engine CADILLAC DTS 2008 1.G User Guide

Automatic Transmission Operation
The automatic transmission may have a shift lever
located either on the steering column or on the console
between the seats.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
PARK (P):This position locks the front wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine because
your 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 on page 2-31. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-27.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You have to fully
apply your regular brakes before you can shift from
PARK (P) while the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you
cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift
lever. Push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P)
as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift
lever into another gear. SeeShifting Out of Park on
page 2-33.
2-27

REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up.
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.
Also use this gear to rock your 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.
NEUTRAL (N):In this position, the engine does
not connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your 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.
DRIVE (D):This position is for normal driving. It
provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle. 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 the next gear and
have more power.
2-28

Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see Skidding underLoss of
Control on page 4-10.
Notice:Driving your vehicle if you notice that it is
moving slowly or not shifting gears as you increase
speed may damage the transmission. Have your
vehicle serviced right away. You can drive in
SECOND (2) when you are driving less than 35 mph
(55 km/h) and DRIVE (D) for higher speeds until then.
DRIVE (D) can be used for towing. You may want to
shift the transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, to a
lower gear if the transmission shifts too often under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
SeeTowing a Trailer on page 4-27for more information.
THIRD (3):This position is also used for normal driving.
However, it reduces vehicle speed more than DRIVE (D)
without using your brakes. You might choose THIRD (3)
instead of DRIVE (D) when driving on hilly, winding
roads, when towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears and when going down a steep hill.
SECOND (2):This position reduces vehicle speed more
than THIRD (3) without using your brakes. You can
use SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed
as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you
would also want to use your brakes off and on.Notice:Do not shift into SECOND (2) unless you
are going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h), or you can
damage your engine and/or transmission.
FIRST (1):This position reduces vehicle speed even
more than SECOND (2) without using your brakes.
You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or
mud. If the shift lever is put in FIRST (1) while the
vehicle is moving forward, the transmission will not shift
into rst gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by your warranty. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
Performance Shifting
If your vehicle has this feature, it can detect a change in
driving patterns. If you make an aggressive driving
maneuver, the vehicle’s transmission automatically
shifts to the lowest possible gear to maximize vehicle
performance. The vehicle will automatically return to
normal operation when you return to normal driving
patterns.
2-29

Shifting Into Park
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your 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 on page 4-27.
Steering Column Shift Lever
If your vehicle has a steering column shift lever, use this
procedure to shift the vehicle into PARK (P):
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by pulling the
shift lever toward you and moving it up as far as it
will go.3. With your right foot still holding the brake pedal
down, set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-30for more information.
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
Console Shift Lever
If your vehicle is equipped with a console shift lever,
use this procedure to shift the vehicle into PARK (P):
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by pushing the
lever all the way toward the front of your vehicle
and then to the left.
3. With your right foot still holding the brake pedal
down, set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-30for more information.
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
2-31

Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) 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
your vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your
parking brake is rmly set before you leave it. See
Parking Brake on page 2-30for more information.
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the
transmission. You may nd it difficult to pull the shift lever
out of PARK (P). This is called torque lock. To prevent
torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into
PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver’s seat.
To nd out how, seeShifting Into Park on page 2-31.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so
you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
2-32

Parking Over Things That Burn
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under your vehicle and ignite. Do not
park over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other
things that can burn.
Engine Exhaust
{CAUTION:
Engine exhaust can kill. It contains the gas
carbon monoxide (CO), which you cannot see or
smell. It can cause unconsciousness and death.
You might have exhaust coming in if:
The exhaust system sounds strange or
different.
Your vehicle gets rusty underneath.
Your vehicle was damaged in a collision.
Your vehicle was damaged when driving
over high points on the road or over road
debris.
Repairs were not done correctly.
Your vehicle or the exhaust system has
been modied improperly.
If you ever suspect exhaust is coming into your
vehicle:
Drive it only with all the windows down to
blow out any CO.
Have your vehicle xed immediately.
2-34

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 the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-34.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Also see “If You Are Caught in a Blizzard” under
Winter Driving on page 4-16.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your 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 your
vehicle will not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set the parking brake
after you move the shift lever to PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park on page 2-31.
If you are parking on a hill and if you are pulling a
trailer, also seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-27.
2-35

Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . . .3-62
StabiliTrak®Indicator Light.............................3-62
Lane Departure Warning Light........................3-63
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-63
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-64
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-64
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-65
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-67
Security Light...............................................3-68
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-68
Lights On Reminder......................................3-68
Cruise Control Light......................................3-68
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-69
Fuel Gage...................................................3-69Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-70
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-70
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-75
DIC Vehicle Customization.............................3-87
Audio System(s).............................................3-96
Setting the Clock..........................................3-97
Radio(s) (MP3)...........................................3-100
Using an MP3............................................3-111
XM Radio Messages...................................3-117
Navigation/Radio System..............................3-118
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-118
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-118
Radio Reception.........................................3-119
Backglass Antenna......................................3-120
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-120
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

Unnecessary Alerts
FCA may occasionally provide alerts that you consider
unnecessary. It could respond to a turning vehicle
ahead of you, guard rails, signs, and other stationary
objects. This is normal operation, your vehicle does not
need service.
Other Messages
There are three messages that may appear on the
Driver Information Center (DIC). They are CLEAN
RADAR, RADAR CRUISE NOT READY and SERVICE
RADAR CRUISE. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-75.
Cleaning the System
The radar can become blocked by snow, ice, or dirt.
If so, you may need to turn off the engine and clean
the lens. See “Cleaning the System” underAdaptive
Cruise Control on page 3-19.
Flash-to-Pass
This feature lets you use the high-beam headlamps to
signal the driver in front of you that you want to pass.
The ash-to-pass feature will only work with the
headlamps on. It does not work with Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL).Pull and hold the turn signal lever toward you to use.
If the headlamps are on low beam, pulling the turn signal
towards you will ash the high beams.
Windshield Wipers
You control the windshield wipers by turning the band
with the wiper symbol on it.
8(Mist):Turn the band to mist for a single wiping
cycle. Hold it there until the wipers start. Then let
go. The wipers stop after one wipe. For more wipe
cycles, hold the band longer on mist.
6(Delay):Turn the band to choose the delay time
between wipe cycles. The wiper speed can be set for
a long or short delay between wipes. The closer
the band is set to the top of the lever, the shorter the
delay.
6(Low Speed):Turn the band away from you to
the rst solid band past the delay settings for steady
wiping at low speed.
1(High Speed):For high-speed wiping, turn the
band further, to the second solid band past the
delay settings.
3-13

Using Adaptive Cruise Control on Hills
and When Towing a Trailer
How well Adaptive Cruise Control will work on hills
and when towing a trailer depends on your vehicle’s
speed, vehicle load, traffic conditions and the steepness
of the hills. It may not detect a vehicle in your lane
while driving on hills. When going up steep hills, you
may want to use the accelerator pedal to maintain your
vehicle’s speed. When going downhill, especially
when towing a trailer, you may want to brake to keep
your speed down. Applying the brake disengages
the system. You may choose not to use Adaptive Cruise
Control on steep hills, especially when towing a trailer.
Disengaging Adaptive Cruise Control
To turn off the system, apply the brake pedal,
press the cancel button, or press the Adaptive
Cruise Control button.
Erasing Set Speed Memory
Press the Adaptive Cruise Control button or turn the
ignition off.
Other Messages
There are three additional messages that may appear
on the DIC. They are SERVICE RADAR CRUISE,
RADAR CRUISE NOT READY and CLEAN RADAR.
These messages will appear to indicate a problem with
the Adaptive Cruise Control. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-75for more information.
Cleaning the System
The radar can become blocked by snow, ice, or dirt.
If so, you may need to turn off the engine and clean the
lens. Remember, do not use Adaptive Cruise Control
in icy conditions, or when visibility is low, such as in fog,
rain or snow.
The emblem/lens is located in the center of the grille.
To clean the emblem/lens, wipe the surface with a
soft cloth. After cleaning the emblem/lens, try to engage
the Adaptive Cruise Control. If you are unable to do
so, see your dealer/retailer.
3-31