CADILLAC DTS 2010 1.G Owners Manual

Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different positions:
In order to shift out of P (Park), ignition must be in theON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY and the brake pedalmust be applied.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key to turn in theignition could cause damage to the switch orbreak the key. Use the correct key, make sure it isall the way in, and turn it only with your hand. If thekey cannot be turned by hand, see yourdealer/retailer.
A (LOCK/OFF):This is the only position in which theignition key can be inserted or removed. This positionlocks the ignition and transmission and steering column.
The steering can bind with the wheels turned offcenter. If this happens, move the steering wheel fromright to left while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY.If this doesn’t work, the vehicle needs service.
B (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position lets the radio andwindshield wipers operate while the engine is off. Touse ACC/ACCESSORY, turn the key clockwise.
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C (ON/RUN):This position is where the key returns toafter the vehicle is started. This position displayssome of the warning and indicator lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in theACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the engineoff. You may not be able to start the vehicle if the batteryis allowed to drain for an extended period of time.
D (START):This position starts the engine.
A warning chime will sound and the Driver InformationCenter (DIC) will display DRIVER DOOR OPENwhen the driver door is opened if the ignition is inLOCK/OFF, ACC/ACCESSORY and the key is in theignition. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-67for more information.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to10 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 minutesor until the driver’s door is opened. For an additional10 minutes of power, close all the doors and turn the keyto ON/RUN and then back to LOCK/OFF.
Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). Theengine will not start in any other position. To restart theengine when the vehicle is already moving, useN (Neutral) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the vehicleis moving. If you do, you could damage thetransmission. Shift to P (Park) only when the vehicleis stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn theignition to START. When the engine starts, let goof the key. The idle speed will slow down asthe engine warms. Do not race the engineimmediately after starting it. Operate the engine andtransmission gently to allow the oil to warm upand lubricate all moving parts.
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The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled CrankingSystem. This feature assists in starting theengine and protects components. If the ignition keyis turned to the START position, and thenreleased when the engine begins cranking, theengine will continue cranking for a few seconds oruntil the vehicle starts. If the engine does notstart and the key is held in START, cranking will bestopped after 15 seconds to prevent crankingmotor damage. To prevent gear damage, thissystem also prevents cranking if the engineis already running. Engine cranking can be stoppedby turning the ignition switch to theACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods oftime, by returning the key to the START positionimmediately after cranking has ended, can overheatand damage the cranking motor, and drain thebattery. 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 flooded with too much gasoline.Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way tothe floor and holding it there as you hold the key inSTART for up to a maximum of 15 seconds.Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to allowthe cranking motor to cool down. When theengine starts, let go of the key and accelerator. Ifthe vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, repeatthese steps. This clears the extra gasoline fromthe engine. Do not race the engine immediatelyafter starting it. Operate the engine andtransmission gently until the oil warms up andlubricates all moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed to work with theelectronics in the vehicle. If you add electrical partsor accessories, you could change the way the engineoperates. Before adding electrical equipment, checkwith your dealer/retailer. If you do not, the enginemight not perform properly. Any resulting damagewould not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
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Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater can provide easier startingand better fuel economy during engine warm-up in coldweather conditions at or below 0°F (!18°C). Vehicleswith an engine coolant heater should be pluggedin at least four hours before starting.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The electrical cord is located on the driver sideof the engine, behind the transmission dipstick/fluidfill location and next to the engine.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{WARNING:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could
cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of
extension cord could overheat and cause a fire.
You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into
a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC
outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty
three-prong extension cord rated for at least
15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug andstore the cord as it was before to keep it awayfrom moving engine parts and prevent damage.
The length of time the heater should remain plugged independs on several factors. Ask a dealer/retailer inthe area where you will be parking the vehicle for thebest advice on this.
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Automatic Transmission Operation
The automatic transmission may have a shift leverlocated either on the steering column or on the consolebetween the seats.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
P (Park):This position locks the front wheels. It isthe best position to use when you start the enginebecause the vehicle cannot move easily.
{WARNING:
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift
lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly 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 3-31. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 5-26.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) beforestarting the engine. The vehicle has an automatictransmission shift lock control system. You have to fullyapply the regular brakes before you can shift fromP (Park) while the ignition key is in ON/RUN. Ifyou cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on theshift lever. Push the shift lever all the way into P (Park)as you maintain brake application. Then move theshift lever into another gear. SeeShifting Out of Park onpage 3-32.
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R (Reverse):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle ismoving forward could damage the transmission.The repairs would not be covered by the vehiclewarranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicleis stopped.
Also use this gear to rock the vehicle back and forth toget out of snow, ice or sand without damaging thetransmission. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud,Ice, or Snow on page 5-17for additional information.
N (Neutral):In this position, the engine does notconnect with the wheels. To restart when you arealready moving, use N (Neutral) only. Also, useN (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed.
{WARNING:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your
foot is firmly 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) withthe engine running at high speed may damagethe transmission. The repairs would not be coveredby the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine isnot running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive):This position is for normal driving. Itprovides the best fuel economy for the vehicle. If youneed 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 andhave more power.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditionscould result in skidding, see Skidding underLoss ofControl on page 5-10.
Notice:Driving the vehicle if you notice that it ismoving slowly or not shifting gears as you increasespeed may damage the transmission. Have thevehicle serviced right away. You can drive in2 (Second) when you are driving less than 35 mph(55 km/h) and D (Drive) for higher speeds until then.
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D (Drive) can be used for towing. You may want to shiftthe transmission to 3 (Third) or, if necessary, to alower gear if the transmission shifts too often underheavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
SeeTowing a Trailer on page 5-26for more information.
3 (Third):This position is also used for normaldriving. However, it reduces vehicle speed more thanD (Drive) without using the brakes. You might choose3 (Third) instead of D (Drive) when driving on hilly,winding roads, when towing a trailer, so there is lessshifting between gears and when going down asteep hill.
2 (Second):This position reduces vehicle speed morethan 3 (Third) without using the brakes. You can use2 (Second) on hills. It can help control vehicle speed asyou go down steep mountain roads, but then youwould also want to use the brakes off and on.
Notice:Do not shift into 2 (Second) unless you aregoing slower than 65 mph (105 km/h), or you candamage the engine and/or transmission.
1 (First):This position reduces vehicle speed evenmore than 2 (Second) without using the brakes. You canuse it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud.If the shift lever is put in 1 (First) while the vehicle ismoving forward, the transmission will not shift into firstgear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle inone place on a hill using only the acceleratorpedal may damage the transmission. The repair willnot be covered by the vehicle warranty. If youare stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on ahill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
Performance Shifting
If the vehicle has this feature, it can detect a change indriving patterns. If you make an aggressive drivingmaneuver, the vehicle’s transmission automatically shiftsto the lowest possible gear to maximize vehicleperformance. The vehicle will automatically return tonormal operation when you return to normal drivingpatterns.
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Parking Brake
The parking brake pedal islocated to the left of theregular brake pedal,near the driver door.
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedaldown, then push the parking brake pedal down.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light onthe instrument panel cluster should come on. If itdoes not, you need to have the vehicle serviced.
A warning chime will sound if the parking brake is set,the ignition is on, and the vehicle speed is greaterthan 5 mph (8 km/h). The brake light will come on andstay on until the parking brake is released. SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 4-52for moreinformation.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brakepedal down, then push the parking brake pedal down.When you lift your foot off the parking brake pedal,the pedal will follow your foot to the released position.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on canoverheat the brake system and cause prematurewear or damage to brake system parts. Make surethat the parking brake is fully released and the brakewarning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill,seeTowing a Trailer on page 5-26.
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Shifting Into Park
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll. 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, use the steps that follow. If
you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 5-26.
Steering Column Shift Lever
If the vehicle has a steering column shift lever, use thisprocedure to shift the vehicle into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pulling theshift lever toward you and moving it up as far asit will go.
3. With your foot still holding the brake pedal down,set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake onpage 3-30for more information.
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you canleave the vehicle with the ignition key in yourhand, the vehicle is in P (Park).
Console Shift Lever
If the vehicle is equipped with a console shift lever, usethis procedure to shift the vehicle into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pushing thelever all the way toward the front of the vehicleand then to the left.
3. While keeping the brake pedal applied, set theparking brake. SeeParking Brake on page 3-30for more information.
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you canleave the vehicle with the ignition key in yourhand, the vehicle is in P (Park).
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Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the
engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly if
the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with
the engine running, it could overheat and even
catch fire. You or others could be injured. Do not
leave the vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running,be sure your vehicle is in P (Park) and the parkingbrake is firmly set before you leave it. SeeParking Brakeon page 3-30for more information.
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of the vehicle puts toomuch force on the parking pawl in the transmission.This happens when parking on a hill and shiftingthe transmission into P (Park) is not done properly andthen it is difficult to shift out of P (Park).
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and thenshift into P (Park). To find out how, see “ShiftingInto Park” in this section.
If torque lock does occur, your vehicle may need to bepushed uphill by another vehicle to relieve the parkingpawl pressure, so you can shift out of P (Park).
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 P (Park)
•Prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park),
unless the ignition is in ON/RUN orACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal isapplied.
The shift lock is always functional except in the case of aan uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery withlow voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery.SeeJump Starting on page 6-36.
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