2007 CADILLAC DTS service

Radio Reception
You may experience frequency interference
and static during normal radio reception if items
such as cellphone chargers, vehicle convenience
accessories, and external electronic devices
are plugged into the accessory power outlet.
If there is interference or static, unplug the item
from the accessory power outlet.
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater than
for FM, especially at night. The longer range can
cause station frequencies to interfere with each
other. For better radio reception, most AM
radio stations will boost the power levels during
the day, and then reduce these levels during
the night. Static can also occur when things
like storms and power lines interfere with radio
reception. When this happens, try reducing
the treble on your radio.
FM Stereo
FM stereo will give the best sound, but FM signals
will reach only about 10 to 40 miles (16 to 65 km).
Tall buildings or hills can interfere with FM
signals, causing the sound to fade in and out.
XM™ Satellite Radio Service
XM™ Satellite Radio Service gives digital radio
reception from coast-to-coast in the 48 contiguous
United States, and in Canada. Just as with FM,
tall buildings or hills can interfere with satellite
radio signals, causing the sound to fade in and out.
In addition, traveling or standing under heavy
foliage, bridges, garages, or tunnels may cause
loss of XM signal for a period of time. The
radio may display NO XM SIGNAL to indicate
interference.
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The SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL message,
the traction control system warning light and
the StabiliTrak
®warning light will come on to let
you know if there is a problem with the traction
control system. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 246.
When this light and the SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL message are on, the system will not
limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
The traction control system automatically
comes on whenever you start your vehicle. To
limit wheel spin, especially in slippery road
conditions, you should always leave the system
on. But you can turn the traction control system off
if you ever need to.
You can turn the system on or off at any time by
pressing the traction control system button located
on the console or on the end of the column
shifter. The DIC will display TRACTION CONTROL
OFF when you press the button.
Adding non-dealer/non-retailer accessories can
affect your vehicle’s performance. SeeAccessories
and Modications on page 353for more
information.
Magnetic Ride Control
Your vehicle may have a feature called Magnetic
Ride Control that automatically adjusts the ride of
your vehicle. Automatic ride control is achieved
through a computer used to control and monitor the
suspension system. The controller receives input
from various sensors to determine the proper
system response. If the controller detects a problem
within the system, the DIC will display a SERVICE
SUSPENSION SYS message. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 246for more information. If
this message appears, have your vehicle serviced
at your dealership.
Electronically Controlled Air Ride
Suspension
If you have a Cadillac Professional Vehicle, you
may have a feature called Electronically Controlled
Air Suspension. Air ride control is achieved through
a computer used to control and monitor the system.
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The controller receives input from two height
sensors to determine the proper system response.
If the controller detects a problem with the system,
the Driver Information Center (DIC) will display a
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS message. If this
message appears, have your vehicle serviced at
your dealership.
StabiliTrak®System
Your vehicle may have this feature. The
StabiliTrak®system is an advanced computer
controlled system that helps the driver maintain
directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving
conditions. This is accomplished by selectively
applying any one of the vehicle’s brakes and
reducing engine power.
The StabiliTrak
®system comes on automatically
whenever you start your vehicle. The system
cannot be turned off.The STABILITRAK NOT READY message may be
displayed in the DIC and the traction control
system and StabiliTrak
®warning light on the
instrument panel cluster will be on after rst driving
the vehicle and exceeding 19 mph (30 km/h) for
30 seconds. The StabiliTrak
®system is off until the
light has turned off. This could take up to
15 minutes.
The traction control system and StabiliTrak
®
warning light on the instrument panel cluster will
ash when the system is operating. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) Warning Light on
page 232andStabiliTrak
®Indicator Light on
page 232for more information. You may also feel
or hear the system working. This is normal.
The SERVICE STABILITRAK message will be
displayed and the traction control system
and StabiliTrak
®warning light on the instrument
panel cluster will come on if there is a problem with
the system. When this light and the SERVICE
STABILITRAK message are on, the system is not
operational. Adjust your driving accordingly.
311

The most important advice on freeway driving is:
Keep up with traffic and keep to the right.
Drive at the same speed most of the other drivers
are driving. Too-fast or too-slow driving breaks
a smooth traffic ow. Treat the left lane on
a freeway as a passing lane.
At the entrance, there is usually a ramp that leads
to the freeway. If you have a clear view of the
freeway as you drive along the entrance ramp, you
should begin to check traffic. Try to determine
where you expect to blend with the ow. Try to
merge into the gap at close to the prevailing speed.
Switch on your turn signal, check your mirrors, and
glance over your shoulder as often as necessary.
Try to blend smoothly with the traffic ow.
Once you are on the freeway, adjust your speed
to the posted limit or to the prevailing rate if it
is slower. Stay in the right lane unless you want
to pass.
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.
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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?
Highway Hypnosis
Is there actually such a condition as highway
hypnosis? Or is it just plain falling asleep at the
wheel? Call it highway hypnosis, lack of
awareness, or whatever.
There is something about an easy stretch of road
with the same scenery, along with the hum of the
tires on the road, the drone of the engine, and the
rush of the wind against the vehicle that can make
you sleepy. Do not let it happen to you! If it does,
your vehicle can leave the road in less than a
second, and you could crash and be injured.
What can you do about highway hypnosis? First,
be aware that it can happen.
Then here are some tips:
Make sure your vehicle is well ventilated, with
a comfortably cool interior.
Keep your eyes moving. Scan the road ahead
and to the sides. Check your rearview mirrors
and your instruments frequently.
If you get sleepy, pull off the road into a rest,
service, or parking area and take a nap, get
some exercise, or both. For safety, treat
drowsiness on the highway as an emergency.
325

Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer or a professional towing
service if you need to have your disabled vehicle
towed. SeeRoadside Service on page 488.
If you want to tow your vehicle behind another
vehicle for recreational purposes (such as behind
a motorhome), see Recreational Vehicle Towing
following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing your
vehicle behind another vehicle – such as behind a
motorhome. The two most common types of
recreational vehicle towing are known as “dinghy
towing” (towing your vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground) and “dolly towing” (towing
your vehicle with two wheels on the ground and
two wheels up on a device known as a “dolly”).
With the proper preparation and equipment, many
vehicles can be towed in these ways. See
“Dinghy Towing” and “Dolly Towing,” following.Here are some important things to consider before
you do recreational vehicle towing:
What is the towing capacity of the towing
vehicle? Be sure you read the tow vehicle
manufacturer’s recommendations.
How far will you tow? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how long they
can tow.
Do you have the proper towing equipment?
See your dealer or trailering professional
for additional advice and equipment
recommendations.
Is your vehicle ready to be towed? Just as
you would prepare your vehicle for a long
trip, you will want to make sure your vehicle is
prepared to be towed. SeeBefore Leaving
on a Long Trip on page 324.
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When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal
down while you:
Start your engine,
Shift into a gear, and
Make sure the parking brake has released.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of
the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store
the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when
you are pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance
Schedule for more on this. Things that are
especially important in trailer operation are
automatic transmission uid (do not overll),
engine oil, drive belt, cooling system and brake
system. Each of these is covered in this manual,
and the Index will help you nd them quickly.
If you are trailering, it is a good idea to review this
information before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and
bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat
during severe operating conditions. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 377.
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Service........................................................ 353
Accessories and Modications................... 353
California Proposition 65 Warning.............. 354
Doing Your Own Service Work.................. 354
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle.......................................... 355
Fuel............................................................. 355
Gasoline Octane........................................ 356
Gasoline Specications.............................. 356
California Fuel........................................... 356
Additives................................................... 357
Fuels in Foreign Countries........................ 358
Filling the Tank......................................... 358
Filling a Portable Fuel Container............... 361
Checking Things Under the Hood.............. 362
Hood Release........................................... 363
Engine Compartment Overview.................. 364
Engine Oil................................................. 365
Engine Oil Life System.............................. 368
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter............................ 370
Automatic Transaxle Fluid......................... 372
Engine Coolant.......................................... 374
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap............ 377
Engine Overheating................................... 377Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode..................................... 379
Cooling System......................................... 380
Power Steering Fluid................................. 385
Windshield Washer Fluid........................... 386
Brakes...................................................... 387
Battery...................................................... 390
Jump Starting............................................ 392
Headlamp Aiming........................................ 397
Bulb Replacement....................................... 400
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting..... 400
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement....... 400
Tires............................................................ 402
Tire Sidewall Labeling............................... 403
Tire Terminology and Denitions............... 408
Ination - Tire Pressure............................. 411
High-Speed Operation............................... 413
Tire Pressure Monitor System................... 414
Tire Inspection and Rotation...................... 418
When It Is Time for New Tires.................. 419
Buying New Tires...................................... 420
Different Size Tires and Wheels................ 422
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..................... 422
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
351