2006 CADILLAC CTS engine coolant

Transmission Fluid Hot Message
When you see this ashing
symbol, the transmission
uid temperature is
high (290°F (143°C)).
To acknowledge this warning, press either button on
the outboard switch on the left spoke of the steering
wheel. After you press this button, the warning will
redisplay every 10 minutes until the temperature
returns to the normal operating range. If this message
appears, you may continue to drive at a slower speed
while monitoring the transmission uid temperature.
Ideally, the transmission oil temperature should not rise
above 265°F (129°C). If you regularly experience
temperatures above this limit due to high performance
operation, it is recommended to use an auxiliary uid
cooler for the transmission and differential. See your
dealer for details. If this warning is displayed during
normal vehicle operation on at roads, your vehicle may
need service. See your dealer for an inspection. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-61andManual
Transmission Fluid on page 5-24for more information.
Hot Coolant Temperature
Warning Message
When you see this ashing
symbol, the engine coolant
temperature is high
(257°F (125°C)).
To acknowledge this warning, press either button on
the outboard switch on the left spoke of the steering
wheel. After you press a button, this warning will come
on every 10 minutes until the temperature returns to
the normal operating range. Driving aggressively
or driving on long hills can cause the engine coolant
temperature to be higher than normal. The Engine
Coolant Temperature Warning Light should also come
on. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Warning Light
(CTS) on page 3-40for more information. If this warning
is displayed during normal vehicle operation on at
roads, your vehicle may need service. See your dealer
for an inspection.
3-50

Tire Pressure Warning Message
When you see this ashing
symbol, one or more of the
vehicle’s tires is either
under or over-inated.
To acknowledge this warning, press either button on the
outboard switch on the left spoke of the steering
wheel. There are three levels of warning for this display:
1. High Tire Pressure (above 42 psi (290 kPa))
2. Low Tire Pressure (below 25 psi (170 kPa))
3. Flat Tire (below 5 psi (35 kPa))
For conditions 1 and 2, this warning will ash ve times
and the display will then show the tire pressure gage. For
condition 3, this warning will ash continuously until the
driver acknowledges it. In any of the three cases, the
warning will redisplay every 10 minutes until the situation
is corrected. Conditions 2 and 3 will also display a
warning light elsewhere on the cluster that will stay on
after this warning is acknowledged. SeeTire Pressure
Light (CTS-V Only) on page 3-41for more information.
Also seeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-68for
more information on tire pressure specications.
One-to-Four Shift Message
If equipped, this message
indicates that you can only
shift from FIRST (1) to
FOURTH (4) instead
of FIRST (1) to
SECOND (2).
You must complete the shift into FOURTH (4) to turn off
this feature. This helps you get the best possible fuel
economy.
After shifting to FOURTH (4), you may downshift to a
lower gear if you prefer.
Notice:Forcing the shift lever into any gear except
FOURTH (4) when the 1 TO 4 SHIFT light comes
on may damage the transmission. Shift only from
FIRST (1) to FOURTH (4) when the light comes on.
This message will come on when:
The engine coolant temperature is higher than
169°F (76°C),
you are going 15 to 19 mph (24 to 31 km/h) and
you are 21 percent throttle or less.
3-52

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. See your GM dealer.
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 5-20. If you clear this message
from the display, it will not re-appear.
Change Trans (Transmission) Fluid
(Automatic Transmission)
This message indicates that the life of the transmission
uid has expired and it should be changed. See
Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4and
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13for
the proper uid and change intervals.
When you reset the Change Trans 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 5-23.
Check Brake Fluid
This message will display if the ignition is in ON to
inform the driver that the brake uid level is low.
Have the brake system serviced by your GM dealer as
soon as possible. SeeBrake System Warning Light
on page 3-38andBrakes on page 5-38for more
information.
Check Coolant Level
Notice:If your engine catches re because you
keep driving with no coolant, your vehicle can
be badly damaged. The costly repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. SeeOverheated Engine
Protection Operating Mode on page 5-30for
information on driving to a safe place in an
emergency.
This message will appear when there is a low level of
engine coolant. Have the cooling system serviced
by your GM dealer as soon as possible. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-26for more information.
Check Gas Cap
When this message appears on the display, the gas cap
has not been fully tightened. You should recheck the
gas cap to ensure that it is on and tightened properly.
See “If the Light Is On Steady” underMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-41for more information.
3-63

Check Tire Pressure
If your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
system, this message indicates that one or more of the
vehicle’s tires are low. SeeStatus of Vehicle Systems
on page 3-54for information on checking your vehicle’s
tire pressures. Also, seeTire Pressure Monitor
System on page 5-68andInation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-65for more information.
Check Washer Fluid
When this message appears on the display, it means
that your vehicle is low on windshield washer uid. You
should rell the windshield washer uid reservoir as
soon as possible. SeeWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-37for more information.
Competitive Driving (CTS-V)
When competitive driving mode is turned on with the
TC (traction control) button, this message will be
displayed on the DIC. The TC light will be on when the
competitive driving mode is on. The traction control
system will not operate while in competitive driving
mode. You should adjust your driving accordingly. See
the CTS-V portion ofTraction Control System (TCS)
(CTS) on page 4-9orTraction Control System (TCS)
(CTS-V) on page 4-10for more information.
Driver Door Ajar
When this message appears on the display, it means
that the driver’s door was not closed completely.
You should make sure that the driver’s door is
closed completely.
Engine Coolant Hot – AC
(Air Conditioning) Off
This message displays when the engine coolant
becomes hotter than the normal operating temperature.
To avoid added strain on a hot engine, the air
conditioning compressor is automatically turned off.
When the coolant temperature returns to normal, the air
conditioning compressor will turn back on. You can
continue to drive your vehicle.
If this message continues to appear, have the system
repaired by your GM dealer as soon as possible to avoid
damage to the engine or transmission.
3-64

Engine Coolant Hot – Idle Engine
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine is
overheating, severe engine damage may occur. If
an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon
as possible. Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-28for more information.
This message will appear when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to idle
until it cools down.
Engine Overheated – Stop Engine
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
is overheating, severe engine damage may occur.
If an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-28for more information.
This message will appear when the engine has
overheated. Stop the vehicle and turn the engine off
immediately to avoid severe engine damage. See
Engine Overheating on page 5-28. A chime will also
sound when this message is displayed.
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.
Reduced engine power can affect the vehicle’s ability to
accelerate. If this message is on, but there is no
reduction in performance, proceed to your destination.
The performance may be reduced the next time the
vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven at a
reduced speed while this message is on, but
acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, the vehicle should be taken to
your GM dealer for service as soon as possible.
Fuel Level Low
When this message appears on the display, it means
that your vehicle is low on fuel. You should rell the fuel
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.
3-65

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................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....................................5-6
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..................................5-20
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-21
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-23
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-24
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-25
Engine Coolant.............................................5-26
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
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-49
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-52
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............5-52
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-52
Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps...................5-53
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps and
Sidemarker Lamps.....................................5-53
Back-Up and License Plate Lamps..................5-54
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-55
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-55
Tires..............................................................5-57
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-58
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-61
Run-Flat Tires (CTS-V)..................................5-64
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-65
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-68
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

A. Underhood Fuse Block. SeeUnderhood Fuse
Block on page 5-105.
B. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-37.
C. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-41.
D. Passenger Compartment Air Filter. SeePassenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 3-29.
E. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Under Engine
Cover). SeePower Steering Fluid on page 5-36.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-16.G. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 5-16.
H. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-38.
I. Hydraulic Clutch Reservoir (If Equipped)
(Not Shown). See “When to Check and What to
Use” underHydraulic Clutch on page 5-25.
J. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
SeeCoolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap on
page 5-28andCooling System on page 5-31.
K. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21.
5-13