2008 CADILLAC CTS Under the hood

Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Head Restraints
......................................... 1-2
Front Seats
............................................... 1-4
Rear Seats
..............................................1-11
Safety Belts
.............................................1-12
Child Restraints
.......................................1-32
Airbag System
.........................................1-56
Restraint System Check
............................1-72
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-4
Doors and Locks
......................................2-18
Windows
.................................................2-24
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-28
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-32
Mirrors
....................................................2-50
Object Detection Systems
..........................2-52
OnStar
®System
......................................2-55
Universal Home Remote System
................2-58
Storage Areas
.........................................2-62
Sunroof
..................................................2-63
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-24
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-30
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-48
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-82Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle
....... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-28
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-4
Fuel
......................................................... 5-6
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-12
All-Wheel Drive
........................................5-50
Rear Axle
...............................................5-51
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-52
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-55
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-57
Tires
......................................................5-58
Appearance Care
...................................5-112
Vehicle Identication
...............................5-121
Electrical System
....................................5-122
Capacities and Specications
...................5-129
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-16
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-18
Index................................................................ 1
2008 Cadillac CTS Owner ManualM

If the vehicle is left running it automatically shuts off
after 10 minutes unless a time extension has been done.
To manually shut off a remote start:
Aim the transmitter at the vehicle and press
the remote start button until the parking lamps
turn off.
Turn on the hazard warning ashers.
Turn the ignition switch on and then off.
The remote vehicle start feature provides two separate
starts, each with 10 minutes of engine running, or it
provides one start with 10 minutes of engine running
that may be extended 10 more minutes. If the transmitter
lock button is pressed and released and then the remote
start button is pressed and held again before the rst
10 minutes of engine running time has expired,
10 minutes are added to the remaining minutes.
For example, if the lock button and then the remote
start buttons are pressed again after ve minutes of
the engine run time, 10 minutes are added and you
now have 15 minutes of engine running. The added
ten minutes are considered a second remote vehicle
start.
Once two remote starts or a single start with a time
extension have been used, the vehicle must be started
with the keyless access ignition control knob before
the remote start feature can be used again.The remote start feature does not operate if any of the
following occur:
The ignition is in any position other than LOCK/OFF.
A keyless access transmitter is inside the vehicle.
The hood is open.
There is an emission control system malfunction.
The remote start feature is not enabled.
See “Remote Start” underDIC Vehicle
Customization on page 3-69.
The engine turns off during a remote vehicle start if the
coolant temperature gets too high, or the oil pressure
is too low.
This vehicle was shipped from the factory with the
remote vehicle start system enabled. The system may
be disabled through the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See “Remote Start” underDIC Vehicle Customization
on page 3-69for additional information.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-48for important safety
information when using remote start in a closed garage.
2-17

Sensors
There is a solar sensor,
located on the instrument
panel, near the windshield.
There is also an interior
temperature sensor,
located to the right of the
steering wheel, on the
instrument panel.By monitoring the solar radiation and the air inside the
vehicle, these sensors help maintain the selected
temperature by adjusting the fan speed, and the air
delivery system. In order to do this, the system can also
supply cooler air to the side of the vehicle facing the
sun. The recirculation mode will also be activated,
as necessary. Do not cover the sensors or the automatic
climate control system will not work properly.
Outlet Adjustment
Use the air outlets located in the center and on the side
of the instrument panel to direct the airow. Use the
thumbwheels near the air outlets to open or close off
the airow.
Operation Tips

Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from air inlets
at the base of the windshield that could block the
ow of air into the vehicle.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of the vehicle more
effectively.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors can
adversely affect the performance of the system.
Check with your dealer/retailer before adding
equipment to the outside of your vehicle.
3-28

Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The passenger compartment air lter traps most of
the dust and pollen from the air entering the vehicle.
The lter will need to be changed periodically.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
Using the climate control system without the passenger
air lter installed could let water or other debris enter
the system. This could cause a water leak or noises.
Make sure to install a new air lter after removing the
old one.
The passenger compartment air lter is located
underneath the hood below the windshield wiper arm
and the screen on the passenger side of the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 5-14
for more information on location.To replace the passenger compartment air lter:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off.
2. Turn on the windshield wipers and turn them
off again when the wipers are straight up on
the windshield.
This allows access to the leaf screen.
The passenger compartment air lter is
located under the screen.
3. Open the hood to access the engine compartment.
SeeHood Release on page 5-12for more
information.
4. Remove the three screws that hold the screen in
place and lift off the screen by lifting and sliding it
toward the center of the vehicle.
5. Pull out on the two tabs located on each end of the
lter cover.
6. Lift the lter cover off by pulling it straight up.
7. Remove the old lter and insert a new one.
SeeMaintenance Replacement Parts on page 6-16
for the correct part number for the lter.
8. Reverse Steps 1 through 6 to reinstall the cover.
3-29

Engine Power Is Reduced
This message displays when the engine power is
being reduced to protect the engine from damage.
There could be several malfunctions that might cause
this message. 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/retailer for service as soon as possible.
Fuel Level Low
This message displays when your vehicle is low on fuel.
Rell the fuel tank as soon as possible. A chime may
sound when this message displays. SeeFilling the Tank
on page 5-9.
Heated Washer Fluid Wash (Washer)
Wipes Pending
If your vehicle has this feature, this message displays
when you turn on the heated windshield washer
uid system. See “Heated Windshield Washer” under
Windshield Washer on page 3-12for more information.
Heated Washer Fluid System Off
If your vehicle has this feature, this message displays
when you manually turn off the heated windshield
washer uid system or when the system automatically
turns off. See “Heated Windshield Washer” under
Windshield Washer on page 3-12for more information.
This message clears itself after 10 seconds.
Hood Open
This message displays when the hood is not closed
completely. Make sure that the hood is closed
completely.
Ice Possible Drive With Care
This message displays when the outside temperature is
cold enough to create icy road conditions. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
Learn Delay Active Wait XX Min
(Minutes)
If your vehicle has the keyless access system, this
message displays when matching new transmitters to
the vehicle. SeeKeyless Access System Operation
on page 2-10for more information.
3-61

Service............................................................5-4
Accessories and Modications..........................5-4
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-5
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-5
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-5
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle......................................................5-6
Fuel................................................................5-6
Gasoline Octane............................................5-7
Gasoline Specications....................................5-7
California Fuel...............................................5-7
Additives.......................................................5-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-8
Filling the Tank..............................................5-9
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-11
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-12
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-16
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-19
Engine Cover...............................................5-21
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-21
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-25
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-26Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-27
Engine Coolant.............................................5-28
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-31
Engine Overheating.......................................5-31
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-33
Cooling System............................................5-34
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-39
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-40
Brakes........................................................5-41
Battery........................................................5-44
Jump Starting...............................................5-45
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-50
Rear Axle.......................................................5-51
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-52
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-55
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............5-55
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-55
Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps...................5-56
License Plate Lamp......................................5-56
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-57
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-57
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Vehicle Identication.....................................5-121
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)................5-121
Service Parts Identication Label...................5-121
Electrical System..........................................5-122
Add-On Electrical Equipment.........................5-122
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-122Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-122
Fuses and Circuit Breakers..........................5-123
Underhood Fuse Block................................5-123
Rear Compartment Fuse Block.....................5-126
Capacities and Specications........................5-129
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-3

Gasoline Octane
If your vehicle has the 3.6L V6 engine (VIN Code V),
use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 87 or higher. If the octane rating is less than 87,
you might notice an audible knocking noise when you
drive, commonly referred to as spark knock. If this occurs,
use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as
possible. If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher and you hear heavy knocking, the engine needs
service.
If your vehicle has the 3.6L V6 engine (VIN Code 7),
use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane
rating of 87 or higher. For best performance or trailer
towing, you could choose to use middle grade 89 octane
unleaded gasoline. If the octane rating is less than 87,
you might notice an audible knocking noise when you
drive, commonly referred to as spark knock. If this occurs,
use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as
possible. If you are using gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher and you hear heavy knocking, the engine needs
service.
Gasoline Specications
At a minimum, gasoline should meet ASTM specication
D 4814 in the United States or CAN/CGSB-3.5 or 3.511 in
Canada. Some gasolines contain an octane-enhancing
additive called methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). We recommend against the use of
gasolines containing MMT. SeeAdditives on page 5-8
for additional information.
California Fuel
If your vehicle is certied to meet California Emissions
Standards, it is designed to operate on fuels that meet
California specications. See the underhood emission
control label. If this fuel is not available in states adopting
California emissions standards, your vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specications, but
emission control system performance might be affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp could turn on and your
vehicle might fail a smog-check test. SeeMalfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-41. If this occurs, return to your
authorized dealer/retailer for diagnosis. If it is determined
that the condition is caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
5-7