2003 CADILLAC CTS wheel

2-25
NOTICE:
If your key seems stuck in OFF and you can't
turn it, be sure you are using the correct key; if
so, is it all the way in? If it is, then turn the
steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. Turn the key only with your hand.
Using a tool to force it could break the key or the
ignition switch. If none of this works, then your
vehicle needs service.
A (OFF): This is the only position in which you can
insert or remove the key. This position locks the
ignition, steering wheel and transmission. It's a
theft
-deterrent feature.
B (ACCESSORY): This position allows you to use
things like the radio and the windshield wipers when the
engine is off. This position will allow you to turn off the
engine, but still turn the steering wheel.
C (ON): This position is for driving. If your vehicle has
an automatic transmission and you turn off the engine, the
transmission will lock. If you need to shift the transmission
out of PARK (P), the ignition key has to be in ON.
D (START): This position starts the engine.
Key Release Button (Manual Transmission)
The key cannot be
removed from the ignition
of manual transmission
vehicle unless the key
release button is used.
To remove the key, do the following:
1. Turn the key to ACCESSORY.
2. Press the button and turn the key to OFF.
Do not hold the button in while turning the
key to OFF.
3. Pull the key straight out of the ignition switch.

2-27
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
The following accessories on your vehicle may be used
for up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned from
ON to OFF:

Radio

Power Windows

Audio Steering Wheel Controls (if programmed)

Sunroof (Option)
Power to these accessories stops after 10 minutes or
if a door is opened. If you want power for another
10 minutes, close all the doors and turn the ignition
key to ON and then back to OFF.
Starting Your Engine
Automatic Transmission
Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine won't start in any other position
-- that's a
safety feature. To restart when you're already moving,
use NEUTRAL (N) only.
NOTICE:
Don't try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle
is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when
your vehicle is stopped.

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Automatic Transmission Operation
The automatic transmission shift lever is located on the
center console between the front seats.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.PARK (P): This position locks the rear wheels. It's the
best position to use when you start the engine because
your vehicle can't move easily.
CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don't leave your 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 your
vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in the Index.
If you're pulling a trailer, see ªTowing a Trailerº
in the Index.

2-31
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You must fully
apply your regular brakes before you can shift from
PARK (P) when the ignition key is in ON. If you cannot
shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever.
Push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) while
pressing the button on the shift lever as you maintain
brake application. Then move the shift lever into the
gear you wish. See ªShifting Out of PARK (P)º in
the Index.
NOTICE:
Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is
moving forward could damage your
transmission. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after
your vehicle has stopped.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
At low vehicle speeds, you can also use REVERSE (R)
to rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transmission. See
ªStuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snowº in the Index for
additional information.NEUTRAL (N): In this position, the engine doesn't
connect with the wheels. To restart when you're already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. You can also use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is
ªracingº (running at high speed) is dangerous.
Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal,
your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Don't shift
into a drive gear while your engine is racing.
NOTICE:
Damage to your transmission caused by shifting
out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the
engine racing isn't covered by your warranty.

2-33
SECOND (2): This position gives you even more
power than THIRD (3). You can use it on very steep
hills, or in deep snow or mud. (If the shift lever is put
in SECOND (2), the transmission won't shift into
SECOND (2) until the vehicle is going slowly enough).
NOTICE:
If the vehicle's wheels can't turn, don't try to
drive. This might happen if you were stuck in
very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid
object. You could damage your transmission.
Also, if you stop when going uphill, don't hold
your vehicle there with only the accelerator
pedal. This could cause overheating and damage
the transmission. Use your brakes to hold your
vehicle in position on a hill.
Shift Lock Release
(Automatic Transmission Only)
If your vehicle has a dead battery or a battery with low
voltage, you can still shift the vehicle into PARK (P) and
remove the ignition key. Use the following procedure to
release the shift lever:
1. Pull up on the rear part of the leather boot that
surrounds the shift lever.
2. Fold the boot upward to expose the mechanism
beneath the shift lever.

2-38
Shift Speeds
CAUTION:
If you skip a gear when you downshift, you could
lose control of your vehicle. You could injure
yourself or others. Don't shift down more than
one gear at a time when you downshift.
NOTICE:
If you skip more than one gear when you
downshift, or if you race the engine when you
release the clutch pedal while downshifting, you
could damage the clutch or the transmission.
If the vehicle speed drops below 20 mph (32 km/h), or
if the engine is not running smoothly, you should
downshift to the next lower gear. You may have to
downshift two or more gears to keep the engine running
smoothly or for good performance.
Parking Brake
The parking brake pedal
is located on the lower
portion of the instrument
panel to the left of the
steering wheel.
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot and push the parking brake
pedal down with your left foot.

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To release the parking brake, pull the release lever
located to the left of the steering wheel on the
instrument panel.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
on the instrument panel cluster should come on. If it
doesn't, you need to have your vehicle serviced. See
ªBrake System Warning Lightº in the Index for more
information.
NOTICE:
Do not drive your vehicle with the parking brake
on. Driving with the parking brake engaged can
cause your vehicle's rear brakes to overheat. You
may have to replace them, and you could also
damage other parts of your vehicle.
A warning chime will sound if the parking brake is set,
the ignition is on and the vehicle begins to move. To
stop the chime, fully release the parking brake.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a hill, see
ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index for more information.

2-45
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you've left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake after
you move the shift lever to PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle won't
move. See ªShifting Into PARK (P)º in the Index.
If you are parking on a hill and if you're pulling a
trailer, also see ªTowing a Trailerº in the Index.
Horn
Press on the pad near the horn symbols to sound
the horn.
Tilt Wheel
A tilt wheel allows you to adjust the steering wheel
before you drive. You can raise it to the highest level
to give your legs more room when you exit and enter
the vehicle.
The lever that allows you to tilt the steering wheel is
located on the left side of the steering column.
To tilt the wheel, hold the steering wheel and pull the
lever. Then move the steering wheel to a comfortable
position and release the lever to lock the wheel in place.