2004 CADILLAC CTS V maintenance

For example, if someone puts in brake linings that are
wrong for your vehicle, the balance between your
front and rear brakes can change — for the worse.
The braking performance you have come to expect can
change in many other ways if someone puts in the
wrong replacement brake parts.
Battery
Your vehicle has a maintenance free battery.
When it is time for a new battery, get one that has the
replacement number shown on the original battery’s
label. We recommend an ACDelco
®replacement
battery. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for battery location.
Warning:Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling.
{CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
are not careful. SeeJump Starting on page 5-46
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
After a power loss, such as disconnecting the battery or
removing the maxi fuses in the power distribution
fuse block, the following steps must be performed to
calibrate the electronic throttle control. If this is not done,
the engine will not run properly.
1. Turn the ignition key to ON. Do not start the engine.
2. Leave the ignition in ON for at least three minutes
so that the electronic throttle control will cycle and
re-learn its home position.
3. Turn the ignition to OFF.
4. Start and run the engine for at least 30 seconds.
Also, for your audio system, seeTheft-Deterrent Feature
on page 3-124.
5-45

Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check rear axle uid
unless you suspect there is a leak or you hear an
unusual noise. A uid loss could indicate a problem.
Have it inspected and repaired.
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 ller plug hole,
you’ll need to add some lubricant. Add enough lubricant
to raise the level to the bottom of the ller plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-13.
5-51

Replacement Bulbs
For any bulb not listed here contact your dealer.
Exterior Lamp Bulb Number
Back-Up Lamps 3157K
Fog Lamps 9145
Front and Rear Turn
Signal Lamps3157K
License Plate Lamps W5WLL
Rear Sidemarker Lamps 3157K
Stoplamps 3157K
Taillamps 3157K
Windshield Wiper
Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear or cracking. SeeOwner Checks
and Services on page 6-9.
It’s a good idea to clean or replace the wiper blade
assembly on a regular basis or when worn. For proper
windshield wiper blade length and type, seeNormal
Maintenance Replacement Parts on page 6-15.
To replace the wiper blade assembly, do the following:
1. Turn the ignition to ON with the engine off.
2. Turn on the windshield wipers and turn them off
again when the wipers are in the out-wipe position.
The driver’s side blade will be straight up and
down on the windshield.
3. Pull the windshield wiper assembly away from
the windshield.
5-56

The Tire and Loading Information label (tire information
placard) is attached, to either, the center pillar near the
driver’s door latch post or on the rear edge of the driver’s
side rear passenger door. The label shows the size of
your vehicle’s original tires and the correct ination
pressure for your vehicle’s tires when they are cold.
SeeInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-67andLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-34for additional information.
Your vehicle’s TPM system can alert you about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace normal tire
maintenance. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-72andTires on page 5-58.
Each TPM sensor has a unique identication code that
is matched to one of the four tire positions on your
vehicle. Any time you rotate your vehicle’s tires
or replace one or more TPM sensors, the identication
codes will need to be matched to the new tire and
wheel position. The TPM matching process is performed
in a specic sequence and time limit. See your dealer
for service.Notice:Do not use a tire sealant if your vehicle
is equipped with Tire Pressure Monitors.
The liquid sealant can damage the tire pressure
monitor sensors.
The TPM system operates on a radio frequency subject
to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules
and with Industry and Science Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules
and with RSS-210 of Industry and Science Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
5-71

Tire Inspection and Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km).
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your tires as
soon as possible and check wheel alignment. Also
check for damaged tires or wheels. SeeWhen It Is Time
for New Tires on page 5-73andWheel Replacement
on page 5-77for more information.
The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. The rst rotation
is the most important. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4, for scheduled rotation intervals.When rotating your tires, always use the correct rotation
pattern shown here.
Do not include the compact spare tire, If your vehicle
has one, in the tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front and
rear ination pressures as shown on the Tire and
Loading Information label.
If your vehicle has run-at tires, the Tire Pressure
Monitor (TPM) system will need to have the sensors
reset after a tire rotation is performed. A special tool is
needed to reset the sensor identication codes.
See your dealer for service.
5-72

If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to “blowout” while you’re driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. See
Tires on page 5-58. If air goes out of a tire, it’s much
more likely to leak out slowly. But if you should ever
have a “blowout”, here are a few tips about what
to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel rmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you’d use
in a skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop — well off the road if possible.If a tire goes at, and your vehicle has a spare tire,
seeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-81. This information
shows you how to use your vehicle’s tire changing
equipment and how to change a at tire safely.
{CAUTION:
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do
maintenance or repairs is dangerous without
the appropriate safety equipment and training.
The jack provided with your vehicle is
designed only for changing a at tire. If it is
used for anything else, you or others could be
badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips off
the jack. Use the jack provided with your
vehicle only for changing a at tire.
5-79

Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal
repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop
applies anti-corrosion material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement parts will provide the
corrosion protection while maintaining the warranty.
Finish Damage
Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the nish
should be repaired right away. Bare metal will corrode
quickly and may develop into major repair expense.
Minor chips and scratches can be repaired with touch-up
materials available from your GM dealer. Larger areas of
nish damage can be corrected in your GM dealer’s body
and paint shop.
Underbody Maintenance
Chemicals used for ice and snow removal and dust
control can collect on the underbody. If these are not
removed, corrosion and rust can develop on the
underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, oor pan,
and exhaust system even though they have
corrosion protection.
At least every spring, ush these materials from the
underbody with plain water. Clean any areas where mud
and debris can collect. Dirt packed in close areas of
the frame should be loosened before being ushed.
Your GM dealer or an underbody car washing system
can do this for you.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Some weather and atmospheric conditions can create a
chemical fallout. Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted surfaces on the vehicle. This damage can
take two forms: blotchy, ring-shaped discolorations,
and small, irregular dark spots etched into the
paint surface.
Although no defect in the paint job causes this, GM will
repair, at no charge to the owner, the surfaces of
new vehicles damaged by this fallout condition within
12 months or 12,000 miles (20 000 km) of purchase,
whichever occurs rst.
5-97

Maintenance Schedule......................................6-2
Introduction...................................................6-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................6-2
Using Your Maintenance Schedule....................6-2
Scheduled Maintenance...................................6-4
Additional Required Services............................6-6
Maintenance Footnotes...................................6-8Owner Checks and Services............................6-9
At Each Fuel Fill..........................................6-10
At Least Once a Month.................................6-10
At Least Once a Year...................................6-10
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants...............6-13
Normal Maintenance Replacement Parts..........6-15
Maintenance Record.....................................6-16
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
6-1