2008 CADILLAC CTS stop start

Easy Exit Recall
S
:With the vehicle in PARK (P), press the exit button
to recall the exit position.
A single beep sounds. The driver’s seat moves back,
and if the vehicle has the power tilt wheel and telescopic
steering feature, it moves up and forward.
If the easy exit seat feature is on in the DIC, automatic
seat and power telescopic steering column movement
occurs when the key is removed from the ignition.
On vehicles with the Keyless Access System, automatic
adjustment occurs when the ignition is turned to OFF
or ACC/ACCESSORY and the driver door is opened.
See “EASY EXIT RECALL” underDIC Vehicle
Customization on page 3-69for more information.
For more programming information, seeDIC Vehicle
Customization on page 3-69.
Reclining Seatbacks
Manual Reclining Seatbacks
{CAUTION:
You can lose control of the vehicle if you try to
adjust a manual driver’s seat while the vehicle
is moving. The sudden movement could startle
and confuse you, or make you push a pedal
when you do not want to. Adjust the driver’s
seat only when the vehicle is not moving.
{CAUTION:
If the seatback is not locked, it could move
forward in a sudden stop or crash. That could
cause injury to the person sitting there. Always
push and pull on the seatback to be sure it is
locked.
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Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
This vehicle has theft-deterrent features, however,
they do not make it impossible to steal.
Theft-Deterrent System
If your vehicle has this
feature, the security light is
located on the instrument
panel cluster.
To activate the theft-deterrent system:
1. Open the door.
2. Lock the door with the transmitter. The security light
should come on and stay on.
3. Close all doors. The security light should go off
after about 30 seconds. The alarm is not armed
until the security light goes off.If a locked door or trunk is opened without using the
key in the driver’s door key cylinder or the transmitter, a
ten second pre-alarm will occur. The horn will chirp and
the lights will ash. If the key is not placed in the ignition
and turned to START or the door is not unlocked by
pressing the unlock button on the transmitter during the
ten second pre-alarm, the alarm will go off. Your vehicle’s
headlamps will ash and the horn will sound for about
30 seconds, then will turn off to save the battery power.
The theft-deterrent system will not activate if the doors
are locked with the vehicle’s key or the manual door
lock. It activates only if the power door lock switch
is used while the door is open or with the transmitter.
You should also remember that you can start your
vehicle with the correct ignition key if the alarm has
been set off.
To avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
Lock the vehicle with the door key after the doors
are closed.
Always unlock a door with the transmitter. Unlocking
a door any other way will set off the alarm.
If you set off the alarm by accident, turn off the alarm by
pressing the unlock button on the transmitter. The alarm
will not stop if you try to unlock a door any other way.
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Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines for the rst 500 miles
(805 km):
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast
or slow.
Do not exceed 70 mph (113 km/h).
Do not make full-throttle starts; also refrain
from using the full throttle while driving.
Avoid downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle.
If these procedures are not followed, the engine,
axle, or other parts could be damaged.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time the new brake linings
are not yet broken in. Hard stops with new linings
can mean premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this break-in guideline every time you get
new linings.Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing a
Trailer on page 4-30for the trailer towing capabilities
of your vehicle and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
Ignition Positions (Key Access)
The key can be turned to four different positions.
To shift out of PARK (P), ignition must be in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake
pedal must be applied.
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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

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

Manual Transmission Operation
If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, the
shift lever is located on the
center console between the
front seats. The following
explains how to operate the
manual transmission.
FIRST (1):Press the clutch pedal and shift into
FIRST (1). Then slowly let up on the clutch pedal
as you press the accelerator pedal.
Shift into FIRST (1) when you are going less than
25 mph (40 km/h). If you come to a complete stop and
it is hard to shift into FIRST (1), put the shift lever in
NEUTRAL and let up on the clutch. Press the clutch
pedal back down. Then shift into FIRST (1).SECOND (2):Press the clutch pedal as you let up
on the accelerator pedal and shift into SECOND (2).
Then, slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press
the accelerator pedal.
THIRD (3), FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6):Shift
into THIRD (3), FOURTH (4), FIFTH (5) and SIXTH (6)
the same way you do for SECOND (2). Slowly let up on
the clutch pedal as you press the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and press the
brake pedal. Just before the vehicle stops, press the
clutch pedal and the brake pedal, and shift to NEUTRAL.
NEUTRAL:Use this position when you start or idle
your engine. Your shift lever is in NEUTRAL when it
is centered in the shift pattern, not in any gear.
REVERSE (R):To back up, press down the clutch
pedal, completely stop the vehicle, and shift into
REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly
while pressing the accelerator pedal.
2-42

Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
For vehicles with the
Antilock Brake System
(ABS), this light comes on
briey when the engine
is started.
That is normal. If the light does not come on then, have it
xed so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off. If the light
comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safely
possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the ABS light stays on,
or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs
service. If the regular brake system warning light is not
on, the vehicle still has brakes, but not antilock brakes.
If the regular brake system warning light is also on,
the vehicle does not have antilock brakes and there is
a problem with the regular brakes. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-38.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC),
seeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56for all
brake related DIC messages.
Traction Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak
®Warning Light
The Traction Control
System/StabiliTrak warning
light should come on
briey when the engine
is started.
If the warning light does not come on then, have it xed
so it will be ready to warn you if there is a problem.
If it stays on, or comes on when you are driving, there
may be a problem with your Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak and your vehicle may need service.
When this warning light is on, the system will not
limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
If the Traction Control System/StabiliTrak
®warning light
comes on and stays on for an extended period of time
when the system is turned on, your vehicle needs
service. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on page 4-6
andStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-8for more
information.
3-39