Battery CADILLAC CTS 2008 2.G User Guide

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
10 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Power Windows
Sunroof (if equipped)
Power to the audio system will work up to 10 minutes or
until the driver’s door is opened. Power to the windows
or sunroof will work up to 10 minutes or until any
door is opened. For an additional 10 minutes of
operation, close all the doors and turn the key to
ON/RUN and then back to LOCK/OFF.
Starting the Engine
Place the transmission in the proper gear.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
The engine will not start in any other position -- this
is a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.If your vehicle has the keyless access system, put your
foot on the brake pedal and turn the ignition control
knob to the START position. When the engine begins
cranking, let go of the ignition control knob, it will return
to the ON/RUN position.
If the transmitter is not in the vehicle or something is
interfering with the transmitter, the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display Electronic Key Not Detected.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56for
more information.
If the battery in the keyless access transmitter needs
replacing, the DIC displays Replace Battery In Remote
Key. The vehicle can still be driven. See “Battery
Replacement” underKeyless Access System Operation
on page 2-10for more information.
Notice:Do not try to shift to P (Park) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage
the transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
2-35

Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in neutral position and the
parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal down
to the oor and start the engine. Your vehicle will
not start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down.
That is a safety feature.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. If your vehicle has the keyless
access system, make sure there is a keyless access
transmitter in the vehicle. When the engine starts,
let go of the ignition. The idle speed will go down
as your engine gets warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the engine
and protects components. If the ignition key is turned
to the START position, and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the engine will continue
cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts.
If the engine does not start and the key is held in
START for many seconds, cranking will be stopped
after 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage.
To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents
cranking if the engine is already running. Engine
cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition
switch to ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or−18°C),
it could be ooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the oor
and holding it there as you hold the key in START
for up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let go of
the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briey
but then stops again, do the same thing. This clears
the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently until the oil warms
up and lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in the vehicle. If you add electrical parts
or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, the
engine might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
2-36

Shifting Out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift
lever is in PARK (P) with the shift lever button
fully released, for vehicles with key access.
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of
PARK (P), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal
is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional except in the
case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-45for more
information.
To shift out of PARK (P) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Then press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.If you still are unable to shift out of PARK (P):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift
lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
Parking the Vehicle
(Manual Transmission)
Before you get out of your vehicle, place the shift
lever in R (Reverse) and rmly apply the parking brake.
For vehicles with the key access ignition, turn the ignition
key to OFF/LOCK, press the release button and remove
the key. See “Key Release Button” underIgnition
Positions (Key Access) on page 2-32orIgnition Positions
(Keyless Access) on page 2-34for more information.
For vehicles with the keyless access ignition, turn
the ignition to LOCK/OFF and remove the keyless
access transmitter.
If you are towing a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-30.
2-47

OnStar Steering Wheel Controls
Your vehicle may have a Talk/Mute button that can
be used to interact with OnStar Hands-Free Calling.
SeeAudio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-124for
more information.
On some vehicles, you may have to hold the button for
a few seconds and give the command “ONSTAR” to
activate the OnStar Hands-Free Calling.
On some vehicles, the mute button can be used to
dial numbers into voicemail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner’s Guide for
more information.
How OnStar Service Works
Your vehicle’s OnStar system has the capability
of recording and transmitting vehicle information.
This information is automatically sent to an OnStar
Call Center at the time of an OnStar button press,
Emergency button press or if your airbags or AACN
system deploys. The vehicle information usually includes
your GPS location and, in the event of a crash, additional
information regarding the accident that your vehicle has
been involved in (e.g. the direction from which your
vehicle was hit). When you use the Virtual Advisor feature
of OnStar Hands-Free Calling, your vehicle also sends
OnStar your GPS location so that we can provide you
with location-based services.OnStar service cannot work unless your vehicle is in a
place where OnStar has an agreement with a wireless
service provider for service in that area. OnStar service
also cannot work unless you are in a place where the
wireless service provider OnStar has hired for that area
has coverage, network capacity and reception when the
service is needed, and technology that is compatible
with the OnStar service. Not all services are available
everywhere, particularly in remote or enclosed areas,
or at all times.
Location information about your vehicle is only available
if the GPS satellite signals are unobstructed and
available.
Your vehicle must have a working electrical system
(including adequate battery power) for the OnStar
equipment to operate. There are other problems OnStar
cannot control that may prevent OnStar from providing
OnStar service to you at any particular time or place.
Some examples are damage to important parts of your
vehicle in an accident, hills, tall buildings, tunnels,
weather or wireless phone network congestion.
Your Responsibility
Increase the radio volume if you cannot hear the OnStar
advisor. If the light next to the OnStar buttons is red, this
means that your system is not functioning properly and
should be checked by your dealer/retailer. If the light
appears clear (no light is appearing), your OnStar
subscription has expired. You can always press the
OnStar button to conrm that your OnStar equipment
is active.
2-57

Keep the original hand-held transmitter for use in other
vehicles as well as for future Universal Home Remote
programming. It is also recommended that upon the
sale of the vehicle, the programmed Universal Home
Remote buttons should be erased for security purposes.
See “Erasing Universal Home Remote Buttons” later
in this section.
When programming a garage door, park outside of the
garage. Park directly in line with and facing the garage
door opener motor-head or gate motor-head. Be sure that
people and objects are clear of the garage door or gate
that is being programmed.
It is recommended that a new battery be installed
in your hand-held transmitter for quicker and more
accurate transmission of the radio-frequency signal.
Programming the Universal Home
Remote System
For questions or help programming the Universal
Home Remote System, call 1-800-355-3515 or go to
www.homelink.com.
Programming a garage door opener involves
time-sensitive actions, so read the entire procedure
before starting. Otherwise, the device will time out and
the procedure will have to be repeated.To program up to three devices:
1. From inside the vehicle, press and hold down the
two outside buttons at the same time, releasing
only when the Universal Home Remote indicator
light begins to ash, after 20 seconds. This step
will erase the factory settings or all previously
programmed buttons.
Do not hold down the buttons for longer than
30 seconds and do not repeat this step to program
the remaining two Universal Home Remote buttons.
2. Hold the end of your hand-held transmitter about
1 to 3 inches (3 to 8 cm) away from the Universal
Home Remote buttons while keeping the indicator
light in view. The hand-held transmitter was supplied
by the manufacturer of your garage door opener
receiver (motor head unit).
2-59

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel...................3-6
Power Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering
Column......................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-9
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Rainsense™ Wipers......................................3-10
Windshield Washer.......................................3-12
Headlamp Washer........................................3-13
Cruise Control..............................................3-14
Headlamps..................................................3-17
Wiper Activated Headlamps............................3-17
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-17
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-18
Adaptive Forward Lighting System...................3-19
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-19
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver........................3-20
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-20
Entry Lighting...............................................3-20
Parade Dimming...........................................3-20
Reading Lamps............................................3-21
Electric Power Management...........................3-21Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-22
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-22
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-23
Analog Clock...............................................3-23
Climate Controls............................................3-24
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-24
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-28
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-29
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-30
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-31
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-32
Trip Odometers............................................3-32
Tachometer.................................................3-32
Engine Speed Limiter....................................3-32
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-33
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-34
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-35
Charging System Light..................................3-37
Up-Shift Light...............................................3-37
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-38
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....3-39
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®
Warning Light...........................................3-39
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-40
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-40
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-41
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Exterior Lighting Battery Saver
The exterior lamps turn off about 10 minutes after the
ignition is turned to LOCK/OFF, if the parking lamps
or headlamps have been left on. This protects against
draining the battery. The battery saver does not
work if the headlamps are turned on after the ignition
is turned to LOCK/OFF.
To keep the lamps on for more than 10 minutes, turn
the lamps back on with the exterior lamp control.
Instrument Panel Brightness
The knob with this symbol
is located on the instrument
panel to the left of the
steering column.
Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to brighten
or dim the lights.
Turn the knob completely clockwise to turn on the
interior lamps.
Entry Lighting
The entry lighting system turns on the reading and
dome lamps and the backlighting to the exterior lamp
control, when a door is opened or if the transmitter
unlock button is pressed. If activated by the transmitter,
the lighting stays on for about 25 seconds. The entry
lighting system uses the light sensor on the instrument
panel; so it must be dark outside in order for the
lamps to turn on. The lamps turn off about 25 seconds
after the last door is closed. They dim then turn
off if the ignition key is turned to ON/RUN. They
immediately turn off if the power locks are used.
Parade Dimming
This feature does not let the instrument panel backlight
dim during daylight hours while the key is in the
ignition and the headlamps are on. Parade dimming
automatically works with the light sensor, located on top
of the dashboard. If it is dark enough outside and the
parking lamps are on, the backlight on the instrument
panel can be adjusted by turning the instrument panel
brightness knob clockwise or counterclockwise to
brighten or dim the lighting. SeeInstrument Panel
Brightness on page 3-20.
3-20

Reading Lamps
The reading lamps are located on the overhead console.
These lamps come on automatically when any door is
opened.
For manual operation, press the button next to each
lamp to turn it on or off.
If the reading lamps are left on, they automatically shut
off 10 minutes after the ignition has been turned off.
Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery’s temperature and state of charge.
It then adjusts the voltage for best performance and
extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage
is raised slightly to quickly put the charge back in.
When the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered
slightly to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a
voltmeter gage or a voltage display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), you may see the voltage
move up or down. This is normal. If there is a problem,
an alert will be displayed.The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator (alternator) may not be
spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the power that
is needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following loads are on: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at
high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output
and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase
engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands of
some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels
of corrective action, this action may be noticeable to
the driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message might be displayed, such as Battery Saver
Active or Service Battery Charging System. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that the
driver reduce the electrical loads as much as possible.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56.
3-21

Battery Run-Down Protection
Your vehicle has a feature to help prevent battery drain
if accessory lamps are left on or something is left plugged
into the accessory power outlet or cigarette lighter, if the
vehicle has one. If accessory lamps such as the vanity
mirror, cargo, reading, console, or glove box are left on,
they automatically time-out after about 20 minutes.
To reset the battery protection, all of the above lamps
must be turned off or the ignition must be in the ACC/
ACCESSORY position.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Accessory power outlets can be used to connect
auxiliary electrical equipment, such as a cellular
telephone or CB radio.
There are three accessory power outlets. There is an
outlet located in the front storage area below the climate
control system, one inside the center console storage
bin, and one on the rear of the center console.
To use an outlet, remove the protective cap. When not
in use, always cover the outlet with the protective cap.
The accessory power outlet is operational at all times.Notice:If electrical devices are left plugged into a
power outlet, the battery may drain causing your
vehicle not to start or damage to the battery.
This would not be covered by the warranty.
Always unplug all electrical devices when turning
off your vehicle.
Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible
with the accessory power outlet and could result
in blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience
a problem see your dealer/retailer for additional
information on accessory power outlets.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to the
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating
of 20 amperes. Check with your dealer/retailer before
adding electrical equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by your warranty. Do not
hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the power outlets are
designed for accessory power plugs only.
3-22

An emission system malfunction might be corrected by
doing the following:
Make sure the fuel cap is fully installed. SeeFilling
the Tank on page 5-9. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap
allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed
should turn the light off.
If the vehicle has been driven through a deep
puddle of water, the vehicle’s electrical system
might be wet. The condition is usually corrected
when the electrical system dries out. A few driving
trips should turn the light off.
Make sure to fuel the vehicle with quality fuel.
Poor fuel quality causes the engine not to run
as efficiently as designed and may cause: stalling
after start-up, stalling when the vehicle is changed
into gear, misring, hesitation on acceleration,
or stumbling on acceleration. These conditions
might go away once the engine is warmed up.
If one or more of these conditions occurs, change
the fuel brand used. It will require at least one
full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 5-7.
If none of the above have made the light turn off,
your dealer/retailer can check the vehicle.The dealer/retailer has the proper test equipment
and diagnostic tools to x any mechanical or
electrical problems that might have developed.
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or
might begin programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on the vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection
could prevent getting a vehicle registration.
Here are some things to know to help the vehicle pass
an inspection:
The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the check
engine light is on or not working properly.
The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD
(on-board diagnostic) system determines that critical
emission control systems have not been completely
diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would be
considered not ready for inspection. This can happen
if the battery has recently been replaced or if the
battery has run down. The diagnostic system is
designed to evaluate critical emission control
systems during normal driving. This can take several
days of routine driving. If this has been done and the
vehicle still does not pass the inspection for lack of
OBD system readiness, your dealer/retailer can
prepare the vehicle for inspection.
3-43