2008 CADILLAC CTS Owners Manual

{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light in the instrument
panel cluster ever comes on and stays on,
it means that something may be wrong with
the airbag system. If this ever happens, have
the vehicle serviced promptly, because an
adult-size person sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat may not have the protection
of the airbag(s). SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 3-34for more on this, including
important safety information.A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket or
cushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers,
seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect how well the
passenger sensing system operates. We recommend
that you not use seat covers or other aftermarket
equipment other than any that GM has approved for
your specic vehicle. SeeAdding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-70for more
information about modications that can affect how
the system operates.
{CAUTION:
Stowing of articles under the passenger seat
or between the passenger seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the proper
operation of the passenger sensing system.
1-69

Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how your vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around your vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the service
manual have information about servicing your vehicle
and the airbag system. To purchase a service manual,
seeService Publications Ordering Information on
page 7-17.
{CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is
turned off and the battery is disconnected, an
airbag can still inate during improper service.
You can be injured if you are close to an airbag
when it inates. Avoid yellow connectors. They
are probably part of the airbag system. Be sure
to follow proper service procedures, and make
sure the person performing work for you is
qualied to do so.
Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q:Is there anything I might add to or change
about the vehicle that could keep the airbags
from working properly?
A:Yes. If you add things that change the vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, height, front end or side
sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or moving any parts
of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing
and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner
or pillar garnish trim, front sensors, or airbag wiring
can affect the operation of the airbag system.
1-70

In addition, the vehicle has a passenger sensing
system for the right front passenger position, which
includes sensors that are part of the passenger’s
seat. The passenger sensing system may not
operate properly if the original seat trim is replaced
with non-GM covers, upholstery or trim, or with
GM covers, upholstery or trim designed for a
different vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarket
seat heater or a comfort enhancing pad or device,
installed under or on top of the seat fabric, could
also interfere with the operation of the passenger
sensing system. This could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger airbag(s) or prevent
the passenger sensing system from properly turning
off the passenger airbag(s). SeePassenger Sensing
System on page 1-65.If you have any questions about this, you should
contact Customer Assistance before you modify
your vehicle. The phone numbers and addresses
for Customer Assistance are in Step Two of
the Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
SeeCustomer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
Q:Because I have a disability, I have to get
my vehicle modied. How can I nd out whether
this will affect my airbag system?
A:If you have questions, call Customer Assistance.
The phone numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See
Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 7-2.
In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manual
have information about the location of the airbag sensors,
sensing and diagnostic module and airbag wiring.
1-71

Restraint System Check
Checking the Restraint Systems
Safety Belts
Now and then, check the safety belt reminder light,
safety belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors, and
anchorages are all 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. Torn or frayed
safety belts may not protect you in a crash. They can rip
apart under impact forces. If a belt is torn or frayed, get a
new one right away.
Make sure the safety belt reminder light is working.
SeeSafety Belt Reminders on page 3-33for more
information.
Keep safety belts clean and dry. SeeCare of Safety
Belts on page 5-115.
Airbags
The airbag system does not need regularly scheduled
maintenance or replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 3-34for more information.
Notice:If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work properly.
Do not open or break the airbag coverings. If there
are any opened or broken airbag covers, have the
airbag covering and/or airbag module replaced.
For the location of the airbag modules, seeWhat
Makes an Airbag Inflate? on page 1-63. See your
dealer/retailer for service.
1-72

Replacing Restraint System Parts
After a Crash
{CAUTION:
A crash can damage the restraint systems
in your vehicle. A damaged restraint system
may not properly protect the person using it,
resulting in serious injury or even death in
a crash. To help make sure your restraint
systems are working properly after a crash,
have them inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.If you have had a crash, do you need new safety belts
or LATCH system (if equipped) parts?
After a very minor crash, nothing may be necessary.
But the safety belt assemblies that were used during any
crash may have been stressed or damaged. See your
dealer/retailer to have the safety belt assemblies
inspected or replaced.
If the vehicle has the LATCH system and it was being
used during a crash, you may need new LATCH system
parts.
New parts and repairs may be necessary even if
the safety belt or LATCH system (if equipped), was
not being used at the time of the crash.
If an airbag inates, you will need to replace airbag
system parts. See the part on the airbag system earlier
in this section.
Have the safety belt pretensioners checked if the
vehicle has been in a crash, if the airbag readiness light
stays on after the vehicle is started, or while you are
driving. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 3-34.
1-73

✍NOTES
1-74

Keys...............................................................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-6
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-7
Keyless Access System...................................2-9
Keyless Access System Operation..................2-10
Remote Vehicle Start....................................2-16
Doors and Locks............................................2-18
Door Locks..................................................2-18
Central Door Unlocking System......................2-19
Power Door Locks........................................2-19
Delayed Locking...........................................2-19
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-20
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-20
Lockout Protection........................................2-21
Trunk..........................................................2-21
Windows........................................................2-24
Power Windows............................................2-25
Sun Visors...................................................2-27
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-28
Theft-Deterrent System..................................2-28
Immobilizer..................................................2-29
Immobilizer Operation (Key Access)................2-30
Immobilizer Operation (Keyless Access)...........2-31Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-32
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-32
Ignition Positions (Key Access).......................2-32
Ignition Positions (Keyless Access)..................2-34
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-35
Starting the Engine.......................................2-35
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-37
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-38
Manual Transmission Operation......................2-42
Parking Brake..............................................2-44
Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission)
......2-45
Shifting Out of Park......................................2-47
Parking the Vehicle (Manual Transmission).......2-47
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-48
Engine Exhaust............................................2-48
Running the Vehicle While Parked..................2-49
Mirrors...........................................................2-50
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with OnStar
®............................................2-50
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-50
Park Tilt Mirrors............................................2-51
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-51
Outside Heated Mirrors..................................2-51
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Object Detection Systems...............................2-52
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)............2-52
OnStar
®System.............................................2-55
Universal Home Remote System......................2-58
Universal Home Remote System Operation
(With One Triangular LED)...........................2-58Storage Areas................................................2-62
Glove Box...................................................2-62
Cupholders..................................................2-62
Instrument Panel Storage...............................2-63
Center Console Storage.................................2-63
Convenience Net..........................................2-63
Sunroof.........................................................2-63
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-2