2008 CADILLAC CTS lock

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to
10 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Power Windows
Sunroof (if equipped)
Power to the audio system will work up to 10 minutes or
until the driver’s door is opened. Power to the windows
or sunroof will work up to 10 minutes or until any
door is opened. For an additional 10 minutes of
operation, close all the doors and turn the key to
ON/RUN and then back to LOCK/OFF.
Starting the Engine
Place the transmission in the proper gear.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
The engine will not start in any other position -- this
is a safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.If your vehicle has the keyless access system, put your
foot on the brake pedal and turn the ignition control
knob to the START position. When the engine begins
cranking, let go of the ignition control knob, it will return
to the ON/RUN position.
If the transmitter is not in the vehicle or something is
interfering with the transmitter, the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display Electronic Key Not Detected.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56for
more information.
If the battery in the keyless access transmitter needs
replacing, the DIC displays Replace Battery In Remote
Key. The vehicle can still be driven. See “Battery
Replacement” underKeyless Access System Operation
on page 2-10for more information.
Notice:Do not try to shift to P (Park) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage
the transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
2-35

Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in neutral position and the
parking brake engaged. Hold the clutch pedal down
to the oor and start the engine. Your vehicle will
not start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down.
That is a safety feature.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. If your vehicle has the keyless
access system, make sure there is a keyless access
transmitter in the vehicle. When the engine starts,
let go of the ignition. The idle speed will go down
as your engine gets warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the engine
and protects components. If the ignition key is turned
to the START position, and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the engine will continue
cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts.
If the engine does not start and the key is held in
START for many seconds, cranking will be stopped
after 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage.
To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents
cranking if the engine is already running. Engine
cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition
switch to ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF.Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or−18°C),
it could be ooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to the oor
and holding it there as you hold the key in START
for up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let go of
the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts briey
but then stops again, do the same thing. This clears
the extra gasoline from the engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently until the oil warms
up and lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in the vehicle. If you add electrical parts
or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, the
engine might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
2-36

Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater, if available, can help in cold
weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C) for easier
starting and better fuel economy during engine warm-up.
Plug in the coolant heater at least four hours before
starting your vehicle. An internal thermostat in the
plug-end of the cord may exist which will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at temperatures
above 0°F (−18°C).
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The cord is located in the engine compartment
on the passenger side of the vehicle in front of
the fuse block.
Remove the plastic cap to access the plug.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet
could cause an electrical shock. Also, the
wrong kind of extension cord could overheat
and cause a re. You could be seriously
injured. Plug the cord into a properly grounded
three-prong 110-volt AC outlet. If the cord will
not reach, use a heavy-duty three-prong
extension cord rated for at least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could
be damaged.
How long should you keep the coolant heater plugged
in? The answer depends on the outside temperature, the
kind of oil you have, and some other things. Instead of
trying to list everything here, we ask that you contact your
dealer/retailer in the area where you will be parking your
vehicle. The dealer/retailer can give you the best advice
for that particular area.
2-37

Automatic Transmission Operation
The shift lever is located on the center console between
the front seats.
There are several different
positions for the shift lever.
P (Park):This position locks the rear wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine because
your vehicle cannot move easily.{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure the vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground, always
set the parking brake and move the shift lever
to P (Park). SeeShifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-45. If you are pulling
a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-30.
2-38

Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You must fully
apply your regular brakes rst and then press the
shift lever button before you can shift from P (Park)
when the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot
shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever
and push the shift lever all the way into P (Park) as you
maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever
button and move the shift lever into another gear.
SeeShifting Out of Park on page 2-47.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
R (Reverse):Use this gear to back up.
At low vehicle speeds, you can also use R (Reverse)
to rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of
snow, ice, or sand without damaging your transmission.
SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or
Snow on page 4-21for additional information.N (Neutral):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use N (Neutral) only. You can also
use N (Neutral) when your vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may damage the
transmission. The repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
2-39

A warning chime will sound if the parking brake is set,
the ignition is on, and the vehicle begins to move.
To stop the chime, fully release the parking brake.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a hill,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-30for more information.
Shifting Into Park
(Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move,
even when you are on fairly level ground,
use the steps that follow. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-30.Use this procedure to shift into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking
brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-44for more
information.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by holding in the
button on the shift lever and pushing the lever all
the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. For vehicles with key access, remove the key and
take it with you. If you can leave your vehicle with
the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in
P (Park). Vehicles with the keyless access system,
take the keyless access transmitter with you.
2-45

Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running (Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with
the engine running. The vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake rmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
the vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your automatic transmission
vehicle with the engine running, be sure your vehicle
is in P (Park) and your parking brake is rmly set before
you leave it. After you have moved the shift lever into
P (Park), hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if
you can move the shift lever away from P (Park) without
rst pushing the button.
If you can, it means that the shift lever was not fully
locked into P (Park).
Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission)
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift the
automatic transmission into P (Park) properly, the weight
of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl
in the transmission. You may nd it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of P (Park). This is called torque lock. To
prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift
into P (Park) properly before you leave the driver’s seat.
To nd out how, see “Shifting Into P (Park)” previously in
the section.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
P (Park) before releasing the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have
another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of
the pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission,
so you can pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
2-46

Shifting Out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift
lever is in PARK (P) with the shift lever button
fully released, for vehicles with key access.
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of
PARK (P), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal
is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional except in the
case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-45for more
information.
To shift out of PARK (P) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Then press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.If you still are unable to shift out of PARK (P):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift
lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
Parking the Vehicle
(Manual Transmission)
Before you get out of your vehicle, place the shift
lever in R (Reverse) and rmly apply the parking brake.
For vehicles with the key access ignition, turn the ignition
key to OFF/LOCK, press the release button and remove
the key. See “Key Release Button” underIgnition
Positions (Key Access) on page 2-32orIgnition Positions
(Keyless Access) on page 2-34for more information.
For vehicles with the keyless access ignition, turn
the ignition to LOCK/OFF and remove the keyless
access transmitter.
If you are towing a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-30.
2-47