2006 CADILLAC CTS V wiper blades

Windshield Wipers
The lever on the right side of the steering column
operates the windshield wipers.
7(Mist):Pull the lever down and release it for a
single wiping cycle. The lever will return to its original
position. For more cycles, hold the lever down before
releasing it.
9(Off):Put the lever in this position to turn off
the wipers.
&(Delay):Put the lever in this position to set a
delay between wipes. Turn the delay adjustment
band to set the length of the delay.
6(Delay Adjustment):Use this band to set the
length of the delay between wipes when using the delay
feature. The closer you move the band toward mist,
the longer the delay. The windshield wiper lever must
be in delay for this feature to work.
6(Low Speed):Put the lever in this position for
slow, steady wiping cycles.
1(High Speed):Put the lever in this position for
rapid wiping cycles.
If the windshield wipers are in use for about six seconds
while you are driving, the exterior lamps will come on
automatically if the exterior lamp control is in AUTO.
SeeWiper Activated Headlamps on page 3-17for more
information.
Be sure to clear ice and snow from the wiper blades
before using them. If they are frozen to the windshield,
gently loosen or thaw them. If the blades do become
damaged, install new blades. For more information, see
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement on page 5-55.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the wiper motor.
A circuit breaker will stop the motor until it cools down.
Clear away snow or ice to prevent an overload.
3-11

Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can mean driving trouble. On a
wet road, you cannot stop, accelerate, or turn as well
because your tire-to-road traction is not as good as
on dry roads. And, if your tires do not have much tread
left, you will get even less traction. It is always wise
to go slower and be cautious if rain starts to fall while
you are driving. The surface may get wet suddenly when
your reexes are tuned for driving on dry pavement.The heavier the rain, the harder it is to see. Even if
your windshield wiper blades are in good shape, a heavy
rain can make it harder to see road signs and traffic
signals, pavement markings, the edge of the road, and
even people walking.
It is wise to keep your windshield wiping equipment
in good shape and keep your windshield washer
uid reservoir lled with washer uid. Replace your
windshield wiper inserts when they show signs of
streaking or missing areas on the windshield, or when
strips of rubber start to separate from the inserts.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause accidents. They may not
work as well in a quick stop and may cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of
the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water
or a car wash, apply your brake pedal lightly
until your brakes work normally.
Driving too fast through large water puddles or even
going through some car washes can cause problems,
too. The water may affect your brakes. Try to avoid
puddles. But if you cannot, try to slow down before
you hit them.
4-20

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

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

4. Pull the lamp assembly away from the vehicle to
expose the bulb sockets.
5. Turn the bulb socket one-quarter turn
counterclockwise and pull the bulb and socket out
of the lamp reector.
6. Pull the old bulb from the bulb socket keeping the
bulb straight as you pull it out.
7. Install a new bulb.
8. Reverse the steps to reinstall the lamp assembly.
Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamp Bulb Number
Back-Up, Front/Rear Turn Signal,
Stoplamp and Taillamp3157K
Fog Lamp 9145
License Plate Lamp W5WLL
Rear Sidemarker Lamp W5WLL
For replacement bulbs not listed here, contact
your dealer.
Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wear
or cracking. SeeOwner Checks and Services on
page 6-9.
It is a good idea to clean or replace the wiper blade
assembly on a regular basis or when worn. For proper
windshield wiper blade length and type, seeNormal
Maintenance Replacement Parts on page 6-15.
To replace the wiper blade assembly, do the following:
1. Turn the ignition to ON with the engine off.
2. Turn on the windshield wipers and turn them off
again when the wipers are in the out-wipe position.
The driver’s side blade will be straight up and
down on the windshield.
3. Pull the windshield wiper assembly away from the
windshield.
5-55

Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc.,
can damage the vehicle’s nish if they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If
necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather,
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period
of years. To help keep the paint nish looking new, keep
the vehicle in a garage or covered whenever possible.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
If the windshield is not clear after using the windshield
washer, or if the wiper blade chatters when running,
wax, sap, or other material may be on the blade
or windshield.
Clean the outside of the windshield with a glass cleaning
liquid or powder and water solution. The windshield is
clean if beads do not form when it is rinsed with water.
Grime from the windshield will stick to the wiper blades
and affect their performance. Clean the blade by wiping
vigorously with a cloth soaked in full-strength windshield
washer solvent. Then rinse the blade with water.
Check the wiper blades and clean them as necessary;
replace blades that look worn.
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
Your vehicle may have either aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels.
Keep the wheels clean using a soft clean cloth with mild
soap and water. Rinse with clean water. After rinsing
thoroughly, dry with a soft clean towel. A wax may then
be applied.
Notice:If you use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum or chrome-plated
wheels, you could damage the surface of the
wheel(s). The repairs would not be covered by your
warranty. Use only GM-approved cleaners on
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels.
The surface of these wheels is similar to the painted
surface of your vehicle. Do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, abrasive cleaners,
cleaners with acid, or abrasive cleaning brushes on
them because you could damage the surface.
Do not use chrome polish on aluminum wheels.
5-99

Scheduled Maintenance
Service MaintenanceIMaintenanceII
Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-16. Reset oil life
system. SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-20.An Emission Control
Service.••
Visually check for any leaks or damage.See footnote (k).••
Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace lter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21.See footnote (n).•
Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 5-71and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month
on page 6-10.••
Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).••
Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid levels and add uid
as needed.••
Perform any needed additional services. See “Additional Required Services”
in this section.••
Inspect suspension and steering components.See footnote (b).•
Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).•
Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).•
Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).•
Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).•
Replace passenger compartment air lter.See footnote (g).•
6-5

Maintenance Footnotes
(a)Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake parts, including calipers,
parking brake, etc.
(b)Visually inspect front and rear suspension and
steering system for damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power steering lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chang, etc.
(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if
they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated. Inspect
all pipes, ttings and clamps; replace with genuine
GM parts as needed. To help ensure proper operation,
a pressure test of the cooling system and pressure
cap and cleaning the outside of the radiator and
air conditioning condenser is recommended at least
once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace wiper blades that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken airbag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced.
The airbag system does not need regular maintenance.
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders. Lubricate all body
door hinges. Lubricate all hinges and latches, including
those for the hood, rear compartment, console door,
and any folding seat hardware. More frequent lubrication
may be required when exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak.
(g)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions, the
lter may require replacement more often.
6-8