Segment:
Luxury Sport Sedan
Target Audience:
Discerning luxury car buyers seeking performance, comfort, and advanced technology.
Competitors:
BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Infiniti M.
Design Philosophy:
American interpretation of luxury sport sedan, blending performance with Cadillac's distinct styling cues.
Platform:
GM Sigma platform, shared with the Cadillac CTS and SRX, known for its rear-wheel-drive bias and handling capabilities.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, valve train, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system, intake and exhaust manifolds.
Engine Performance:
Fuel system (injection, pumps, injectors), ignition system (coils, plugs), emissions control, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission service (disassembly, assembly, fluid changes, torque converter), transmission control module (TCM) diagnostics.
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, CV joints, differential, all-wheel-drive (AWD) system components.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, sway bars, bushings, alignment procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, wheel alignment.
Brakes:
Brake system components (discs, pads, calipers, lines), ABS, traction control, parking brake, brake bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting system, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays.
Body And Frame:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, chassis structure, corrosion protection.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components, refrigerant handling, diagnostics.
Interior:
Seats, dashboard, trim panels, airbags, seat belts, interior lighting.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) procedures, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool usage, component testing.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotation and pressure checks, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all vehicle systems.
Repair And Replacement:
Detailed instructions for removing, repairing, and reinstalling all major and minor components.
Wiring And Schematics:
Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, including power distribution, grounds, and signal paths.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications for fasteners, diagnostic data, component clearances, and operating parameters.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and complete overhauls. Includes detailed component diagrams and procedural steps.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5 Stars (Driver & Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5 Stars (Front & Rear Passengers)
ABS:
Standard 4-wheel antilock disc brakes
Traction Control:
Standard All-Speed Traction Control (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control
Airbags:
Dual-stage front airbags, front side-impact airbags, roof-mounted curtain airbags.
Seat Belts:
Front pretensioners with load limiters, rear LATCH system.
Available System:
Infiniti audio system with Bose speakers, CD player, MP3 capability, and optional navigation system.
Connectivity:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free calling, auxiliary audio input.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional; maintains set speed and distance to vehicle ahead.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking assist sensors.
Headlights:
Standard HID (High-Intensity Discharge) Xenon headlights with automatic leveling, optional adaptive forward lighting.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 45,000 miles or as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement V6:
Every 90,000 miles (NGK iridium).
Spark Plug Replacement V8:
Every 100,000 miles (ACDelco iridium or equivalent).
Engine Oil V6:
SAE 0W-30 Synthetic, API SM/SN certified.
Engine Oil V8:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic, API SM/SN certified.
Coolant:
Dex-Cool (GM P/N 12346517 or equivalent), 50/50 mixture with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Northstar Head Gaskets:
While improved in later Northstar iterations, the 'thread-insert' type head gasket failures can still occur if overheated. The manual covers inspection and repair procedures.
Suspension Bushings:
Worn control arm bushings and sway bar links can lead to noise and handling degradation. The manual details their replacement.
HVAC Actuators:
Faulty blend door actuators can cause temperature control issues. The manual provides diagnostic steps for these components.
Brand Legacy:
Cadillac, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing American luxury vehicles, known for comfort and technological innovation.
Sts Lineage:
The STS (Seville Touring Sedan) replaced the outgoing Cadillac Seville. It represented a significant shift for Cadillac, adopting a rear-wheel-drive platform and focusing on a more dynamic driving experience.
Manufacturing Location:
Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant, Lansing, Michigan, USA.
Production Years:
2005-2011 (First Generation).