2008 CADILLAC CTS automatic transmission

To adjust for compass variance, use the following
procedure:
Compass Variance (Zone) Procedure
1. Do not set the compass zone when the vehicle is
moving. On an automatic transmission vehicle,
only set it when the vehicle is in PARK (P). On a
manual transmission vehicle, only set it when
the vehicle is stopped.
Press the vehicle information button until
Press
VTo Change Compass Zone displays.
2. Find the vehicle’s current location and variance
zone number on the map.
Zones 1 through 15 are available.
3. Press the set/reset button to scroll through and
select the appropriate variance zone.
4. Press the trip/fuel button until the vehicle heading,
for example, N for North, is displayed in the DIC.
5. Calibrate the compass. See “Compass Calibration
Procedure” following.
3-54

Press Brake To Start Engine
(Automatic Transmission Only)
If your vehicle has the keyless access system, this
message displays if you try to start the engine without
having the brake pressed. The brake needs to be
pressed when starting the engine. SeeIgnition Positions
(Key Access) on page 2-32orIgnition Positions
(Keyless Access) on page 2-34for more information.
Press Start Control To Learn Keys
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.
Rainsense Wipers Active
If your vehicle has this feature, this message
displays while the Rainsense™ wipers are active.
SeeRainsense™ Wipers on page 3-10for
more information.
Ready To Learn Electronic Key # X
If your vehicle has the keyless access system, this
message displays while matching new transmitters to
the vehicle. SeeKeyless Access System Operation
on page 2-10for more information.
Remote Key Learning Active
If your vehicle has the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system, this message displays while matching new
transmitters to the vehicle. See “Matching Transmitter(s)
to Your Vehicle” underRemote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 2-7andDIC Operation and
Displays on page 3-48for more information.
Replace Battery In Remote Key
This message displays when the battery in the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) or keyless access transmitter
needs to be replaced. To replace the battery, see
“Battery Replacement” underRemote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation on page 2-7orKeyless Access
System Operation on page 2-10.
Right Rear Door Open
This message displays when the passenger side rear
door is not closed completely. Make sure that the door is
closed completely.
3-63

Service Vehicle Soon
This message displays when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
Shift To Park
(Automatic Transmission Only)
If your vehicle has the keyless access system, this
message displays if the vehicle is not in PARK (P) while
the engine is being turned off. The vehicle will be in
ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the shift lever is moved
to PARK (P), the ignition needs to be turned off. If the
ignition is not turned off, the vehicle will remain in
ACC/ACCESSORY. To avoid draining the battery, make
sure the ignition is turned off before leaving the vehicle.
Speed Limited To XXX MPH (km/h)
This message displays when your vehicle speed is
limited to 80 mph (128 km/h) because the vehicle
detects a problem in the speed variable assist steering,
magnetic ride control, or automatic leveling control
systems. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
Sport Mode
This message displays when the vehicle is in sport
mode. See “Driver Shift Control (DSC)” under
Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-38
for more information.
StabiliTrak Competitive Mode
This message displays when the Competitive Driving
mode is selected. When in this mode, the Traction
Control System (TCS) will not be operating and
the TCS/StabiliTrak warning light will turn on. Adjust
your driving accordingly. See “Competitive Driving
Mode” underTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-6for more information.
StabiliTrak Not Ready
This message may display after rst driving the vehicle
and exceeding 19 mph (30 km/h) for 30 seconds.
The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light on the instrument
panel cluster also comes on. The StabiliTrak system is
not functional until the message has turned off. See
StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-8for more information.
3-67

Transmission Hot Idle Engine
This message displays when the transmission uid in
your vehicle is too hot. Stop the vehicle and allow
it to idle until the transmission cools down or until this
message is removed.
Trunk Open
This message displays when the trunk is not closed
completely. Make sure that the trunk is closed
completely.
Turn Signal On
This message displays as a reminder to turn off the turn
signal if you drive your vehicle for more than about
1 mile (1.6 km) with a turn signal on. A multiple chime
sounds when this message displays.
Washer Fluid Low Add Fluid
This message displays when your vehicle is low on
windshield washer uid. Rell the windshield washer
uid reservoir as soon as possible. SeeWindshield
Washer Fluid on page 5-40for more information.
DIC Vehicle Customization
Your vehicle has customization capabilities that allow
you to program certain features to one preferred setting.
Customization features can only be programmed to
one setting on the vehicle and cannot be programmed
to a preferred setting for two different drivers.
All of the customization options may not be available
on your vehicle. Only the options available will be
displayed on the DIC.
The default settings for the customization features
were set when your vehicle left the factory, but
may have been changed from their default state
since then.
The customization preferences are automatically
recalled.
3-69

Auto Door Lock
This feature allows you to select when the vehicle’s doors
will automatically lock. SeeProgrammable Automatic
Door Locks on page 2-20for more information.
Press the customization button until Auto Door Lock
appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset button
once to access the settings for this feature. Then press
the menu up/down button to scroll through the following
settings:
Shift Out Of Park (default on Automatic
Transmission) (Automatic Transmission Only):
The vehicle’s doors automatically lock when the doors
are closed and the vehicle is shifted out of PARK (P).
At Vehicle Speed (default on Manual Transmission):
The vehicle’s doors automatically lock when the vehicle
speed is above 5 mph (8 km/h) for three seconds.
No Change:No change will be made to this feature.
The current setting will remain.
To select a setting, press the set/reset button while the
desired setting is displayed on the DIC.
Auto Door Unlock
This feature allows you to select whether or not the
door(s) will automatically unlock. It also allows you to
select which doors and when they will automatically
unlock. SeeProgrammable Automatic Door Locks on
page 2-20for more information.
Press the customization button until Auto Door Unlock
appears on the DIC display. Press the set/reset button
once to access the settings for this feature. Then press
the menu up/down button to scroll through the following
settings:
Off:None of the doors will automatically unlock.
Driver At Off:Only the driver’s door will unlock when
the ignition is turned off.
Driver In Park (Automatic Transmission Only):
Only the driver’s door will unlock when the vehicle is
shifted into PARK (P).
All At Off (default on Manual Transmission):All of
the doors will unlock when the ignition is turned off.
All In Park (default on Automatic Transmission)
(Automatic Transmission Only):All of the doors will
unlock when the vehicle is shifted into PARK (P).
3-71

Dolly Towing (Rear-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles)
Your rear-wheel-drive vehicle can be towed using a
dolly. To tow your vehicle using a dolly:
1. Put the rear wheels on the dolly.
2. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the dolly.3. Put the vehicle in P (Park) for an automatic
transmission or in 1 (First) for a manual transmission.
4. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead
position with a clamping device designed for towing.
5. Set the parking brake and remove the key.
Dolly Towing (All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles)
Notice:Towing an all-wheel-drive vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground, or even with only two of
its wheels on the ground, will damage drivetrain
components. Do not tow an all-wheel-drive vehicle if
any of its wheels will be on the ground.
If you have an all-wheel-drive vehicle, it can only be
towed with all four wheels on a trailer.
4-29

When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:
Start your engine.
Shift into a gear.
Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you’re
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for more
on this. Things that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission uid (don’t overll),
engine oil, drive belt, cooling system and brake system.
Each of these is covered in this manual, and the Index
will help you nd them quickly. If you’re trailering, it’s a
good idea to review this information before you start
your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
Your cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-31.
4-37

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