automatic transmission CADILLAC CTS 2009 2.G Owner's Guide

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

Transmission Hot Idle Engine
This message displays when the transmission uid in
the vehicle is too hot. Stop the vehicle and allow it to idle
until the transmission cools down or until this message
is removed.
Trunk Open
This message displays when the trunk is not closed
completely. Make sure that the trunk is closed
completely.
Turn Signal On
This message displays as a reminder to turn off the turn
signal if you drive the vehicle for more than about
1 mile (1.6 km) with a turn signal on. A multiple chime
sounds when this message displays.
Washer Fluid Low Add Fluid
This message displays when the vehicle is low on
windshield washer uid. Rell the windshield washer
uid reservoir as soon as possible. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-41for more information.
DIC Vehicle Customization
Vehicle customization allows certain features to be
programmed for one preferred setting.
Only the customization options available will be
displayed on the DIC.
The default settings were preset when the vehicle left
the factory, but may have been changed.
The customization preferences are automatically
recalled.
To change customization preferences, use the
following procedure.
Entering the Feature Settings Menu
1. Turn the ignition on.
To avoid excessive drain on the battery, it is
recommended that the headlamps are turned off.
2. Press the customization button to enter the feature
settings menu.
3-72

Auto Door Lock
This feature allows you to select when the vehicle’s
doors will automatically lock. SeeProgrammable
Automatic Door Locks on page 2-17for more
information.
Press the customization button until Auto Door Lock
appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset button
once to access the settings for this feature. Then press
the menu up/down button to scroll through the following
settings:
Shift Out Of Park (default on Automatic
Transmission) (Automatic Transmission Only):
The vehicle’s doors automatically lock when the doors
are closed and the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).
At Vehicle Speed (default on Manual Transmission):
The vehicle’s doors automatically lock when the vehicle
speed is above 5 mph (8 km/h) for three seconds.
No Change:No change will be made to this feature.
The current setting will remain.
To select a setting, press the set/reset button while the
desired setting is displayed on the DIC.
Auto Door Unlock
This feature allows you to select whether or not the
door(s) will automatically unlock. It also allows you to
select which doors and when they will automatically
unlock. SeeProgrammable Automatic Door Locks on
page 2-17for more information.
Press the customization button until Auto Door Unlock
appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset button
once to access the settings for this feature. Then press
the menu up/down button to scroll through the following
settings:
Off:None of the doors will automatically unlock.
Driver At Off:Only the driver’s door will unlock when
the ignition is turned off.
Driver In Park (Automatic Transmission Only):
Only the driver’s door will unlock when the vehicle is
shifted into P (Park).
All At Off (default on Manual Transmission):All of
the doors will unlock when the ignition is turned off.
3-74

All In Park (default on Automatic Transmission)
(Automatic Transmission Only):All of the doors will
unlock when the vehicle is shifted into P (Park).
No Change:No change will be made to this feature.
The current setting will remain.
To select a setting, press the set/reset button while the
desired setting is displayed on the DIC.
Remote Door Lock
This feature allows you to select the type of feedback
you will receive when locking the vehicle with the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) or keyless access
transmitter, or when the vehicle is automatically locked
using the Keyless Locking feature. You will not
receive feedback when locking the vehicle with the
transmitter if the doors are open. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-6,Keyless
Access System Operation on page 2-8, or “Keyless
Locking” later in this section for more information.Press the customization button until Remote Door Lock
appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset button
once to access the settings for this feature. Then
press the menu up/down button to scroll through the
following settings:
Off:There will be no feedback when you press the lock
button on the transmitter.
Lights Only:The exterior lamps will ash when you
press the lock button on the transmitter.
Horn Only:The horn will sound on the second press of
the lock button on the transmitter.
Horn & Lights (default):The exterior lamps will ash
when you press the lock button on the transmitter,
and the horn will sound when the lock button is pressed
again within ve seconds of the previous command.
No Change:No change will be made to this feature.
The current setting will remain.
To select a setting, press the set/reset button while the
desired setting is displayed on the DIC.
3-75

Competitive Driving Mode
To select this optional handling mode, press the
TCS/StabiliTrak button quickly two times and the
STABILITRAK COMPETITVE MODE displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC). While in the StabiliTrak
Competitive Mode, TCS does not limit wheel spin, and
the TCS/StabiliTrak warning light comes on. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
Press the TCS/StabiliTrak button again, or turn the
ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY and restart the vehicle,
to turn TCS back on and turn the TCS/StabiliTrak
warning light off.
Notice:When traction control is turned off, or
Competitive Driving Mode is active, it is possible to
lose traction. If you attempt to shift with the rear
wheels spinning with a loss of traction, it is possible
to cause damage to the transmission. Do not attempt
to shift when the rear wheels do not have traction.
Damage caused by misuse of the vehicle is not
covered. See the warranty book for additional
information.
Magnetic Ride Control™
With this feature on the CTS-V, the Magnetic Ride
Control system adjusts the ride of the vehicle to Touring
or Sport modes. Magnetic Ride Control monitors the
suspension system to determine the proper system
response.
TOUR:Use for normal city and highway driving.
This setting provides a smooth, soft ride.
SPORT:Use where road conditions or personal
preference demand more control. This setting provides
more “feel”, or response to road conditions.
The setting can be changed at any time. Based on road
conditions, steering wheel angle and the vehicle speed,
the system automatically adjusts to provide the best
handling while providing a smooth ride. The Touring and
Sport modes will feel similar on a smooth road. Select a
new setting whenever driving conditions change.
The Driver Information Center (DIC) briey displays
SUSPENSION MODE TOURING or SUSPENSION
MODE SPORT on vehicle startup or when a new mode
is selected.
4-8

Dolly Towing (Rear-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles)
Use the following procedure to dolly tow a
rear-wheel-drive vehicle from the rear:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the
dolly manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Put the rear wheels on the dolly.
3. Firmly set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-42.4. Put the vehicle in P (Park) for an automatic
transmission or in 1 (First) for a manual
transmission.
5. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to
the dolly.
6. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead
position with a clamping device designed for towing.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Dolly Towing (All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles)
Notice:Towing an all-wheel-drive vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground, or even with only two of
its wheels on the ground, will damage drivetrain
components. Do not tow an all-wheel-drive vehicle
with any of its wheels on the ground.
All-wheel-drive vehicles can only be towed with all four
wheels on a trailer.
Towing a Trailer (CTS-V)
The CTS-V is neither designed nor intended to tow a
trailer.
4-27

Pulling A Trailer
Here are some important points:
There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
the rig will be legal, not only where you live but
also where you will be driving. A good source for
this information can be state or provincial police.
Do not tow a trailer at all during the rst 1,000 miles
(1 600 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
Then, during the rst 500 miles (800 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps
the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
Vehicles with automatic transmissions can tow in
D (Drive). Shift the transmission to a lower gear
if the transmission shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions. For vehicles with a
manual transmission, it is better not to use the
highest gear.
Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer.
Do not drive faster than the maximum posted speed
for trailers, or no more than 55 mph (90 km/h), to
save wear on the vehicle’s parts.Three important considerations have to do with weight:
The weight of the trailer.
The weight of the trailer tongue.
The total weight on the vehicle’s tires.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than 1,000 lbs (450 kg).
But even that can be too heavy.
It depends on how the rig is used. For example, speed,
altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how
much the vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all
important. It can depend on any special equipment on
the vehicle, and the amount of tongue weight the vehicle
can carry. See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue” later in
this section for more information.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the
driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required
trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle
must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight.
Ask your dealer/retailer for our trailering information
or advice, or write us at our Customer Assistance
Offices. SeeCustomer Assistance Offices on page 7-6
for more information.
4-29

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on the instrument panel ash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the
trailer lamps also ash, telling other drivers the vehicle
is turning, changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument
panel ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. For this reason you may think other
drivers are seeing the signal when they are not. It is
important to check occasionally to be sure the
trailer bulbs are still working.
The vehicle has bulb warning lights. When a trailer
lighting system is plugged into the vehicle’s lighting
system, its bulb warning lights may not let the driver
know if one of the lamps goes out. So, when the a trailer
lighting system plugged in, be sure to check the
vehicle and trailer lamps from time to time to be sure
they are all working. Once the trailer lamps are
disconnected, the bulb warning lights can again let the
driver know that one of the vehicle lamps is out.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforestarting
down a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce the
vehicle’s speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reduce
the possibility of the engine and the transmission
overheating.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission to
a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions. For vehicles with a
manual transmission, it is better not to use the
highest gear.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high altitude
on steep uphill grades, the vehicle may show signs
similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let
the engine run while parked, preferably on level ground,
with the automatic transmission in P (Park) or the
manual transmission in N (Neutral) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the overheat warning
comes on, seeEngine Overheating on page 5-37.
4-33

Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer
attached can be dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be
injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can
be damaged. When possible, always park the rig
on a at surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but if the vehicle has an
automatic transmission, do not shift into P (Park)
yet. Turn the wheels into the curb if facing downhill
or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. For vehicles with an
automatic transmission, apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park). For vehicles with a manual
transmission, apply the parking brake, place the
transmission in 1 (First) and turn the ignition to
OFF/LOCK.
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
Start the engine
Shift into a gear
Release the parking brake
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. See this manual’s Maintenance Schedule or Index
for more information. Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic transmission uid,
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system and brake
system. It is a good idea to inspect these before and
during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-37.
4-34

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-6
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-7
Additives.......................................................5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-8
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-11
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-12
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-18
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-21
Engine Cover...............................................5-23
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-25
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-29
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-29
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-30
Cooling System............................................5-31
Engine Coolant.............................................5-32Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-37
Engine Overheating.......................................5-37
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode.........................................5-39
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-40
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-41
Brakes........................................................5-42
Battery........................................................5-45
Jump Starting...............................................5-46
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-51
Rear Axle.......................................................5-52
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-53
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-57
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............5-57
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-57
Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps...................5-58
License Plate Lamp......................................5-59
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-59
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-59
Tires..............................................................5-61
Winter Tires.................................................5-62
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-63
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-66
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-69
High-Speed Operation...................................5-70
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-71
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1