🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Cadillac

Model:

STS

Year:

2009

Product Type:

Owner's Manual

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Sedan

Segment Description:

The Cadillac STS was positioned as a mid-size to large luxury sedan, competing in a segment with established European and domestic rivals.

Key Competitors:

BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Lincoln MKS.

Distinguishing Attributes:

Rear-wheel drive platform (with optional all-wheel drive), powerful V8 engine option, distinctive Cadillac styling, focus on comfort and technology.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety Restraints, Driving, Customer Assistance, Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. only), Cleaning, Maintenance and Specifications, Engine Compartment, Engine Oil, Battery, Fuel Information, Air Filter(s), Part Numbers, Refill Capacities, Lubricant Specifications, Accessories, Service Information and Specifications, Maintenance Information and Specifications.

Estimated Pages:

Approx. 300-400 pages (typical for this model year and coverage)

Type:

Factory Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Systems:

Engine operation, engine oil specifications, fuel system, battery maintenance, air filter service, refill capacities, lubricant specifications.

Chassis Systems:

Brake system overview, steering system overview, suspension system overview (as relevant to driver operation and basic checks).

Electrical Systems:

Instrument cluster indicators and warnings, lighting controls, battery care, accessory power outlets.

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate controls (HVAC operation), entertainment system operation, power locks and security features, seating adjustment and safety restraints, driver controls.

Routine Maintenance:

Checking engine oil level and condition, checking other fluid levels (coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, air filter inspection/replacement guidance, battery terminal cleaning.

Operation And Adjustment:

Proper operation of vehicle features, climate control usage, infotainment system navigation, seat and mirror adjustment, lighting system operation, security system arming/disarming.

Safety Features:

Understanding and proper use of safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts), child seat installation guidance (general), safety warning indicators.

Troubleshooting Basic:

Interpreting dashboard warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting for common electronic features (e.g., infotainment, power accessories).

Depth:

Comprehensive owner-level information for operation, maintenance, and basic care. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures, component-level repair instructions, or advanced electrical schematics which are found in service manuals.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable PDF (typically)

Quality:

High-resolution digital reproduction of original factory manual

Binding:

Not applicable (Digital Download)

Paper:

Not applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine 1 Type:

3.6L V6 VVT DI (Direct Injection)

Engine 1 Displacement:

3.6 Liters

Engine 1 Horsepower:

302 hp @ 6400 rpm

Engine 1 Torque:

272 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Engine 2 Type:

4.6L V8 Northstar

Engine 2 Displacement:

4.6 Liters

Engine 2 Horsepower:

292 hp @ 6300 rpm

Engine 2 Torque:

289 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Direct Injection for 3.6L V6

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for optimal performance and efficiency)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control

Type:

N/A (6-speed automatic was standard across all engines)

Drive Type:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) standard, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) optional

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 199.1 inches

Width:

Approx. 72.5 inches

Height:

Approx. 57.5 inches

Wheelbase:

Approx. 113.5 inches

Front Headroom:

Approx. 38.8 inches

Front Legroom:

Approx. 42.5 inches

Rear Headroom:

Approx. 37.9 inches

Rear Legroom:

Approx. 35.8 inches

Curb Weight Est Min:

Approx. 3,900 lbs (RWD V6)

Curb Weight Est Max:

Approx. 4,200 lbs (AWD V8)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5-Star (2009 model year data)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5-Star (2009 model year data)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:

5-Star (2009 model year data)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:

5-Star (2009 model year data)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:

5-Star (2009 model year data)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:

5-Star (2009 model year data)

IIHS Front Crashworthiness:

Good (2009 model year data)

IIHS Side Crashworthiness:

Good (2009 model year data)

IIHS Rear Crashworthiness:

Good (2009 model year data)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Stability Control:

Standard StabiliTrak (Electronic Stability Control)

Airbags:

Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, roof-mounted side-curtain airbags for front and rear occupants.

Seatbelts:

3-point safety belts with pretensioners and load limiters, front active head restraints.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Cadillac's infotainment system featuring AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, touch screen interface, optional navigation system, and Bose premium audio system.

Connectivity:

Auxiliary audio input jack, available Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling.

Parking Assist:

Available rear parking assist sensors (Ultrasonic).

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

Keyless Entry:

Keyless Access system with push-button start.

Headlights:

Standard High-Intensity Discharge (HID) projector headlamps with automatic leveling. Available cornering lamps.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Gasoline:

Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, or when indicated by the Oil Life Monitoring System.

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles or when indicated by Oil Life Monitoring System.

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 22,500 miles, replace as needed. Consult manual for exact interval based on driving conditions.

Coolant Flush:

Initial change at 5 years or 100,000 miles, then every 2-5 years or 30,000-100,000 miles thereafter (refer to manual for specific coolant type and interval).

Engine Oil Spec:

GM dexos1™ Synthetic (if applicable for that specific engine variant) or SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade. Consult manual for exact specification (e.g., ACDelco or equivalent).

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid

Coolant Type:

GM orange silicate-free silicate-free long-life coolant (or equivalent meeting GM6277M spec).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4, depending on system calibration. Consult manual for specific requirement.

Common Problems Early Models:

Early models (pre-2007) experienced issues with the Northstar V8 engine, including head gasket failures and oil leaks. Later models (like 2009) generally improved but some owners reported occasional electronic glitches or suspension component wear.

Common Issues 2009 Sts:

Potential for worn suspension components (struts, bushings), catalytic converter issues, and some HVAC system malfunctions. Infotainment system reliability can vary.

Oil Filter Example:

ACDelco PF46 or equivalent. Consult manual/parts catalog for precise fitment based on engine.

Engine Oil Capacity:

3.6L V6: Approx. 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters). 4.6L V8: Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters). Always verify with dipstick.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 10.0 - 11.0 quarts (9.5 - 10.4 liters), depending on engine and cooling system configuration.

📚 Vehicle History

Cadillac Legacy:

Cadillac has a long-standing heritage as an American luxury automotive brand, known for pioneering advanced technology and opulent interiors.

Sts Lineage:

The STS (Seville Touring Sedan) replaced the original Seville and was based on GM's Sigma platform, which also underpinned the Cadillac CTS and SRX.

2009 Updates:

For 2009, the STS received minor styling tweaks, updated interior materials, and enhancements to the infotainment system, including the introduction of the Intellilink system (though base models might retain previous infotainment).

Manufacturing Location:

Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant, Lansing, Michigan, USA

Production Years:

2004-2010 (as STS, evolving from the Seville)