2003 CADILLAC CTS transmission fluid

6-10 Engine Compartment Overview
When you open the hood, you'll see the following:
A. Battery
B. Underhood Fuse Block
C. Windshield Washer
Fluid Reservoir
D. Passenger Compartment
Air FilterE. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap
G. Engine Oil Dipstick
H. Engine Coolant Heater Cord
(If Equipped)
I. Brake Master Cylinder ReservoirJ. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
K. Hydraulic Clutch Reservoir
(Manual Transmission Only)
L. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap

6-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only reason for fluid
loss. If a leak occurs, take your vehicle to the dealership
service department and have it repaired as soon as
possible. You may also have your fluid level checked
by your dealer or service center when you have your
oil changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one or
more of these conditions:

In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90F (32C) or higher.

In hilly or mountainous terrain.

When doing frequent trailer towing.

Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, the fluid and filter do not require changing.NOTICE:
We recommend you use only fluid labeled
DEXRON-III, because fluid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by fluid other than
DEXRON
-III is not covered by your new
vehicle warranty.

6-21
Manual Transmission Fluid
When to Check
A good time to have it checked is when the engine oil is
changed. However, the fluid in your manual
transmission doesn't require changing.
How to Check
Because this operation can be difficult, you may
choose to have this done at your Cadillac dealership
service department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the
instructions here, or you could get a false reading.
NOTICE:
Too much or too little fluid can damage your
transmission. Too much can mean that some of
the fluid could come out and fall on hot exhaust
system parts, starting a fire. Too little fluid could
cause the transmission to overheat. Be sure to get
an accurate reading if you check your
transmission fluid.
Check the fluid level only when your engine is off, the
vehicle is parked on a level place and the transmission is
cool enough for you to rest your fingers on the
transmission case.
Then, follow these steps:
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the bottom of
the filler plug hole.
3. If the fluid level is good, install the plug and be sure
it is fully seated. If the fluid level is low, add more
fluid as described in the next steps.
How to Add Fluid
Here's how to add fluid. Refer to the Maintenance
Schedule to determine what kind of fluid to use. See
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
1. Remove the filler plug.
2. Add fluid at the filler plug hole. Add only enough
fluid to bring the fluid level up to the bottom of the
filler plug hole.
3. Install the filler plug. Be sure the plug is fully seated.

6-22 How to Reset the Change Transmission
Fluid Message and the Transmission Fluid
Indicator (Automatic Transmission Only)
After the transmission fluid has been changed, the
Change Trans Fluid message and the transmission fluid
life indicator must be reset. To reset the message and
indicator, use one of the following procedures:
Base Audio System
Press the CLR button located to the right of the DIC
display to acknowledge the CHANGE TRANS FLUID
message. This will clear the message from the display
and reset it.
To reset the transmission fluid life indicator, use the
following steps:
1. Press the up or down arrow on the INFO button
located to the right of the DIC display to access the
DIC menu.
2. Once the XXX% TRANS FLUID LIFE menu item is
highlighted, press and hold the CLR button.
The percentage will return to 100, and the
transmission fluid life indicator will be reset.
3. Repeat the steps if the percentage does not
return to 100.Navigation System
Press the multi
-function button located to the right of
the DIC display, next to the OK prompt to acknowledge
the Change Trans Fluid message. This will clear the
message from the display and reset it.
To reset the transmission fluid life indicator, use the
following steps:
1. Turn the system on by pressing the PWR/VOL knob
once. The PWR/VOL knob is located to the lower
left of the DIC display.
2. Press the INFO button located to the left of
the DIC display to access the Vehicle Info
(Information) menu.
3. Turn the TUNE/SEL knob located to the lower right
of the DIC display until Trans Fluid Life is
highlighted. Press the knob once to select it.
4. Once XXX% Trans Fluid Life is displayed, press the
multi
-function button next to the Reset prompt in the
upper right corner of the display.
The percentage will return to 100, and the
transmission fluid life indicator will be reset.
5. Repeat the steps if the percentage does not
return to 100.

6-72
Replacement Bulbs
For any bulb not listed here contact your dealer.
Application Number
Front and Rear Turn Signal Lamps 3157K. . . . . . . . .
Fog Lamps 9145. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Back
-Up Lamps 3157K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
License Plate Lamps W5WLL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taillamps 3157K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stop Lamps 3157K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Sidemarker Lamps 3157K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities and Specifications
The following approximate capacities are given in
English and metric conversions. Please refer to
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº Index
for more information.
Engine Specifications
Type 3.2 L V6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
VIN Engine Code N. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Nut Torque
100 lb-ft (140 N´m)
Capacities
Automatic
Transmission (5L40
-E) 9.0 quarts (8.5 L). . . . . . . .
Manual Transmission (M35) 1.3 quarts (1.3 L). . . . .
Engine Oil with Filter 5.0 quarts (4.8 L). . . . . . . . . .
Engine Cooling System 10.4 quarts (9.8 L). . . . . . . .
Fuel Tank 17.5 U.S. gallons (66.2 L). . . . . . . . . . . . .
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to
fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this
manual. Recheck fluid level after filling.

Scheduled Maintenance
7-11
50,000 Miles (83 000 km)
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven
under one or more of these conditions:
± In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches
90
F (32
C) or higher.
± In hilly or mountainous terrain.
± When doing frequent trailer towing.
± Uses such as high performance operation.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, the fluid and
filter do not require changing.
52,500 Miles (87 500 km)
Rotate tires. See ªTire Inspection and Rotationº in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

Scheduled Maintenance
7-15
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)

Replace spark plugs.
An Emission Control Service.

Replace timing belt (or every 96 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote #.)

Replace fuel filter.
An Emission Control Service.

Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the vehicle is mainly driven
under one or more of these conditions:
± In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature regularly reaches
90
F (32
C) or higher.
± In hilly or mountainous terrain.
± When doing frequent trailer towing.
± Uses such as high performance operation.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these conditions, the fluid and
filter do not require changing.
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)
Drain, flush and refill cooling system (or every 60 months since last
service, whichever occurs first). See ªEngine Coolantº in the Index for what
to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
An Emission Control Service.
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

7-17 At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages are
working properly. Look for any other loose or damaged
safety belt system parts. If you see anything that might
keep a safety belt system from doing its job, have it
repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts replaced.
Also look for any opened or broken air bag coverings,
and have them repaired or replaced. (The air bag system
does not need regular maintenance.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace blade
inserts that appear worn or damaged or that streak or
miss areas of the windshield. Also see ªWiper Blades,
Cleaningº in the Index.Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº
in the Index.
Manual Transmission Check
Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed. See
ªManual Transmission Fluidº in the Index. Check for
leaks. A fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss. Have
the system inspected and repaired if needed.
Automatic Transmission Check
Check the transmission fluid level; add if needed. See
ªAutomatic Transmission Fluidº in the Index. A fluid
loss may indicate a problem. Check the system and
repair if needed.
Hydraulic Clutch System Check
Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir. See
ªHydraulic Clutch Fluidº in the Index. A fluid
loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired at once.