Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Target Audience:
Luxury car buyers seeking performance and advanced technology.
Competitors:
BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS.
Performance Focus:
Emphasizes powerful V8 engines and sophisticated chassis dynamics, especially with AWD.
Luxury Appointments:
Interior comfort, premium materials, advanced technology for its era.
Manual Utility:
Empowers owners and independent technicians to perform comprehensive maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures for all engine variants (V6, V8).
Engine Performance:
Fuel system, ignition system, emission control systems, cooling system, lubrication system.
Transmission:
Detailed repair and overhaul of automatic transmissions (e.g., 6L80E/6L90E).
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, rear-wheel drive (RWD) axle and driveshaft components.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, power steering.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting system, power windows, locks, mirrors.
Body And Frame:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, chassis diagnostics.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling.
Infotainment And Electronics:
Infotainment system, navigation, audio, climate control modules, body control modules (BCM).
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belt pre-tensioners, diagnostic procedures for safety restraint systems.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom analysis, common fault finding.
Repair:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, and replacement for all systems.
Rebuild Overhaul:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including torque specifications and clearances.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, specific module testing, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics.
Engine 1 Variant:
3.6L V6 (LLT - Direct Injection)
Engine 1 Displacement:
3564 cc (3.6 Liters)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
302 hp @ 6300 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
272 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Engine 2 Variant:
4.6L V8 (Northstar L81)
Engine 2 Displacement:
4632 cc (4.6 Liters)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
320 hp @ 6400 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
315 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Engine 3 Variant:
4.6L V8 (Northstar L7X - Performance variant)
Engine 3 Horsepower:
320 hp @ 6400 rpm (estimated, specific performance variants may vary)
Engine 3 Torque:
315 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (estimated)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Direct Injection (DI) on V6 models.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star Rating (for 2009-2011 models, typical for this era)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Good (Frontal Offset) - Specific year ratings may vary.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control
Brake Assist:
Available/Standard
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners, LATCH system for child seats.
System Name:
Cadillac User Experience (CUE) - though CUE was more prominent in later models, the 2011 STS featured an advanced infotainment system for its time.
Features:
Touchscreen display, navigation system, premium audio (Bose), Bluetooth connectivity, heated/ventilated seats, multi-zone climate control.
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Parking Assist:
Available Rear Parking Assist sensors.
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available Side Blind Zone Alert.
Bluetooth:
Available for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Usb Ports:
Available (depending on trim and options).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic oil. Consult manual for specific oil type and viscosity.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Recommended every 50,000-100,000 miles (80,000-160,000 km) for automatic transmissions, depending on usage. Consult manual for specific fluid type (e.g., Dexron VI).
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil (GM-LL-A-025 or equivalent)
Coolant:
Dex-Cool (Orange) Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant (GMC 6247M or equivalent)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4, depending on specific components.
Common Issue 1:
Water pump leaks (especially on V6 models).
Common Issue 2:
Front suspension component wear (e.g., ball joints, bushings).
Common Issue 3:
HVAC system issues (e.g., blend door actuators).
Common Issue 4:
Infotainment system glitches or failure.
Cadillac Legacy:
Long history of luxury and innovation in the American automotive market.
Sts Lineage:
Successor to the Cadillac Seville, positioned as Cadillac's flagship sedan. The STS was based on the rear-wheel-drive Sigma platform.
Production Period:
2005-2011 (Second Generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Lansing Grand River Assembly, Lansing, Michigan, USA