weight CADILLAC DTS 2010 1.G User Guide

Certification Label
A vehiclespecific Certification label is attached tothe rear edge of the driver’s door. This label showsthe gross weight capacity of your vehicle, called theGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWRincludes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants,fuel, and cargo. Never exceed the GVWR for yourvehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)for either the front or rear axle.
If your vehicle is a Professional Vehicle, thevehicle specific Certification label is provided bythe final stage manufacturer. The coach-buildershould be consulted if the final stagemanufacturer’s label is not present. The GrossVehicle Weight Rating GVWR label should be onthe driver’s door edge.
If you do have a heavy load, you should spread itout. See “Steps for Determining Correct LoadLimit” earlier in this section.
{WARNING:
Do not load the vehicle any heavier than theGross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), oreither the maximum front or rear Gross AxleWeight Rating (GAWR). If you do, parts on thevehicle can break, and it can change the wayyour vehicle handles. These could cause youto lose control and crash. Also, overloadingcan shorten the life of the vehicle.
5-22

Notice:Overloading the vehicle may causedamage. Repairs would not be covered by thevehicle warranty. Do not overload the vehicle.
If you put things inside your vehicle, likesuitcases, tools, packages, or anything else, theywill go as fast as the vehicle goes. If you haveto stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, theywill keep going.
{WARNING:
Things you put inside your vehicle can strikeand injure people in a sudden stop or turn, orin a crash.
•Put things in the trunk of your vehicle. In
a trunk, put them as far forward as youcan. Try to spread the weight evenly.
•Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so that someof them are above the tops of the seats.
•Do not leave an unsecured child restraint
in your vehicle.
•When you carry something inside the
vehicle, secure it whenever you can.
Automatic Level Control
This feature keeps the rear of your vehicle levelas the load changes. It is automatic, you donot need to adjust anything.
This type of level control is fully automatic and willprovide a better leveled riding position as well asbetter handling under a variety of passenger andloading conditions. An air compressor connected tothe rear shocks will raise or lower the rear of thevehicle to maintain proper vehicle height. Thesystem is activated when the ignition key is turnedto ON/RUN and will automatically adjust vehicleheight thereafter. The system may exhaust(lower vehicle height) for up to ten minutes afterthe ignition key has been turned to LOCK/OFF.You may hear the air compressor operating whenthe height is being adjusted.
5-23

Towing a Trailer
The Cadillac Professional Vehicle cannot tow a trailer.
{WARNING:
The driver can lose control when pulling a trailer if
the correct equipment is not used or the vehicle is
not driven properly. For example, if the trailer is
too heavy, the brakes may not work well — or
even at all. The driver and passengers could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged; the resulting repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer only
if all the steps in this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer/retailer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Notice:Pulling a trailer improperly can damage thevehicle and result in costly repairs not coveredby the vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer correctly,follow the advice in this section and see yourdealer/retailer for important information abouttowing a trailer with the vehicle.
The vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with theproper trailer towing equipment. To identify the traileringcapacity of the vehicle, read the information in “Weightof the Trailer” that appears later in this section. Traileringis different than just driving the vehicle by itself.Trailering means changes in handling, acceleration,braking, durability and fuel economy. Successful, safetrailering takes correct equipment, and it has to beused properly.
The following information has many time-tested,important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of theseare important for the safety of the driver and thepassengers. So please read this section carefully beforepulling a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine,transmission, axles, wheel assemblies and tires areforced to work harder against the drag of the addedweight. The engine is required to operate at relativelyhigher speeds and under greater loads, generating extraheat. The trailer also adds considerably to windresistance, increasing the pulling requirements.
5-26

Pulling A Trailer
Here are some important points:
•There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make surethe rig will be legal, not only where you live butalso where you will be driving. A good source forthis information can be state or provincial police.
•Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 1,000 miles
(1600 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,transmission or other parts could be damaged.The repairs would not be covered by thevehicle’s warranty.
•Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)and do not make starts at full throttle. This helpsthe engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in atthe heavier loads.
•Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission
to a lower gear if the transmission shifts too oftenunder heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
•Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer.
Do not drive faster than the maximum postedspeed for trailers, or no more than 55 mph(90 km/h), to save wear on the vehicle’s parts.
•Do not tow a trailer when the outside temperature is
above 100°F (38°C).
•If the vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system and it doesn’t seem to be working properlywhile pulling a trailer, turn the system off. SeeSideBlind Zone Alert (SBZA) on page 3-43for moreinformation.
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
•The weight of the trailer
•The weight of the trailer tongue
•The total weight on the vehicle’s tires
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg).But even that can be too heavy.
It depends on how the rig is used. For example, speed,altitude, road grades, outside temperature and howmuch the vehicle is used to pull a trailer are allimportant. It can depend on any special equipment onthe vehicle, and the amount of tongue weight the vehiclecan carry. See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue” later inthis section for more information.
5-27

Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only thedriver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the requiredtrailering equipment. The weight of additional optionalequipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehiclemust be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight.
Ask your dealer/retailer for trailering information oradvice, or write us at our Customer Assistance Offices.SeeCustomer Assistance Offices on page 8-6formore information.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weightto measure because it affects the total gross weightof the vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargocarried in it, and the people who will be riding in thevehicle. If there are a lot of options, equipment,passengers or cargo in the vehicle, it will reduce thetongue weight the vehicle can carry, which will alsoreduce the trailer weight the vehicle can tow. If towing atrailer, the tongue load must be added to the GVWbecause the vehicle will be carrying that weight, too.SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 5-18for moreinformation about the vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
Using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer tongue (A)should weigh 10 to 15 percent of the total loaded trailerweight (B).
After loading the trailer, weigh the trailer and then thetongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper.If they are not, adjustments might be made by movingsome items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on the Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure the vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper limitfor cold tires. These numbers can be found on theCertification/Tire label. SeeLoading the Vehicle onpage 5-18. Make sure not to go over the GVW limit for thevehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue.
5-28

Hitches
It is important to have the correct hitch equipment.Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are afew reasons why the right hitch is needed. Here are somerules to follow:
•The rear bumper on the vehicle is not intended for
hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or otherbumper-type hitches to it. Use only a frame-mountedhitch that does not attach to the bumper.
•Will any holes be made in the body of the vehicle
when the trailer hitch is installed? If there are, thenbe sure to seal the holes later when the hitch isremoved. If the holes are not sealed, dirt, water, anddeadly carbon monoxide (CO) from the exhaust canget into the vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust onpage 3-34for more information.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle and thetrailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of thetrailer to help prevent the tongue from contactingthe road if it becomes separated from the hitch.Instructions about safety chains may be provided by thehitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for attachingsafety chains and do not attach them to the bumper.Always leave just enough slack so the rig can turn.Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Because the vehicle has StabiliTrak®, do not tap intothe vehicle’s hydraulic brake system. If you do,both brake systems will not work well, or at all.
Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailerbrakes so they are installed, adjusted and maintainedproperly.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.Get to know the rig before setting out for the openroad. Get acquainted with the feel of handling andbraking with the added weight of the trailer. And alwayskeep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is nowlonger and not as responsive as the vehicle is by itself.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts andattachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps,tires and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has electricbrakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving andthen apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be surethe brakes are working. This checks the electricalconnection at the same time.
During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that theload is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakesare still working.
5-29

Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside thetire pressing outward on each square inch of thetire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds persquare inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combinedweight of optional accessories. Some examples ofoptional accessories are, automatic transmission,power steering, power brakes, power windows,power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s heightto its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is locatedbetween the plies and the tread. Cords may bemade from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrappedby steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the pliesare laid at alternate angles less than 90 degreesto the centerline of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure:The amount of air pressure ina tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) orkilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heatfrom driving. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure onpage 6-54.
Curb Weight:The weight of a motor vehicle withstandard and optional equipment including themaximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant,but without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewallof a tire signifying that the tire is in compliancewith the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT codeincludes the Tire Identification Number (TIN),an alphanumeric designator which can also identifythe tire manufacturer, production plant, brand,and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 5-18.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for thefront axle. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 5-18.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for therear axle. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 5-18.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of anasymmetrical tire, that must always face outwardwhen mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used onlight duty trucks and some multipurpose passengervehicles.
6-52

Load Index:An assigned number ranging from1 to 279 that corresponds to the load carryingcapacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure:The maximum airpressure to which a cold tire can be inflated. Themaximum air pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating:The load rating for a tireat the maximum permissible inflation pressurefor that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:The sum ofcurb weight, accessory weight, vehicle capacityweight, and production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight:The number ofoccupants a vehicle is designed to seat multipliedby 150 lbs (68 kg). SeeLoading the Vehicle onpage 5-18.
Occupant Distribution:Designated seatingpositions.
Outward Facing Sidewall:The side of anasymmetrical tire that has a particular side thatfaces outward when mounted on a vehicle. Theside of the tire that contains a whitewall, bearswhite lettering, or bears manufacturer, brand,and/or model name molding that is higher or deeperthan the same moldings on the other sidewall ofthe tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:A tire used onpassenger cars and some light duty trucks andmultipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Inflation Pressure:Vehiclemanufacturer’s recommended tire inflationpressure as shown on the tire placard. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 6-54andLoadingthe Vehicle on page 5-18.
Radial Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which theply cords that extend to the beads are laid at90 degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Rim:A metal support for a tire and upon whichthe tire beads are seated.
Sidewall:The portion of a tire between the treadand the bead.
Speed Rating:An alphanumeric code assigned toa tire indicating the maximum speed at which atire can operate.
Traction:The friction between the tire and theroad surface. The amount of grip provided.
Tread:The portion of a tire that comes intocontact with the road.
6-53

Treadwear Indicators:Narrow bands, sometimescalled wear bars, that show across the tread ofa tire when only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of treadremains. SeeWhen It Is Time for New Tires onpage 6-64.
UTQGS (Uniform Tire Quality GradingStandards):A tire information system thatprovides consumers with ratings for a tire’straction, temperature, and treadwear. Ratings aredetermined by tire manufacturers usinggovernment testing procedures. The ratings aremolded into the sidewall of the tire. SeeUniformTire Quality Grading on page 6-67.
Vehicle Capacity Weight:The number ofdesignated seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs(68 kg) plus the rated cargo load. SeeLoadingthe Vehicle on page 5-18.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire:Load on anindividual tire due to curb weight, accessoryweight, occupant weight, and cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard:A label permanently attached toa vehicle showing the vehicle’s capacity weightand the original equipment tire size andrecommended inflation pressure. See “Tire andLoading Information Label” underLoadingthe Vehicle on page 5-18.
Inflation - Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of air pressure tooperate effectively.
Notice:Do not let anyone tell you thatunder-inflation or over-inflation is all right. It isnot. If your tires do not have enough air(under-inflation), you can get the following:
•Too much flexing
•Too much heat
•Tire overloading
•Premature or irregular wear
•Poor handling
•Reduced fuel economy
If your tires have too much air (over-inflation),you can get the following:
•Unusual wear
•Poor handling
•Rough ride
•Needless damage from road hazards
6-54

A Tire and Loading Information label is attached tothe vehicle’s center pillar. This label lists yourvehicle’s original equipment tires and shows thecorrect inflation pressures for your tires when theyare cold. The recommended cold tire inflationpressure, shown on the label, is the minimumamount of air pressure needed to supportyour vehicle’s maximum load carrying capacity.
For additional information regarding how muchweight your vehicle can carry, and an example ofthe Tire and Loading Information label, seeLoading the Vehicle on page 5-18. How you loadyour vehicle affects the vehicle handling andride comfort, never load your vehicle with moreweight than it was designed to carry.
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more. Do notforget to check the spare tire. If your vehicle has acompact spare tire, it should be at 60 psi (420 kPa).For additional information seeSpare Tire onpage 6-90.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tirepressure. You cannot tell if your tires areproperly inflated simply by looking at them. Radialtires may look properly inflated even when theyare under-inflated. Check the tire’s inflationpressure when the tires are cold. Cold means yourvehicle has been sitting for at least three hoursor driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem.Press the tire gage firmly onto the valve toget a pressure measurement. If the cold tireinflation pressure matches the recommendedpressure on the Tire and Loading Informationlabel, no further adjustment is necessary. If theinflation pressure is low, add air until you reach therecommended amount.
If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing onthe metal stem in the center of the tire valve.Re-check the tire pressure with the tire gage.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valvestems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirtand moisture.
6-55