instrument cluster CADILLAC CTS 2009 2.G User Guide

Instrument Panel Cluster
The instrument panel cluster is designed to indicate how the vehicle is running. It shows how fast the vehicle is
going, how much fuel the vehicle has used and many of the other things needed to drive safely and economically.
United States Automatic Transmission Cluster shown, Manual and Canada similar
3-31

Boost Gage
For the CTS-V, this gage is located in the instrument
panel cluster.
This gage indicates positive manifold pressure which is
the induction air pressure level in the intake manifold
before it enters the combustion chamber. This gage
reads zero under light throttle before boost is generated.
This gage automatically resets to zero every time the
engine is started.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
The Driver Information Center (DIC) gives you the
status of many of your vehicle’s systems. The DIC is
also used to display warning/status messages. All
messages appear in the DIC display located at the
bottom of the instrument panel cluster. The DIC buttons
are located on the instrument panel, next to the
steering wheel.
The DIC comes on when the ignition is on. After a short
delay, the DIC displays the information that was last
displayed before the engine was turned off.
The top line of the DIC display shows the DIC
information. The bottom line of the DIC display shows
the compass. The compass displays in the trip/fuel
menus and in some vehicle information menus.
If a problem is detected, a warning message appears
on the display. Take any message that appears on
the display seriously and remember that clearing
the message only makes the message disappear,
and does not correct the problem. United States
Canada
3-50

Engine Oil Low Add Oil
If the vehicle has an oil level sensor, this message
displays if the oil level in the vehicle is low. Check the
oil level and correct it as necessary. You may need to let
the vehicle cool or warm up and cycle the ignition to
be sure this message clears.
This message clears itself after 10 seconds, until the
next ignition cycle. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-18
for additional information.
Engine Overheated Idle Engine
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
is overheating, severe engine damage may occur.
If an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-37for more information.
This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to
idle until it cools down. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light on page 3-41.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating Mode on
page 5-39for information on driving to a safe place
in an emergency.
Engine Power Is Reduced
This message displays when the engine power is
being reduced to protect the engine from damage.
There could be several malfunctions that might cause
this message. Reduced engine power can affect
the vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no reduction in performance, proceed to
your destination. The performance may be reduced the
next time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be
driven at a reduced speed while this message is on, but
acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, the vehicle should be taken to
your dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
Fuel Level Low
This message displays when the vehicle is low on fuel.
Rell the fuel tank as soon as possible. A chime may
sound when this message displays. SeeFilling the Tank
on page 5-8.
Heated Washer Fluid Wash (Washer)
Wipes Pending
If the vehicle has this feature, this message displays
when you turn on the heated windshield washer
uid system. See “Heated Windshield Washer” under
Windshield Washer on page 3-12for more information.
3-63

Heated Washer Fluid System Off
If the vehicle has this feature, this message displays
when you manually turn off the heated windshield
washer uid system or when the system automatically
turns off. See “Heated Windshield Washer” under
Windshield Washer on page 3-12for more information.
This message clears itself after 10 seconds.
Hood Open
This message displays when the hood is not closed
completely. Make sure that the hood is closed
completely.
Ice Possible Drive With Care
This message displays when the outside temperature is
cold enough to create icy road conditions. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
Learn Delay Active Wait XX Min
(Minutes)
If the vehicle has the keyless access system, this
message displays when matching new transmitters to
the vehicle. SeeKeyless Access System Operation
on page 2-8for more information.
Left Rear Door Open
This message displays when the driver side rear door is
not closed completely. Make sure that the door is
closed completely.
Maximum # Electronic Keys Learned
If the vehicle has the keyless access system, this
message displays when the maximum number of
transmitters have been learned. SeeKeyless Access
System Operation on page 2-8for more information.
Oil Pressure Low Stop Engine
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
oil pressure is low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure warning appears on the
instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the
vehicle as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle
until the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-18for more information.
This message displays when the vehicle’s engine
oil pressure is low. The oil pressure light may also
appear on the instrument panel cluster. SeeOil
Pressure Light on page 3-46. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-18for more information.
3-64

Service A/C System
This message displays when the electronic sensors that
control the air conditioning and heating systems are
no longer working. Have the climate control system
serviced by your dealer/retailer if you notice a drop in
heating and air conditioning efficiency.
Service All Wheel Drive
This message displays if a problem occurs with the
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. The vehicle will run in
2WD. This could be caused by:
An electronics problem
An AWD system oil overheat
Worn out or overheated clutch plates
Various electrical issues
If this message appears, stop as soon as possible
and turn off the ignition for 30 seconds. Restart
the vehicle and check for the message on the DIC
display. If the message is still displayed or appears
again when you begin driving, the system needs service.
See your dealer/retailer right away.
Service Battery Charging System
This message displays when there is a problem with the
generator and battery charging systems. Driving with this
problem could drain the battery. Turn off all unnecessary
accessories. Stop and turn off the vehicle as soon as it is
safe to do so. Have the electrical system checked by your
dealer/retailer. Under certain conditions, the charging
system light may also turn on in the instrument panel
cluster. SeeCharging System Light on page 3-38for
more information.
Service Brake Assist
This message displays if there is a problem with the
brake system. The brake system warning light and the
antilock brake system (ABS) warning light may also
display on the instrument panel cluster. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 3-39andAntilock Brake
System (ABS) Warning Light on page 3-40for more
information. Stop as soon as possible and turn off the
vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message displays immediately
or again after you begin driving, the brake system
needs service. See your dealer/retailer as soon as
possible. SeeBrakes on page 5-42for more information.
3-67

Service Brake System
This message displays, while the ignition is on, when
the brake uid level is low. The brake system warning
light on the instrument panel cluster also comes on.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-39for more
information. Have the brake system serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
Service Keyless Start System
If the vehicle has the keyless access system, this
message displays when there is a problem with this
feature. See your dealer/retailer.
Service Park Brake
For vehicles with the Electric Parking Brake, this
message displays if a problem is detected with the
electric parking brake system. See your dealer/retailer
for service.
Service Parking Assist
If the vehicle has the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
(URPA) system, this message displays if there is
a problem with the URPA system. SeeUltrasonic
Rear Parking Assist (URPA) on page 2-54for more
information. See your dealer/retailer for service.
Service Power Steering
This message displays if a problem is detected with
the speed variable assist steering system. When
this message is displayed, you may notice that the
effort required to steer the vehicle increases or feels
heavier, but you will still be able to steer the vehicle.
SeeSteering on page 4-9.
Service Stabilitrak
This message displays if there has been a
problem detected with the StabiliTrak®system.
The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light on the instrument
panel cluster also comes on.
If this message comes on while you are driving, pull
off the road as soon as possible and stop carefully.
Try resetting the system by turning the ignition off then
back on. If this message still stays on or comes back
on again while you are driving, the vehicle needs
service. Have the StabiliTrak system inspected by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible. SeeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-6for more information.
Service Suspension System
This message displays when there is a problem with the
Magnetic Ride Control system. SeeMagnetic Ride
Control™ on page 4-8for more information. Have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
3-68

Service Theft Deterrent System
This message displays when there is a problem with the
theft-deterrent system programmed in the key. A fault
has been detected in the system which means that
the system is disabled and it is not protecting the
vehicle. The vehicle usually restarts; however, you may
want to take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer before
turning off the engine. SeeImmobilizer Operation
(Key Access) on page 2-28orImmobilizer Operation
(Keyless Access) on page 2-29for more information.
Service Tire Monitor System
This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also ashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-42. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-73for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
Service Traction Control
This message displays when there is a problem with the
Traction Control System (TCS). The TCS/StabiliTrak
warning light on the instrument panel cluster also comes
on. When this message displays, the system will notlimit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
See your dealer/retailer for service. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-6for more
information.
Service Transmission
This message displays when there is a problem with the
vehicle’s transmission. Have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer.
Service Vehicle Soon
This message displays when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
Shift To Park (Automatic
Transmission Only)
If the vehicle has the keyless access system, this
message displays if the vehicle is not in P (Park) while
the engine is being turned off. The vehicle will be in
ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the shift lever is moved
to P (Park), the ignition needs to be turned off. If the
ignition is not turned off, the vehicle will remain in
ACC/ACCESSORY. To avoid draining the battery,
turn the ignition to off before leaving the vehicle.
3-69

Speed Limited To XXX MPH (km/h)
This message displays when the vehicle speed is limited
to 80 mph (128 km/h) because the vehicle detects a
problem in the speed variable assist steering, magnetic
ride control, or automatic leveling control systems.
Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
Sport Mode
This message displays when the vehicle is in sport
mode. See “Driver Shift Control (DSC)” underAutomatic
Transmission Operation on page 2-36for more
information.
Stabilitrak Competitive Mode
This message displays when the Competitive Driving
mode is selected. When in this mode, the Traction
Control System (TCS) will not be operating and
the TCS/StabiliTrak warning light will turn on. Adjust
your driving accordingly. See “Competitive Driving
Mode” underTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-6for more information.
Stabilitrak Not Ready
This message may display after rst driving the vehicle
and exceeding 19 mph (30 km/h) for 30 seconds.
The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light on the instrument
panel cluster also comes on. The StabiliTrak system is
not functional until the message has turned off. See
StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6for more information.
Stabilitrak Off
This message displays when you turn off StabiliTrak,
or when the stability control has been automatically
disabled. The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light on
the instrument panel cluster also comes on.
To realize the full benets of the stability enhancement
system, you should normally leave StabiliTrak on.
To turn the StabiliTrak system on or off, seeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-6.
There are several conditions that can cause this message
to appear.
One condition is overheating, which could occur if
StabiliTrak activates continuously for an extended
period of time.
The message also displays if the brake system
warning light is on. SeeBrake System Warning Light
on page 3-39.
3-70

StabiliTrak®System
The vehicle has an electronic stability control system
called StabiliTrak. It is an advanced computer controlled
system that assists with directional control of the vehicle
in difficult driving conditions.
StabiliTrak activates when the computer senses a
discrepancy between your intended path and the
direction the vehicle is actually traveling. StabiliTrak
selectively applies braking pressure at any one of the
vehicle’s brakes to help steer the vehicle in the direction
which you are steering.
When the system activates, the Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak warning light on the instrument panel
cluster ashes. You may also hear a noise or feel
vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal. Continue
to steer the vehicle in the direction you want it to go.
If there is a problem detected with StabiliTrak, a Service
Stability System message displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC) and the TCS/StabiliTrak
warning light on the instrument panel cluster comes on.
When this message and warning light displays, the
system is not operational. Driving should be adjusted
accordingly. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-58andWarning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
on page 3-30for more information.StabiliTrak comes on automatically whenever the vehicle
is started. The system should be left on to help assist with
directional control of the vehicle. If StabiliTrak needs to
be turned off, press the TC (traction control) on/off button.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6.
If cruise control is being used when the StabiliTrak
activates, the cruise control will automatically disengage.
When road conditions allow, reengage the cruise control.
SeeCruise Control on page 3-14for more information.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The vehicle has a Traction Control System (TCS) that
limits wheel spin. This is especially useful in slippery
road conditions. On a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, the
system operates if it senses that one or both of the rear
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction. On an
All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) vehicle, the system will operate if
it senses that any of the wheels are spinning or beginning
to lose traction. When this happens, the system brakes
the spinning wheel(s) and/or reduces engine power to
limit wheel spin.
The system may be heard or felt while it is working, but
this is normal.
The TCS/StabiliTrak
®warning light will ash when the
traction control system is limiting wheel spin.
4-6

Engine Oil
There is an oil pressure
light in the instrument
cluster and an Oil Pressure
Low Stop Engine message
on the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the light and/or message appear, check the engine oil
level right away. For more information, see “Oil Pressure
Low Stop Engine” underDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-58andOil Pressure Light on page 3-46. You
should check the engine oil level regularly; this is an
added reminder.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil every time you
get fuel. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil
must be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-14
for the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If you do not do this,
the oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-18