2003 CADILLAC CTS Recommended

6-24
Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often to check the lubricant. See ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspectionsº and ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in
the Index.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
If the level is below the bottom of the filler plug hole,
you'll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the filler plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. See ªRecommended Fluids and
Lubricantsº in the Index.

6-29
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is located in the
center of the engine compartment, toward the rear.
See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the Index
for more information on location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
Turn the key off, let the engine compartment cool down,
wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean, then
unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
Replace the cap and completely tighten it. Then remove
the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level up to
the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Always use the proper fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.

6-32
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT
-3 brake
fluid. Use new brake fluid from a sealed container only.
See ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in
the Index.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to be
replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.

6-35
Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement bulb, see
ªReplacement Bulbsº in the Index.
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this
section, contact your dealer.
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting
(If Equipped)
CAUTION:
The low beam high intensity discharge lighting
system operates at a very high voltage. If you try
to service any of the system components, you
could be seriously injured. Have your dealer or a
qualified technician service them.
Halogen Bulbs
CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and
can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the bulb package.
Headlamps
It is recommended that this component be replaced as a
unit. See your dealer.

6-36 Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps
A. Turn Signal Lamp
B. Fog Lamp
To replace the front turn signal or fog lamps, use the
following procedure:
1. Remove the protection shield located on the
underside of the front of the vehicle by pulling out
the push
-pins located on the underside of the
protection shield.2. Reach up behind the front bumper area from under
the vehicle to access the lamp housing.
3. Remove the bulb socket from the housing by turning
the bulb socket one
-quarter turn counterclockwise.
4. Remove the electrical connector from the bulb by
lifting the two plastic clips.
5. Pull the old bulb from the bulb socket keeping the
bulb straight as you pull it out.
6. Install a new bulb.
7. Reverse the steps to reinstall the lamp assembly.
Center High-Mounted Stop
Lamp (CHMSL)
It is recommended that this component be replaced as a
unit. See your dealer.

6-41
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see
your Cadillac Warranty booklet for details.
CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.

Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much friction.
You could have an air
-out and a serious
accident. See ªLoading Your Vehicleº in
the Index.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Underinflated tires pose the same danger as
overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.

Overinflated tires are more likely to be
cut, punctured or broken by a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.

Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.
See ªInflation -- Tire Pressureº in this section
for inflation pressure adjustment for higher
speed driving.

6-53
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
Apply silicone grease with a clean cloth at least
every six months. During very cold, damp weather
more frequent application may be required. See
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle
The paint finish on your vehicle provides beauty, depth
of color, gloss retention and durability.
Washing Your Vehicle
The best way to preserve your vehicle's finish is to
keep it clean by washing it often with lukewarm or
cold water.Don't wash your vehicle in the direct rays of the sun.
Use a car washing soap. Don't use strong soaps or
chemical detergents. Be sure to rinse the vehicle well,
removing all soap residue completely. You can get
GM
-approved cleaning products from your dealer. See
ªAppearance Care and Materialsº in the Index. Don't
use cleaning agents that are petroleum based, or that
contain acid or abrasives. All cleaning agents should be
flushed promptly and not allowed to dry on the surface,
or they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all
-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.
High pressure car washes may cause water to enter
your vehicle.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth and a car
washing soap to clean exterior lamps and lenses. Follow
instructions under ªWashing Your Vehicle.º

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.