2008 CADILLAC CTS service

If there is a decrease in the RKE operating range,
try this:
Check the distance. The transmitter may be too
far from the vehicle. Stand closer during rainy
or snowy weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the
left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and
try again.
Check the transmitter’s battery. See “Battery
Replacement” later in this section.
If the transmitter is still not working correctly, see
your dealer/retailer or a qualied technician for
service.
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter functions
work up to 65 feet (20 m) away.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter. SeeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-6.
Q(Lock):Press to lock all the doors. If enabled
through the Driver Information Center (DIC), the parking
lamps may ash once to indicate locking has occurred,
or the horn may chirp when
Qis pressed again within
ve seconds from the previous press of the lock button.
SeeDIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-69for
additional information.
2-7

To replace the battery in the RKE transmitter:
1. Separate the halves of the transmitter with a at,
thin object inserted into the notch, located above
the metal base.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.
3. Insert the new battery, positive side facing up.
Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
4. Put the transmitter back together tightly.
Keyless Access System
Your vehicle may have a Keyless Access System
that operates on a radio frequency subject to Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and
with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
2-9

If you ever notice a decrease in the keyless access
transmitter range, try doing one of the following:
Check the distance. You may be too far from your
vehicle. You may need to stand closer during
rainy or snowy weather.
Check the location. Other vehicles or objects may
be blocking the signal. Take a few steps to the
left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and
try again.
Check to determine if battery replacement is
necessary. See “Battery Replacement” under
Keyless Access System Operation on page 2-10.
Check to make sure that an electronic device such
as a cellular phone or lap top computer is not
causing interference.
If you are still having trouble, see your dealer/retailer
or a qualied technician for service.
Keyless Access System Operation
The Keyless Access System transmitter functions
will work up to 195 feet (60 m) away, however, the
operating range may be less while the vehicle is running.
The Keyless Access System also lets you lock and
unlock the vehicle’s doors and access the trunk without
removing the remote transmitter from your pocket, purse,
briefcase, etc. The system operates when a front door
handle is pulled or the remote trunk release button is
pressed. You must have the keyless access transmitter
with you and within 3 feet (1 m) of the door or trunk you
are opening. See “Keyless Locking” and “Keyless Unlock”
underDIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-69.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter. SeeKeyless Access
System on page 2-9.
2-10

Testing the Alarm
The alarm can be tested by following these steps:
1. From inside the vehicle, lower the driver’s window
and open the driver’s door.
2. Activate the system by locking the doors with the
transmitter.
3. Get out of the vehicle, close the door and wait for
the security light to go out.
4. Then reach in through the window, unlock the door
with the manual door lock and open the door.
This should set off the alarm.
While the alarm is set, the power door unlock switch will
not work.
If the alarm does not sound when it should but the
headlamps ash, check to see if the horn works.
The horn fuse may be blown. To replace the fuse,
seeFuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-123
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.
If the alarm does not sound or the headlamps do
not ash, the vehicle should be serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
Immobilizer
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
2-29

Immobilizer Operation (Key Access)
Your vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed when the key
is removed from the ignition.
The theft-deterrent system is disarmed when the key is
turned to ON/RUN.
You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system.
The security light will come on if there is a problem
with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
The key uses a transponder that matches an immobilizer
control unit in your vehicle and automatically disarms
the system. Only the correct key will start the vehicle.
If the key is ever damaged, you may not be able to start
your vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not
start and the security light comes on, there may be
a problem with your theft-deterrent system. Turn
the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears
to be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the fuse. SeeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 5-123. If the engine still
does not start with the other key, your vehicle needs
service. If your vehicle does start, the rst key may be
faulty. See your dealer/retailer who can service the
theft-deterrent system and have a new key made.It is possible for the theft-deterrent system decoder to
learn the transponder value of a new or replacement
key. Up to 10 keys can be programmed for the vehicle.
The following procedure is for programming additional
keys only.
To program a new key do the following:
1. Verify that the new key has
1stamped on it.
2. Insert the current driver’s key in the ignition and
start the engine. If the engine will not start see
your dealer/retailer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to
LOCK/OFF, and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to
ON/RUN within ve seconds of the ignition being
turned to LOCK/OFF in Step 3.
5. The security light will turn off once the key has
been programmed. It may not be apparent that
the security light went on due to how quickly the
key is programmed.
6. Repeat the Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are
to be programmed.
In an emergency, contact Cadillac Roadside Service.
SeeRoadside Service on page 7-7.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
2-30

Immobilizer Operation
(Keyless Access)
Your vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed when the ignition
control knob is turned to LOCK/OFF.
The immobilization system is disarmed when the ignition
control knob is pushed in and a valid transmitter is
found in the vehicle.
You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system.
The security light will come on if there is a problem
with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
The system has one or more keyless access
transmitters that are matched to an immobilizer control
unit in your vehicle. Only a correctly matched keyless
access transmitter will start the vehicle. If the keyless
access transmitter is ever damaged, you may not
be able to start your vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not
start and the security light comes on, there may be
a problem with your immobilizer system. Turn the
ignition control knob off and try again.If the ignition control knob does not rotate, and the
keyless access transmitter appears to be undamaged,
try another keyless access transmitter. Or, you may try
placing the transmitter in the transmitter pocket located in
the center console. See “Electronic Key Not Detected”
underDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56. At this
time, you may also want to check the fuse. SeeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 5-123. If the ignition control
knob still does not rotate with the other transmitter, your
vehicle needs service. If the ignition control knob does
rotate, the rst transmitter may be faulty. See your
dealer/retailer who can service the theft-deterrent system
and have a new keyless access transmitter programmed
to the vehicle.
It is possible for the immobilizer system to learn new or
replacement keyless access transmitters. Up to 4 keyless
access transmitters can be programmed for the vehicle.
To program additional transmitters, see “Matching
transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle” underKeyless Access
System Operation on page 2-10.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
2-31

Notice:Using a tool to force the key from its
cylinder could cause damage or break the key.
Use the correct key and turn the key only with
your hand. Make sure the key is all the way in. If it
is and you have a manual transmission vehicle, turn
the steering wheel left and right while you turn
the key hard. If none of this works, then your vehicle
needs service.
A (LOCK/OFF):This is the only position in which the
key can be inserted or removed. This position locks the
ignition and shifter on automatic transmission vehicles,
and the ignition and steering wheel on manual
transmission vehicles.
B (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position lets you use
things like the radio and the windshield wipers when
the engine is off. This position allows you to turn off
the engine.
C (ON/RUN):This position is for driving. It is the
position the ignition switch returns to after the engine
starts, and the key is released.To shift the transmission out of PARK (P), the ignition
key has to be in ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN.
The battery could be drained if the key is left in the
ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the engine
off. The vehicle might not start if the battery is allowed
to drain for an extended period of time.
D (START):This position starts the engine.
Key In the Ignition
Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it is
an easy target for joy riders or thieves. A chime sounds
when the driver’s door is opened while the vehicle is
parked and the key is left in the ignition. Always
remember to remove the key from the ignition and take
it with you. This will lock the ignition and transmission.
Also, always remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if the key is left in the
ignition while your vehicle is parked. The vehicle might
not start after it has been parked for an extended
period of time.
2-33

Parking Brake
The parking brake pedal is
located on the lower portion
of the instrument panel to
the left of the steering
wheel.
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down, then push the parking brake pedal down.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light
on the instrument panel cluster should come on. If it
does not, you need to have your vehicle serviced.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-38for
more information.To release the parking brake, pull the release lever
located to the left of the steering wheel on the instrument
panel.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
2-44