automatic transmission CADILLAC CTS 2009 2.G User Guide

Automatic Transmission Operation
The shift lever is located on the center console between
the front seats.
There are several different
positions for the shift lever.
P (Park):This position locks the rear wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily.{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift
lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running
unless you have to. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or
others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will
not move, even when you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and move the shift
lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-47. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer (CTS-V) on page 4-27
orTowing a Trailer (CTS) on page 4-28.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before starting
the engine. The vehicle has an automatic transmission
shift lock control system. You must fully apply the regular
brakes rst and then press the shift lever button before
you can shift from P (Park) when the ignition key is in
ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease
pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the
way into P (Park) as you maintain brake application. Then
press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into
another gear. SeeShifting Out of Park on page 2-48.
2-36

Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is stopped.
R (Reverse):Use this gear to back up.
At low vehicle speeds, R (Reverse) can be used to rock
the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice, or
sand without damaging your transmission. SeeIf Your
Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 4-19for additional information.
N (Neutral):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when the vehicle is
already moving, use N (Neutral) only. You can also
use N (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your
foot is rmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear
while the engine is running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is
not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive):This position is for normal driving. It provides
the best fuel economy. If you need more power for
passing, and you are:
Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
The transmission will shift down to a lower gear and
have more power.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see Skidding underLoss of
Control on page 4-11
While in D (Drive), the CTS-V vehicle’s rst forward
gear automatic shift after starting the vehicle will be
from 1 (First). Afterwards, the CTS-V vehicles will always
start in 2 (Second) gear. While in M (Manual Mode),
for increased performance, the vehicle will start in
1 (First) gear.
2-37

M (Manual Mode):This position allows the driver to
select the range of gears appropriate for current driving
conditions. If the vehicle has this feature, see Driver
Shift Control (DSC) later in this section.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission. If you are stuck, do
not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
Driver Shift Control (DSC)
Notice:If you drive the vehicle at high RPMs without
upshifting while using Driver Shift Control (DSC), you
could damage the vehicle. Always upshift when
necessary while using DSC.
Driver Shift Control (DSC) allows you to shift an
automatic transmission similar to a manual transmission.
To use the DSC feature:
1. Move the shift lever to the right from D (Drive) to
M (Manual Mode).
Once in M (Manual Mode), if you do not move the
shift lever forward or rearward, the vehicle will be in
sport mode. When you are in sport mode the vehicle
will still shift automatically. The transmission may
remain in a gear longer than it would in the normal
driving mode based on braking, throttle input, and
vehicle lateral acceleration.SPORT MODE will be displayed in the DIC
momentarily. The vehicle will remain in sport mode
if the shift lever is not moved. Sport mode will
shift automatically but remain in a gear longer then
it would in normal driving mode based on braking
and acceleration.
2. Press the shift lever forward to upshift or rearward
to downshift.
The tachometer display on the instrument panel cluster
will show which gear the vehicle is in. The number
indicates the requested gear range when moving the
shift lever forward or rearward. SeeSpeedometer and
Odometer on page 3-33for more information on the
odometer.
2-38

CTS-V vehicles use tracer lights around the outside of the
tachometer as a performance up-shift light. These tracers
ash to indicate when to shift to the next higher gear to
avoid the engine speed limit. SeeTachometer on
page 3-34for more information.
While using the DSC feature, the vehicle will have rmer,
quicker shifting. You can use this for sport driving or when
climbing or descending hills, to stay in gear longer, or to
down shift for more power or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow you to shift into
gears appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM). The transmission will
not automatically shift to the next lower gear if the
engine RPM is too high.
If shifting is prevented for any reason, the currently
selected gear will ash multiple times, indicating that
the transmission has not shifted gears.
While in the DSC mode, the CTS automatic transmission
will automatically downshift when the vehicle comes
to a stop. This will allow for more power during take-off.
The CTS-V automatic transmission will not automatically
downshift on hard acceleration when in DSC mode.
When accelerating your vehicle from a stop in snowy and
icy conditions, you may want to shift into second gear.
A higher gear ratio allows you to gain more traction on
slippery surfaces.Tap Shift
To use Tap Shift, the shift lever must be in Manual
Mode. Vehicles with this feature have switches on the
back of the steering wheel. Tap the left switch to
downshift, and the right switch to upshift.
The tachometer display on the instrument panel cluster
will show which gear the vehicle is in and a number
indicating the requested gear range when moving the
shift lever forward or rearward. SeeSpeedometer and
Odometer on page 3-33for more information on the
odometer.
2-39

CTS-V vehicles use tracer lights around the outside of the
tachometer as a performance up-shift light. These tracers
ash to indicate when to shift to the next higher gear to
avoid the engine speed limit. SeeTachometer on
page 3-34for more information.
While using the Tap Shift feature, the vehicle will have
rmer, quicker shifting for increased performance.
You can use this for sport driving or when climbing or
descending hills, to stay in gear longer, or to down shift
for more power or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow you to shift into
gears appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM). The transmission will not
automatically shift to the next lower gear if the engine
RPM is too high.
If shifting is prevented for any reason, the currently
selected gear will ash multiple times, indicating that the
transmission has not shifted gears.
While in the Tap Shift mode, the transmission will not
automatically downshift on hard acceleration.
When accelerating your vehicle from a stop in snowy
and icy conditions, you may want to shift into second
gear. A higher gear ratio allows you to gain more traction
on slippery surfaces.Manual Transmission Operation
If the vehicle has a manual transmission, the shift lever is
located on the center console between the front seats.
The following explains how to operate the manual
transmission.
1 (First):Press the clutch pedal and shift into 1 (First).
Then slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press
the accelerator pedal.
Shift into 1 (First) when you are going less than
25 mph (40 km/h). For CTS-V, shift into 1 (First)
when you are going less than 40 mph (64 km/h).
If you come to a complete stop and it is hard to shift
into 1 (First), put the shift lever in Neutral and let up
on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down.
Then shift into 1 (First).CTS
CTS-V
2-40

EPB Release
To release the EPB, turn the ignition switch to the
ON/RUN position, apply and hold the brake pedal, and
push down momentarily on the EPB switch. If you attempt
to release the EPB without the brake pedal applied, a
chime will sound, and the DIC message “Press Brake
Pedal to Release Park Brake” will be displayed. The EPB
is released when the BRAKE light is off and the DIC
message “Park Brake Released” is displayed.
If the
Ylight is on, the EPB has detected an error
in another system and is operating with reduced
functionality. To release the EPB when this light is on,
push down on the EPB switch and hold it in the down
position. EPB release may take a longer period of time
than normal when this light is on. Continue to hold the
switch until the BRAKE light is off. If the
Ylight is on,
see your dealer/retailer.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the vehicle is
running, placed into gear and an attempt is made to
drive away. Avoid rapid acceleration when the EPB
is applied, to preserve park brake lining life.
The EPB can also be used to prevent roll back for
vehicles with a manual transmission taking off on a hill.
In a situation where no roll back is desired, an applied
EPB will allow both feet to be used for the clutch
and accelerator pedals in preparation for starting the
vehicle moving in the intended direction.
In this situation, perform the normal clutch and
accelerator actions required to begin moving the vehicle.
There is no need to push the switch to release the EPB.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a hill, see
Towing a Trailer (CTS-V) on page 4-27orTowing
a Trailer (CTS) on page 4-28for more information.
2-46

Shifting Into Park
(Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake rmly set. The vehicle can roll. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly
level ground, use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer (CTS-V) on
page 4-27orTowing a Trailer (CTS) on page 4-28.Use this procedure to shift into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking
brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-42for more
information.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by holding in the
button on the shift lever and pushing the lever all
the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. For vehicles with key access, remove the key and
take it with you. If you can leave the vehicle with
the ignition key in your hand, the vehicle is in
P (Park). Vehicles with the keyless access system,
take the keyless access transmitter with you.
2-47

Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the
engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly if
the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake rmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with
the engine running, it could overheat and even
catch re. You or others could be injured. Do not
leave the vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running,
the vehicle must be in P (Park) and the parking brake
set. After shifting into P (Park), try to move the shift lever
out without rst pushing the button on the shift lever.
If you can, the shift lever was not fully locked into
P (Park).
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
Torque lock is when the weight of the vehicle puts too
much force on the parking pawl in the transmission.
This happens when parking on a hill and shifting the
transmission into P (Park) is not done properly and then it
is difficult to shift out of P (Park). To prevent torque lock,
set the parking brake and then shift into P (Park). To nd
out how, see″Shifting Into P (Park)″listed previously.
If torque lock does occur, your vehicle may need to be
pushed uphill by another vehicle to relieve the parking
pawl pressure, so you can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting Out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift
lever is in P (Park) with the shift lever button fully
released, for vehicles with key access.
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park),
unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY and the brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional except in the
case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
2-48

Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor
ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Never run the engine in an enclosed area that has
no fresh air ventilation. For more information,
seeEngine Exhaust on page 2-50.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
automatic transmission shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake rmly set. The
vehicle can roll. Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when it is on
fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and
move the automatic transmission shift lever to
P (Park), or the manual transmission shift lever to
Neutral.
Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission)
on page 2-47andParking the Vehicle (Manual
Transmission) on page 2-49.
If pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer (CTS-V) on
page 4-27orTowing a Trailer (CTS) on page 4-28.
2-51

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-29.
B.Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-50.
C.Instrument Panel Brightness on page 3-20.
D.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
E.Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-31.
F.Windshield Wipers on page 3-9.
G. Navigation Button (If Equipped). See Navigation
System Manual.
H.Traction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6.
Magnetic Ride Control™ on page 4-8
(CTS-V Model Only).
I.Analog Clock on page 3-23.
J.Passenger Sensing System on page 1-67.
K.Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
L. Navigation Display Brightness Control (If Equipped).
See Navigation System Manual.
M.Audio System(s) on page 3-85(Base Audio System)
orNavigation/Radio System on page 3-113
(If Equipped).
N.Parking Brake on page 2-42.O.Hood Release on page 5-12.
P.Cruise Control on page 3-14. Traction Control
System (TCS) Disable Button (CTS-V Model Only).
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6.
Q. Tap Shift Controls (CTS-V Model Only). See
Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-36.
R.Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel on page 3-6or
Power Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering Column
on page 3-7.
S.Horn on page 3-6.
T.Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-126.
U.Heated and Ventilated Seats on page 1-7.
V.Dual Climate Control System on page 3-24.
W.Electric Parking Brake on page 2-44.
X. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-36orManual Transmission Operation
on page 2-40.
Y.Instrument Panel Storage on page 2-65.Accessory
Power Outlet(s) on page 3-22.
Z.Glove Box on page 2-64.
3-5