Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Head Restraints
......................................... 1-2
Front Seats
............................................... 1-4
Rear Seats
..............................................1-11
Safety Belts
.............................................1-12
Child Restraints
.......................................1-32
Airbag System
.........................................1-56
Restraint System Check
............................1-72
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-4
Doors and Locks
......................................2-18
Windows
.................................................2-24
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-28
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-32
Mirrors
....................................................2-50
Object Detection Systems
..........................2-52
OnStar
®System
......................................2-55
Universal Home Remote System
................2-58
Storage Areas
.........................................2-62
Sunroof
..................................................2-63
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-24
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-30
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-48
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-82Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle
....... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-28
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-4
Fuel
......................................................... 5-6
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-12
All-Wheel Drive
........................................5-50
Rear Axle
...............................................5-51
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-52
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-55
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-57
Tires
......................................................5-58
Appearance Care
...................................5-112
Vehicle Identi cation
...............................5-121
Electrical System
....................................5-122
Capacities and Speci cations
...................5-129
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-16
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-18
Index................................................................ 1
2008 Cadillac CTS Owner ManualM
Power Lumbar
Your vehicle may have this
feature. The driver’s and
passenger’s seatback
lumbar support can be
adjusted by moving the
control located on the
outboard side of the
seat cushions.
To increase or decrease support, hold the control
forward or rearward. Keep in mind that as your seating
position changes, as it may during long trips, so should
the position of your lumbar support. Adjust the seat as
needed.
Heated and Ventilated Seats
On vehicles with this feature, the buttons are located on
the climate control panel.
z(Heated Seat and Seatback):Press for the heated
seat and seatback.
{(Ventilated Seat):Press for the ventilated seat.
A light bar in the climate control display shows the
setting; high, medium or low.
Press either button to start that feature at the highest
setting. Each press of the button, decreases the setting.
To turn the feature off, press the button until the light
turns off
The heated or ventilated seats shut off when the vehicle
is turned off.
1-6
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.
2-16
When you want to open a rear door when the security
lock is on, do the following:
1. Unlock the door using the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) or Keyless Access System transmitter, if
the vehicle has one, the power door lock switch,
or the rear door manual lock.
2. Open the door from the outside.
To cancel the rear door security lock, do the following:
1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside.
2. Insert the key into the security lock slot and turn it
so the slot is in the vertical position.
Lockout Protection
If the power door lock switch is pressed when the key
is in the ignition and a door is open, all the doors will lock
and only the driver’s door will unlock. If you close the
doors, they can be locked by using the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter. Be sure to remove the key from
the ignition when locking your vehicle.
This feature can be overridden by pressing the lock
button on the RKE transmitter or by pressing the power
lock switch a second time.
On vehicles with a Keyless Access System, the system
can be programmed to alert you when all the doors
are closed and a transmitter has been left inside of the
vehicle. SeeDIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-69
for more information.
Trunk
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the trunk lid
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You cannot see or
smell CO. It can cause unconsciousness and
even death. If you must drive with the trunk
lid open or if electrical wiring or other cable
connections must pass through the seal
between the body and the trunk lid:
Make sure all other windows are shut.
Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed and select the
control setting that will force outside air
into your vehicle. See Climate Control
System.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-48.
2-21
Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-48.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Also see “If You Are Caught in a Blizzard”
underWinter Driving on page 4-17.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the automatic transmission shift lever is not
fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly
set. Your vehicle can roll. Do not leave your
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 your vehicle will
not move, even when it is on fairly level
ground, always set the parking brake and
move the automatic transmission shift lever
to PARK (P), or the manual transmission shift
lever to NEUTRAL.
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission)
on page 2-45andParking the Vehicle (Manual
Transmission) on page 2-47.
If you are parking on a hill and if you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-30.
2-49
Manually fold the mirrors inward to prevent damage
when going through an automatic car wash. To fold, push
the mirror toward the vehicle. Push the mirror outward, to
return to its original position.
Park Tilt Mirrors
If the vehicle has the memory package, the passenger
and/or driver outside mirror tilts to a preselected
position when the vehicle is in REVERSE (R). This
allows the driver to view the curb when parallel parking.
When the vehicle is shifted out of REVERSE (R) and
after a ve-second delay, the mirrors return to their
original position.
The park tilt can be turned on or off through the Driver
Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Vehicle Customization
on page 3-69for more information.
Outside Convex Mirror
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped. A convex
mirror’s surface is curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat. It also makes things, like other vehicles,
look farther away than they really are.
Outside Heated Mirrors
When the rear window defogger is turned on, it also
warms both outside rearview mirrors to help clear them
of fog or ice. See “Rear Window Defogger” underDual
Climate Control System on page 3-24for more
information.
2-51
Instrument Panel Storage
Your vehicle has a storage area located below the
climate control systems. To access, push on the lid.
Center Console Storage
Your vehicle has a center console with an upper and
lower storage area. To access the upper storage area,
lift the driver side lever on the front of the console
and lift the cover. To access the lower storage area,
lift the passenger side lever on the center console.
There is an additional storage area behind the center
console. To access, push the cover.
Convenience Net
Your vehicle may have a convenience net in the rear of
the vehicle. Put small loads behind the net. It can also be
positioned into an envelope style to hold smaller items.
The net is not for heavier loads. Store them as far forward
as you can.
Sunroof
If your vehicle has a power sunroof it will only operate
when the ignition is turned on, or in ACC/ACCESSORY,
or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active.
SeeRetained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-35.
The sunroof switches are located on the overhead
console.
The driver side switch
operates the sunshade.
Press and hold the rear of the switch to open the
sunshade. Press and hold the front of the switch to
close the sunshade.
2-63
Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel...................3-6
Power Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering
Column......................................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-9
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Rainsense™ Wipers......................................3-10
Windshield Washer.......................................3-12
Headlamp Washer........................................3-13
Cruise Control..............................................3-14
Headlamps..................................................3-17
Wiper Activated Headlamps............................3-17
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-17
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-18
Adaptive Forward Lighting System...................3-19
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-19
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver........................3-20
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-20
Entry Lighting...............................................3-20
Parade Dimming...........................................3-20
Reading Lamps............................................3-21
Electric Power Management...........................3-21Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-22
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-22
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-23
Analog Clock...............................................3-23
Climate Controls............................................3-24
Dual Climate Control System..........................3-24
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-28
Passenger Compartment Air Filter...................3-29
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-30
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-31
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-32
Trip Odometers............................................3-32
Tachometer.................................................3-32
Engine Speed Limiter....................................3-32
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-33
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-34
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-35
Charging System Light..................................3-37
Up-Shift Light...............................................3-37
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-38
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.....3-39
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®
Warning Light...........................................3-39
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-40
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-40
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-41
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1