2006 CADILLAC CTS warning

How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank
If you have not found a problem yet, check to see if
coolant is visible in the surge tank. If coolant is visible
but the coolant level is not at the FULL COLD/FROID
line on the side of the coolant surge tank, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL
®
coolant at the coolant surge tank, but be sure the
cooling system, including the coolant surge tank
pressure cap, is cool before you do it. SeeEngine
Coolant on page 5-26for more information.
{CAUTION:
Steam and scalding liquids from a hot cooling
system can blow out and burn you badly. They
are under pressure, and if you turn the coolant
surge tank pressure cap — even a little — they
can come out at high speed. Never turn the
cap when the cooling system, including the
coolant surge tank pressure cap, is hot. Wait
for the cooling system and coolant surge tank
pressure cap to cool if you ever have to turn
the pressure cap.
{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:In cold weather, water can freeze and crack
the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.
Use the recommended coolant and the proper
coolant mixture.
5-33

Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer uid, be sure to
read the manufacturer’s instructions before use. If you
will be operating your vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use a uid that
has sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The CHECK WASHER FLUID message will appear
on the Driver Information Center (DIC) when the uid
level is low. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-61for more information.
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer uid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for reservoir
location.Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid, follow the
manufacturer’s instructions for adding water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts of
the washer system. Also, water does not clean as
well as washer uid.
Fill your washer uid tank only three-quarters full
when it is very cold. This allows for expansion if
freezing occurs, which could damage the tank if
it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage your washer
system and paint.
5-37

Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master
cylinder reservoir is lled
with DOT-3 brake uid.
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12
for the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid level
in the reservoir might go down. The rst is that the brake
uid goes down to an acceptable level during normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are put in, the uid
level goes back up. The other reason is that uid is
leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you should
have your brake system xed, since a leak means that
sooner or later your brakes will not work well, or will
not work at all.So, it is not a good idea to top off your brake uid.
Adding brake uid will not correct a leak. If you add uid
when your linings are worn, then you will have too
much uid when you get new brake linings. You should
add or remove brake uid, as necessary, only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If your vehicle has too much brake uid, it can
spill on the engine. The uid will burn if the
engine is hot enough. You or others could be
burned, and your vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake uid only when work is done on the
brake hydraulic system.
If the ignition is in ON and the brake uid is low, the
“Check Brake Fluid” message will be displayed in
the DIC. See “Check Brake Fluid Message” under
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-61.
When your brake uid falls to a low level, your brake
warning light will come on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-38.
5-38

Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that
make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake
pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound
may come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle
is moving, except when you are pushing on the
brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that
soon the brakes will not work well. That could
lead to an accident. When you hear the brake
wear warning sound, have your vehicle
serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to GM torque specications.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return
to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you apply the brakes, with or without the
vehicle moving, your brakes adjust for wear.
5-40

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

Run-Flat Tires (CTS-V)
If your vehicle has run-at tires, there is no spare tire
and no tire changing equipment. Your vehicle also has
a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) which will alert you if
there is a loss of tire pressure in any of the tires.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-68.
{CAUTION:
When the low tire warning light is displayed on
the instrument panel cluster, your vehicle’s
handling capabilities will be reduced during
severe maneuvers. If you drive too fast, you
could lose control of your vehicle. You or
others could be injured. Do not drive over
55 mph (90 km/h) when the low tire warning
light is displayed. Drive cautiously and check
your tire pressures as soon as you can.If a tire goes at, you will not need to stop on the side
of the road to change the tire. You can just keep on
driving. The tire can operate effectively with no air
pressure for up to 65 miles (105 km) at speeds up to
55 mph (90 km/h). The shorter the distance you
drive and the slower the speed, the greater the chance
that the tire will not have to be replaced. When a tire
is lled with air, it provides a cushion between the road
and the wheel. Because you will not have this cushion
when driving on a deated run-at tire, try to avoid
potholes that could damage your wheel and require
replacement of it.
Some road hazards can damage a tire beyond repair.
This damage could occur even before you have driven on
the tire in a deated condition. When a tire has been
damaged, or if you have driven any distance on a run-at
tire, check with an authorized run-at tire service center
to determine whether the tire can be repaired or should
be replaced. To maintain your vehicle’s run-at feature,
all replacement tires must be self-supporting tires.
As soon as possible, contact the nearest authorized GM
or run-at servicing facility for inspection and repair or
replacement. To locate the nearest GM or run-at
servicing facility, call Roadside Service. SeeRoadside
Service on page 7-7for details.
5-64

Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses radio
and sensor technology to check tire pressure levels.
If your vehicle has this feature, sensors are mounted on
the tire and wheel assembly. The TPMS sensors
transmit tire pressure readings to a receiver located in
the vehicle once every 60 seconds while the vehicle
is being driven, and once every 60 minutes if the vehicle
is stationary for more than 15 minutes.
If your vehicle has the base audio system, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) displays TPMS warnings and
messages on the radio’s display screen. SeeSystem
Controls on page 3-53andDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-61for additional information and details about
the DIC operation and displays. If your vehicle has the
Navigation system, TPMS warnings and messages are
displayed on the message center screen, located inside
the tachometer. SeeMessage Center (CTS-V) on
page 3-47for information about the message center
operation and displays.
If a low tire pressure condition is detected, the TPMS
will display the Check Tire Pressure message on
the DIC or message center and, at the same time,
illuminate the low tire pressure warning symbol on
the instrument panel cluster.Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be
checked monthly when cold and inated to the ination
pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire ination pressure label.
When the low tire pressure
telltale is illuminated, one
or more of your tires is
signicantly under-inated.
You should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inate them to the proper pressure.
Driving on a signicantly under-inated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-ination also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability.
The Tire and Loading Information label shows the size
of your vehicle’s original tires and their recommended
cold ination pressures. SeeLoading Your Vehicle
on page 4-32, for the location of the tire and loading
information label. Also seeInation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-65.
5-68

Winter tires with the same speed rating as your vehicle’s
original equipment tires may not be available for H, V, W,
and ZR speed rated tires. If you choose snow tires with
a lower speed rating, never exceed the tire’s maximum
speed capability.
{CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control of
your vehicle while driving. If you mix tires of
different sizes, brands, or types (radial and
bias-belted tires) the vehicle may not handle
properly, and you could have a crash. Using
tires of different sizes, brands, or types may
also cause damage to your vehicle. Be sure to
use the correct size, brand, and type of tires
on all wheels.
Your vehicle may have a compact spare tire
and wheel assembly. It is all right to drive with
your vehicle’s compact spare tire temporarily.
It was developed for use on your vehicle. See
Compact Spare Tire (CTS Only) on page 5-94.
{CAUTION:
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle, the
wheel rim anges could develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire and/or wheel
could fail suddenly, causing a crash. Use only
radial-ply tires with the wheels on your vehicle.
If you must replace your vehicle’s tires with those that
do not have a TPC Spec number, make sure they
are the same size, load range, speed rating, and
construction type (radial and bias-belted tires) as your
vehicle’s original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire pressure monitoring system
may give an inaccurate low-pressure warning if non-TPC
Spec rated tires are installed on your vehicle. Non-TPC
Spec rated tires may give a low-pressure warning
that is higher or lower than the proper warning level
you would get with TPC Spec rated tires. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor System on page 5-68.
Your vehicle’s original equipment tires are listed on
the Tire and Loading Information Label. This label
is attached to the vehicle’s center pillar (B-pillar).
SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-32, for more
information about the Tire and Loading Information
Label and its location on your vehicle.
5-74