2008 CADILLAC CTS check engine light

Remote Vehicle Start
This vehicle may have a remote starting feature that
starts the engine from outside of the vehicle. It may also
start the vehicle’s automatic climate control system.
When the remote start system is active, the climate
control system heats and cools the inside of the vehicle
according to the previous settings of the system
before turning the vehicle off. The windshield defroster
or rear window defogger turn on if it is cold outside.
If the vehicle has heated seats, they also turn on. See
Heated and Ventilated Seats on page 1-6for additional
information. Normal operation of the climate control
system returns after the ignition is turned to ON/RUN.
SeeDual Climate Control System on page 3-24.
Laws in some communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require a
person using remote start to have the vehicle in view
when doing so. Check local regulations for any
requirements on remote starting of vehicles.
Do not use the remote start feature if the vehicle is low
on fuel. The vehicle may run out of fuel.
If this vehicle has the remote start feature, the RKE
transmitter functions have an increased range of
operation. However, the range may be less while
the vehicle is running.There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-6orKeyless Access
System on page 2-9for additional information.
/(Remote Start):Press and release the lock button
and then press and hold this button to use the remote
start feature.
To start the vehicle using the remote start feature:
1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button,
then immediately press and hold the transmitter’s
remote start button until the turn signal lights ash or
if the vehicle’s lights are not visible, press and hold
the remote start button for at least four seconds.
The vehicle’s doors lock. Pressing the remote start
button again after the vehicle has started turns off
the ignition.
When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps turn on
and remain on while the vehicle is running.
3. If it is the rst remote start since the vehicle has
been driven, repeat these steps, while the engine is
still running, to extend the engine running time by
10 minutes. Remote start can be extended one time.
After entering the vehicle during a remote start, press
the brake pedal and turn the ignition to ON/RUN to drive
the vehicle.
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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.
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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

Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages that
may be on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
the warning lights and gages could also save you or
others from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions. As you will
see in the details on the next few pages, some warning
lights come on briey when you start the engine just to let
you know they are working. If you are familiar with this
section, you should not be alarmed when this happens.Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of your vehicle’s functions. Often gages
and warning lights work together to let you know when
there is a problem with your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays
on while you are driving, or when one of the gages
shows there may be a problem, check the section that
tells you what to do about it. Waiting to do repairs
can be costly – and even dangerous. So please get
to know your warning lights and gages. They are a
big help.
Your vehicle also has a Driver Information Center (DIC)
that works along with the warning lights and gages.
SeeDriver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-48
for more information.
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Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel cluster, which shows the airbag symbol.
The system checks the airbag’s electrical system for
malfunctions. The light indicates if there is an electrical
problem. The system check includes the airbag
sensor, the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the
wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information on the airbag system, seeAirbag
System on page 1-56.
This light comes on when
the vehicle is started, and
ashes for a few seconds.
The light should go out
when the system is ready.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after the vehicle is
started or comes on while driving, the airbag system
may not work properly. Have your vehicle serviced
right away.{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after the
vehicle is started, it means the airbag system
may not be working properly. The airbags
in the vehicle may not inate in a crash,
or they could even inate without a crash.
To help avoid injury, have the vehicle serviced
right away.
The airbag readiness light should ash for a few seconds
when the engine is started. If the light does not come on
then, have it xed immediately. If there is a problem with
the airbag system, an airbag Driver Information Center
(DIC) message may also come on. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-56for more information.
3-34

Charging System Light
This light comes on briey
when the ignition key is
turned, but the engine has
not started to run, as a
check to show you it
is working.
It should go out once the engine starts. If it stays on,
or comes on while driving, there could be a problem with
the charging system. A charging system message in
the Driver Information Center (DIC) may also appear.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56
for more information. This light could indicate that
there are problems with a generator drive belt, or that
there is an electrical problem. Have it checked right
away. If you must drive a short distance with the light on,
be certain to turn off all the accessories, such as the
radio and air conditioner.
Up-Shift Light
The vehicle may have an
up-shift light.
When this light comes on, shift to the next higher gear if
weather, road, and traffic conditions allow.
SeeManual Transmission Operation on page 2-42for
more information.
3-37

Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
This light will come on
when you rst start the
vehicle as a check
to let you know that
the light is working.
It will go out after a few seconds. If the light does not
come on, see your dealer/retailer.
If the light does not go out or if the light comes on and
stays on while you are driving, your vehicle may have a
problem with the cooling system. You should stop the
vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible to
avoid damage to the engine. A warning chime will also
sound when this light is on.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-31for more
information.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
If the engine coolant overheats the engine coolant
temperature warning light will come on. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 5-31andEngine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light on page 3-40for more
information.
United StatesCanada
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Tire Pressure Light
Your vehicle may have a
tire pressure light.
This light comes on briey when the engine is started
and provides information about tire pressures and
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System.
When the Light is Solid
This indicates that one or more of your tires are
signicantly underinated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), may accompany the light. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-56for more
information. Stop and check your tires as soon as it is
safe to do so. If underinated, inate to the proper
pressure. SeeTires on page 5-58for more information.
When the Light Flashes First and Then
is Solid
This indicates that there may be a problem with the
Tire Pressure Monitor System. The light ashes
for about a minute and stays on solid for the remainder
of the ignition cycle. This sequence will repeat with
every ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System
on page 5-69for more information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operation
of the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems.
It ensures that emissions are at acceptable levels for
the life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleaner
environment.
This light comes on briey,
as a check to show it is
working, when the ignition
is turned to ON/RUN. If the
light does not come on,
see your dealer/retailer.
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