2008 CADILLAC CTS climate control

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-28.
B. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-48.
C. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-20.
D. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
E. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-31.
F. Windshield Wiper Lever. SeeWindshield Wipers
on page 3-9.
G. Traction Control System (TCS) Disable Button.
SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6.
H. Analog Clock. SeeAnalog Clock on page 3-23.
I. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
J. Audio (Base Audio System) or Audio/Navigation
System (If Equipped). SeeAudio System(s)
on page 3-82orNavigation/Radio System on
page 3-111.
K. Parking Brake Release. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-44.L. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-12.
M. Cruise Control Buttons. SeeCruise Control on
page 3-14.
N. Tilt Wheel Lever. SeeTilt and Telescopic Steering
Wheel on page 3-6orPower Tilt Wheel and
Telescopic Steering Column on page 3-7.
O. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
P. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. SeeAudio Steering
Wheel Controls on page 3-124.
Q. Heated and Ventilated Seats. SeeHeated and
Ventilated Seats on page 1-6.
R. Dual Climate Control System. SeeDual Climate
Control System on page 3-24.
S. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-38orManual Transmission Operation
on page 2-42.
T. Storage Compartment. SeeInstrument Panel
Storage on page 2-63. Accessory Power Outlet.
SeeAccessory Power Outlet(s) on page 3-22.
U. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-62.
3-5

Windshield Washer
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your washer
until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the
washer uid can form ice on the windshield,
blocking your vision.
K(Washer Fluid):Press the button with this symbol,
located at the end of the windshield washer lever,
to wash the windshield. The washer uid sprays onto
the windshield and the wipers run for a few cycles
to clear the windshield. Press and hold
Kfor more
wash cycles.
Washer Fluid Low Add Fluid displays on the Driver
Information Center (DIC) when the washer uid is low.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56.
If the headlamps are on while the windshield is being
washed, the headlamp washers, if the vehicle has them,
will also turn on. See “Headlamp Washer” following
for more information.
Heated Windshield Washer
For vehicles with the heated windshield washer uid
system it can be used to help clear ice, snow, tree sap,
or bugs from the windshield.
The button is located on
the climate control system
panel.
Push
_to begin four heated wipe cycles. Heating
Washer Fluid Wash Wipes Pending displays on the DIC.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56.
The rst heated wipe cycle can take up to 40 seconds
to occur, depending on the outside temperature.
3-12

Reading Lamps
The reading lamps are located on the overhead console.
These lamps come on automatically when any door is
opened.
For manual operation, press the button next to each
lamp to turn it on or off.
If the reading lamps are left on, they automatically shut
off 10 minutes after the ignition has been turned off.
Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery’s temperature and state of charge.
It then adjusts the voltage for best performance and
extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage
is raised slightly to quickly put the charge back in.
When the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered
slightly to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a
voltmeter gage or a voltage display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), you may see the voltage
move up or down. This is normal. If there is a problem,
an alert will be displayed.The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator (alternator) may not be
spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the power that
is needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following loads are on: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at
high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output
and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase
engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands of
some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels
of corrective action, this action may be noticeable to
the driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message might be displayed, such as Battery Saver
Active or Service Battery Charging System. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that the
driver reduce the electrical loads as much as possible.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56.
3-21

Battery Run-Down Protection
Your vehicle has a feature to help prevent battery drain
if accessory lamps are left on or something is left plugged
into the accessory power outlet or cigarette lighter, if the
vehicle has one. If accessory lamps such as the vanity
mirror, cargo, reading, console, or glove box are left on,
they automatically time-out after about 20 minutes.
To reset the battery protection, all of the above lamps
must be turned off or the ignition must be in the ACC/
ACCESSORY position.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Accessory power outlets can be used to connect
auxiliary electrical equipment, such as a cellular
telephone or CB radio.
There are three accessory power outlets. There is an
outlet located in the front storage area below the climate
control system, one inside the center console storage
bin, and one on the rear of the center console.
To use an outlet, remove the protective cap. When not
in use, always cover the outlet with the protective cap.
The accessory power outlet is operational at all times.Notice:If electrical devices are left plugged into a
power outlet, the battery may drain causing your
vehicle not to start or damage to the battery.
This would not be covered by the warranty.
Always unplug all electrical devices when turning
off your vehicle.
Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible
with the accessory power outlet and could result
in blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience
a problem see your dealer/retailer for additional
information on accessory power outlets.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to the
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating
of 20 amperes. Check with your dealer/retailer before
adding electrical equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by your warranty. Do not
hang any type of accessory or accessory bracket
from the plug because the power outlets are
designed for accessory power plugs only.
3-22

Climate Controls
Dual Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can
be controlled with this system.
O(Power):Press this button to turn the climate control
system on or off. When the climate control system is
turned off the air inlet defaults to outside air.
Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):When this button is pressed and
the temperature is set, the system automatically
controls the inside temperature, the air delivery mode,
the air conditioning compressor, and the fan speed.When the indicator light is on, the system is in full
automatic operation. If the air delivery mode or fan
setting is manually adjusted, the auto indicator turns off
and displays will show the selected settings.
1. Press the AUTO button.
2. Adjust the temperature to a comfortable setting
between 60°F (15.5°C) and 90°F (32.2°C).
Choosing the coldest or warmest temperature setting
will not cause the system to heat or cool any faster.
If the system is set at the warmest temperature
setting, it remains in manual mode at that
temperature and it will not go into automatic mode.
In cold weather, the system starts at reduced fan
speeds to avoid blowing cold air into the vehicle
until warmer air is available. The system begins
blowing air at the oor but may change modes
automatically as the vehicle warms up to maintain
the chosen temperature setting. The length of
time the system needs to warm up depends on the
outside temperature and the length of time that
has elapsed since the vehicle was last driven.
3. Wait for the system to regulate. This may take from
10 to 30 minutes. Then adjust the temperature,
if necessary.
You can switch from English to metric units through the
Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Vehicle
Customization on page 3-69.
3-24

The air-conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so a small amount of water might drip underneath
the vehicle while it is idling or after the engine is turned
off is normal.
Do not cover the solar sensor located in the center of
the instrument panel, near the windshield. For more
information on the solar sensor, see “Sensors” later in
this section.
PASS (Passenger Climate Control):Press this button
to set a different temperature for the passenger.
Then press the passenger temperature adjustment
buttons to select a comfortable setting.
Pressing the PASS button again automatically sets the
passenger’s temperature to the driver’s setting.
Turning the passenger’s temperature display off does
not shut the climate control system for the passenger off.
Q/R(Temperature Adjustment):The temperature
can be adjusted separately for the driver and the
passenger. Press the up or down arrow buttons to
increase or decrease the automatic temperature
settings.
Manual Operation
HG(Mode):Press theHorGbuttons to change the
current airow mode. The current mode selection
appears in the display screen. Changing the mode
cancels the automatic operation and the system goes
into manual mode. Press AUTO to return to automatic
operation.
The outboard air outlets always receive some airow in
every mode, except defrost. SeeOutlet Adjustment
on page 3-28to change this airow from the outboard
outlets.
Y(Vent):This mode directs air to the instrument panel
outlets.
\(Bi-Level):This mode splits the air between
the instrument panel outlets and the oor outlets.
In automatic operation, cooler air is directed to the
upper outlets and warmer air to the oor outlets.
[(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
oor outlets with some air directed to the outboard
outlets and a little air directed to the windshield.
The mode buttons can also be used to select the
defog and defrost modes. Information on defogging
and defrosting can be found later in this section.
3-25

Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of windows is a result of high humidity
(moisture) condensing on the cool window glass.
This can be minimized if the climate control system
is used properly. There are two modes to clear fog
from the windshield. Use the defog mode to clear the
windows of fog or moisture and warm the passengers.
Use the defrost mode to remove fog or frost from
the windshield more quickly.
HG(Mode):Press the mode buttons until defog
appears on the display.
-(Defog):This mode directs the air between the
windshield, oor outlets and side windows. When this
mode is selected, the system turns off recirculation and
runs the air-conditioning compressor unless the outside
temperature is at or below freezing. If recirculation mode
is selected while in defog mode, it will be cancelled after
10 minutes.
0(Defrost):Pressing defrost directs most of the air
to the windshield, with some air directed to the side
windows. In this mode, the system automatically turns off
recirculation and runs the air-conditioning compressor,
unless the outside temperature is at or below freezing.
This mode may also cause the fan speed and air
temperature to increase.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog or frost from the rear window.
The rear window defogger will only work when the
ignition is in ON/RUN.
=(Rear Window Defogger):Press this button to turn
the rear window defogger on or off. Be sure to clear
as much snow from the rear window as possible.
The rear window defogger turns off about 15 minutes
after the button is rst pressed if the vehicle is moving
at slower speeds. At higher speeds, the rear window
defogger may stay on continuously. With each additional
press, the defogger runs for about 10 minutes.
The defogger can also be turned off by pressing the
button again or by turning off the engine.
The heated outside rearview mirrors will heat to help
clear fog or frost from the surface of the mirror when
the rear window defogger button is on. SeeOutside
Heated Mirrors on page 2-51.
Notice:Do not try to clear frost or other material
from the inside of the front windshield and rear
window with a razor blade or anything else that is
sharp. This may damage the rear window defogger
grid and affect your radio’s ability to pick up
stations clearly. The repairs wouldn’t be covered by
your warranty.
3-27

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