[andynice20]

Hey guys! Just came out of a '11 CTS coupe into a '09 STS4... (Long story, involves snow and RWD).
Anyways, always been a big forum guy and love to play with mods so just saying hi!

What's the first mods (if any) that you guys did? Can an aftermarket head unit be out in one of these or is it like the CTS where the HU controls every gauge, etc?

 

[chazglenn3]

Welcome to the STS world! The nav system head unit controls everything for sure and I think the base radio does as well but I'm not sure. Someone will be along to verify soon enough.

 

[andynice20]

Thanks Chaz! Mine has factory Nav but for some reason I'm getting "DVD Map Read Error" or something. Got an appt at the dealer Wednesday to fix.
Also does anyone know if the hands free button on the steering wheel works with the Bluetooth feature? I came out of an Acura and I could verbalize "Call 401-555-5555". Does that work on the STS? I've tried "call" and "dial" to no avail...

 

[AllWheelEric]

Good luck with the dealer. A possible source of the problem is you have the wrong DVD. One from a DTS or CTS won't work, for example. You could get the part number off the DVD and search this forum to see if it matches.

The voice commands won't work until you have the correct Nav DVD. Yes, you can do voice dial, but it's torture. Most voice commands are torture. It's so painful, I find it easier to dial on my handset, or use my handset's voice commands to dial. And I'm a geek and really wanted to like the voice commands.

Ask your dealer for a sheet with the proper phrases to use. Also, spending some time with the Navigation manual would be time well spent. It is a separate book. Ask for one if you didn't get one.

 

[orange57]

Which engine did you get? Not too many mods available for the car. The Northstar especially short of exhaust and intake which from what I have read don't do much, and it seems an intake makes more problems than ponies.

If you don't have the NAV, you can install a factory nav unit. That is all I did to the car. That and floor mats with a Cadillac Logo

 

[andynice20]

Got the V6 AWD model. Gas mileage was kind of important.
I have the factory Nav, and I bought it from a dealer so they are covering the Map issue.
So aside from maybe tints and wheels that's about it huh?!

 

[ECha3]

AllwheelE is right. The STS VR is close to worthless. With practice & care, it can be used but it's really circa 2000 technology.

The rest of the STS is better but you won't find a lot of mods. Since you've got the V6, your CTS 3.6 contacts should prove valuable.

I advise you get a Lockpick.

 

[andynice20]

"Lockpick"?

 

[curtc]

"Lockpick"?

Enables ALL Nav features while in motion, ie., video playback

 

[Ludacrisvp]

Enables ALL Nav features while in motion, ie., video playback

Well, not exactly ... it does do all of that while in D or sD (probably also while in N) but they do not work while in Reverse! So no backup camera integration if you were looking to go that route ever. I do believe that the older model lockpick for the 2005-2007 STS did Reverse though.

 

[andynice20]

Lol, I already ordered the backup cam so there goes that!

 

[1BadCadSTS]

Correct. Only modified tomm lock pick functions in reverse.

 

[andynice20]

Correct. Only modified tomm lock pick functions in reverse.

I'm sorry, but what's a "modified tomm lockpick"? And where would one acquire this? This would give all the feature and functionality of a lockpick with the ability to use a backup cam?

 

[Cadillac Customer Service]

Congratulations on your STS, Andy! As a Customer Service representative, If you have any lingering questions after consulting with your dealer, don't hesitate to contact me via email at [email protected], and I can contact your dealer for you to follow up on your behalf. I'm also happy to provide you with your STS's build sheet and warranty expiration dates if you like.

Best,

Katie
Cadillac Customer Service

 

[1BadCadSTS]

I'm sorry, but what's a "modified tomm lockpick"? And where would one acquire this? This would give all the feature and functionality of a lockpick with the ability to use a backup cam?

It's a lock pick modified by our member tomm.

 

[r1concepts]

Welcome to the site! You'll find everything you need to know right on here.

 

[ECha3]

Order through BestRadarDetectors.net, a forum sponsor. Tomm doesn't make a batch as often lately, but if the site lets you order, he will take care of you. He's good people.

There's a great 'Official Lockpick Thread' with all the details.

 

[andynice20]

Just saw that thread. So just to confirm, Tomm's lockpick will enable me to use nav, BT, etc while moving as well as use a backup cam?

 

[ECha3]

2005-2007 STS Lockpick with mechanical switch do enable all 'locked-out' Nav functions, even in reverse. You could install a backup cam but you'd likely never use it; too much trouble. After shifting to reverse, you'd have to engage the Lockpick, select Aux-In (and lose your audio), back up and shift to drive, change the source back to your desired audio, turn off the Lockpick and drive away.


Plus, if you hardwire a camera, you can't use the Aux-inputs for anything else.

But it is your car, enjoy!