
Black plate (30,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 11/9/12
9-30 Driving and Operating
If the parking brake warning light is
on, the EPB has detected an error
in another system and is operating
with reduced functionality. To
release the EPB when this light is
on, push down on the EPB switch
and hold it in the down position.
EPB release may take a longer
period of time than normal when this
light is on. Continue to hold the
switch until the parking brake status
light is off. If the light is on, see your
dealer.
Notice:Driving with the parking
brake on can overheat the brake
system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system
parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the
brake warning light is off before
driving.Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if
the vehicle is running, placed into
gear, and an attempt is made to
drive away. Avoid rapid acceleration
when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
If you are towing a trailer and
parking on a hill, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips on
page 9‑65.
Brake Assist
This vehicle has a brake assist
feature designed to assist the driver
in stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time
is normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal
as the driving situation dictates.
The brake assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.

Black plate (67,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 11/9/12
Driving and Operating 9-67
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
The turn signal indicators on the
instrument panel flash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change.
Properly hooked up, the trailer
lamps also flash, telling other
drivers the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on
the instrument panel flash for turns
even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. Check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a
lower gear before starting down a
long or steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no
longer work well.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Use a lower gear if the transmission
shifts too often.When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, engine coolant
boils at a lower temperature than at
normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing
at high altitude on steep uphill
grades, the vehicle could show
signs similar to engine overheating.
To avoid this, let the engine run
while parked, preferably on level
ground, with the transmission in
P (Park) for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating on page 10‑18.
Parking on Hills
{WARNING
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do
not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the brake pedal
until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
.Start the engine.
.Shift into a gear.
.Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.

Black plate (71,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 11/9/12
Driving and Operating 9-71
Hitch Cover
The vehicle may have a hitch cover.
To remove the hitch cover:
1. Turn the fasteners on the lowertabs 90 degrees
counterclockwise.
2. Lift the lower edge of the cover about 45 degrees.
3. Pull the cover downward to disengage the upper
attachments. To reinstall the hitch cover:
1. Hold the cover at a 45 degree
angle to the vehicle and push
the upper tabs in the hitch cover
into the slots in the fascia.
2. Move the bottom of the cover forward until the lower tabs line
up with the lower fascia slots.
3. Snap the hitch cover into place by pushing the upper corners
forward.
4. Turn the fasteners on the lower tabs 90 degrees clockwise to
lock the cover in place.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue
of the trailer to help prevent the
tongue from contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch.
Always leave just enough slack so
the rig can turn. Never allow safety
chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more
than 450 kg (1,000 lbs) needs to
have its own brake system that is
adequate for the weight of the
trailer. Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes
so they are installed, adjusted and
maintained properly.
Because the vehicle has anti-lock
brakes, do not tap into the vehicle's
brake system. If you do, both brake
systems will not work well, or at all.
Trailer Sway
Control (TSC)
The vehicle has a Trailer Sway
Control (TSC) feature as part of the
StabiliTrak system. If TSC detects
that the trailer is swaying, the
vehicle's brakes are automatically
applied.

Black plate (12,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 11/9/12
10-12 Vehicle Care
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
and replace it at the first oil change
after each 80 000 km (50,000 mi)
interval. SeeMaintenance Schedule
on page 11‑4. If driving in dusty/dirty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter,
remove the filter from the vehicle
and lightly shake the filter to release
loose dust and dirt. If the filter
remains covered with dirt, a new
filter is required. Never use
compressed air to clean the filter.
1. Air Duct Clamp
2. Electrical Connector
3. Retaining Clips1. Cover Cut Outs
2. Air Filter Tabs
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
1. Open the hood. See Hood on
page 10‑5.
2. Locate the air filter housing on the front of the passenger side
of the engine compartment. See
Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6.
3. Disconnect the outlet duct by loosening the air duct clamp (1).

Black plate (13,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 11/9/12
Vehicle Care 10-13
4. Disconnect the electricalconnector (2). First, remove the
connector lock clip located at the
bottom of the connector, then
press on the top and bottom of
the connector to remove.
5. Lift the 3 retaining clips (3) on the air filter housing.
6. Tilt and lift the cover slightly upwards and slide the cover
away from outside edge of the
vehicle. Remove the air filter.
7. To install the air filter, place filter inside box where the pleats fit in
between the tabs located inside
the lower box. Ensure that the
cover cut outs (1) on both sides
match the air filter tabs (2) on
both sides.
8. Replace air cleaner cover by inserting the 4 tabs into the
4 slots. Lower cover to meet
bottom of box. Place the
3 retaining clips (3) on retention
features and clip closed. 9. Reconnect outlet duct to cover
and tighten the air duct
clamp (1).
10. Reconnect the electrical connector (2). Install connector
lock clip to bottom of
connector.
{WARNING
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it
helps to stop flames if the engine
backfires. Use caution when
working on the engine and do not
drive with the air cleaner/filter off.
Notice: If the air cleaner/filter is
off, dirt can easily get into the
engine, which could damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/filter
in place when you are driving. Notice:
Installing an air
cleaner different than the one
recommended in Maintenance
Replacement Parts may cause
engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Cooling System
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Out
of View)
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap

Black plate (31,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 11/9/12
Vehicle Care 10-31
Turn Signal Lamps
To replace one of these bulbs:
1. Open the liftgate. SeeLiftgate
on page 2‑13.
2. Remove the push pin (1) on the taillamp cover (2).
3. Remove the taillamp cover from the lamp assembly by pulling
rearward from the top to
unfasten the snap tabs.
4. Remove the two screws from thetaillamp assembly.
5. Pull the taillamp assembly straight back to remove.6. Turn the turn signal lamp bulbsocket counterclockwise to
remove it from the taillamp
assembly.
7. Pull the bulb straight out from the socket.
8. Press a new bulb into the socket, insert it into the taillamp
assembly, and turn the bulb
socket clockwise until it clicks.
9. Reinstall the taillamp assembly and tighten the screws.

Black plate (32,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 11/9/12
10-32 Vehicle Care
10. Reinstall the taillamp cover bysnapping it into place.
11. Push the push pin to secure the taillamp cover.
Back-Up Lamps
To replace one of these bulbs:
1. Open the liftgate. See Liftgate
on page 2‑13.
2. Remove the push pin (1) on the
taillamp cover (2). 3. Remove the taillamp cover from
the lamp assembly by pulling
rearward from the top to
unfasten from the snap tabs.
4. Remove the two screws from the
taillamp assembly.
5. Pull the taillamp assembly straight back to remove.
6. Disconnect the wiring harness
connector from the back-up bulb/
socket assembly.
7. Turn the back-up bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it
from the taillamp assembly.
8. Install a new bulb/socket assembly into the taillamp
assembly, and turn the bulb/
socket clockwise until it clicks.
9. Reinstall the taillamp assembly and tighten the screws.

Black plate (89,1)Cadillac SRX Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 11/9/12
Vehicle Care 10-89
Notice:Towing the vehicle from
the rear could damage it. Also,
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Never have
the vehicle towed from the rear.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
Notice: Do not use
petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as
they can damage the vehicle's
paint, metal, or plastic parts.
If damage occurs, it would not be
covered by the vehicle's warranty.
Approved cleaning products can
be obtained from your dealer. Follow all manufacturer
directions regarding correct
product usage, necessary safety
precautions, and appropriate
disposal of any vehicle care
product.
Notice:
Avoid using
high-pressure washes closer
than 30 cm (12 in) to the surface
of the vehicle. Use of power
washers exceeding 8,274 kPa
(1,200 psi) can result in damage
or removal of paint and decals.
Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after, to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.