes will not work well.