check engine light CADILLAC CTS 2007 1.G User Guide

Check Engine Oil Pressure Message
Your vehicle may have
this feature. When you
see this ashing
symbol, the engine oil
pressure is low.
To acknowledge this warning, press either button
on the outboard switch on the left spoke of the
steering wheel. After you press this button,
the warning will redisplay every 10 minutes until
the pressure returns to the normal operating
range. Oil pressure should be 20 to 80 psi
(140 to 550 kPa). In certain situations such as
long, extended idles on hot days, it could read as
low as 6 psi (40 kPa) and still be considered
normal. It may vary with engine speed, outside
temperature and oil viscosity. The Oil Pressure
Light should also come on. SeeOil Pressure Light
on page 212for more information.
Oil Temperature Warning Message
When you see this
ashing symbol, the
engine oil temperature
is high.
To acknowledge this warning, press either button
on the outboard switch on the left spoke of the
steering wheel. After you press a button, the
warning will come on every 10 minutes until the
temperature returns to the normal operating range.
Driving aggressively or driving on long hills can
cause the engine oil temperature to be higher than
normal. If this warning is displayed during
normal vehicle operation on at roads, your vehicle
may need service. See your dealer for an
inspection. SeeEngine Oil on page 346for more
information.
220

Change Engine Oil
This message indicates that the life of the engine
oil has expired and it should be changed and
that your vehicle is due for service. See your
dealer. SeeEngine Oil on page 346and
Scheduled Maintenance on page 462for more
information.
When you reset the Change Engine Oil message
by clearing it from the display, you still must
reset the engine oil life system separately. For
more information on resetting the engine oil
life system, seeEngine Oil Life System on
page 349. If you clear this message from the
display, it will not re-appear.
Change Trans (Transmission) Fluid
(Automatic Transmission)
This message indicates that the life of the
transmission uid has expired and it should be
changed. SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 462andRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 473for the proper uid and
change intervals.When you reset the Change Trans Fluid message
by clearing it from the display, you still must
reset the transmission uid life monitor separately.
For more information on resetting the transmission
uid life monitor, seeAutomatic Transmission
Fluid on page 353.
Check Brake Fluid
This message will display if the ignition is in ON to
inform the driver that the brake uid level is low.
Have the brake system serviced by your dealer as
soon as possible. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 205andBrakes on page 371
for more information.
Check Gas Cap
When this message appears on the display, the
gas cap has not been fully tightened. You
should recheck the gas cap to ensure that it is on
and tightened properly. See “If the Light Is On
Steady” underMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 209for more information.
235

Check Tire Pressure
If your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
system, this message indicates that one or
more of the vehicle’s tires are low. SeeStatus of
Vehicle Systems on page 223for information
on checking your vehicle’s tire pressures. Also,
seeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 405
andInation - Tire Pressure on page 402for
more information.
Check Washer Fluid
When this message appears on the display, it
means that your vehicle is low on windshield
washer uid. You should rell the windshield
washer uid reservoir as soon as possible. See
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 369for
more information.
Competitive Driving (CTS-V)
When competitive driving mode is turned on with
the TC (traction control) button, this message
will be displayed on the DIC. The TC light will be
on when the competitive driving mode is on.
The Traction Control System (TCS) will not
operate while in competitive driving mode. You
should adjust your driving accordingly. Seethe CTS-V portion ofTraction Control System
(TCS) (CTS) on page 293orTraction Control
System (TCS) (CTS-V) on page 295for more
information.
Driver Door Ajar
When this message appears on the display, it
means that the driver’s door was not closed
completely. You should make sure that the driver’s
door is closed completely.
Engine Coolant Hot – AC
(Air Conditioning) Off
This message displays when the engine coolant
becomes hotter than the normal operating
temperature. To avoid added strain on a hot
engine, the air conditioning compressor is
automatically turned off. When the coolant
temperature returns to normal, the air conditioning
compressor will turn back on. You can continue
to drive your vehicle.
If this message continues to appear, have the
system repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible to avoid damage to the engine or
transmission.
236

Ice Possible
This message appears when the outside
temperature is cold enough to create icy road
conditions.
Left Rear Door Ajar
When this message appears on the display, it
means that the driver’s side rear door was
not closed completely. You should make sure that
the door is closed completely.
Oil Pressure Low – Stop Engine
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
engine oil pressure is low, severe engine
damage may occur. If a low oil pressure
warning appears on the instrument panel
cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Do not drive the vehicle until the
cause of the low oil pressure is corrected. See
Engine Oil on page 346for more information.
Passenger Door Ajar
When this message appears on the display, it
means that the passenger’s side front door was
not closed completely. You should make sure that
the door is closed completely.
Right Rear Door Ajar
When this message appears on the display, it
means that the passenger’s side rear door was not
closed completely. You should check to make
sure that the door is closed completely.
Service AC (Air Conditioning) System
This message appears when the electronic
sensors that control the air conditioning and
heating systems are no longer working. Have the
climate control system serviced by your dealer
if you notice a drop in heating and air conditioning
efficiency.
Service Air Bag
There is a problem with the airbag system when
this message appears. Have your vehicle serviced
by your dealer immediately. SeeAirbag Readiness
Light on page 201for more information.
Service Brake Assist
This message will display when a problem with
the panic brake assist system has been detected.
Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer.
238

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive
in spurts — heavy acceleration followed by
heavy braking — rather than keeping pace with
traffic. This is a mistake. The brakes may not have
time to cool between hard stops. The brakes
will wear out much faster if you do a lot of heavy
braking. If you keep pace with the traffic
and allow realistic following distances, you will
eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking. That means
better braking and longer brake life.
If your vehicle’s engine ever stops while you are
driving, brake normally but do not pump the
brakes. If you do, the pedal may get harder to
push down. If the engine stops, you will still have
some power brake assist. But you will use it
when you brake. Once the power assist is used
up, it may take longer to stop and the brake pedal
will be harder to push.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your
vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories and
Modications on page 332.Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
Your vehicle has the Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS), an advanced electronic braking system that
will help prevent a braking skid.
When you start the engine and begin to drive
away, ABS will check itself. You may hear
a momentary motor or clicking noise while this test
is going on, and you may even notice that the
brake pedal moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem
with ABS, this warning
light will stay on.
SeeAnti-Lock Brake
System Warning
Light on page 206.
291

Before changing lanes, check your mirrors.
Then use your turn signal.
Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly
over your shoulder to make sure there is not
another vehicle in your blind spot.
Once you are moving on the freeway, make
certain you allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your
exit, do not, under any circumstances, stop and
back up. Drive on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite
sharply. The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce
your speed according to your speedometer, not
to your sense of motion. After driving for any
distance at higher speeds, you may tend to think
you are going slower than you actually are.Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested.
If you must start when you are not fresh — such as
after a day’s work — do not plan to make too
many miles that rst part of the journey. Wear
comfortable clothing and shoes you can easily
drive in.
Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it
needs service, have it done before starting out.
Of course, you will nd experienced and able
service experts in GM dealerships all across
North America. They will be ready and willing to
help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir
full? Are all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you
checked all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses
clean?
312

You can run the engine to keep warm, but be
careful.
{CAUTION:
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your
vehicle. This can cause deadly CO
(carbon monoxide) gas to get inside.
CO could overcome you and kill you.
You cannot see it or smell it, so you might
not know it is in your vehicle. Clear away
snow from around the base of your
vehicle, especially any that is blocking the
exhaust pipe. And check around again
from time to time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
Open a window just a little on the side of
the vehicle that is away from the wind.
This will help keep CO out.
Run your engine only as long as you must.
This saves fuel. When you run the engine, make it
go a little faster than just idle. That is, push the
accelerator slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat
that you get and it keeps the battery charged.
319

Service........................................................ 332
Accessories and Modications................... 332
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 333
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 333
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle.......................................... 334
Fuel............................................................. 334
Gasoline Octane........................................ 334
Gasoline Specications.............................. 335
California Fuel........................................... 335
Additives................................................... 336
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 336
Filling the Tank......................................... 337
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 339
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 340
Hood Release........................................... 341
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 342
Engine Oil................................................. 346
Engine Oil Life System.............................. 349
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter............................ 351
Automatic Transmission Fluid.................... 353
Manual Transmission Fluid........................ 354Hydraulic Clutch........................................ 356
Engine Coolant.......................................... 356
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap............ 360
Engine Overheating................................... 360
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..................................... 362
Cooling System......................................... 363
Power Steering Fluid................................. 368
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 369
Brakes...................................................... 371
Battery...................................................... 375
Jump Starting............................................ 376
Rear Axle.................................................... 382
Headlamp Aiming........................................ 383
Bulb Replacement....................................... 386
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting..... 386
Halogen Bulbs........................................... 386
Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps............. 387
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Sidemarker Lamps................................. 388
Back-Up and License Plate Lamps............ 389
Replacement Bulbs................................... 389
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
329

If your vehicle has the 6.0L V8 engine (VIN
Code U), use premium unleaded gasoline with a
posted octane rating of 91 or higher. You may also
use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher, but your vehicle’s acceleration may be
slightly reduced, and you may notice a slight
audible knocking noise, commonly referred to as
spark knock. If the octane is less than 87, you may
notice a heavy knocking noise when you drive.
If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might
damage your engine. If you are using gasoline
rated at 87 octane or higher and you hear heavy
knocking, your engine needs service.
Gasoline Specications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM
specication D 4814 in the United States or
CAN/CGSB-3.5 in Canada. Some gasolines may
contain an octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT). General Motors recommends against the
use of gasolines containing MMT. SeeAdditives
on page 336for additional information.
California Fuel
If your vehicle is certied to meet California
Emissions Standards, it is designed to operate on
fuels that meet California specications. See
the underhood emission control label. If this fuel is
not available in states adopting California
emissions standards, your vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal
specications, but emission control system
performance may be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp may turn on and your vehicle may
fail a smog-check test. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 209. If this occurs, return to
your authorized GM dealer for diagnosis. If it is
determined that the condition is caused by the type
of fuel used, repairs may not be covered by
your warranty.
335

Engine Oil
There is an oil pressure
light in the instrument
cluster and an Oil
Pressure Low - Stop
Engine message on the
Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the light and/or message appear, check the
engine oil level right away. For more information,
see “Oil Pressure Low - Stop Engine” under
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 232andOil
Pressure Light on page 212. You should check
the engine oil level regularly; this is an added
reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil every time
you get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading,
the oil must be warm and the vehicle must be
on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 342
for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil
several minutes to drain back into the oil
pan. If you do not do this, the oil dipstick might
not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper
towel or cloth, then push it back in all the
way. Remove it again, keeping the tip down,
and check the level.
346