2007 CADILLAC CTS Fluids

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 462andEngine Oil on
page 346for 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 349. 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 462
andRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 473for 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 353.
LF TIRE:If you select this item, the driver’s side
front tire pressure will be displayed. If the tire
pressure is low, LOW will be displayed with this
item. The pressure can be displayed in pounds per
square inch (PSI) or kilopascals (KPA). To change
the units, seeDIC Main Menu on page 228
DIC Main Menu.
227

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
dealer. SeeEngine Oil on page 346and
Scheduled Maintenance on page 462for 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 349. 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. SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 462andRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 473for 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 353.
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 dealer as
soon as possible. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 205andBrakes on page 371
for 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 209for more information.
235

Before changing lanes, check your mirrors.
Then use your turn signal.
Just before you leave the lane, glance quickly
over your shoulder to make sure there is not
another vehicle in your blind spot.
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?
312

Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission uid
level. A transmission uid leak is the only
reason for uid loss. If a leak occurs, take your
vehicle to your GM dealer service department and
have it repaired as soon as possible.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in
Additional Required Services on page 465, and
be sure to use the transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 473.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission uid may damage your vehicle,
and the damages may not be covered by
your warranty. Always use the automatic
transmission uid listed inRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 473.
How to Reset the Change Transmission
Fluid Message and the Transmission
Fluid Indicator
After the transmission uid has been changed, the
Change Trans Fluid message and the transmission
uid life indicator must be reset. To reset the
message and indicator, use one of the following
procedures:
Base Audio System
Press the CLR (Clear) button located to the right of
the Driver Information Center (DIC) display to
acknowledge the CHANGE TRANS FLUID
message. This will clear the message from the
display and reset it.
353

Check the uid level only when your engine is off,
the vehicle is parked on a level place and the
transmission is cool enough for you to rest your
ngers on the transmission case.
To check the uid level, do the following:
1. Remove the ller plug.
2. Check that the lubricant level is up to the
bottom of the ller plug hole.
3. If the uid level is good and your vehicle is a
CTS, replace the gasket and reinstall the ller
plug. If the uid level is good and your
vehicle is a CTS-V, apply LOCTITE
®#516 or
equivalent sealant to the threads and then
reinstall the ller plug.
With either vehicle, be sure the plug is fully
seated. If the uid level is low, add more uid
as described in the next steps.
How to Add Manual Transmission Fluid
Here is how to add uid. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 473to 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.
355

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 342for
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 469andRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 473.
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.
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 360.
356

If you have to add coolant more than once or
twice a year, have your dealer check your cooling
system.
Notice:If you use extra inhibitors and/or
additives in your vehicle’s cooling system, you
could damage your vehicle. Use only the
proper mixture of the engine coolant listed in
this manual for the cooling system. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 473for more information.Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank and pressure cap are
located on the driver’s side of the vehicle, toward
the rear of the engine compartment. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 342for
more information on location.
358

How to Check Power Steering Fluid
To check the power steering uid, do the following:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine
compartment cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir
clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the
uid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark. If
necessary, add only enough uid to bring the level
up to the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 473.
Always use the proper uid. Failure to use the
proper uid can cause leaks and damage hoses
and seals.
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.
369