Instrument Panel Cluster
The instrument panel cluster is designed to let you know at a glance how your vehicle is running. You will
know how fast you are going, how much fuel you are using and many of the other things you will need
to know to drive safely and economically.
CTS (United States version shown, Canada similar)
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Engine Speed Limiter
This feature prevents the engine from operating at
too many revolutions per minute (rpm). When
the engine’s rpms are too high, the throttle
is closed to reduce speed. If this is not sufficient,
then the fuel supply to the engine will be
limited. When the rpms return to normal, the fuel
supply will return to normal. This helps prevent
damage to the engine.
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the key is turned to ON or START, a chime
will come on for several seconds to remind
people to fasten their safety belts.
The safety belt light will
also come on and
stay on for several
seconds, then it will
ash for several more.
If the driver’s belt is already buckled, the chime
will not come on.
Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel, which shows the airbag symbol. The system
checks the airbag’s electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an
electrical problem. The system check includes the
airbag sensors, the airbag modules, the wiring and
the diagnostic module. For more information on the
airbag system, seeAirbag System on page 70.
This light will come
on when the ignition
key is turned to ON
and it will ash for
a few seconds.
Then the light should go out. This means the
system is ready. If it does not go out, have your
vehicle serviced right away.
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See “Activating Category (CAT) Stations (RDS
and XM™)” underRadio with CD on page 260for
more information.
ASEEK LOCAL/DISTANT:This feature instructs
the audio system to seek only local radio stations
with the strongest signal or to seek all radio stations
with a strong signal in a large area. Use LOCAL
when you are in urban areas where there are
several strong radio station signals and you want to
limit the number of stations to those with the
strongest signals only. Use DISTANT when you are
in rural areas where there are fewer radio station
signals available.
To switch between LOCAL and DISTANT, press
the TUNE/SEL knob. Once your choice is
displayed, turn the knob to set your choice and
continue scrolling through the main menu.
9(English/Metric Units):Use this menu item
to adjust the measurement units.
You can choose between ENGLISH UNITS and
METRIC UNITS. To switch between the two, press
the TUNE/SEL knob. Once your choice is
displayed, turn the knob to set your choice and
continue scrolling through the main menu.The measurement units that you choose will be
re ected on all the vehicle system displays,
not just the DIC information. For example, the
climate control panel will display degrees Celsius
if you choose METRIC UNITS.
TCS (Traction Control System):You can enable
or disable the Traction Control System (TCS)
using this menu item. Press the TUNE/SEL knob
to switch between on and off.
You can also turn the TCS off using the traction
control button located in the glove box (CTS) or on
the steering wheel (CTS-V), or by programming
one of the steering wheel controls (1, 2, 3, or 4) or
audio system soft keys to enable/disable the
TCS. SeeRecon gurable Steering Wheel Controls
(SWC) (CTS) on page 169and “Con gurable
Radio Display Keys” underRadio with CD
on page 260for more information.
When you disable the TCS, the traction control
system warning light on the instrument panel
cluster will come on. SeeTraction Control System
(TCS) Warning Light on page 206for more
information.
231
If this message appears while driving or after
starting your vehicle and stays on, have it checked
by your dealer immediately to determine the
cause of this problem.
To help the generator recharge the battery quickly,
you can reduce the load on the electrical system
by turning off the accessories.
The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to
15.5 volts. You can monitor battery voltage on the
DIC by pressing the INFO button until BATTERY
VOLTS appears.
Buckle Passenger
This message reminds you to buckle the
passenger’s safety belt.
This message will display and a chime will sound
when the ignition is on, the driver’s safety belt
is buckled, the passenger’s safety belt is
unbuckled with the passenger airbag enabled, and
the vehicle is in motion. You should have the
passenger buckle their safety belt.The reminder will be repeated if the ignition is on,
the vehicle is in motion, the driver is buckled
and the passenger is still unbuckled, and
the passenger airbag is enabled. If the
passenger’s safety belt is already buckled, this
message and chime will not come on.
Buckle Seat Belt
This message reminds you to buckle the driver’s
safety belt.
This message will display and a chime will sound
when the ignition is on, the driver’s safety belt
is unbuckled, and the vehicle is in motion.
You should buckle your safety belt.
If the driver remains unbuckled when the ignition
is on and the vehicle is in motion, the reminder
will be repeated. If the driver’s safety belt is
already buckled, this message and chime will not
come on.
This message is an additional reminder to the
Safety Belt Reminder Light in the instrument panel
cluster. SeeSafety Belt Reminder Light on
page 201for more information.
234
Engine Coolant Hot – Idle Engine
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
engine is overheating, severe engine damage
may occur. If an overheat warning appears
on the instrument panel cluster and/or
DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as possible. Do
not increase the engine speed above normal
idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 360for more information.
This message will appear when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. Stop and allow the
vehicle to idle until it cools down.
Engine Power Reduced
This message informs you that the vehicle is
reducing engine power to try to protect the engine
or transmission from damage due to extreme
operating conditions. Reduced engine power can
affect the vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this
message is on, but there is no reduction in
performance, proceed to your destination. The
performance may be reduced the next time
the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven at
a reduced speed while this message is on, but
acceleration and speed may be reduced.Anytime this message stays on, the vehicle should
be taken to your dealer for service as soon as
possible.
Fuel Level Low
When this message appears on the display, it
means that your vehicle is low on fuel. You should
re ll the fuel tank as soon as possible. A single
chime will sound when this message is displayed.
Headlamps Suggested
This message will appear when the amount of
available light outside the vehicle is low and
the exterior lamp control is off. This message
informs the driver that turning on the exterior lamps
is recommended even though the daytime
running lamps (DRL) are still illuminated and it has
become dark enough outside to require the
headlamps and/or other exterior lamps.
This message will also appear when the
windshield wipers have been on for more than
six seconds and the exterior lamp control is off or
in the parking lamp position.
237
Ice Possible
This message appears when the outside
temperature is cold enough to create icy road
conditions.
Left Rear Door Ajar
When this message appears on the display, it
means that the driver’s side rear door was
not closed completely. You should make sure that
the door is closed completely.
Oil Pressure Low – Stop Engine
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the
engine oil pressure is low, severe engine
damage may occur. If a low oil pressure
warning appears on the instrument panel
cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Do not drive the vehicle until the
cause of the low oil pressure is corrected. See
Engine Oil on page 346for more information.
Passenger Door Ajar
When this message appears on the display, it
means that the passenger’s side front door was
not closed completely. You should make sure that
the door is closed completely.
Right Rear Door Ajar
When this message appears on the display, it
means that the passenger’s side rear door was not
closed completely. You should check to make
sure that the door is closed completely.
Service AC (Air Conditioning) System
This message appears when the electronic
sensors that control the air conditioning and
heating systems are no longer working. Have the
climate control system serviced by your dealer
if you notice a drop in heating and air conditioning
efficiency.
Service Air Bag
There is a problem with the airbag system when
this message appears. Have your vehicle serviced
by your dealer immediately. SeeAirbag Readiness
Light on page 201for more information.
Service Brake Assist
This message will display when a problem with
the panic brake assist system has been detected.
Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer.
238
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement....... 390
Tires............................................................ 392
Winter Tires.............................................. 393
Tire Sidewall Labeling............................... 394
Tire Terminology and De nitions............... 397
Run-Flat Tires (CTS-V).............................. 400
In ation - Tire Pressure............................. 402
High-Speed Operation............................... 404
Tire Pressure Monitor System................... 405
Tire Inspection and Rotation...................... 409
When It Is Time for New Tires.................. 411
Buying New Tires...................................... 411
Different Size Tires and Wheels................ 414
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..................... 414
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance............ 416
Wheel Replacement.................................. 416
Tire Chains............................................... 418
Lifting Your Vehicle (CTS-V)...................... 418
If a Tire Goes Flat.................................... 422
Changing a Flat Tire (CTS Only)............... 424
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
(CTS Only)............................................ 425Removing the Flat Tire and Installing
the Spare Tire (CTS Only)..................... 426
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools
(CTS Only)............................................ 433
Compact Spare Tire (CTS Only)................ 434
Appearance Care........................................ 435
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle.......... 435
Fabric/Carpet............................................. 437
Leather...................................................... 438
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces..................................... 438
Wood Panels............................................. 439
Speaker Covers........................................ 439
Care of Safety Belts.................................. 439
Weatherstrips............................................ 439
Washing Your Vehicle............................... 439
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses................ 440
Finish Care............................................... 440
Windshield and Wiper Blades.................... 441
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
and Trim................................................ 441
Tires......................................................... 442
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
330