2006 CADILLAC CTS recommended oil

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

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

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

To help keep fuel injectors and intake valves clean,
or if your vehicle experiences problems due to
dirty injectors or valves, look for gasoline that is
advertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline. Also,
your GM dealer has additives that will help correct and
prevent most deposit-related problems.
Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and
ethanol, and reformulated gasolines may be available in
your area. General Motors recommends that you use
these gasolines if they comply with the specications
described earlier. However, E85 (85% ethanol)
and other fuels containing more than 10% ethanol
must not be used in vehicles that were not designed
for those fuels.
Notice:Your vehicle was not designed for fuel
that contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal parts in your fuel
system and also damage the plastic and rubber
parts. That damage would not be covered under
your warranty.Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low
emissions may contain an octane-enhancing additive
called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline
whether the fuel contains MMT. General Motors
recommends against the use of such gasolines. Fuels
containing MMT can reduce the life of spark plugs
and the performance of the emission control system
may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp
may turn on. If this occurs, return to your authorized
GM dealer for service.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
If you plan on driving in another country outside the
United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard
to nd. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel
not recommended in the previous text on fuel. Costly
repairs caused by use of improper fuel would not
be covered by your warranty.
To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or
contact a major oil company that does business in
the country where you will be driving.
5-7

Oils meeting these
requirements should
also have the starburst
symbol on the container.
This symbol indicates
that the oil has been
certied by the American
Petroleum Institute (API).
You should look for this on the oil container, and
use only those oils that are identied as meeting
GM Standard GM4718M and have the starburst
symbol on the front of the oil container.Your vehicle’s engine is lled at the factory with a
Mobil 1®synthetic oil, which meets all requirements
for your vehicle.
Substitute Engine Oil: When adding oil to maintain
engine oil level, oil meeting GM Standard GM4718M
may not be available. You can add substitute oil
designated SAE 5W-30 with the starburst symbol
at all temperatures. Substitute oil not meeting
GM Standard GM4718M should not be used for
an oil change.
Engine Oil Additives
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended
oils with the starburst symbol that meet GM standards
are all you will need for good performance and
engine protection.
5-19

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

What to Add
When you do need brake uid, use only DOT-3 brake
uid. Use new brake uid from a sealed container
only. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-13.
Always clean the brake uid reservoir cap and the
area around the cap before removing it. This will
help keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of uid in the brake
system, the brakes may not work well, or
they may not even work at all. This could
cause a crash. Always use the proper
brake uid.Notice:
Using the wrong uid can badly damage brake
system parts. For example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in the
brake system can damage brake system parts
so badly that they will have to be replaced.
Do not let someone put in the wrong kind
of uid.
If you spill brake uid on your vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paint nish can be damaged. Be
careful not to spill brake uid on your vehicle.
If you do, wash it off immediately. SeeWashing
Your Vehicle on page 5-98.
5-39