2008 Cadillac XLR Owner's Manual - Page 90

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 an upshift. 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. Parking Brake The parking brake pedal is located to the left of the regular brake pedal, near the driver's door. 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 parking brake indicator light on the instrument panel cluster should come on. If it does not, you need to have your vehicle serviced. 2-30