control panel CADILLAC CTS 2012 2.G Owner's Manual

Black plate (14,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
5-14 Instruments and Controls
The FUEL LEVEL LOW message
appears in the Driver Information
Center (DIC) and a single chime
sounds. SeeFuel System
Messages on page 5‑36 for more
information.
Normal operation of the fuel gauge
includes:
.At the service station, the fuel
pump shuts off before the gauge
reads full.
.It takes a little more or less fuel
to fill up than the gauge
indicated.
.The gauge moves a little while
turning a corner or speeding up.
.The gauge takes a few seconds
to stabilize after the ignition is
turned on, and goes back to
empty when the ignition is
turned off.
Boost Gauge
Metric
English For the CTS-V, this gauge is located
in the instrument panel cluster.
This gauge indicates positive
manifold pressure, which is the
induction air pressure level in the
intake manifold before it enters the
combustion chamber. This gauge
reads zero under light throttle before
boost is generated.
The gauge automatically resets to
zero every time the engine is
started.
Engine Speed Limiter
This feature prevents the engine
speed from reaching an unsafe
level. If the level is too high, the
throttle closes or limits the fuel
supply until the engine speed
returns to a safe level. Throttle
operation and fuel supply return to
normal when engine speed is
lowered.

Black plate (16,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
5-16 Instruments and Controls
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge
Metric
English
This gauge shows the engine
coolant temperature. If the engine
coolant overheats, the engine
coolant temperature warning light
comes on. See Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light on
page 5‑24 andEngine Overheating
on page 10‑23 for more information.
Safety Belt Reminders
Driver Safety Belt Reminder
Light
There is a driver safety belt
reminder light on the instrument
panel cluster.
When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come
on to remind the driver to fasten
their safety belt. Then the light stays
on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle may continue several
times if the driver remains or
becomes unbuckled while the
vehicle is moving.
If the driver safety belt is buckled,
neither the light nor the chime
comes on.

Black plate (18,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
5-18 Instruments and Controls
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger
sensing system. SeePassenger
Sensing System on page 3‑27 for
important safety information. The
instrument panel has a passenger
airbag status indicator.
United States
Canada and Mexico When the vehicle is started, the
passenger airbag status indicator
will light the words ON and OFF,
or the symbols for on and off, for
several seconds as a system check.
If the vehicle has remote start, and it
is being used to start the vehicle
from a distance, you may not see
the system check. Then, after
several more seconds, the status
indicator will light either ON or OFF,
or either the on or off symbol, to let
you know the status of the right front
passenger frontal airbag.
If the word ON or the on symbol is
lit on the passenger airbag status
indicator, it means that the outboard
front passenger frontal airbag is
enabled (may inflate).
If the word OFF or the off symbol is
lit on the passenger airbag status
indicator, it means that the
passenger sensing system has
turned off the outboard front
passenger frontal airbag. If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, or if there
are no lights at all, there may be a
problem with the lights or the
passenger sensing system. See
your dealer for service.
{WARNING
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help
avoid injury to yourself or others,
have the vehicle serviced right
away. See
Airbag Readiness
Light on page 5‑17 for more
information, including important
safety information.

Black plate (21,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-21
.Check that good quality fuel is
used. Poor fuel quality causes
the engine not to run as
efficiently as designed and may
cause stalling after start-up,
stalling when the vehicle is
changed into gear, misfiring,
hesitation on acceleration,
or stumbling on acceleration.
These conditions might go away
once the engine is warmed up.
If one or more of these conditions
occurs, change the fuel brand used.
It will require at least one full tank of
the proper fuel to turn the light off.
See Recommended Fuel on
page 9‑51.
If none of the above have made
the light turn off, your dealer can
check the vehicle. The dealer
has the proper test equipment
and diagnostic tools to fix any
mechanical or electrical problems
that might have developed.Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
Some local governments may have
programs to inspect the on-vehicle
emission control equipment. For the
inspection, the emission system test
equipment is connected to the
vehicle’s Data Link
Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument
panel to the next to the steering
wheel. See your dealer if assistance
is needed.
The vehicle may not pass
inspection if:
.The malfunction indicator lamp is
on with the engine running, or if
the light does not come on when
the ignition is turned to ON/RUN while the engine is off. See your
dealer for assistance in verifying
proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp.
.The OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics) system determines
that critical emission control
systems have not been
completely diagnosed. The
vehicle would be considered not
ready for inspection. This can
happen if the 12-volt battery has
recently been replaced or run
down. The diagnostic system is
designed to evaluate critical
emission control systems during
normal driving. This can take
several days of routine driving.
If this has been done and the
vehicle still does not pass the
inspection for lack of OBD II
system readiness, your dealer
can prepare the vehicle for
inspection.

Black plate (27,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-27
SeeExterior Lamps Off Reminder
on page 6‑2 for more information.
Cruise Control Light
This light comes on whenever the
cruise control is active.
The light goes out when the cruise
control is turned off. See Cruise
Control on page 9‑41 for more
information.
Information Displays
Driver Information
Center (DIC)
The Driver Information Center (DIC)
provides status of many vehicle
systems. The DIC displays warning/
status messages. The DIC display
is at the bottom of the instrument
panel cluster. The DIC buttons are
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 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. All
messages should be taken
seriously; clearing the message
does not correct the problem.DIC Operation and Displays
Press the DIC buttons to access the
different displays.
3(Trip/Fuel):
Press to scroll
through the trip and fuel displays.
See “Trip/Fuel Display Menu Items”
following for more information.

Black plate (32,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
5-32 Instruments and Controls
BATTERY VOLTS LOW
This message displays when the
electrical system is charging less
than 10 volts or the battery has
been drained.
If this message appears
immediately after starting the
engine, it is possible that the
generator can still recharge the
battery. The battery should recharge
while driving, but may take a few
hours to do so. Consider using an
auxiliary charger to boost the
battery after returning home or
arriving at a final destination. Make
sure you follow the manufacturer's
instructions.
If this message appears while
driving or after starting the vehicle
and stays on, have it checked
immediately to determine the cause
of this problem.To help the generator recharge the
battery quickly, reduce the load on
the electrical system by turning off
the accessories.
The normal battery voltage range is
11.5 to 15.5 volts. Monitor battery
voltage on the DIC by pressing the
vehicle information button until
Battery Voltage is displayed.
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. Under
certain conditions, the charging
system light may also turn on in
the instrument panel cluster. See
Charging System Light on
page 5‑19
for more information.
Brake System Messages
PARK BRAKE RELEASED
For vehicles with the electric
parking brake, this message
displays when the parking brake
has been released from the set
position. See the electric parking
brake information under Parking
Brake (Manual) on page 9‑34 or
Parking Brake (Electric) on
page 9‑35 for more information.
PARK BRAKE SET
For vehicles with the electric parking
brake, this message displays when
the parking brake has been applied
to the set position. See the electric
parking brake information under
Parking Brake (Manual) on
page 9‑34orParking Brake
(Electric) on page 9‑35 for more
information.

Black plate (33,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-33
PRESS BRAKE TO START
ENGINE (AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION ONLY)
If the vehicle has the keyless
access system, this message
displays if you try to start the engine
without having the brake pressed.
The brake needs to be pressed
when starting the engine. See
Ignition Positions (Key Access) on
page 9‑16orIgnition Positions
(Keyless Access) on page 9‑18 for
more information.
RELEASE PARK BRAKE
SWITCH
For vehicles with the electric parking
brake, this message displays if the
switch is pulled while the vehicle is
moving. See the electric parking
brake information under Parking
Brake (Manual) on page 9‑34 or
Parking Brake (Electric) on
page 9‑35 for 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. See
Brake System Warning Light on
page 5‑22andAntilock Brake
System (ABS) Warning Light on
page 5‑23 for 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 as soon as
possible. See Antilock Brake
System (ABS) on page 9‑33 for
more information.
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
This message displays, while the
ignition is on, when the brake fluid
level is low. The brake system
warning light on the instrument
panel cluster also comes on. See
Brake System Warning Light on
page 5‑22 for more information. This
message may also be displayed for
other brake system problems. Have
the brake system serviced by your
dealer as soon as possible.
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 for service.
STEP ON BRAKE TO
RELEASE PARK BRAKE
For vehicles with the electric parking
brake, this message displays if you
try to release the park brake system
without first pressing the brake
pedal. See the electric parking
brake information under Parking
Brake (Manual) on page 9‑34 or
Parking Brake (Electric) on
page 9‑35 for more information.

Black plate (35,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-35
Engine Cooling System
Messages
ENGINE HOT A/C (AIR
CONDITIONING) OFF
This message displays when the
engine coolant becomes hotter than
the normal operating temperature.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gauge on page 5‑16. To avoid
added strain on a hot engine,
the air conditioning compressor
automatically turns off. When the
coolant temperature returns to
normal, the air conditioning
compressor turns back on. You
can continue to drive the vehicle.
If this message continues to appear,
have the system repaired by your
dealer as soon as possible to avoid
damage to the engine.
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE
ENGINE
Notice: If you drive the 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.
See Engine Overheating on
page 10‑23 for more information.
This message displays when the
engine coolant temperature is too
hot. Stop and allow the vehicle
to idle until it cools down. If the
message does not clear in a
few minutes or if the overheat light
stays on, shut the vehicle off and
have it serviced before driving
again. See Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light on
page 5‑24. See
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 10‑24 for
information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
Engine Oil Messages
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
When this message displays, it
means that service is required
for the vehicle. See your dealer.
See Maintenance Schedule on
page 11‑3 andEngine Oil on
page 10‑10 for more information.
When you reset the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message by
clearing it from the display, you still
must reset the engine oil life system
separately. For more information on
resetting the engine oil life system,
see Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑12.
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.

Black plate (36,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
5-36 Instruments and Controls
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 10‑10 for additional
information.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP
ENGINE
Notice: If you drive the 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. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑10 for 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. See
Engine Oil Pressure
Light on page 5‑25. See Engine Oil
on page 10‑10 for more information.
Stop the vehicle immediately, as
engine damage can result from
driving a vehicle with low oil
pressure. Have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer as soon as possible
when this message is displayed.
Engine Power Messages
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, take the vehicle to your
dealer for service as soon as
possible.
Fuel System Messages
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays when the
vehicle is low on fuel. Refill the fuel
tank as soon as possible. A chime
may sound when this message
displays. See
Filling the Tank on
page 9‑53.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message displays when the
fuel cap has not been fully
tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to
ensure that it is on and tightened
properly.

Black plate (41,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-41
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
still displays or appears again when
you begin driving, the system needs
service. See your dealer right away.
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. See
Steering on
page 9‑4.
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 as soon as possible.
See StabiliTrak
®System on
page 9‑39 for more information.
SERVICE SUSPENSION
SYSTEM
This message displays when there
is a problem with the Magnetic Ride
Control system. See Magnetic Ride
Control on page 9‑40 for more
information. Have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer.
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 not limit wheel spin.
Adjust your driving accordingly. See
your dealer for service. See Traction
Control System (TCS) on page 9‑38
for more information.