2005 CADILLAC CTS V engine oil

If there is a problem with the battery charging system,
there are four possible DIC messages that may be
displayed. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-65for more information.
ENGINE OIL LIFE:If you select this item, the
percentage of remaining oil life is displayed. If you see
99% Oil Life on the display, that means that 99% of
the current oil life remains.
When the oil life is depleted, the Change Engine Oil
message will appear on the display. In addition to
the engine oil life system monitoring the oil life,
additional maintenance is recommended in the
Maintenance Schedule in this manual. SeeEngine Oil
on page 5-16andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
for more information.
When you reset the Change Engine Oil message by
clearing it from the display, you still must reset the
engine oil life system separately. For more information
on resetting the engine oil life system, see “How to
Reset the Engine Oil Life System and the Oil Life
Indicator” underEngine Oil Life System on page 5-19.TRANS FLUID LIFE (Automatic Transmission):If you
select this item, the percentage of remaining
transmission uid life is displayed. If you see 99% Trans
Fluid Life on the display, that means that 99% of the
current transmission uid life remains.
When the transmission uid life is depleted, the Change
Transmission Fluid message will appear on the
display. You should change the transmission uid as
soon as possible within 200 miles (322 km). Be sure to
keep a written record of the mileage and date of the
uid change so you will have it for future reference.
When you reset the Change Transmission Fluid
message by clearing it from the display, you still must
reset the transmission uid life monitor separately.
For more information on resetting the transmission uid
life monitor, seeAutomatic Transmission Fluid on
page 5-22.
3-61

Buckle Passenger
This message reminds you to buckle the passenger’s
seat belt.
This message will display and a chime will sound when
the ignition is on, the driver’s seat belt is buckled, the
passenger’s seat belt is unbuckled with the passenger
airbag enabled and the vehicle is in motion. You should
have the passenger buckle their seat belt.
The reminder will be repeated if the ignition is on, the
vehicle is in motion, the driver is unbuckled and the
passenger is still unbuckled and the passenger airbag is
enabled. If the passenger’s seat belt is already
buckled, this message and chime will not come on.
Buckle Seat Belt
This message reminds you to buckle the driver’s
seat belt.
This message will display and a chime will sound when
the ignition is on, the driver’s seat belt is unbuckled
and the vehicle is in motion. You should buckle
your seat belt.If the driver remains unbuckled when the ignition is on
and the vehicle is in motion, the reminder will be
repeated. If the driver’s seat belt is already buckled, this
message and chime will not come on.
This message is an additional reminder to the Safety
Belt Reminder Light in the instrument panel cluster. See
Safety Belt Reminder Light on page 3-38for more
information.
Change Engine Oil
This message indicates that the life of the engine oil
has expired and it should be changed and that
your vehicle is due for service. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-16andScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4for
more information.
When you reset the Change Engine Oil message by
clearing it from the display, you still must reset the
engine oil life system separately. For more information
on resetting the engine oil life system, seeEngine
Oil Life System on page 5-19.
3-67

Engine Power Reduced
This message informs you that the vehicle is reducing
engine power to try to protect the engine or transmission
from damage due to extreme operating conditions.
This also can affect the vehicle’s ability to accelerate.
Fuel Level Low
When this message appears on the display, it means
that your vehicle is low on fuel. You should rell the tank
as soon as possible. A single chime will sound when
this message is displayed.
Headlamps Suggested
This message will appear when the amount of available
light outside the vehicle is low and the exterior lamp
control is off. This message informs the driver that
turning on the exterior lamps is recommended even
though the daytime running lamps (DRL) are still
illuminated and it has become dark enough outside to
require the headlamps and/or other exterior lamps.
This message will also appear when the windshield
wipers have been on for more than six seconds and the
exterior lamp control is off or in the parking lamp
position.
Ice Possible
This message appears when the outside temperature is
cold enough to create icy road conditions.
Left Rear Door Ajar
When this message appears on the display, it means
that the driver’s side rear door was not closed
completely. You should make sure that the door is
closed completely.
Oil Pressure Low – Stop Engine
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
oil pressure is low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure warning appears on the
instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the
vehicle as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle
until the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-16for more information.
Passenger Door Ajar
When this message appears on the display, it means
that the passenger’s side front door was not closed
completely. You should make sure that the door
is closed completely.
3-70

You should turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets
stuck in sand, mud or snow and rocking the vehicle
is required. Additionally, turning the traction control
system off on some surfaces, such as deep snow and
loose gravel, will assist vehicle motion at lower speeds.
SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-33
andIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow
on page 4-32for more information. See alsoWinter
Driving on page 4-28for information on using TCS when
driving in snowy or icy conditions.
You can turn the system
off by pressing the TC
(traction control) button
located on the steering
wheel.
If you press the TC button once, the traction control
system will turn off and the traction control system
warning light will come on. If you press the TC button
again within ve seconds, the traction control system will
remain off, the warning light will stay on, and the
stability system will enter Competitive Driving Mode.
Competitive Driving will be displayed on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-65for more information.Press the TC button again to turn the system back on.
If you press and hold the TC button for ve seconds,
the StabiliTrak
®and Traction Control systems will turn
off. Press the TC button again to turn StabiliTrak®
and Traction Control back on. For more information, see
StabiliTrak®System on page 4-11.
Competitive Driving Mode (CTS-V)
See your warranty book before using your vehicle
for racing or other competitive driving.
Notice:If you use your vehicle for racing or other
competitive driving, the engine may use more
oil than it would with normal use. Low oil levels can
damage the engine. Be sure to check the oil level
often during racing or other competitive driving and
keep the level at or near the upper mark that
shows the proper operating range on the engine oil
dipstick. For information on how to add oil, see
Engine Oil on page 5-16.
The driver can select this optional handling mode by
pressing the Traction Control button on the steering
wheel twice within ve seconds. COMPETITIVE
DRIVING will be displayed in the DIC. Competitive driving
mode allows the driver to have control of the power
applied to the rear wheels, while the StabiliTrak
®system
helps steer the vehicle by selective brake application.
4-10

Once you are moving on the freeway, make certain you
allow a reasonable following distance.
Expect to move slightly slower at night.
When you want to leave the freeway, move to the
proper lane well in advance. If you miss your exit, do
not, under any circumstances, stop and back up. Drive
on to the next exit.
The exit ramp can be curved, sometimes quite sharply.
The exit speed is usually posted. Reduce your speed
according to your speedometer, not to your sense
of motion. After driving for any distance at higher
speeds, you may tend to think you are going slower
than you actually are.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
Make sure you are ready. Try to be well rested. If you
must start when you are not fresh — such as after
a day’s work — do not plan to make too many miles that
rst part of the journey. Wear comfortable clothing
and shoes you can easily drive in.Is your vehicle ready for a long trip? If you keep it
serviced and maintained, it is ready to go. If it needs
service, have it done before starting out. Of course, you
will nd experienced and able service experts in GM
dealerships all across North America. They will be ready
and willing to help if you need it.
Here are some things you can check before a trip:
Windshield Washer Fluid:Is the reservoir full? Are
all windows clean inside and outside?
Wiper Blades:Are they in good shape?
Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:Have you checked
all levels?
Lamps:Are they all working? Are the lenses clean?
Tires:They are vitally important to a safe,
trouble-free trip. Is the tread good enough for
long-distance driving? Are the tires all inated to the
recommended pressure?
Weather Forecasts:What is the weather outlook
along your route? Should you delay your trip a
short time to avoid a major storm system?
Maps:Do you have up-to-date maps?
4-24

3. When the chocks are in place, release the regular
brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake and shift into PARK (P) for an
automatic transmission or REVERSE (R) for a
manual transmission.
5. Release the regular brakes.
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
start your 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 store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-4for more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission
uid (don’t overll), engine oil, axle lubricant, drive
belt, cooling system and brake system. Each of these is
covered in this manual, and the Index will help you
nd them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a good idea to
review this information before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-28.
4-46

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of Your Vehicle...........................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-16
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-19
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-21
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-22
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-24
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-25
Engine Coolant.............................................5-25
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-28
Engine Overheating.......................................5-28Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-30
Cooling System............................................5-31
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-36
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-37
Brakes........................................................5-38
Battery........................................................5-41
Jump Starting...............................................5-42
Rear Axle.......................................................5-48
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-49
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............5-49
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-49
Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps...................5-50
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Sidemarker Lamps.....................................5-50
Back-Up and License Plate Lamps..................5-51
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-52
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-52
Tires..............................................................5-54
Tire Sidewall Labelling...................................5-56
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-58
Run-Flat Tires (CTS-V)..................................5-61
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-62
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{CAUTION:
Never ll a portable fuel container while it is in
your vehicle. Static electricity discharge from
the container can ignite the gasoline vapor.
You can be badly burned and your vehicle
damaged if this occurs. To help avoid injury
to you and others:
Dispense gasoline only into approved
containers.
Do not ll a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed,
or on any surface other than the ground.
Bring the ll nozzle in contact with the
inside of the ll opening before operating
the nozzle. Contact should be maintained
until the lling is complete.
Do not smoke while pumping gasoline.
Checking Things Under
the Hood
{CAUTION:
An electric fan under the hood can start up
and injure you even when the engine is not
running. Keep hands, clothing and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
{CAUTION:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts
and start a re. These include liquids like fuel,
oil, coolant, brake uid, windshield washer
and other uids, and plastic or rubber. You or
others could be burned. Be careful not to drop
or spill things that will burn onto a hot engine.
5-10