🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Cadillac

Model:

STS

Year:

2006

Product Type:

Owner's Manual

Model Generation:

Second Generation (2005-2011)

Platform:

GM Sigma Platform

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Sedan

Positioning:

Cadillac's flagship luxury sedan, competing with established German and Japanese luxury brands. The STS aimed to blend performance with comfort and advanced technology.

Primary Competitors 2006:

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

Platform Advantage:

Built on the rear-wheel-drive Sigma platform, offering a more engaging driving dynamic than previous front-wheel-drive Cadillacs.

Drivetrain Options:

Available in Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Vehicle Features, Controls, Maintenance/Service Schedules, Do-It-Yourself Activities, Towing, Safety Considerations

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for an owner's manual of this era and complexity)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Electronic (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, exhaust system, performance characteristics.

Chassis:

Suspension system, steering system, braking system (including ABS, Traction Control), wheel and tire information.

Electrical:

Lighting systems, instrument cluster, dashboard indicators, audio system, climate control, power accessories, battery, fuse system.

Infotainment And Comfort:

Navigation system (if equipped), audio controls, climate control operation, interior lighting, seat adjustments, sunroof operation.

Safety And Security:

Airbag system, seat belt operation, child restraint systems (LATCH/ISOFIX), vehicle security system, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Routine Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement.

Do It Yourself Activities:

Jump starting, tire changing, basic troubleshooting of common dashboard warnings, fuse replacement, cabin air filter replacement (depending on access).

Towing:

Information on towing capacities, trailer wiring connections, procedures for towing the vehicle itself (if applicable).

Emergency Procedures:

Safe operation in adverse weather, emergency braking, what to do in case of an accident.

Depth:

Designed for the vehicle owner, covering operation, basic maintenance, and owner-level troubleshooting. Does not include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic codes typically found in a Service Manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, allowing for quick keyword lookups.

Print Compatibility:

Printable on standard home or office printers.

Binding:

Not applicable (digital format)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code And Type:

Northstar V8 LD8 (4.6L DOHC V8)

Engine Displacement:

4.6 Liters (281 cubic inches)

Horsepower Ld8:

275 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque Ld8:

295 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Engine Code And Type Optional:

Northstar V8 L37 (4.6L DOHC V8)

Engine Displacement Optional:

4.6 Liters (281 cubic inches)

Horsepower L37:

320 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque L37:

315 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Fuel Type:

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

Injection Type:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Bore X Stroke:

93.0 mm x 84.0 mm (3.66 in x 3.31 in)

Compression Ratio:

10.5:1 (LD8), 10.0:1 (L37)

Valvetrain:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic with Driver Shift Control (Hydra-Matic 4T80-E)

Transmission Type Optional:

Not Applicable for 2006 model year; higher transmission counts were introduced in later years.

Shift Modes:

Driver Shift Control allows manual gear selection.

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) is typically specified for this generation, though checking the manual for exact specs is advised.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

199.1 inches (5057 mm)

Width:

72.1 inches (1831 mm)

Height:

57.4 inches (1458 mm)

Wheelbase:

116.7 inches (2964 mm)

Curb Weight Rwd:

Approximately 3,900 - 4,100 lbs (1769 - 1860 kg) depending on engine and options.

Curb Weight AWD:

Approximately 4,100 - 4,300 lbs (1860 - 1950 kg) depending on engine and options.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Typically around 5,200 - 5,400 lbs.

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 15.4 cubic feet (0.436 m³)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Driver:

5-Star (for models tested)

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Passenger:

5-Star (for models tested)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:

5-Star (for models tested)

NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:

5-Star (for models tested)

NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:

4-Star (for models tested)

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4-Star (for RWD models)

Traction Control:

Standard (often integrated with StabiliTrak)

Electronic Stability Control:

StabiliTrak is a key feature, designed to help the driver maintain control in skid situations.

Anti Lock Braking System:

Standard ABS on all wheels.

Airbags:

Dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, and curtain side airbags (covering front and rear occupants).

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for all seating positions.

Child Restraint:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for rear seats.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System:

Standard.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium Bose® audio system with AM/FM/CD player, often with an auxiliary input and satellite radio capability.

Navigation System:

Optional DVD-based navigation system with a central touchscreen display.

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Optional feature available on higher trims, allowing the cruise control to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking assist sensors.

Onstar:

Available OnStar® telematics system for emergency services, navigation, and vehicle diagnostics.

Heated Cooled Seats:

Available heated and ventilated front seats.

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available heated steering wheel.

Keyless Entry Start:

Keyless Access with Push Button Start system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by the Oil Life Monitoring System. Always refer to the manual for the specific recommendation based on driving conditions.

Tire Rotation:

Recommended every 7,500 miles.

Cabin Air Filter:

Recommended replacement every 12,000-15,000 miles or annually.

Coolant Flush:

Initial change at 5 years or 150,000 miles, then every 3 years or 150,000 miles thereafter (using extended life coolant).

Engine Oil Type Ld8:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil meeting GM standard GM4718M or API Service SM or dexos1™ (though dexos was introduced later, compatible synthetics are recommended).

Engine Oil Type L37:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil meeting GM standard GM4718M or API Service SM or dexos1™.

Coolant Type:

GM P/N 12346179 (Orange) or equivalent Dex-Cool™ compatible extended life antifreeze/coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4, meeting GM standard GM6545M.

Common Issues Ld8 L37:

Northstar engines can be prone to coolant leaks, particularly from intake manifold gaskets and head gaskets, due to the coolant-through-bolt design. Ignition coil failures are also not uncommon. The electronic throttle control system can also sometimes cause drivability issues. Vibration at idle can sometimes be related to engine mounts or accessory belt tensioners.

Common Issues Transmission:

While generally robust, the 4T80-E can experience solenoid issues or wear with high mileage, potentially leading to harsh shifting or transmission slipping.

Common Issues Suspension Steering:

Worn suspension bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends are typical wear items on vehicles of this age and mileage, potentially leading to clunking noises or vague steering feel. Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) system components can also be costly if they fail.

Common Issues Electronics:

While generally advanced for its time, some owners have reported issues with the infotainment system, climate control modules, or door lock actuators.

📚 Vehicle History

Cadillac Legacy:

Cadillac has a long history as an American luxury automotive brand, known for innovation and comfort since its founding in 1902.

Sts Predecessors:

The STS replaced the Seville STS, continuing Cadillac's tradition of offering a technologically advanced and performance-oriented luxury sedan.

Sts Second Generation:

Launched for the 2005 model year, the second-generation STS was a significant redesign, moving to the RWD Sigma platform for improved driving dynamics. It featured a bold new styling language for Cadillac.

Manufacturing Location:

Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant, Lansing, Michigan, USA.

Production Years:

2005-2011

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Safety Awards 2006:

While specific model year awards can be elusive, the STS's second generation generally received good safety ratings from NHTSA, contributing to Cadillac's reputation.

IIHS Crash Test Results:

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) typically rated the STS favorably in its crashworthiness tests for its segment, often achieving 'Good' ratings in front, side, and rear impact tests.

Vehicle Certification:

Manufactured to meet all applicable US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and EPA emissions standards.