towing CADILLAC DTS 2010 1.G Owner's Manual

Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only thedriver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the requiredtrailering equipment. The weight of additional optionalequipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehiclemust be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight.
Ask your dealer/retailer for trailering information oradvice, or write us at our Customer Assistance Offices.SeeCustomer Assistance Offices on page 8-6formore information.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weightto measure because it affects the total gross weightof the vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargocarried in it, and the people who will be riding in thevehicle. If there are a lot of options, equipment,passengers or cargo in the vehicle, it will reduce thetongue weight the vehicle can carry, which will alsoreduce the trailer weight the vehicle can tow. If towing atrailer, the tongue load must be added to the GVWbecause the vehicle will be carrying that weight, too.SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 5-18for moreinformation about the vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
Using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer tongue (A)should weigh 10 to 15 percent of the total loaded trailerweight (B).
After loading the trailer, weigh the trailer and then thetongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper.If they are not, adjustments might be made by movingsome items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on the Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure the vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper limitfor cold tires. These numbers can be found on theCertification/Tire label. SeeLoading the Vehicle onpage 5-18. Make sure not to go over the GVW limit for thevehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue.
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Hitches
It is important to have the correct hitch equipment.Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are afew reasons why the right hitch is needed. Here are somerules to follow:
•The rear bumper on the vehicle is not intended for
hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or otherbumper-type hitches to it. Use only a frame-mountedhitch that does not attach to the bumper.
•Will any holes be made in the body of the vehicle
when the trailer hitch is installed? If there are, thenbe sure to seal the holes later when the hitch isremoved. If the holes are not sealed, dirt, water, anddeadly carbon monoxide (CO) from the exhaust canget into the vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust onpage 3-34for more information.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle and thetrailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of thetrailer to help prevent the tongue from contactingthe road if it becomes separated from the hitch.Instructions about safety chains may be provided by thehitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for attachingsafety chains and do not attach them to the bumper.Always leave just enough slack so the rig can turn.Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Because the vehicle has StabiliTrak®, do not tap intothe vehicle’s hydraulic brake system. If you do,both brake systems will not work well, or at all.
Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailerbrakes so they are installed, adjusted and maintainedproperly.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.Get to know the rig before setting out for the openroad. Get acquainted with the feel of handling andbraking with the added weight of the trailer. And alwayskeep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is nowlonger and not as responsive as the vehicle is by itself.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts andattachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps,tires and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has electricbrakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving andthen apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be surethe brakes are working. This checks the electricalconnection at the same time.
During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that theload is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakesare still working.
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Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead asyou would when driving the vehicle without a trailer. Thiscan help to avoid situations that require heavy brakingand sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when towing a trailer.Because the rig is longer, it is necessary to go muchfarther beyond the passed vehicle before returning tothe lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.Then, to move the trailer to the left, move that handto the left. To move the trailer to the right, move yourhand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while traileringcould cause the trailer to come in contact with thevehicle. The vehicle could be damaged. Avoidmaking very sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make wider turns thannormal. Do this so the trailer will not strike softshoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well inadvance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on the instrument panel flash wheneversignaling a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, thetrailer lamps also flash, telling other drivers the vehicleis turning, changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrumentpanel flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer areburned out. For this reason you may think otherdrivers are seeing the signal when they are not. It isimportant to check occasionally to be sure thetrailer bulbs are still working.
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Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
•start the engine,
•shift into a gear, and
•release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and storethe chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling atrailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 7-3for moreinformation. Things that are especially important in traileroperation are automatic transmission fluid, engine oil,belts, cooling system and brake system. It is a good ideato inspect these before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and boltsare tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily overheat duringsevere operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating onpage 6-27.
Changing a Tire When Trailer Towing
If the vehicle gets a flat tire while towing a trailer,be sure to secure the trailer and disconnect it from thevehicle before changing the tire.
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If No Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is displayed but no steamcan be seen or heard, the problem may not be tooserious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hotwhen the vehicle:
•Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
•Stops after high-speed driving.
•Idles for long periods in traffic.
•Tows a trailer.
If the overheat warning is displayed with no sign ofsteam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature andto the highest fan speed. Open the windows asnecessary.
3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral) whilestopped. If it safe to do so, pull off the road, shift toP (Park) or N (Neutral) and let the engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gage is no longer in theoverheat zone or an overheat warning no longer displays,the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive the vehicleslow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle distancefrom the car in front of you. If the warning does not comeback on, continue to drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park thevehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for threeminutes while parked. If the warning is still displayed, turnoff the engine until it cools down. Also, see!OverheatedEngine Protection Operating Mode!next in this section.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and themessage ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE isdisplayed, an overheat protection mode which alternatesfiring groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage.In this mode, you will notice a loss in power andengine performance. This operating mode allows yourvehicle to be driven to a safe place in an emergency.Driving extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in theoverheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engineprotection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,allow the engine to cool before attempting anyrepair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil andreset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil onpage 6-13.
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Once a Year
•Starter switch check. SeeOwner Checks and
Services on page 7-6.
•Parking brake and automatic transmission P (Park)
mechanism check. SeeOwner Checks andServices on page 7-6.
•Automatic transmission shiftlock control system
check. SeeOwner Checks and Services onpage 7-6.
•Ignition transmission lock check. SeeOwner
Checks and Services on page 7-6.
•Engine cooling system and pressure cap pressure
check. Radiator and air conditioning condenseroutside cleaning. SeeCooling System on page 6-22.
•Exhaust system and nearby heat shields inspection
for loose or damaged components.
•Accelerator pedal check for damage, high effort, or
binding. Replace if needed.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
40 000 km/25,000 Miles
•Fuel system inspection for damage or leaks.
•Passenger compartment air filter replacement
(or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). Morefrequent replacement may be required if vehicleis driven regularly under dusty conditions.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
80 000 km/50,000 Miles
•Engine air cleaner filter replacement. SeeEngine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-17.
•Automatic transmission fluid and filter change
(severe service) for vehicles mainly driven in heavycity traffic in hot weather, in hilly or mountainousterrain, when frequently towing a trailer, or used fortaxi, police, or delivery service. SeeAutomaticTransmission Fluid on page 6-19.
7-5

Cadillac Technician Roadside Service
(U.S. only)
Cadillac’s exceptional Roadside Service is more than anauto club or towing service. It provides every Cadillacowner in the United States with the advantage ofcontacting a Cadillac advisor and, where available, aCadillac trained dealer technician who can provideon-site service.
A dealer technician will travel to your location within a30 mile radius of a participating Cadillac dealership.If beyond this radius, we will arrange to have your cartowed to the nearest Cadillac dealership. Eachtechnician travels with a specially equipped servicevehicle complete with the necessary Cadillac parts andtools required to handle most roadside repairs.
Services Not Included in Roadside
Assistance
•Impound towing caused by violation of any laws.
•Legal fines.
•Mounting, dismounting or changing of snow tires,
chains, or other traction devices.
•Towing or services for vehicles driven on a
non-public road or highway.
Services Specific to Canadian
Purchased Vehicles
•Fuel delivery:Reimbursement is approximately
$5 Canadian. Diesel fuel delivery may berestricted. Propane and other fuels are not providedthrough this service.
•Lock-Out Service:Vehicle registration is required.
•Trip Routing Service:Limit of six requests per year.
•Trip Interruption Benefits and Assistance:
Pre-authorization, original detailed receipts, and acopy of the repair orders are required. Onceauthorization has been received, the RoadsideAssistance advisor will help you make arrangementsand explain how to receive payment.
•Alternative Service:If assistance cannot be
provided right away, the Roadside Assistanceadvisor may give you permission to get localemergency road service. You will receive payment,up to $100, after sending the original receipt toRoadside Assistance. Mechanical failures may becovered, however any cost for parts and labor forrepairs not covered by the warranty are the ownerresponsibility.
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Give only the necessary information to police and otherparties involved in the crash.
For emergency towing seeRoadside Service onpage 8-7
Gather the following information:
•Driver’s name, address, phone number
•Driver’s license number
•Owner’s name, address, phone number
•Vehicle license plate
•Vehicle make, model and model year
•Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
•Insurance company and policy number
•General description of the damage to the other
vehicle
Choose a reputable repair facility that uses qualityreplacement parts. See “Collision Parts” earlier in thissection.
If the airbag has inflated, seeWhat Will You See Afteran Airbag Inflates? on page 2-66.
Managing the Vehicle Damage Repair
Process
In the event that your vehicle requires damage repairs,GM recommends that you take an active role in itsrepair. If you have a pre-determined repair facility ofchoice, take your vehicle there, or have it towed there.Specify to the facility that any required replacementcollision parts be original equipment parts, either newGenuine GM parts or recycled original GM parts.Remember, recycled parts will not be covered by yourGM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair, but you must livewith the repair. Depending on your policy limits, yourinsurance company may initially value the repair usingaftermarket parts. Discuss this with your repairprofessional, and insist on Genuine GM parts.Remember if your vehicle is leased you may beobligated to have the vehicle repaired with Genuine GMparts, even if your insurance coverage does not paythe full cost.
If another party’s insurance company is paying for therepairs, you are not obligated to accept a repairvaluation based on that insurance company’s collisionpolicy repair limits, as you have no contractual limits withthat company. In such cases, you can have control ofthe repair and parts choices as long as cost stays withinreasonable limits.
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R
Radio FrequencyIdentification (RFID) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-20Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-20Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-92RadiosNavigation/Radio System,see Navigation Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-108Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-120Setting the Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-89Theft-Deterrent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-119Rainsense™II Wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-32Rear Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-42Rear Door Security Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10Rear Heated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10Rear Seat Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-56Rearview Mirror with Compass and Temperature . . . . 2-11Rearview MirrorsAutomatic Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36Reclining Seatbacks, Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8Recommended Fluids and Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7Removing the Flat Tire and Installing theSpare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-83Removing the Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-81Replacement PartsMaintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10Reporting Safety DefectsCanadian Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16Restraint System CheckChecking the Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-74Replacing Restraint System PartsAfter a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-75Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24Roadside Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7Rocking Your Vehicle to Get it Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17RoofSunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-57Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
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TowingRecreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24TractionControl System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6Control System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-54Magnetic Ride Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7StabiliTrak®System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5TransmissionFluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-19Transmission Operation, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
U
Ultrasonic Front and Rear ParkingAssist (UFRPA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-40Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-67Universal Home Remote System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-48Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-49
V
Valet Lockout Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18VehicleControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ivVehicle Customization, DIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-80Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18Vehicle IdentificationNumber (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-99Service Parts Identification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-100Ventilated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5Ventilation Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-41Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
15