2008 CADILLAC CTS overheating

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.
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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
3-40

Electronic Key Not Detected Restart
Allowed
If your vehicle has the keyless access system, this
message displays when the keyless access transmitter
is not detected inside the vehicle while you are trying
to turn the ignition off. Your vehicle may be near a strong
radio antenna signal causing the keyless access
system to be jammed. The vehicle will remain in
ACC/ACCESSORY until the vehicle is turned off or is
started, or ve minutes has expired. If you turn the
ignition off and you cannot nd the keyless access
transmitter, you will not be able to restart the vehicle.
The keyless access transmitter needs to be inside of the
vehicle in order for the vehicle to start. SeeStarting
the Engine on page 2-35for more information.
Engine Hot A/C (Air Conditioning) Off
This message displays when the engine coolant
becomes hotter than the normal operating temperature.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-40.
To avoid added strain on a hot engine, the air
conditioning compressor automatically turns off. When
the coolant temperature returns to normal, the air
conditioning compressor turns back on. You can
continue to drive your vehicle.
If this message continues to appear, have the system
repaired by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible
to avoid damage to the engine.
Engine Oil Low Add Oil
If your vehicle has an oil level sensor, this message
displays if the oil level in the vehicle is low. Check the oil
level and correct it as necessary. You may need to let
the vehicle cool or warm up and cycle the ignition
to be sure this message clears.
This message clears itself after 10 seconds, until the
next ignition cycle. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-16
for additional information.
Engine Overheated Idle Engine
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine is
overheating, severe engine damage may occur.
If an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-31for more information.
This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to
idle until it cools down. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light on page 3-40.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating Mode on
page 5-33for information on driving to a safe place
in an emergency.
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StabiliTrak Off
This message displays when you turn off StabiliTrak,
or when the stability control has been automatically
disabled. The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light on
the instrument panel cluster also comes on.
To realize the full benets of the stability enhancement
system, you should normally leave StabiliTrak on.
To turn the StabiliTrak system on or off, seeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-8.
There are several conditions that can cause this message
to appear.
One condition is overheating, which could occur if
StabiliTrak®activates continuously for an extended
period of time.
The message also displays if the brake system
warning light is on. SeeBrake System Warning Light
on page 3-38.
The message could display if the stability system
takes longer than usual to complete its diagnostic
checks due to driving conditions.
The message displays if an engine or vehicle related
problem has been detected and the vehicle needs
service. See your dealer/retailer.
The message turns off as soon as the conditions that
caused the message to be displayed are no longer
present.
Start Aborted By Theft Deterrent
This message displays if there is a communication
problem between the keyless access system and the
vehicle. The vehicle cannot be started when this
message displays. See your dealer/retailer for service.
Theft Attempted
This message displays if the theft-deterrent system has
detected a break-in attempt while you were away
from your vehicle. SeeTheft-Deterrent System on
page 2-28for more information.
Tighten Gas Cap
This message displays when the fuel cap has not been
fully tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to ensure that it
is on and tightened properly.
Tire Learning Active
This message displays when the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS) is re-learning the tire positions on
your vehicle. The tire positions must be re-learned after
rotating the tires or after replacing a tire or sensor.
SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 5-74,
Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-69, and
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-66for more
information.
3-68

Your vehicle has bulb warning lights. When you plug a
trailer lighting system into your vehicle’s lighting
system, its bulb warning lights may not let you know if
one of your lamps goes out. So, when you have a trailer
lighting system plugged in, be sure to check your
vehicle and trailer lamps from time to time to be sure
they are all working. Once you disconnect the trailer
lamps, the bulb warning lights again can tell you if one
of your vehicle lamps is out.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforeyou start
down a long or steep downgrade. If you do not shift
down, you might have to use your brakes so much that
they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down to a lower gear and
reduce your speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to
reduce the possibility of engine and transmission
overheating.
Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
You really should not park your vehicle, with a
trailer attached, on a hill. If something goes
wrong, your rig could start to move. People
can be injured, and both your vehicle and the
trailer can be damaged.
But if you ever have to park your rig on a hill, here is
how to do it:
1. Apply your regular brakes, but do not shift into
PARK (P) yet.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the regular brakes. Then apply your
parking brake, and then shift to PARK (P).
5. Release the regular brakes.
4-36

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.
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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

How to Check and Add Fluid
Visually check the clutch uid reservoir to make sure the
uid level is at the MIN (Minimum) line on the side of the
reservoir. The hydraulic clutch uid system should be
kept closed and sealed. Do not remove the cap to check
the uid level or to top-off the uid level. Remove the cap
only when necessary to add the proper uid until the level
reaches the MIN line.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for ve years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add only
DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains the cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If the engine overheats, see
Engine Overheating on page 5-31.A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Allow the warning lights and gages to work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®can
cause premature engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at the rst maintenance
service after each 30,000 miles (50 000 km) or
24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in the vehicle.
5-28