2007 Cadillac XLR-V Owner's Manual - Page 96

Not all manual downshift requests will be allowed by the transmission. To prevent excessive engine RPMs, each gear has a maximum vehicle speed associated with it. Any downshift request above this speed is not allowed by the transmission. If shifting is prevented for any reason, the current gear flashes multiple times in the Driver Information Center (DIC), indicating that the transmission has not shifted gears. Some automatic downshifts can occur to maintain minimum engine speed. This only happens if the vehicle is left in too high of a gear for the vehicle's speed. For example, if you have been driving in sixth gear range and come to a stop without manually downshifting, the transmission automatically downshifts to first gear and displays first gear on the HUD. As you begin to drive and accelerate, the transmission remains in first gear until the driver selects a downshift. DSC can be used while using cruise control, but transmission shifting is different while the cruise control is on. This is not a malfunction and is necessary to let proper operation of the cruise control. To return to fully automatic operation, move the shift lever to the right and back into DRIVE (D). When accelerating your vehicle from a stop in snowy and icy conditions, you may want to shift into second gear. A higher gear lets you gain more traction on slippery surfaces. In higher gears, on the XLR only, an automatic downshift occurs if you press the accelerator pedal to the floor. This feature provides adequate acceleration capabilities if you forget to downshift manually. Tap the shifter forward and the vehicle upshifts. 96