maintenance CADILLAC CTS 2008 2.G Owners Manual

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Head Restraints
......................................... 1-2
Front Seats
............................................... 1-4
Rear Seats
..............................................1-11
Safety Belts
.............................................1-12
Child Restraints
.......................................1-32
Airbag System
.........................................1-56
Restraint System Check
............................1-72
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-4
Doors and Locks
......................................2-18
Windows
.................................................2-24
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-28
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-32
Mirrors
....................................................2-50
Object Detection Systems
..........................2-52
OnStar
®System
......................................2-55
Universal Home Remote System
................2-58
Storage Areas
.........................................2-62
Sunroof
..................................................2-63
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-24
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-30
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-48
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-82Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle
....... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-28
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-4
Fuel
......................................................... 5-6
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-12
All-Wheel Drive
........................................5-50
Rear Axle
...............................................5-51
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-52
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-55
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-57
Tires
......................................................5-58
Appearance Care
...................................5-112
Vehicle Identication
...............................5-121
Electrical System
....................................5-122
Capacities and Specications
...................5-129
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-16
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-18
Index................................................................ 1
2008 Cadillac CTS Owner ManualM

Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems
Safety Belts
Now and then, check the safety belt reminder light,
safety belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are all working properly.
Look for any other loose or damaged safety belt system
parts. If you see anything that might keep a safety belt
system from doing its job, have it repaired. Torn or frayed
safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip
apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a
new one right away.
Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working.
SeeSafety Belt Reminders on page 3-33for more
information.
Keep safety belts clean and dry. SeeCare of Safety
Belts on page 5-115.
Airbags
The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled
maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 3-34for more information.
Notice:If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work properly.
Do not open or break the airbag coverings. If there
are any opened or broken airbag covers, have the
airbag covering and/or airbag module replaced.
For the location of the airbag modules, seeWhat
Makes an Airbag Inflate? on page 1-63. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
1-72

DC(Fan):Press theDorCbuttons to increase or
decrease the fan speed. Pressing either button cancels
automatic operation and the system goes into manual
mode. Press AUTO to return to automatic operation.
The blower may reduce during an Onstar
®session
to limit background noise.
If the airow seems low when the fan speed is at
the highest setting, the passenger compartment air
lter might need to be replaced. For more information,
seePassenger Compartment Air Filter on page 3-29and
Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to override the
automatic system and turn the air conditioning system on
or off. When in AUTO, the air conditioning compressor
will come on automatically, as necessary.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so a small amount of water might drip underneath the
vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine. This is
normal.
M/F(Recirculation/Outside Air):Press this
button to switch between recirculation and outside air.
Whenever the button is pressed, the indicator light
comes on for the mode being used. The recirculation
mode recirculates air inside the vehicle. It can be used
to prevent outside air and odors from entering the
vehicle or to help cool the air inside the vehicle more
quickly. Press the auto button to have the system select
the best air delivery mode for your temperature setting.
Recirculation is not available in the defrost mode and
automatically turns off 10 minutes after defog is selected.
This helps to limit window fogging in the vehicle.
Using recirculation for long periods of time could cause
the air inside the vehicle to become too dry or stuffy.
To prevent this from happening, after the air in the vehicle
has cooled, select outside air or press the auto button.
The outside air mode pulls fresh air from outside the
vehicle. Outside air is always selected in defrost mode to
prevent fogging.
_(Heated Windshield Washer, If Equipped):For
more information, seeWindshield Washer on page 3-12.
3-26

Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The passenger compartment air lter traps most of
the dust and pollen from the air entering the vehicle.
The lter will need to be changed periodically.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
Using the climate control system without the passenger
air lter installed could let water or other debris enter
the system. This could cause a water leak or noises.
Make sure to install a new air lter after removing the
old one.
The passenger compartment air lter is located
underneath the hood below the windshield wiper arm
and the screen on the passenger side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-14
for more information on location.To replace the passenger compartment air lter:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off.
2. Turn on the windshield wipers and turn them
off again when the wipers are straight up on
the windshield.
This allows access to the leaf screen.
The passenger compartment air lter is
located under the screen.
3. Open the hood to access the engine compartment.
SeeHood Release on page 5-12for more
information.
4. Remove the three screws that hold the screen in
place and lift off the screen by lifting and sliding it
toward the center of the vehicle.
5. Pull out on the two tabs located on each end of the
lter cover.
6. Lift the lter cover off by pulling it straight up.
7. Remove the old lter and insert a new one.
SeeMaintenance Replacement Parts on page 6-16
for the correct part number for the lter.
8. Reverse Steps 1 through 6 to reinstall the cover.
3-29

If the check engine light comes on to indicate that there
is an OBD II problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before
any problem is apparent. Heeding the light can prevent
more serious damage to your vehicle. This system
assists your service technician in correctly diagnosing
any malfunction.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with
this light on, after a while, the emission controls
might not work as well, your vehicle’s fuel economy
might not be as good, and the engine might not
run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs
that might not be covered by your warranty.
Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of
your vehicle or the replacement of the original tires
with other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect your vehicle’s emission
controls and can cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by your warranty. This could
also result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 5-4.This light comes on during a malfunction in one of
two ways:
Light Flashing:A misre condition has been detected.
A misre increases vehicle emissions and could
damage the emission control system on your vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
The following can prevent more serious damage to the
vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being
hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart
the engine. If the light is still ashing, follow the previous
steps and see your dealer/retailer for service as soon
as possible.
Light On Steady:An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on the vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
3-42

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

Oil Pressure Light
Your vehicle may have this
feature.
If the vehicle has an oil problem, this light may stay on
after the engine is started, or come on while you are
driving.
This light indicates that oil is not going through the
engine quickly enough to keep it lubricated. The engine
could be low on oil or could have some other oil
problem. Have it xed right away.The oil light could also come on in the following
situations:The light will come on briey when the ignition is
turned on to show that it is working properly. If it
does not come on with the ignition on, there may
be a problem with the fuse or bulb. Have it
xed right away.
Sometimes when the engine is idling at a stop, a
chime will sound and the light may blink on and
off. This is normal.
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
The engine can become so hot that it catches
re. You or others could be burned. Check the
oil as soon as possible and have the vehicle
serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance may
damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always follow the
maintenance schedule in this manual for changing
engine oil.
3-44

Engine Oil Pressure Gage
Your vehicle may have an engine oil pressure gage.
It shows the engine oil pressure in psi (pounds per
square inch) when the engine is running. Canadian
vehicles indicate pressure in kPa (kilopascals).
Oil pressure may vary with engine speed, outside
temperature and oil viscosity, but if readings are outside
the normal operating range, the oil pressure light will
come on. SeeOil Pressure Light on page 3-44for more
information.A reading outside the normal operating range may be
caused by a dangerously low oil level or some other
problem causing low oil pressure. Check your oil as
soon as possible. See Oil pressure Low Stop Engine
underDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56
andEngine Oil on page 5-16.
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
The engine can become so hot that it catches
re. You or others could be burned. Check the
oil as soon as possible and have the vehicle
serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
may damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always follow
the maintenance schedule in this manual for
changing engine oil. United States
Canada
3-45

Vehicle Information Display Menu Items
T
(Vehicle Information):The following display
menu items can be displayed by pressing the vehicle
information button:
Oil Life Remaining
If the vehicle has this display, it shows the estimated oil
life remaining. If you see 99% Oil Life Remaining on
the display, that means that 99% of the current oil life
remains.
When the oil life is depleted, the Change Engine Oil
Soon message appears on the display. You should
change the oil as soon as possible. In addition to the
engine oil life system monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended in the Maintenance
Schedule in this manual. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4andEngine Oil on page 5-16.
Remember, you must reset the Oil Life yourself after
each oil change. It does not reset itself. Also, be careful
not to reset the Oil Life accidentally at any time other
than when the oil has just been changed. It cannot
be reset accurately until the next oil change. To reset
the engine oil life system, SeeEngine Oil Life System on
page 5-19. The display shows 100% when the system
is reset.
Units
This display allows you to select between English or
Metric units of measurement. Once in this display,
press the set/reset button to select between English or
Metric units.
Parking Assist
If your vehicle has the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
(URPA) system, this display allows the system to
be turned on or off. Once in this display, press the
set/reset button to select between On or Off. If you
choose On, the system turns on. If you choose Off,
the system turns off. The URPA system automatically
turns back on after each vehicle start. When the URPA
system is turned off and the vehicle is shifted out of
PARK (P), the DIC displays the Parking Assist Off
message as a reminder that the system has been turned
off. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56
andUltrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) on
page 2-52for more information.
3-51

Calibrating Drive In Circles
This message displays when calibrating the compass.
Drive the vehicle in circles at less than 5 mph (8 km/h)
to complete the calibration. SeeDIC Compass on
page 3-53for more information.
Calibration Complete
This message displays when the compass calibration is
complete. SeeDIC Compass on page 3-53for more
information.
Change Engine Oil Soon
When this message displays, it means that service is
required for your vehicle. See your dealer/retailer.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-16andScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4for more information.
When you reset the Change Engine Oil Soon 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 5-19.
Check Tire Pressure
This message displays when the pressure in one or
more of the vehicle’s tires needs to be checked.
This message also displays Left Front, Right Front,
Left Rear, or Right Rear to indicate which tire needs
to be checked. You can receive more than one tire
pressure message at a time. To read the other
messages that may have been sent at the same time,
press the set/reset button. If a tire pressure message
appears on the DIC, stop as soon as you can. Have the
tire pressures checked and set to those shown on the
Tire Loading Information label. SeeTires on page 5-58,
Loading the Vehicle on page 4-22, andInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-66. The DIC display also shows the
tire pressure values. SeeDIC Operation and Displays
on page 3-48. If the tire pressure is low, the low tire
pressure warning light comes on. SeeTire Pressure
Light on page 3-41.
Cruise Set To XXX MPH (km/h)
This message displays whenever the cruise control is set.
SeeCruise Control on page 3-14for more information.
Driver Door Open
This message displays when the driver door is not closed
completely. Make sure that the door is closed completely.
3-58