ignition CADILLAC DTS 2008 1.G Owner's Manual

Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it is an
easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you leave the
key in the ignition and park your vehicle, a chime
will sound, when you open the driver’s door. Always
remember to remove your key from the ignition and take
it with you. This will lock your ignition and transmission.
Also, always remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ignition while your vehicle is parked. You may not be
able to start your vehicle after it has been parked for an
extended period of time.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
10 minutes after the ignition key is turned off:
Audio System
Audio Steering Wheel Controls
Power Windows
Sunroof (if equipped)Power to these accessories will work up to 10 minutes
or until the driver’s door is opened. For an additional
10 minutes of power, close all the doors and turn the key
to ON/RUN and then back to LOCK/OFF.
Starting the Engine
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine will not start in any other position – this
is a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
2-24

Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up
and lubricate all moving parts.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the engine
and protects components. If the ignition key is turned
to the START position, and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the engine will continue
cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts.
If the engine does not start and the key is held in
START for many seconds, cranking will be stopped
after 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage.
To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents
cranking if the engine is already running. Engine
cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition
switch to the ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF
position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or−18°C),
it could be ooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the oor
and holding it there as you hold the key in START for
up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let go of
the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briey
but then stops again, do the same thing. This clears
the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently until the oil warms up
and lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, your
engine might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranty.
2-25

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

Parking Brake
The parking brake pedal is
located to the left of the
regular brake pedal,
near the driver’s door.
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot and push the parking brake
pedal down with your left foot.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light on
the instrument panel cluster should come on. If it
does not, you need to have your vehicle serviced.A warning chime will sound if the parking brake is set,
the ignition is on, and the vehicle speed is greater
than 5 mph (8 km/h). The brake light will come on and
stay on until the parking brake is released. See
Brake System Warning Light on page 3-60for more
information.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down with your right foot and push the parking
brake pedal down with your left foot. When you lift your
left foot, the parking brake pedal will follow it to the
released position.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-27.
2-30

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

Shifting Out of Park
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
This vehicle has an electronic shift lock release system.
The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever is
in PARK (P)
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of PARK (P),
unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock is always functional except in the case of
a an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-42.
Console Shift
If your console shift cannot be moved out of PARK (P)
1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY
position. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-23for
more information.3. Let up on the shift lever and make sure the shift
lever is pushed all the way into PARK (P).
4. Then, move the shift into the desired gear.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
Column Shift
If your park lock cable cannot be moved out of PARK (P)
1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY position. SeeIgnition Positions
on page 2-23for more information.
3. Shift out of the PARK (P) position to the
NEUTRAL (N) position.
4. Move the vehicle to a safe location.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
2-33

Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
The vehicle has an automatic dimming rearview
mirror with a compass display. The mirror may also
have OnStar
®controls and/or Intellibeam™. For more
information on OnStar, seeOnStar®System on
page 2-49. For more information on Intellibeam™ see
“Intellibeam Intelligent High-Beam Headlamp Control
System” underExterior Lamps on page 3-32.
O(On/Off):If the vehicle has this button, press to
turn the automatic dimming feature on or off.
Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation
Automatic dimming reduces the glare of lights from
behind the vehicle. The dimming feature comes on and
the indicator light illuminates each time the vehicle is
started.
Cleaning the Mirror
Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the mirror. Use a
soft towel dampened with glass.
Compass
Compass Operation
AUTO3/O(Auto Highbeam or On/Off):The
vehicle may have one of these buttons. Press and
hold AUTO
3for approximately three seconds or
press
Oto turn the compass on or off.
When the ignition is turned ON and this feature is on,
the compass displays in the mirror after a few seconds.
Compass Calibration
If the letter C should ever appear in the compass
display window, the compass may need to be calibrated.
If the correct compass direction does not show on the
display, there may be a strong magnetic eld interfering
with the compass, such as a magnetic antenna
mount, magnetic note pad holder or a similar magnetic
item. Remove the interference and calibrate the
compass, if calibrating is needed.
The compass can be placed in calibration mode
manually by pressing and holding AUTO
3orO
depending on the vehicle, until a C is shown in the
compass display.
To calibrate, drive the vehicle in a small circle slowly
until the display reads the correct direction.
2-36

Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror
If the vehicle has this feature, the driver side mirror
adjusts for the glare of headlamps behind you.
This feature is controlled by the on and off settings on
the automatic dimming rearview mirror.
Park Tilt Mirrors
If your vehicle is equipped with memory mirrors, it will
also be capable of performing the park tilt mirror feature.
This feature allows the driver and passenger side
mirror to tilt to a factory programmed position when the
vehicle is in R (Reverse). This feature may be useful
in allowing you to view the curb when you are parallel
parking.
When the vehicle is shifted out of R (Reverse) and
either a ve-second delay has occurred, or the ignition
is turned to LOCK/OFF, the driver’s and passenger’s
side mirror will return to its original position.
This feature can be enabled/disabled through the Driver
Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Vehicle
Customization on page 3-87.
Outside Convex Mirror
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex. A convex mirror’s
surface is curved so more can be seen from the driver
seat. This mirror does not have a dimming feature.
Outside Heated Mirrors
=(Rear Window Defogger):Press to heat the
outside rearview mirrors. See “Rear Window Defogger”
underDual Climate Control System on page 3-42for
more information.
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system, seeSide Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) on page 2-43.
2-39

Sunroof
The vehicle may have a power sunroof.
The switches that operate
the sunroof are located on
the overhead console.
To open or close the sunroof, the ignition must be
turned to ON/RUN or Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
must be active. SeeRetained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 2-24.Express Open:The express open feature will operate
from the closed or partially open position. To express
open the power sunroof, fully press the driver’s
side switch rearward once. To stop the sunroof glass in
a desired position other than to the express-open
position, press the switch again, in either direction, to
stop the movement. If the sunshade is in the closed
position, it will open with the sunroof, or it can be
opened manually.
Vent Open:From the closed position, press and hold the
passenger’s side switch forward to vent the sunroof. The
rear of the sunroof panel will tilt upward to the full vent
position. The sunshade must be opened manually.
Close:To close the sunroof, operate the controls
according to one of the following:
From the open position, press and hold the driver’s
side sunroof switch forward. The sunshade must be
closed manually.
From the vent position, press and hold the
passenger’s side sunroof switch rearward.
2-61

Hazard Warning Flashers
The hazard warning ashers let you warn the police and
others that you have a problem. The front and rear
turn signal lamps will ash on and off.
The hazard warning
asher button is on the
instrument panel.
Press the button to make the front and rear turn signal
lamps ash on and off. Press again to turn the
ashers completely off.
The hazard warning ashers work even if the key is not
in the ignition switch.
Other Warning Devices
If you carry reective triangles, you can set them up at
the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind
your vehicle.
Horn
Press near or on the horn symbols on the steering
wheel pad to sound the horn.
Tilt Wheel
A tilt wheel lets you adjust the steering wheel before
you drive. You can raise the steering wheel to the
highest level to give your legs more room when you
enter and exit the vehicle.
The lever that lets you tilt the steering wheel is located
on the left side of the steering column.
To tilt the wheel, hold the
wheel and pull the lever.
Then move the wheel
to a comfortable position
and release the lever
to lock the wheel in place.
3-6