2008 Cadillac STS Owner's Manual - Page 107

The transmission will only allow you to shift into gears appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine Revolutions Per Minute (RPM). The transmission will not automatically shift to the next higher gear if the engine RPM is too high. If shifting is prevented for any reason, the selected gear will flash multiple times, indicating that the transmission has not shifted gears. The transmission will allow you to shift to the gear selected and will automatically downshift when the vehicle comes to a stop. This will allow for more power during take-off and passing. This vehicle has a push-to-release parking brake pedal. To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal down with your right foot and push the parking brake pedal down with your left foot. If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light on the instrument panel cluster should come on. If it does not, you need to have your vehicle serviced. See Brake System Warning Light on page 3-64 for more information. To release the parking brake, hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and push the parking brake pedal with your left foot. When you lift your left foot, the parking brake releases. 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. A warning chime will sound if the parking brake is set, the ignition is on and the vehicle begins to move. To stop the chime, fully release the parking brake. If you are towing a trailer and parking on a hill, see Towing a Trailer (Vehicles With Heavy Duty Cooling) on page 4-34 or Towing a Trailer (Vehicles Without Heavy Duty Cooling) on page 4-40 for more information. Parking Brake The parking brake pedal is located on the lower portion of the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel. 2-35