CADILLAC CTS 2003 1.G Owners Manual

6-35
Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement bulb, see
ªReplacement Bulbsº in the Index.
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this
section, contact your dealer.
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting
(If Equipped)
CAUTION:
The low beam high intensity discharge lighting
system operates at a very high voltage. If you try
to service any of the system components, you
could be seriously injured. Have your dealer or a
qualified technician service them.
Halogen Bulbs
CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and
can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the bulb package.
Headlamps
It is recommended that this component be replaced as a
unit. See your dealer.

6-36 Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps
A. Turn Signal Lamp
B. Fog Lamp
To replace the front turn signal or fog lamps, use the
following procedure:
1. Remove the protection shield located on the
underside of the front of the vehicle by pulling out
the push
-pins located on the underside of the
protection shield.2. Reach up behind the front bumper area from under
the vehicle to access the lamp housing.
3. Remove the bulb socket from the housing by turning
the bulb socket one
-quarter turn counterclockwise.
4. Remove the electrical connector from the bulb by
lifting the two plastic clips.
5. Pull the old bulb from the bulb socket keeping the
bulb straight as you pull it out.
6. Install a new bulb.
7. Reverse the steps to reinstall the lamp assembly.
Center High-Mounted Stop
Lamp (CHMSL)
It is recommended that this component be replaced as a
unit. See your dealer.

6-37 Rear Tail/Stop/Turn Signal and
Side-Marker Lamps
A. Tail and Stop Lamps
B. Turn Signal Lamp
C. Side
-Marker Lamp
To replace the tail, stop, turn signal or side
-marker
lamps use the following procedure:
1. Open the trunk using the trunk button on the remote
keyless entry transmitter or the trunk release button
located on the lower part of the driver's door.2. Remove the compact spare tire cover by turning the
wing nut counterclockwise.
3. Remove the four convenience net wing nuts.
4. Pull the carpet back away from the body of the
vehicle on the side with the burned out bulb.
5. Remove the two mounting screws from the
lamp assembly.
6. Pull out the lamp assembly to expose the
bulb sockets.
7. Turn the bulb socket one
-quarter turn
counterclockwise and pull the bulb and socket out
of the lamp reflector.
8. Pull the old bulb from the bulb socket keeping the
bulb straight as you pull it out.
9. Install a new bulb.
10. Reverse the steps to reinstall the lamp assembly.

6-38 Back-Up and License Plate Lamps
A. Back-Up Lamps
B. License Plate Lamps
To replace the back
-up or license plate lamps, use the
following procedure:
1. Open the trunk using the trunk button on the remote
keyless entry transmitter or the trunk release button
located on the lower part of the driver's door.2. Remove the cloth cover on the trunk lid by pulling
out the three push
-pins located on the underside of
the trunk lid.
3. Remove the eight mounting nuts from the underside
of the trunk lid by turning the nuts counterclockwise.
4. Pull the lamp assembly away from the vehicle to
expose the bulb sockets.
5. Turn the bulb socket one
-quarter turn
counterclockwise and pull the bulb and socket out of
the lamp reflector.
6. Pull the old bulb from the bulb socket keeping the
bulb straight as you pull it out.
7. Install a new bulb.
8. Reverse the steps to reinstall the lamp assembly.

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.

6-40
NOTICE:
Do not allow the wiper blade arm to touch the
windshield when no wiper blade is installed in it.
The windshield could be damaged by the sharp
ends of the blade assembly. Damage to the
windshield caused by an empty wiper blade arm
is not covered by your warranty.
5. Squeeze the tab together and pull the wiper blade
assembly down far enough to release it from the
J
-hooked end of the wiper arm. Slide the assembly
away from the arm.
6. Replace the blade with a new one.
7. Reinstall the wiper blade assembly by sliding it over
the wiper arm to engage the J
-hooked end. Pull up
on the assembly to lock it into place.
8. Repeat the steps for the other wiper.

6-41
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see
your Cadillac Warranty booklet for details.
CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.

Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much friction.
You could have an air
-out and a serious
accident. See ªLoading Your Vehicleº in
the Index.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Underinflated tires pose the same danger as
overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.

Overinflated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured or broken by a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.

Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.
See ªInflation -- Tire Pressureº in this section
for inflation pressure adjustment for higher
speed driving.

6-42 Inflation -- Tire Pressure
The Tire-Loading Information label, which is located on
the rear edge of the driver's door, shows the correct
inflation pressures for your tires when they're cold.
ªColdº means your vehicle has been sitting for at least
three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
NOTICE:
Don't let anyone tell you that underinflation or
overinflation is all right. It's not. If your tires
don't have enough air (underinflation), you can
get the following:

Too much flexing

Too much heat

Tire overloading

Bad wear

Bad handling

Bad fuel economy
NOTICE: (Continued)
NOTICE: (Continued)
If your tires have too much air (overinflation),
you can get the following:

Unusual wear

Bad handling

Rough ride

Needless damage from road hazards
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more. Also, check the
tire pressure of the spare tire.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket
-type gage to check tire
pressure. You can't tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they're underinflated.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve
stems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt
and moisture.

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.

6-44
When It's Time for New Tires
One way to tell when it's
time for new tires is to
check the treadwear
indicators, which will
appear when your tires have
only 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or
less of tread remaining.You need a new tire if any of the following statements
are true:

You can see the indicators at three or more places
around the tire.

You can see cord or fabric showing through the
tire's rubber.

The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep
enough to show cord or fabric.

The tire has a bump, bulge or split.

The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that
can't be repaired well because of the size or location
of the damage.