2006 CADILLAC CTS maintenance

To turn off the timer, press the CLR button again. When
the timer is off, the display will show the timer value
and TIMER OFF. The timing feature will stop.
To reset the timer, turn off the timer and then press and
hold the CLR button. The display will return to zero.
BATTERY VOLTS:If you select this item, the current
battery voltage is displayed. If the voltage is in the normal
range, the display will have OK after it. For example, the
display may read 13.2 BATTERY VOLTS OK.
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 3-61for more information.
ENGINE OIL LIFE:If you select this item, the
percentage of remaining oil life is displayed. If you see
99% ENGINE 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. See your dealer for
service. In addition to the engine oil life system
monitoring the oil life, additional maintenance is
recommended in the Maintenance Schedule in this
manual. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4and
Engine Oil on page 5-16for 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 5-20.
If you clear the Change Engine Oil message from
the display, it will not re-appear.
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
Trans Fluid message will appear on the display. You
should change the transmission uid as soon as
possible. Be sure to keep a written record of the mileage
and date of the uid change so you will have it for
future reference. SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 6-4andRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-13for more information.
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.
3-56

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

Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-71
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-72
Buying New Tires.........................................5-73
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-75
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-75
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-77
Wheel Replacement......................................5-77
Tire Chains..................................................5-78
Lifting Your Vehicle (CTS-V)...........................5-79
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-82
Changing a Flat Tire (CTS Only)....................5-84
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
(CTS Only)...............................................5-85
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire (CTS Only)..........................5-87
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
(CTS Only)...............................................5-93
Compact Spare Tire (CTS Only).....................5-94
Appearance Care............................................5-94
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.................5-94
Fabric/Carpet...............................................5-96
Leather.......................................................5-96
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces..................................................5-97
Wood Panels...............................................5-97
Speaker Covers............................................5-97Care of Safety Belts......................................5-97
Weatherstrips...............................................5-98
Washing Your Vehicle...................................5-98
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses.....................5-98
Finish Care..................................................5-98
Windshield and Wiper Blades.........................5-99
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels................5-99
Tires.........................................................5-100
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-100
Finish Damage...........................................5-101
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-101
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-101
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials................5-102
Vehicle Identication.....................................5-103
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)................5-103
Service Parts Identication Label...................5-103
Electrical System..........................................5-104
Add-On Electrical Equipment.........................5-104
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-104
Power Windows and Other
Power Options........................................5-104
Fuses and Circuit Breakers..........................5-104
Underhood Fuse Block................................5-105
Rear Underseat Fuse Block..........................5-109
Capacities and Specications........................5-115
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2

Doing Your Own Service Work
{CAUTION:
You can be injured and your vehicle could be
damaged if you try to do service work on a
vehicle without knowing enough about it.
Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,
experience, the proper replacement parts,
and tools before you attempt any vehicle
maintenance task.
Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts,
and other fasteners. English and metric
fasteners can be easily confused. If you
use the wrong fasteners, parts can later
break or fall off. You could be hurt.If you want to do some of your own service work,
you will want to use the proper service manual. It tells
you much more about how to service your vehicle
than this manual can. To order the proper service
manual, seeService Publications Ordering Information
on page 7-16.
Your vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting
to do your own service work, seeServicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-67.
You should keep a record with all parts receipts and
list the mileage and the date of any service work
you perform. SeeMaintenance Record on page 6-17.
5-4

When to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
Inspect the air cleaner/lter at the MaintenanceII
intervals and replace it at the rst oil change after
each 50,000 mile (83 000 km) interval. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4for more information.
If you are driving in dusty/dirty conditions, inspect
the lter at each engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/lter, remove the lter from
the vehicle and lightly shake the lter to release
loose dust and dirt. If the lter remains caked with dirt,
a new lter is required.
To inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/lter,
do the following:
1. Remove the two screws located on the sides of
the cover.
2. Lift the cover off.3. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/lter.
SeeNormal Maintenance Replacement Parts
on page 6-15for the correct part number for
the lter.
4. Reinstall the cover by reversing Steps 1 and 2.
{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/lter
off can cause you or others to be burned.
The air cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps
to stop ames if the engine backres. If it is
not there and the engine backres, you could
be burned. Do not drive with it off, and be
careful working on the engine with the air
cleaner/lter off.
Notice:If the air cleaner/lter is off, a backre
can cause a damaging engine re. And, dirt
can easily get into your engine, which will damage
it. Always have the air cleaner/lter in place
when you are driving.
5-22

How to Add Manual Transmission Fluid
Here is how to add uid. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-13to determine which type of
uid to use.
1. Remove the ller plug.
2. Add uid at the ller plug hole. Add only enough
uid to bring the uid level up to the bottom of the
ller plug hole.
3. If your vehicle is a CTS, replace the gasket and
reinstall the ller plug. If your vehicle is a CTS-V,
apply LOCTITE
®#516 or equivalent sealant to
the threads and then reinstall the ller plug.
Again, with either vehicle, be sure the plug is
fully seated.
Hydraulic Clutch
It is not necessary to regularly check clutch uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system.
Adding uid will not correct a leak.
A uid loss in this system could indicate a problem.
Have the system inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What to Use
The hydraulic clutch uid
reservoir cap has this
symbol on it. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for reservoir
location.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine how
often you should check the uid level in your clutch
master cylinder reservoir and for the proper uid to use.
SeeOwner Checks and Services on page 6-9and
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
How to Check and Add Fluid
Make sure the uid level is at the MIN (Minimum)
line on the side of the reservoir. If it is not, remove
the cap and add the proper uid until the level reaches
the MIN line.
5-25

Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and
how to add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem
with engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating
on page 5-28.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at the rst maintenance
service after each 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or
24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
What to Use
Use a mixture of one-half clean, drinkable water and
one-half DEX-COOL®coolant which will not damage
aluminum parts. If you use this coolant mixture, you
do not need to add anything else.
{CAUTION:
Adding only plain water to your cooling
system can be dangerous. Plain water, or
some other liquid such as alcohol, can boil
before the proper coolant mixture will. Your
vehicle’s coolant warning system is set for the
proper coolant mixture. With plain water or the
wrong mixture, your engine could get too hot
but you would not get the overheat warning.
Your engine could catch re and you or others
could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®coolant.
Notice:If you use an improper coolant mixture, your
engine could overheat and be badly damaged. The
repair cost would not be covered by your warranty.
Too much water in the mixture can freeze and crack
the engine, radiator, heater core, and other parts.
5-26

Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top-quality GM brake parts.
When you replace parts of your braking system — for
example, when your brake linings wear down and you
need new ones put in — be sure you get new approved
GM replacement parts. If you do not, your brakes may no
longer work properly. 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 5-42for 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.
5-41