2008 CADILLAC CTS Owners Manual

Light Sensor
The light sensor for the
DRL and AUTO headlamp
feature is located on
top of the instrument panel.
If the sensor is covered, it will prevent it from sensing
light, and the exterior lamps or the Headlamps
Suggested message will appear on the DIC whenever
the ignition is on.
Adaptive Forward Lighting System
The Adaptive Forward Lighting System (AFL) swivels
the headlamps horizontally to provide greater road
illumination while turning. AFL will operate when
the vehicle speed is greater than 2 mph (3 km/h).
AFL will not operate when the transmission is in
REVERSE (R). AFL is not immediately operable afterstarting the vehicle; driving a short distance is required
to calibrate the AFL. To enable AFL, set the exterior
lamp switch on the multifunction lever to the AUTO
position. Moving the switch out of the AUTO position will
deactivate the system. SeeHeadlamps on page 3-17.
Fog Lamps
Use the fog lamps for better vision in foggy or misty
conditions.
The fog lamp control is located on the turn
signal/multifunction lever.
-(Fog Lamps):Turn the fog lamp band on the lever
up to
-and release it, to turn the fog lamps on or
off. The band will return to its original position.
The parking lamps must be on for the fog lamps to work.
If the high-beam headlamps are turned on, the fog
lamps will also turn off. They will turn back on again
when you switch back to low-beam headlamps.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps to
be on along with the fog lamps.
3-19

Exterior Lighting Battery Saver
The exterior lamps turn off about 10 minutes after the
ignition is turned to LOCK/OFF, if the parking lamps
or headlamps have been left on. This protects against
draining the battery. The battery saver does not
work if the headlamps are turned on after the ignition
is turned to LOCK/OFF.
To keep the lamps on for more than 10 minutes, turn
the lamps back on with the exterior lamp control.
Instrument Panel Brightness
The knob with this symbol
is located on the instrument
panel to the left of the
steering column.
Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to brighten
or dim the lights.
Turn the knob completely clockwise to turn on the
interior lamps.
Entry Lighting
The entry lighting system turns on the reading and
dome lamps and the backlighting to the exterior lamp
control, when a door is opened or if the transmitter
unlock button is pressed. If activated by the transmitter,
the lighting stays on for about 25 seconds. The entry
lighting system uses the light sensor on the instrument
panel; so it must be dark outside in order for the
lamps to turn on. The lamps turn off about 25 seconds
after the last door is closed. They dim then turn
off if the ignition key is turned to ON/RUN. They
immediately turn off if the power locks are used.
Parade Dimming
This feature does not let the instrument panel backlight
dim during daylight hours while the key is in the
ignition and the headlamps are on. Parade dimming
automatically works with the light sensor, located on top
of the dashboard. If it is dark enough outside and the
parking lamps are on, the backlight on the instrument
panel can be adjusted by turning the instrument panel
brightness knob clockwise or counterclockwise to
brighten or dim the lighting. SeeInstrument Panel
Brightness on page 3-20.
3-20

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

Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
Your vehicle may have two removable ashtrays and
cigarette lighters. One ashtray can be placed into
the instrument panel storage compartment and the other
into the center console rear compartment. To use the
lighter, push it in all the way and let go. When it is ready,
it will pop back out by itself.
To empty the ashtrays, grip the edges of the bin and
pull it straight out of the housing. To reinstall, push the
tray back into place.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it is
heating does not let the lighter back away from the
heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating can occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold a
cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
Notice:If papers, pins, or other ammable items
are put in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them and possibly
damage your vehicle. Never put ammable items in
the ashtray.
Analog Clock
The analog clock is located on the instrument panel
above the radio. The clock is not connected with
any other vehicle system and runs by itself. To adjust
the clock:
1. Locate the adjustment buttons directly below the
clock face.
2. Push and hold the right adjustment button to move
the clock hands forward or the left adjustment
button to make the clock hands go backward.
Holding either button down will cause the clock to
advance faster. Release the button before the
desired time is reached.
3. Push and release either button to adjust the time by
one minute increments until the desired time is
reached.
3-23

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

DC(Fan):Press theDorCbuttons to increase or
decrease the fan speed. Pressing either button cancels
automatic operation and the system goes into manual
mode. Press AUTO to return to automatic operation.
The blower may reduce during an Onstar
®session
to limit background noise.
If the airow seems low when the fan speed is at
the highest setting, the passenger compartment air
lter might need to be replaced. For more information,
seePassenger Compartment Air Filter on page 3-29and
Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
#(Air Conditioning):Press this button to override the
automatic system and turn the air conditioning system on
or off. When in AUTO, the air conditioning compressor
will come on automatically, as necessary.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so a small amount of water might drip underneath the
vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine. This is
normal.
M/F(Recirculation/Outside Air):Press this
button to switch between recirculation and outside air.
Whenever the button is pressed, the indicator light
comes on for the mode being used. The recirculation
mode recirculates air inside the vehicle. It can be used
to prevent outside air and odors from entering the
vehicle or to help cool the air inside the vehicle more
quickly. Press the auto button to have the system select
the best air delivery mode for your temperature setting.
Recirculation is not available in the defrost mode and
automatically turns off 10 minutes after defog is selected.
This helps to limit window fogging in the vehicle.
Using recirculation for long periods of time could cause
the air inside the vehicle to become too dry or stuffy.
To prevent this from happening, after the air in the vehicle
has cooled, select outside air or press the auto button.
The outside air mode pulls fresh air from outside the
vehicle. Outside air is always selected in defrost mode to
prevent fogging.
_(Heated Windshield Washer, If Equipped):For
more information, seeWindshield Washer on page 3-12.
3-26