maintenance CADILLAC CTS 2003 1.G User Guide

6-18
3. Pull out the old engine air cleaner/filter.
4. Install a new engine air cleaner/filter, if needed. See
ªNormal Maintenance Replacement Partsº later in
this section for the correct part number for the filter.
5. If the filter is replaced, reset the indicator by
pressing upward on the indicator from the bottom.
6. Reinstall the cover by reversing Steps 1 and 2.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the air filter.
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the Index.
CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if
the engine backfires. If it isn't there, and the
engine backfires, you could be burned. Don't
drive with it off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner/filter off.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire can
cause a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can
easily get into your engine, which will damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/filter in place when
you're driving.

6-19
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The passenger compartment air filter traps most of the
pollen from the air entering your vehicle. Like your
vehicle's engine air cleaner/filter, it needs to be changed
periodically. For how often to change the passenger
compartment air filter, see ªScheduled Maintenance
Servicesº in the Index.
The passenger compartment air filter is located
underneath the hood below the windshield wiper arm on
the passenger's side of the vehicle. See ªEngine
Compartment Overviewº in the Index for more
information on location.
Use the procedure listed below to replace the passenger
compartment air filter:
1. Turn the ignition to ON with the engine off.2. Turn on the windshield wipers and turn them off
again when the wipers are in the out
-wipe position.
The wipers will be straight up and down on
the windshield.
This will allow you access to the leaf screen
under which is located the passenger compartment
air filter.
3. Open the hood to access the engine compartment.
See ªHood Releaseº listed earlier in this section for
more information.
4. Remove the four screws that hold the leaf screen in
place and lift off the screen by lifting and sliding
toward the center of the vehicle.
5. Pull out on the two tabs located on each end of the
filter cover.
6. Lift the filter cover off by pulling it straight upward.
7. Remove the old filter and insert a new one. Make
sure the arrow on the filter is pointing toward the
passenger compartment.
See ªNormal Maintenance Replacement Partsº
later in this section for the correct part number for
the filter.
8. Reverse Steps 1 through 6 to reinstall the cover.

6-21
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
changed. However, the fluid in your manual
transmission doesn't require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your Cadillac dealership
service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transmission. Too much can mean that some of
the fluid could come out and fall on hot exhaust
system parts, starting a fire. Too little fluid could
cause the transmission to overheat. Be sure to get
an accurate reading if you check your
transmission fluid.
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place and the transmission is
cool enough for you to rest your fingers on the
transmission case.
Then, follow these steps:
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of
the filler plug hole.
3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure
it is fully seated. If the fluid level is low, add more
fluid as described in the next steps.
How to Add Fluid
Here's how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use. See
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough
fluid to bring the fluid level up to the bottom of the
filler plug hole.
3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated.

6-23
Hydraulic Clutch
It is not necessary to regularly check clutch fluid unless
you suspect there is a leak in the system. Adding fluid
won't correct a leak.
A fluid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What to Use
The hydraulic clutch reservoir is located in the engine
compartment on the driver's side, near the brake master
cylinder reservoir. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº
in the Index for more information on location.Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often you should check the fluid level in your clutch
master cylinder reservoir and for the proper fluid. See
ªOwner Checks and Servicesº and ªRecommended
Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
How to Check and Add Fluid
Make sure the fluid
level is at the MIN line
shown. If it isn't,
remove the cap and
add the proper fluid
until the level reaches
the MIN line on the
side of the reservoir.

6-24
Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant. See ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspectionsº and ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in
the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you'll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See ªRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantsº in the Index.

6-33 Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built
-in wear indicators that
make a high
-pitched warning sound when the brake
pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound
may come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle
is moving (except when you are pushing on the brake
pedal firmly).
CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won't work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to GM torque specifications.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See ªBrake System Inspectionº in Section 7
of this manual under Part C ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspections.º
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you apply the brakes, with or without the
vehicle moving, your brakes adjust for wear.

6-34 Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top
-quality GM brake parts.
When you replace parts of your braking system
-- for
example, when your brake linings wear down and you
need new ones put in
-- be sure you get new approved
GM replacement parts. If you don't, your brakes may no
longer work properly. For example, if someone puts in
brake linings that are wrong for your vehicle, the balance
between your front and rear brakes can change
-- for the
worse. The braking performance you've come to expect
can change in many other ways if someone puts in the
wrong replacement brake parts.
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free
ACDelco
battery. When it's time for a new battery, get
one that has the replacement number shown on the
original battery's label. We recommend an ACDelco
battery. See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the
Index for battery location.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling.
CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren't careful. See ªJump Startingº in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
After a power loss, such as disconnecting the battery or
removing the maxi fuses in the power distribution fuse
block, the following steps must be performed to
calibrate the electronic throttle control. If this is not
done, the engine will not run properly.
1. Turn the ignition key to ON. Do not start the engine.
2. Leave the ignition in ON for at least three minutes so
that the electronic throttle control will cycle and
re
-learn its home position.
3. Turn the ignition to OFF.
4. Start and run the engine for at least 30 seconds.
Also, for your audio system, see ªTheft
-Deterrent
Featureº in the Index.

6-39
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. See ªWiper Blade
Checkº in the Index.
It's a good idea to clean or replace the wiper blade
assembly on a regular basis or when worn. For proper
windshield wiper blade length and type, see ªNormal
Maintenance Replacement Partsº in the Index.
To replace the wiper blade assembly, do the following:
1. Turn the ignition to ON with the engine off.
2. Turn on the windshield wipers and turn them off
again when the wipers are in the out
-wipe position.
The driver's side blade will be straight up and down
on the windshield.
3. Pull the windshield wiper assembly away from
the windshield.4. Lift the wiper blade assembly up so it is in a
T
-shaped position. You should be able to see a tab.

6-43 Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 7,500 miles (12 500 km).
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires as
soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also check
for damaged tires or wheels. See ªWhen It's Time for
New Tiresº and ªWheel Replacementº later in this
section for more information.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The first
rotation is the most important. See ªScheduled
Maintenance Servicesº in the Index for scheduled
rotation intervals.
When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here. Don't include the spare tire in your
tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire
-Loading
Information label. Make certain that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See ªWheel Nut Torqueº in
the Index.
CAUTION:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to which
it is fastened, can make wheel nuts become loose
after a time. The wheel could come off and cause
an accident. When you change a wheel, remove
any rust or dirt from places where the wheel
attaches to the vehicle. In an emergency, you can
use a cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire brush later, if you
need to, to get all the rust or dirt off. See
ªChanging a Flat Tireº in the Index.

6-56
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish
should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode
quickly and may develop into a major repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch
-up
materials available from your dealer or other service
outlets. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected
in your dealer's body and paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these are
not removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur
on the underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame,
floor pan and exhaust system even though they have
corrosion protection.At least every spring, flush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud
and other debris can collect. Dirt packed in closed areas
of the frame should be loosened before being flushed.
Your dealer or an underbody car washing system can do
this for you.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a
chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted surfaces on your vehicle. This damage
can take two forms: blotchy, ringlet
-shaped
discolorations, and small irregular dark spots etched into
the paint surface.
Although no defect in the paint job causes this, Cadillac
will repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of
new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase,
whichever occurs first.