2008 CADILLAC CTS remote start

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 Identication
...............................5-121
Electrical System
....................................5-122
Capacities and Specications
...................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

In many crashes severe enough to inate the airbag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur
from the right front passenger airbag.
Airbags are designed to inate only once. After an
airbag inates, you will need some new parts for the
airbag system. If you do not get them, the airbag
system will not be there to help protect you in another
crash. A new system will include airbag modules and
possibly other parts. The service manual for your
vehicle covers the need to replace other parts.
The vehicle has a crash sensing and diagnostic
module which records information after a crash.
SeeVehicle Data Recording and Privacy on
page 7-18andEvent Data Recorders on page 7-19.
Let only qualied technicians work on the airbag
systems. Improper service can mean that an airbag
system will not work properly. See your dealer/
retailer for service.
Passenger Sensing System
Your vehicle has a passenger sensing system for
the right front passenger’s position. The passenger
airbag status indicator will be visible on the instrument
panel when you start your vehicle.
The words ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off,
will be visible during the system check. If you are using
remote start to start your vehicle from a distance, if
equipped, you may not see the system check. When
the system check is complete, either the word ON or the
word OFF, or the symbol for on or the symbol for off, will
be visible. SeePassenger Airbag Status Indicator on
page 3-35. United States
Canada
1-65

Keys...............................................................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-6
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-7
Keyless Access System...................................2-9
Keyless Access System Operation..................2-10
Remote Vehicle Start....................................2-16
Doors and Locks............................................2-18
Door Locks..................................................2-18
Central Door Unlocking System......................2-19
Power Door Locks........................................2-19
Delayed Locking...........................................2-19
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-20
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-20
Lockout Protection........................................2-21
Trunk..........................................................2-21
Windows........................................................2-24
Power Windows............................................2-25
Sun Visors...................................................2-27
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-28
Theft-Deterrent System..................................2-28
Immobilizer..................................................2-29
Immobilizer Operation (Key Access)................2-30
Immobilizer Operation (Keyless Access)...........2-31Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-32
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-32
Ignition Positions (Key Access).......................2-32
Ignition Positions (Keyless Access)..................2-34
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-35
Starting the Engine.......................................2-35
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-37
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-38
Manual Transmission Operation......................2-42
Parking Brake..............................................2-44
Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission)
......2-45
Shifting Out of Park......................................2-47
Parking the Vehicle (Manual Transmission).......2-47
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-48
Engine Exhaust............................................2-48
Running the Vehicle While Parked..................2-49
Mirrors...........................................................2-50
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with OnStar
®............................................2-50
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-50
Park Tilt Mirrors............................................2-51
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-51
Outside Heated Mirrors..................................2-51
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

To remove the key, press
the button (A) near the
bottom of the keyless
access transmitter, and
pull the key out. Never
pull the key out without
pressing the button.
This vehicle may have the Keyless Access System.
SeeIgnition Positions (Key Access) on page 2-32
orIgnition Positions (Keyless Access) on page 2-34
for information on starting the vehicle.
Notice:If you ever lock your keys in the vehicle,
you may have to damage the vehicle to get in.
Be sure you have spare keys.
In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance.
SeeRoadside Service on page 7-7.Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System
If this vehicle has the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system, it operates on a radio frequency subject
to Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
2-6

"(Unlock):Press to unlock the driver’s door. If"is
pressed again within ve seconds, all remaining doors
unlock. The interior lamps come on and stay on for
20 seconds or until the ignition is turned on. If enabled
through the DIC, the parking lamps ash twice to indicate
unlocking has occurred. SeeDIC Vehicle Customization
on page 3-69.
V(Remote Trunk Release):Press and hold
for about one second to release the trunk lid.
The transmission must be in PARK (P).
L(Vehicle Locator/Panic Alarm):Press and release
to locate the vehicle. The turn signal lamps ash and
the horn sounds three times.
Press and hold
Lfor more than two seconds to
activate the panic alarm. The turn signal lamps ash
and the horn sounds for 30 seconds. The alarm turns off
when the ignition is moved to START or
Lis pressed
again. The ignition must be in LOCK/OFF for the
panic alarm to work.
Matching Transmitter(s) to Your
Vehicle
Each RKE transmitter is coded to prevent another
transmitter from unlocking the vehicle. If a transmitter is
lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through
your dealer/retailer. All transmitters need to be re-coded
to match the new transmitter.
The lost transmitter no longer works after the new
transmitters are re-coded. The vehicle can have a
maximum of eight transmitters matched to it. See
“Relearn Remote Key” underDIC Operation and
Displays on page 3-48.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the Replace Battery In Remote
Key message displays in the DIC. See “Replace Battery
In Remote Key” underDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-56for additional information.
Notice:When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the transmitter. Static
from your body could damage the transmitter.
2-8

Your vehicle comes with
two transmitters.
Q(Lock):Press to lock the doors. The turn signal
indicators will ash. If
Qis pressed twice, the doors
will lock, the turn signal indicators will ash twice,
and the horn will sound once.
You can program your vehicle so the turn signal
indicators will not ash and the horn will not sound
when pressing
Qon the keyless access transmitter.
For more information see″Remote Door Lock″under
DIC Vehicle Customization on page 3-69.
"(Unlock):Press once to unlock the driver’s door.
The turn signal indicators will ash twice.
Press
"twice within ve seconds to unlock all the
doors. If it is dark enough outside, your interior lamps
will come on.
You can program your vehicle so the turn signal
indicators will not ash and the fog lamps and reverse
lamps remain on steady for about 20 seconds when
the keyless access transmitter is used to unlock the
vehicle. See″Remote Door Unlock″underDIC Vehicle
Customization on page 3-69.
If your vehicle has the memory feature you can program
and recall memory settings when you press
"on the
keyless access transmitter. SeeMemory Seat, Mirrors
and Steering Wheel on page 1-7for more information.
/(Remote Start):If your vehicle has this feature,
press
/after pressingQto operate the remote start
feature. SeeRemote Vehicle Start on page 2-16
for additional information. With Remote Start
Shown, Without Similar
2-11

Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the Replace Battery In Remote
Key message displays in the DIC. See “Replace Battery
In Remote Key” underDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-56for additional information.
A weak battery may also cause the DIC to display
Electronic Key Not Detected when you try to start the
vehicle. If this happens, place the transmitter in the
center console storage area transmitter pocket with the
buttons facing to the front of the vehicle. Then, with
the vehicle in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N), press
the brake pedal and the ignition control knob. See
Starting the Engine on page 2-35, for additional
information about your vehicle’s electronic keyless
ignition with push start. Although this will start the
vehicle, it is recommended that you replace the
transmitter battery as soon as possible.
Notice:When replacing the battery, do not touch
any of the circuitry on the transmitter. Static
from your body could damage the transmitter.To replace the battery:
1. Separate the halves of the transmitter with a at,
thin object inserted into the slot on the side or
back of the transmitter.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object.
3. Insert the new battery, positive side facing down.
Replace with a CR2032 or equivalent battery.
4. Put the transmitter back together tightly.
2-15

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