light CADILLAC DTS 2010 1.G Owners Manual

It is important to slow down on slippery surfacesbecause stopping distance will be longer and vehiclecontrol more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try yourbest to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking,including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lowergear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.You may not realize the surface is slippery until thevehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warningclues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow onthe road to make a mirrored surface — and slow downwhen you have any doubt.
Remember: Any Antilock Brake System (ABS) helpsavoid only the braking skid.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving becausesome drivers are likely to be impaired — by alcohol ordrugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue.
Night driving tips include:
•Drive defensively.
•Do not drink and drive.
•Reduce headlamp glare by adjusting the inside
rearview mirror.
•Slow down and keep more space between you and
other vehicles because headlamps can only light upso much road ahead.
•Watch for animals.
•When tired, pull off the road.
•Do not wear sunglasses.
•Avoid staring directly into approaching headlamps.
•Keep the windshield and all glass on your vehicle
clean — inside and out.
•Keep your eyes moving, especially during turns
or curves.
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime.But, as we get older, these differences increase.A 50-year-old driver might need at least twice as muchlight to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
5-11

Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle tractionand affect your ability to stop and accelerate. Alwaysdrive slower in these types of driving conditionsand avoid driving through large puddles anddeep-standing or flowing water.
{WARNING:
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not
work as well in a quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of
the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water or a
car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake pedal until
the brakes work normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.
Driving through flowing water could cause your
vehicle to be carried away. If this happens, you
and other vehicle occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very cautious about
trying to drive through flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up underyour vehicle’s tires so they actually ride on thewater. This can happen if the road is wet enough andyou are going fast enough. When your vehicle ishydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.The best advice is to slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather driving tipsinclude:
•Allow extra following distance.
•Pass with caution.
•Keep windshield wiping equipment in good shape.
•Keep the windshield washer fluid reservoir filled.
•Have good tires with proper tread depth. SeeTires
on page 6-46.
•Turn off cruise control.
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Repeat this until help arrives but only when you feelreally uncomfortable from the cold. Moving aboutto keep warm also helps.
If it takes some time for help to arrive, now and thenwhen you run the engine, push the acceleratorpedal slightly so the engine runs faster than the idlespeed. This keeps the battery charged to restartthe vehicle and to signal for help with the headlamps.Do this as little as possible to save fuel.
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free thevehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 5-17.
If the vehicle has a traction system, it can often help tofree a stuck vehicle. Refer to the vehicle’s tractionsystem in the Index. If stuck too severely for the tractionsystem to free the vehicle, turn the traction system offand use the rocking method.
{WARNING:
If the vehicle’s tires spin at high speed, they can
explode, and you or others could be injured.
The vehicle can overheat, causing an engine
compartment fire or other damage. Spin the
wheels as little as possible and avoid going above
55 km/h (35 mph) as shown on the speedometer.
For information about using tire chains on the vehicle,seeTire Chains on page 6-70.
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the areaaround the front wheels. Turn off any traction or stabilitysystem. Shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and aforward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible.To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stopspinning before shifting gears. Release the acceleratorpedal while shifting, and press lightly on the acceleratorpedal when the transmission is in gear. Slowly spinningthe wheels in the forward and reverse directions causes arocking motion that could free the vehicle. If that does notget the vehicle out after a few tries, it might need to betowed out. If the vehicle does need to be towed out, seeTowing Your Vehicle on page 5-24.
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Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . .6-4Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4Adding Equipment to the Outsideof the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5Gasoline Octane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-6California Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-6Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-6Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-8Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-10
Checking Things Under the Hood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-10Hood Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-11Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-12Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-13Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-16Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-17Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-19Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-22Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-23Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-27
Overheated Engine ProtectionOperating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-29Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-30Windshield Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-31Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-32Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-34Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-36
Headlamp Aiming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-40
Bulb Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-43High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . .6-43
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-44
Tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-46Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-47Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-52Inflation - Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-54High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-56Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-57Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-58Tire Inspection and Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-62When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-64Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-64Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-66Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-67Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-68Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-68
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
6-1

Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileageand the date of any service work performed. SeeMaintenance Record on page 7-12.
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
the Vehicle
Things added to the outside of the vehicle can affect theairflow around it. This can cause wind noise and canaffect fuel economy and windshield washer performance.Check with your dealer/retailer before adding equipmentto the outside of the vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of theproper maintenance of this vehicle. To help keep theengine clean and maintain optimum vehicleperformance, we recommend the use of gasolineadvertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
Look for the TOP TIER label on the fuel pump to ensuregasoline meets enhanced detergency standardsdeveloped by auto companies. A list of marketersproviding TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline can be foundat www.toptiergas.com.
Gasoline Octane
Use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octanerating of 91 or higher. You can also use regularunleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, but thevehicle’s acceleration could be slightly reduced, anda slight audible knocking noise, commonly referred to asspark knock, might be heard. If the octane is lessthan 87, you might notice a heavy knocking noise whenyou drive.
6-5

To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly counterclockwise.The fuel cap has a spring in it; if the cap is releasedtoo soon, it will spring back to the right.
While refueling, hang the tethered fuel cap from thehook on the fuel door.
{WARNING:
Fuel can spray out on you if you open the fuel cap
too quickly. If you spill fuel and then something
ignites it, you could be badly burned. This spray
can happen if the tank is nearly full, and is more
likely in hot weather. Open the fuel cap slowly and
wait for any hiss noise to stop. Then unscrew the
cap all the way.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not top off or overfill thetank and wait a few seconds after you have finishedpumping before removing the nozzle. Clean fuelfrom painted surfaces as soon as possible. SeeWashing Your Vehicle on page 6-95.
When replacing the fuel cap, turn it clockwise until itclicks. Make sure the cap is fully installed. Thediagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed. This would allowfuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. SeeMalfunctionIndicator Lamp on page 4-57.
The TIGHTEN GAS CAP message displays on theDriver Information Center (DIC) if the fuel cap isnot properly installed. SeeDIC Warnings and Messageson page 4-67for more information.
{WARNING:
If a fire starts while you are refueling, do not
remove the nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by notifying the station
attendant. Leave the area immediately.
Notice:If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to getthe right type. Your dealer/retailer can get onefor you. If you get the wrong type, it may not fitproperly. This may cause the malfunction indicatorlamp to light and may damage the fuel tank andemissions system. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lampon page 4-57.
6-9

How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter, remove the filter from thevehicle and lightly shake the filter to release loose dustand dirt. If the filter remains caked with dirt, a new filteris required.
To inspect or replace the filter:
1. Remove the two screws on the top of the engine aircleaner/filter cover.
2. Lift up the outboard side of the cover at an anglewhile pulling toward you. This is necessary due tothe two hinges located on the inboard side ofthe cover.
3. Remove the engine air cleaner/filter and any loosedebris that may be found in the air cleaner base.
4. Inspect or replace the air filter element.
To reinstall the cover:
1. Align the two hinges located on the inboard side ofthe cover.
2. Push the cover slightly down and towards theengine to engage the tabs in the hinges andalign the two screws.
3. Tighten the two screws on the top of the engine aircleaner/filter cover.
6-18

4. With the coolant surge tank cap off, start the engineand let it run until you can feel the upper radiatorhose getting hot. Watch out for the enginecooling fans.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolantsurge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, addmore of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tankuntil the level reaches the FULL COLD mark onthe side of the coolant surge tank.
5. Replace the cap. Be sure the cap is hand-tight andfully seated.
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,coolant loss and possible engine damage mayoccur. Be sure the cap is properly and tightlysecured.
If coolant is needed, add the proper DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture at the coolant recovery tank.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of engineoverheating.
There is an engine temperature warning light and/orgage on the instrument panel cluster. SeeEngineCoolant Temperature Warning Light on page 4-55andEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 4-56.
The vehicle may also display a ENGINE OVERHEATEDIDLE ENGINE message or an ENGINE OVERHEATEDSTOP ENGINE message displayed in the DriverInformation Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings andMessages on page 4-67for more information. You willalso hear a chime.
4.6L L37 Engine shown, 4.6L LD8 Engine similar
6-27

{WARNING:
With the wrong kind of fluid in the brake hydraulic
system, the brakes might not work well. This could
cause a crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
Notice:
•Using the wrong fluid can badly damage brake
hydraulic system parts. For example, just afew drops of mineral-based oil, such as engineoil, in the brake hydraulic system can damagebrake hydraulic system parts so badly that theywill have to be replaced. Do not let someoneput in the wrong kind of fluid.
•If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paint finish can be damaged. Becareful not to spill brake fluid on the vehicle.If you do, wash it off immediately. SeeWashingYour Vehicle on page 6-95.
Brake Wear
This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads havebuilt-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warningsound when the brake pads are worn and new padsare needed. The sound can come and go or be heard allthe time the vehicle is moving, except when applyingthe brake pedal firmly.
{WARNING:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
the brakes will not work well. That could lead to an
accident. When the brake wear warning sound is
heard, have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brakepads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brakesqueal when the brakes are first applied or lightlyapplied. This does not mean something is wrong withthe brakes.
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2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cablescan reach, but be sure the vehicles are not touchingeach other. If they are, it could cause a groundconnection you do not want. You would not be ableto start your vehicle and the bad grounding coulddamage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, setthe parking brake firmly on both vehicles involved inthe jump start procedure. Put an automatictransmission in P (Park) or a manual transmissionin NEUTRAL before setting the parking brake.
Notice:If you leave the radio or other accessorieson during the jump starting procedure, they could bedamaged. The repairs would not be covered by thewarranty. Always turn off the radio and otheraccessories when jump starting the vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplugunnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarettelighter or the accessory power outlets. Turn offthe radio and all lamps that are not needed. Thiswill avoid sparks and help save both batteries.And it could save the radio!
4. Open the hoods and locate the positive (+) andnegative (!) terminal locations on the othervehicle. Your vehicle has a remote positive (+) jumpstarting terminal and a remote negative (!) jumpstarting terminal.
The remote positive (+) terminal is located in theengine compartment on the passenger’s side of thevehicle. Lift the red plastic cap to access theterminal. SeeEngine Compartment Overview onpage 6-12for more information on the locationof the remote positive (+) terminal.
A second remote positive (+) terminal is located onthe rear underseat fuse block.
The remote negative (!) terminal is located behindthe power steering pulley, near the engine cover.It is marked GND (!).
4.6L LD8 Engine shown,4.6L L37 Enginesimilar
6-37