2008 CADILLAC DTS automatic transmission

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation...................................................2-5
Remote Vehicle Start......................................2-8
Doors and Locks............................................2-10
Door Locks..................................................2-10
Central Door Unlocking System......................2-10
Power Door Locks........................................2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-11
Lockout Protection........................................2-12
Trunk..........................................................2-12
Windows........................................................2-14
Power Windows............................................2-15
Sun Visors...................................................2-17
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-18
Valet Lockout Switch.....................................2-18
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-19
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer.............2-20
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation.................................................2-21Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-22
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-22
Ignition Positions..........................................2-23
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-24
Starting the Engine.......................................2-24
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-26
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-27
Performance Shifting.....................................2-29
Parking Brake..............................................2-30
Shifting Into Park..........................................2-31
Shifting Out of Park......................................2-33
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-34
Engine Exhaust............................................2-34
Running the Vehicle While Parked..................2-35
Mirrors...........................................................2-36
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror................2-36
Compass.....................................................2-36
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors.....................2-38
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror..................2-39
Park Tilt Mirrors............................................2-39
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-39
Outside Heated Mirrors..................................2-39
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Automatic Transmission Operation
The automatic transmission may have a shift lever
located either on the steering column or on the console
between the seats.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
PARK (P):This position locks the front wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine because
your vehicle cannot move easily.{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the 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 the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always set the parking brake
and move the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting
Into Park on page 2-31. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-27.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You have to fully
apply your regular brakes before you can shift from
PARK (P) while the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you
cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift
lever. Push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P)
as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift
lever into another gear. SeeShifting Out of Park on
page 2-33.
2-27

Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see Skidding underLoss of
Control on page 4-10.
Notice:Driving your vehicle if you notice that it is
moving slowly or not shifting gears as you increase
speed may damage the transmission. Have your
vehicle serviced right away. You can drive in
SECOND (2) when you are driving less than 35 mph
(55 km/h) and DRIVE (D) for higher speeds until then.
DRIVE (D) can be used for towing. You may want to
shift the transmission to THIRD (3) or, if necessary, to a
lower gear if the transmission shifts too often under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
SeeTowing a Trailer on page 4-27for more information.
THIRD (3):This position is also used for normal driving.
However, it reduces vehicle speed more than DRIVE (D)
without using your brakes. You might choose THIRD (3)
instead of DRIVE (D) when driving on hilly, winding
roads, when towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears and when going down a steep hill.
SECOND (2):This position reduces vehicle speed more
than THIRD (3) without using your brakes. You can
use SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed
as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you
would also want to use your brakes off and on.Notice:Do not shift into SECOND (2) unless you
are going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h), or you can
damage your engine and/or transmission.
FIRST (1):This position reduces vehicle speed even
more than SECOND (2) without using your brakes.
You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or
mud. If the shift lever is put in FIRST (1) while the
vehicle is moving forward, the transmission will not shift
into rst gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by your warranty. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
Performance Shifting
If your vehicle has this feature, it can detect a change in
driving patterns. If you make an aggressive driving
maneuver, the vehicle’s transmission automatically
shifts to the lowest possible gear to maximize vehicle
performance. The vehicle will automatically return to
normal operation when you return to normal driving
patterns.
2-29

Shifting Out of Park
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
This vehicle has an electronic shift lock release system.
The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever is
in PARK (P)
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of PARK (P),
unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock is always functional except in the case of
a an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-42.
Console Shift
If your console shift cannot be moved out of PARK (P)
1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY
position. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-23for
more information.3. Let up on the shift lever and make sure the shift
lever is pushed all the way into PARK (P).
4. Then, move the shift into the desired gear.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
Column Shift
If your park lock cable cannot be moved out of PARK (P)
1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes.
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY position. SeeIgnition Positions
on page 2-23for more information.
3. Shift out of the PARK (P) position to the
NEUTRAL (N) position.
4. Move the vehicle to a safe location.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from PARK (P),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.
2-33

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-48.
B. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-70.
C. Exterior Lamp Controls. SeeExterior Lamps on
page 3-32.
D. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-54.
E. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
F. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. SeeAudio Steering
Wheel Controls on page 3-118.
G. Ultrasonic Front and Rear Parking Assist and
Adaptive Cruise Control Display (If Equipped). See
Ultrasonic Front and Rear Parking Assist (UFRPA)
on page 2-40andAdaptive Cruise Control on
page 3-19.
H. Analog Clock. SeeAnalog Clock on page 3-42.
I. Hazard Warning Flashers Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
J. Radio. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-96.
K. Trunk Release Button. SeeTrunk on page 2-12.
L. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-37.
M. Lane Departure Warning. SeeLane Departure
Warning (LDW) on page 2-46.N. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-8.
O. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-12.
P. Parking Brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-30.
Q. Heated Steering Wheel Button (If Equipped).
SeeHeated Steering Wheel on page 3-7.
R. Cruise Control or Adaptive Cruise Control. See
Cruise Control on page 3-16orAdaptive Cruise
Control on page 3-19.
S. Tilt Wheel. SeeTilt Wheel on page 3-6. Power Tilt
and Telescopic Steering Wheel (If Equipped).
SeePower Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering
Column on page 3-7.
T. Climate Controls. SeeDual Climate Control System
on page 3-42.
U. Traction Control System Button (Console-Shift
Vehicles). SeeTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-5.
V. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-27.
W. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-40.
X. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-59. Valet
Lockout Switch. SeeValet Lockout Switch on
page 2-18.
3-5

When DRL are on, no other exterior lamps such as the
parking lamps, taillamps, etc. will be on when the DRL
are being used. The instrument panel will not be lit up
either.
When automatic lighting is on and it is dark enough
outside, the turn signal lamps turn off and normal
low-beam headlamp operation occurs.
When automatic lighting is on and it is bright enough
outside, the regular lamps go off, and the DRL takes over.
If the vehicle is started in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system comes on immediately. Once you
leave the garage, it will take approximately one minute for
the automatic headlamp system to change to DRL if there
is light outside. During that delay, the instrument panel
cluster may not be as bright as usual. Make sure the
instrument panel brightness knob is in the full bright
position. SeeInstrument Panel Brightness on page 3-37.
Turning on automatic lighting or the headlamps will
deactivate the DRL. If the parking lamps or the
fog lamps were turned on instead, the DRL will still
deactivate.
To idle the vehicle with the DRL off at night, turn off
automatic lighting and shift the transmission into
PARK (P). Placing the vehicle in PARK (P) disables the
DRL. The DRL will stay off until the vehicle is shifted
out of PARK (P).To drive the vehicle with the DRL off, turn off automatic
lighting and manually turn on the parking lamps or
fog lamps, if the vehicle has them.
As with any vehicle, the regular headlamp system
should be turned on when needed.
Fog Lamps
Use the fog lamps for better vision in foggy or misty
conditions.
-(Fog Lamps):The fog lamps button is located on
the exterior lamps control. The exterior lamps control
is located on the instrument panel to the left of the
steering column.
The ignition must be on for the fog lamps to work.
Press the exterior lamps button to turn the fog lamps
on or off. A light will come on in the instrument
panel cluster when the fog lamps are in use.
When the headlamps are changed to high-beam,
the fog lamps will turn off. The fog lamps come back
on again when the high-beam headlamps are turned off.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps
to be on along with the fog lamps.
3-36

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, and
Make sure the parking brake has released.
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 are
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule for
more on this. Things that are especially important in
trailer operation are automatic transmission uid (do not
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
are trailering, it is 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 5-27.
4-33

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements.............................................5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of the Vehicle.............................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
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...................................................5-15
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-21
Engine Coolant.............................................5-24
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-27Engine Overheating.......................................5-27
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode........................................5-29
Cooling System............................................5-30
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-35
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-36
Brakes........................................................5-37
Battery........................................................5-40
Jump Starting...............................................5-42
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-47
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-50
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting..............5-50
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-50
Tires..............................................................5-52
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-53
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-57
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-60
High-Speed Operation...................................5-62
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-63
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-64
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-68
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-70
Buying New Tires.........................................5-71
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-73
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1