towing CADILLAC CTS 2008 2.G Owner's Manual

If you get the Engine Overheated Idle Engine warning
with no sign of steam, try this for a minute or so:
1. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the
road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral) and let
the engine idle.
2. Set the climate controls to the highest heat setting
and fan speed and open the windows, as necessary.
If you no longer have the Engine Overheated Idle
Engine warning, you can drive. Just to be safe, drive
slower for about 10 minutes. If the warning does
not come back on, you can drive normally.
If the warning continues and you have not stopped,
pull over, stop, and park your vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam, you can idle the engine
for three minutes while you are parked. If you still have
the warning,turn off the engine and get everyone out of
the vehicleuntil it cools down.
You may decide not to lift the hood but to get service
help right away.Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This operating mode allows your vehicle to be driven
to a safe place in an emergency. Should a hot engine
condition exist, an overheat protection mode which
alternates ring groups of cylinders helps prevent engine
damage. In this mode, there is a loss in power and engine
performance. Driving extended miles (km) and/or towing
a trailer in the overheat protection mode should be
avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair the
cause of coolant loss and change the oil. SeeEngine
Oil on page 5-16.
5-33

Maintenance Footnotes
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers,
parking brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if
they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect all
pipes, fittings and clamps; replace with genuine parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Inspect wiper blades for wear, cracking, or
contamination. Clean the windshield and wiper blades,
if contaminated. Replace wiper blades that are worn
or damaged. See Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
on page 5-57 and Windshield and Wiper Blades on
page 5-117 for more information.(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and safety
belt assemblies are 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. Have any torn
or frayed safety belts replaced. Also see Checking
the Restraint Systems on page 1-72.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders. Lubricate all body
door hinges. Lubricate all hinges and latches, including
those for the hood, rear compartment, console door, and
any folding seat hardware. More frequent lubrication may
be required when exposed to a corrosive environment.
Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean
cloth will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
(g)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the
filter may require replacement more often.
(h)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as high performance operation.
6-8

(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-28
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure
test the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)If using DOT-4 brake fluid only: Drain, flush, and
refill brake hydraulic system at a regular maintenance
service every two years. This service can be complex;
you should have your dealer/retailer perform this service.
See Brakes on page 5-41.
(k)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(l)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.
(m)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
(n)If the vehicle has the 3.6L V6 (VIN Code V) engine,
replace the engine air cleaner filter every 40,000 miles
(64 000 km).(o)Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and
proper installation. Check to be sure vent hose is
unobstructed, clear, and free of debris. During any
maintenance, if a power washer is used to clean mud
and dirt from the underbody, care should be taken to
not directly spray the transfer case output seals. High
pressure water can overcome the seals and contaminate
the transfer case fluid. Contaminated fluid will decrease
the life of the transfer case and should be replaced.
(p)Change transfer case fluid if the vehicle is mainly
driven under one or more of these conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as high performance operation or taxi,
police, or delivery service.
6-9

Trip Routing Service:Upon request, Cadillac
Roadside Service will send you detailed, computer
personalized maps, highlighting your choice of
either the most direct route or the most scenic route
to your destination, anywhere in North America,
along with helpful travel information pertaining
to your trip.
Please allow three weeks before your planned
departure date. In Canada, trip routing requests will
be limited to six per calendar year.
Trip Interruption Benets and Assistance:If your
trip is interrupted due to a warranty failure, incidental
expenses may be reimbursed during the 60 months/
100,000 miles (160 000 km) warranty period. Items
covered are hotel, meals, and rental car.
Alternative Service (Canada only):There may be
times when Roadside Service cannot provide timely
assistance. Your advisor may authorize you to
secure local emergency road service, and you will be
reimbursed up to $100 upon submission of the
original receipt to Cadillac Roadside Service.Cadillac and General Motors of Canada Limited reserve
the right to limit services or reimbursement to an
owner or driver when, in their sole discretion, the claims
become excessive in frequency or type of occurrence.
Cadillac Technician Roadside
Service (U.S. only)
Cadillac’s exceptional Roadside Service is more than an
auto club or towing service. It provides every Cadillac
owner in the United States with the advantage of
contacting a Cadillac advisor and, where available, a
Cadillac trained dealer technician who can provide
on-site service.
A dealer technician will travel to your location within a
30 mile radius of a participating Cadillac dealership.
If beyond this radius, we will arrange to have your
car towed to the nearest Cadillac dealership.
Each technician travels with a specially equipped
service vehicle complete with the necessary Cadillac
parts and tools required to handle most roadside repairs.
7-9

Calling for Assistance
For prompt and efficient assistance when calling,
please provide the following to the Roadside Service
Representative:
Your name, home address, and home telephone
number
Telephone number of your location
Location of the vehicle
Model, year, color, and license plate number of
the vehicle
Odometer reading, Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN), and delivery date of the vehicle
Description of the problem
Towing and Road Service Exclusions
Specically excluded from Roadside Service coverage
are towing or services for vehicles operated on a
non-public roadway or highway, nes, impound towing
caused by a violation of local, Municipal, State,
Provincial or Federal law, and mounting, dismounting or
changing of snow tires, chains, or other traction devices.
Roadside Service is not part of or included in the
coverage provided by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Cadillac and General Motors of Canada Limited
reserve the right to make any changes or discontinue
the Roadside Service program at any time without
notication.
Scheduling Service Appointments
When your vehicle requires warranty service, contact
your dealer/retailer and request an appointment.
By scheduling a service appointment and advising your
service consultant of your transportation needs, your
dealer/retailer can help minimize your inconvenience.
7-10

If your vehicle cannot be driven, know where the
towing service will be taking it. Get a card from
the tow truck operator or write down the driver’s
name, the service’s name, and the phone number.
Remove any valuables from your vehicle before it is
towed away. Make sure this includes your insurance
information and registration if you keep these
items in your vehicle.
Gather the important information you will need from
the other driver. Things like name, address, phone
number, driver’s license number, vehicle license
plate, vehicle make, model and model year, Vehicle
Identication Number (VIN), insurance company
and policy number, and a general description of the
damage to the other vehicle.
If possible, call your insurance company from the
scene of the crash. They will walk you through
the information they will need. If they ask for
a police report, phone or go to the police
department headquarters the next day and you
can get a copy of the report for a nominal fee.
In some states/provinces with “no fault” insurance
laws, a report may not be necessary. This is
especially true if there are no injuries and both
vehicles are driveable.
Choose a reputable collision repair facility for your
vehicle. Whether you select a GM dealer/retailer
or a private collision repair facility to x the damage,
make sure you are comfortable with them.
Remember, you will have to feel comfortable
with their work for a long time.
Once you have an estimate, read it carefully and
make sure you understand what work will be
performed on your vehicle. If you have a question,
ask for an explanation. Reputable shops welcome
this opportunity.
7-15

Power (cont.)
Lumbar Controls........................................... 1-6
Retained Accessory (RAP)............................2-35
Seat ............................................................ 1-5
Steering Fluid.............................................5-39
Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering Column....... 3-7
Windows....................................................2-25
Privacy..........................................................7-18
Event Data Recorders..................................7-19
Navigation System.......................................7-20
OnStar .......................................................7-20
Radio Frequency Identication.......................7-20
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.................2-20
R
Radio Frequency Identication (RFID), Privacy....7-20
Radio(s)........................................................3-83
Radios
Navigation/Radio System,
see Navigation Manual............................3-111
Reception.................................................3-125
Theft-Deterrent..........................................3-124
Rainsense™ Wipers........................................3-10
Reading Lamps..............................................3-21
Rear Axle......................................................5-51
Limited-Slip.................................................. 4-7
Rear Door Security Locks................................2-20Rearview Mirror, Automatic Dimming with
OnStar
®.....................................................2-50
Reclining Seatbacks.......................................... 1-8
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.................6-14
Recreational Vehicle Towing.............................4-28
Remote, Keyless Access System........................ 2-9
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System.................. 2-6
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System, Operation . . . 2-7
Remote Vehicle Start.......................................2-16
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire................................................5-105
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools.................5-104
Replacement Bulbs.........................................5-57
Replacement Parts, Maintenance......................6-16
Reporting Safety Defects
Canadian Government..................................7-17
General Motors...........................................7-17
United States Government............................7-16
Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems....................1-72
Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash..........................................1-73
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)......................2-35
Roadside
Service........................................................ 7-7
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out....................4-22
Routing, Engine Drive Belt...............................6-17
Running Out of Fuel........................................2-49
10

Storage Areas
Center Console Storage Area........................2-63
Convenience Net.........................................2-63
Cupholders.................................................2-62
Glove Box..................................................2-62
Instrument Panel Storage Area......................2-63
Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow.....................4-21
Sun Visors.....................................................2-27
Sunroof.........................................................2-63
T
Tachometer....................................................3-32
Telescopic Steering Column, Power Tilt Wheel...... 3-7
Telescopic Wheel.............................................. 3-6
Theft-Deterrent, Radio....................................3-124
Theft-Deterrent System....................................2-28
Theft-Deterrent Systems...................................2-28
Immobilizer.................................................2-29
Immobilizer Operation..........................2-30, 2-31
Tilt Wheel........................................................ 3-6
Tire
Pressure Light.............................................3-41
Tires.............................................................5-58
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels,
Cleaning...............................................5-118
Buying New Tires........................................5-76Tires (cont.)
Chains.......................................................5-82
Changing a Flat Tire..................................5-102
Cleaning...................................................5-118
Compact Spare Tire...................................5-111
Different Size..............................................5-78
High-Speed Operation..................................5-68
If a Tire Goes Flat.......................................5-82
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-66
Inspection and Rotation................................5-74
Installing the Spare Tire..............................5-105
Pressure Monitor Operation...........................5-70
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-69
Removing the Flat Tire...............................5-105
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools..............5-104
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools..........5-110
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit...........5-84, 5-93
Tire Sidewall Labeling..................................5-60
Tire Terminology and Denitions....................5-63
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-78
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-80
Wheel Replacement.....................................
5-80
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-75
Winter Tires................................................5-60
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-28
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-30
Your Vehicle...............................................4-28
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