service CADILLAC DTS 2010 1.G Repair Manual

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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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

Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-70If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-70Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-71Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit Storage . . . . . . . . .6-79Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-80Removing the Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-81Removing the Flat Tire and Installing theSpare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-83Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . .6-88Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-90
Appearance Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-91Interior Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-91Fabric/Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-92Leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-93Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other PlasticSurfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-94Wood Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-94Speaker Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-94Care of Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-95Weatherstrips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-95Washing Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-95Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-96
Finish Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-96Windshield and Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-97Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheelsand Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-97Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-98Sheet Metal Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-98Finish Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-98Underbody Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-98Chemical Paint Spotting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-99
Vehicle Identification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-99Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-99Service Parts Identification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-100
Electrical System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-100Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..6-100Headlamp Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-100Windshield Wiper Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-100Power Windows and Other Power Options . . . . . .6-101Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-101Underhood Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-101Rear Underseat Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-104
Capacities and Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-109
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
6-2

Service
For service and parts needs, visit your dealer/retailer.You will receive genuine GM parts and GM-trained andsupported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
Accessories and Modifications
When non-dealer/non-retailer accessories are added tothe vehicle, they can affect vehicle performance andsafety, including such things as airbags, braking, stability,ride and handling, emissions systems, aerodynamics,durability, and electronic systems like antilock brakes,traction control, and stability control. Some of theseaccessories could even cause malfunction or damage notcovered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components resulting from theinstallation or use of non-GM certified parts, includingcontrol module modifications, are not covered under theterms of the vehicle warranty and may affect remainingwarranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to complement andfunction with other systems on the vehicle. Your GMdealer/retailer can accessorize the vehicle using genuineGM Accessories. When you go to your GMdealer/retailer and ask for GM Accessories, you willknow that GM-trained and supported service technicianswill perform the work using genuine GM Accessories.
Also, seeAdding Equipment to Your Airbag-EquippedVehicle on page 2-73.
6-3

California Proposition 65 Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this one, contain and/oremit chemicals known to the State of California tocause cancer and birth defects or other reproductiveharm. Engine exhaust, many parts and systems, manyfluids, and some component wear by-productscontain and/or emit these chemicals.
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements
Certain types of automotive applications, such as airbaginitiators, seat belt pretensioners, and lithium batteriescontained in remote keyless transmitters, maycontain perchlorate materials. Special handling may benecessary. For additional information, seewww.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Doing Your Own Service Work
{WARNING:
You can be injured and the vehicle could be
damaged if you try to do service work on a vehicle
without knowing enough about it.
•Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,
experience, the proper replacement parts, andtools before attempting any vehiclemaintenance task.
•Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts, and
other fasteners. English and metric fastenerscan be easily confused. If the wrong fastenersare used, parts can later break or fall off. Youcould be hurt.
If doing some of your own service work, use the properservice manual. It tells you much more about how toservice the vehicle than this manual can. To orderthe proper service manual, seeService PublicationsOrdering Information on page 8-17.
This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting todo your own service work, seeServicing YourAirbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 2-72.
6-4

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

If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane orhigher as soon as possible. Otherwise, you coulddamage the engine. If heavy knocking is heard whenusing gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher, the engineneeds service.
Gasoline Specifications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM specificationD 4814 in the United States or CAN/CGSB-3.5 or3.511 in Canada. Some gasolines contain anoctane-enhancing additive called methylcyclopentadienylmanganese tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommendagainst the use of gasolines containing MMT. SeeAdditives on page 6-6for additional information.
California Fuel
If the vehicle is certified to meet California EmissionsStandards, it is designed to operate on fuels thatmeet California specifications. See the underhoodemission control label. If this fuel is not availablein states adopting California emissions standards, thevehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federalspecifications, but emission control system performancemight be affected. The malfunction indicator lampcould turn on and the vehicle might fail asmog-check test.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 4-57. If thisoccurs, return to your authorized dealer/retailer fordiagnosis. If it is determined that the condition is causedby the type of fuel used, repairs might not be coveredby the vehicle warranty.
Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United Statesare now required to contain additives that help preventengine and fuel system deposits from forming, allowingthe emission control system to work properly. In mostcases, nothing should have to be added to the fuel.However, some gasolines contain only the minimumamount of additive required to meet U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency regulations. To help keep fuel injectorsand intake valves clean, or if the vehicle experiencesproblems due to dirty injectors or valves, look for gasolinethat is advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
For customers who do not use TOP TIER DetergentGasoline regularly, one bottle of GM Fuel SystemTreatment PLUS, added to the fuel tank at everyengine oil change, can help clean deposits from fuelinjectors and intake valves. GM Fuel System TreatmentPLUS is the only gasoline additive recommended byGeneral Motors.
Also, your dealer/retailer has additives that will helpcorrect and prevent most deposit-related problems.
6-6

Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers andethanol, and reformulated gasolines might be availablein your area. We recommend that you use thesegasolines, if they comply with the specificationsdescribed earlier. However, E85 (85% ethanol) andother fuels containing more than 10% ethanol mustnot be used in vehicles that were not designed forthose fuels.
Notice:This vehicle was not designed for fuel thatcontains methanol. Do not use fuel containingmethanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuelsystem and also damage plastic and rubber parts.That damage would not be covered under thevehicle warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for lowemissions can contain an octane-enhancing additivecalled methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl(MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasolinewhether the fuel contains MMT. We recommend againstthe use of such gasolines.
Fuels containing MMT can reduce the life of spark plugsand the performance of the emission control systemcould be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp mightturn on. If this occurs, return to your dealer/retailer forservice.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside theUnited States or Canada, the proper fuel might be hardto find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuelnot recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costlyrepairs caused by use of improper fuel would notbe covered by the vehicle warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, orcontact a major oil company that does business in thecountry where you will be driving.
6-7

How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you maychoose to have this done at the dealer/retailer servicedepartment.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructionshere or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too little fluid can damageyour transmission. Too much can mean that someof the fluid could come out and fall on hot engineparts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire.Too little fluid could cause the transmission tooverheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if youcheck your transmission fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking thetransmission fluid level if you have been driving:
•When outside temperatures are above 32°C (90°F).
•At high speed for quite a while.
•In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
•While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be atnormal operating temperature, which is 82°C to 93°C(180°F to 200°F).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 24 km(15 miles) when outside temperatures are above10°C (50°F). If it is colder than 10°C (50°F), you mayhave to drive longer.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare the vehicle as follows:
1. Park the vehicle on a level place. Keep the enginerunning.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift leverin P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shiftlever through each gear range, pausing for aboutthree seconds in each range. Then, positionthe shift lever in P (Park).
4. Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes.
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
1. Locate the transmission fluid cap which is locatednext to the radiator hose and below the engine aircleaner/filter assembly on the driver side of thevehicle. The cap is marked TRANS FLUID.SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 6-12for more information on location.
2. After removing the engine air cleaner/filter assemblyto reach the transmission fluid cap, turn the capcounterclockwise to remove. Pull out the dipstickand wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
6-20

You may decide not to lift the hood when this warningappears, but instead get service help right away.SeeRoadside Service on page 8-7.
If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicleis parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fans arerunning. If the engine is overheating, both fans shouldbe running. If they are not, do not continue to runthe engine and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Engine damage from running the enginewithout coolant is not covered by the warranty.
Notice:If the engine catches fire while driving withno coolant, the vehicle can be badly damaged.The costly repairs would not be covered bythe vehicle warranty. SeeOverheated EngineProtection Operating Mode on page 6-29forinformation on driving to a safe place in anemergency.
If Steam Is Coming From The Engine
Compartment
{WARNING:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Turn it off and get everyone away from the
vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign
of steam or coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when the vehicles engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch fire. You or
others could be badly burned. Stop the engine if it
overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
on page 6-29for information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
6-28