brake fluid CADILLAC CTS 2018 User Guide

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
VEHICLE CARE 259
1. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 275.
2. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0323.
3. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0323. 4. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. See Cooling System
0 269.
5. Engine Compartment Fuse Block
0286.
6. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0269. 7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
Engine Oil
0 263.
8. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine
Oil 0263.
9. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake
Fluid 0276.
10. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0267.

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1. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 275.
2. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0323.
3. Engine Compartment Fuse Block
0286. 4. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. See Cooling System
0 269.
5. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0323.
6. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0269. 7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
Engine Oil
0 263.
8. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine
Oil 0263.
9. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0267.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake
Fluid 0276.

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1. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 275.
2. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0323.
3. Engine Compartment Fuse Block
0286.
4. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System
0 269.
5. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0323.
6. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine
Oil 0263.
7. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0269.
8. Engine Oil Fill Cap (Out of View). See Engine Oil 0263.
9. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0267.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake
Fluid 0276.Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine performance
and long life, careful attention must
be paid to engine oil. Following these
simple, but important steps will help
protect your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil” in
this section.
. Check the engine oil level regularly
and maintain the proper oil level.
See “Checking Engine Oil” and
“When to Add Engine Oil” in this
section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0265.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially prior
to a long trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine
Compartment Overview 0256 for the
location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may
be hot; it could burn you. Use a
towel or glove to touch the dipstick
handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays, check the oil
level.
Follow these guidelines:
. To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground. Check
the engine oil level after the
engine has been off for at least
two hours. Checking the engine oil
level on steep grades or too soon
after engine shutoff can result in
incorrect readings. Accuracy
improves when checking a cold
engine prior to starting. Remove
the dipstick and check the level.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally
and have the cooling system checked
for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while parked.
If the warning is still displayed, turn
off the engine until it cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is
needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an area
where the temperature may fall below
freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer symbol
on it. Add washer fluid until the tank
is full. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview 0256 for reservoir location.
Caution
.
Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
. Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the windshield
washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system
and paint.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system.
. When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is
very cold. This allows for
fluid expansion if freezing
occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is
completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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heard all the time when the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will not
work well. That could lead to a
crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes. If equipped with high performance
brake linings, there could be an
increased build-up of brake dust as
well as minor noises as compared to
standard brake linings.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications 0353.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete sets.Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does
not return to normal height, or if
there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign that brake
service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement parts.
If this is not done, the brakes may not
work properly. The braking
performance expected can change in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are installed
or parts are improperly installed.
Cold Weather Brake Operation
(CTS-V Model)
High performance brake components
may bind and clunk when moving the
vehicle. This may be noticeable after
parking when the brakes have been
wet, such as when driving in the rain
or after a car wash. This is normal for
brakes with high friction pads and
does not affect the operation of the
brakes. Apply the brakes several times
until the binding or clunking stops.
Drive the vehicle and apply the brakes
several times if it is washed before
long-term storage.
Brake Fluid

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The brake master cylinder reservoir is
filled with GM approved DOT 3 brake
fluid as indicated on the reservoir cap.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
0 256 for the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum
marks on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
. Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the fluid
level goes back up.
. A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic
system. Have the brake hydraulic
system fixed. With a leak, the
brakes will not work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir
cap and the area around the cap
before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding
fluid does not correct a leak. If fluid is
added when the linings are worn,
there will be too much fluid when new brake linings are installed. Add or
remove fluid, as necessary, only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You or
others could be burned, and the
vehicle could be damaged. Add
brake fluid only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning Light
0 129.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid at
the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0339. What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3 brake
fluid from a clean, sealed container.
See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0348.{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the paint
finish can be damaged. Immediately
wash off any painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the
cap and do not add fluid.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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The jump start remote positive
terminal (3) and the remote negative
ground terminal (4) for the discharged
battery are on the passenger side of
the vehicle.
The positive jump start connection for
the discharged battery is under a red
cover. Remove the cover to expose the
terminal.1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery with a
negative ground system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have a
12-volt system with a negative
ground, both vehicles can be
damaged. Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. Position the two vehicles so that they are not touching. 3. Set the parking brake firmly and
put the shift lever in P (Park)
with an automatic transmission,
or Neutral with a manual
transmission.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump starting
procedure, they could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Whenever
possible, turn off or unplug all
accessories on either vehicle when
jump starting.
4. Turn the ignition off. Turn off all lights and accessories in both
vehicles, except the hazard
warning flashers if needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running and
can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode. People
have been hurt doing this, and
some have been blinded. Use a
flashlight if you need more light.
Battery fluid contains acid that can
burn you. Do not get it on you.
If you accidentally get it in your
eyes or on your skin, flush the place
with water and get medical help
immediately.

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Caution
Chrome wheels and other chrome
trim may be damaged if the vehicle
is not washed after driving on roads
that have been sprayed with
magnesium, calcium, or sodium
chloride. These chlorides are used
on roads for conditions such as ice
and dust. Always wash the chrome
with soap and water after exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage, do not
use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners, brushes,
or cleaners that contain acid on
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels.
Use only approved cleaners. Also,
never drive a vehicle with
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels
through an automatic car wash that
uses silicone carbide tire cleaning(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
brushes. Damage could occur and
the repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Brake System
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 drum brake linings/
shoes for wear or cracks. Inspect all
other brake parts.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering, suspension,
and chassis components for damaged,
loose, or missing parts or signs of
wear at least once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood
hinges, liftgate hinges, and the steel
fuel door hinge, unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips with a
clean cloth will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any corrosive
materials from the underbody. Take
care to thoroughly clean any areas
where mud and other debris can
collect.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water can
overcome the seals and contaminate
the fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer case
and/or axles and should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and requires
sheet metal repair or replacement,
make sure the body repair shop

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additional maintenance items like
tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper
blades.
Caution
Damage caused by improper
maintenance can lead to costly
repairs and may not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Maintenance
intervals, checks, inspections,
recommended fluids, and lubricants
are important to keep the vehicle in
good working condition.
Do not have chemical flushes that
are not approved by GM performed
on the vehicle. The use of flushes,
solvents, cleaners, or lubricants that
are not approved by GM could
damage the vehicle, requiring
expensive repairs that are not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
The Tire Rotation and Required
Services are the responsibility of the
vehicle owner. It is recommended to
have your dealer perform these
services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi. Proper vehicle maintenance helps to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy, and
reduces vehicle emissions.
Because of the way people use
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
There may need to be more frequent
checks and services. The Additional
Required Services - Normal are for
vehicles that:
.
Carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits on the Tire
and Loading Information label. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0188.
. Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving limits.
. Use the recommended fuel. See
Fuel 0242.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services -
Severe are for vehicles that are:
. Mainly driven in heavy city traffic
in hot weather
. Mainly driven in hilly or
mountainous terrain .
Frequently towing a trailer
. Used for high speed or competitive
driving
. Used for taxi, police, or delivery
service
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous and can cause serious
injury. Perform maintenance work
only if the required information,
proper tools, and equipment are
available. If they are not, see your
dealer to have a trained technician
do the work. See Doing Your Own
Service Work 0254.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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.Check tire inflation pressures. See
Tire Pressure 0301.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0307.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0267.
. Inspect brake system. See Exterior
Care 0329.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear.
See Exterior Care 0329.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 075. .
Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for loose
or damaged parts.
. Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0329.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0279.
. Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control Function Check 0280.
. Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check 0280. .
Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
. Visually inspect gas strut for signs
of wear, cracks, or other damage.
Check the hold open ability of the
strut. If the hold open is low,
service the gas strut. See Gas
Strut(s) 0281.
. Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof053.