2008 CADILLAC DTS engine light

Remote Vehicle Start
The remote vehicle starting feature allows you to start
the engine from outside of the vehicle. It also starts up the
vehicle’s automatic climate control system. When the
remote start system is active, the climate control system
will heat and cool the inside of the vehicle according to
the previous settings of the system before turning the
vehicle off. The rear window defogger will be turned on by
the climate control system when it is cold outside. If the
vehicle has heated seats, they will also turn on when it is
cold outside. SeeHeated and Cooled Seats on page 1-3
for additional information. Cooled seats are not activated
during a remote start. Normal operation of the climate
control system will return after the key is turned to
ON/RUN. SeeDual Climate Control System on
page 3-42.
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 your vehicle is low
on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the RKE
transmitter functions will 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 Operation on page 2-5for
additional information.
/(Remote Start):This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if you have remote start.
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 will lock. Pressing the remote start
button again after the vehicle has started will turn off
the ignition.
When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will 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, insert
and turn the key to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.
2-8

PASS-Key®III+ Electronic
Immobilizer Operation
Your vehicle has PASS-Key®III+ (Personalized
Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
®III+ is a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed when the key
is removed from the ignition.
The system is automatically disarmed when the key is
turned to ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY or START
from the LOCK/OFF position.
You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system.
The security light will come on if there is a problem
with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
When the PASS-Key
®III+ system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it prevents the vehicle from
starting. Anyone using a trial-and-error method to start
the vehicle will be discouraged because of the high
number of electrical key codes.
If the engine does not start and the security light comes
on when trying to start the vehicle, there may be a
problem with your theft-deterrent system. Turn
the ignition off and try again.If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the fuse, seeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 5-101. If the engine still
does not start with the other key, your vehicle needs
service. If your vehicle does start, the rst key may be
faulty. See your dealer/retailer who can service the
PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new key made. In an
emergency, contact Roadside Assistance.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III+ decoder to “learn”
the transponder value of a new or replacement key. Up to
nine additional keys may be programmed for the vehicle.
The following procedure is for programming additional
keys only. If all the currently programmed keys are lost or
do not operate, you must see your dealer/retailer or a
locksmith who can service PASS-Key
®III+ to have keys
made and programmed to the system.
See your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to get a new key blank that is cut
exactly as the ignition key that operates the system.
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To program the new key:
1. Verify that the new key has a
1stamped on it.
2. Insert the original, already programmed, key in the
ignition and start the engine. If the engine will not
start, see your dealer/retailer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to
LOCK/OFF, and remove the key.
4. Insert the new key to be programmed and turn it to
the ON/RUN position within ve seconds of
removing the original key.
The security light will turn off once the key has
been programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are to
be programmed.
If you lose or damage your PASS-Key
®III+ key, see
your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new key made.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
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:
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or
slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
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 breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 4-27for the trailer towing
capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
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Ignition Positions
With the ignition key in the ignition, the key can be
turned to four different positions:
In order to shift out of PARK (P), ignition must be in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake
pedal must be applied.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with
your hand. Make sure the key is in all the way. If
none of this works, then your vehicle needs service.A (LOCK/OFF):This is the only position in which the
ignition key can be inserted or removed. This position
locks the ignition and transmission and steering column.
It is a theft-deterrent feature.
If the steering wheel is locked, move it from right to left
and turn the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If none of
this works, then your vehicle needs service.
B (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position lets the radio
and windshield wipers operate while the engine is off.
To use ACC/ACCESSORY, turn the key clockwise.
C (ON/RUN):This position is where the key returns to
after the vehicle is started. This position displays
some of the warning and indicator lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the engine
off. You may not be able to start your vehicle if the battery
is allowed to drain for an extended period of time.
D (START):This position starts the engine.
A warning chime will sound and the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display DRIVER DOOR OPEN
when the driver’s door is opened if the ignition is in
LOCK/OFF, ACC/ACCESSORY and the key is in the
ignition. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-75
for more information.
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Traction Control System (TCS) Warning Light . . .3-62
StabiliTrak®Indicator Light.............................3-62
Lane Departure Warning Light........................3-63
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light......3-63
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-64
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-64
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-65
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-67
Security Light...............................................3-68
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-68
Lights On Reminder......................................3-68
Cruise Control Light......................................3-68
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-69
Fuel Gage...................................................3-69Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-70
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-70
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-75
DIC Vehicle Customization.............................3-87
Audio System(s).............................................3-96
Setting the Clock..........................................3-97
Radio(s) (MP3)...........................................3-100
Using an MP3............................................3-111
XM Radio Messages...................................3-117
Navigation/Radio System..............................3-118
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-118
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-118
Radio Reception.........................................3-119
Backglass Antenna......................................3-120
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-120
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

Exterior Lamps
The exterior lamps
control is located on
the instrument panel
to the left of the
steering wheel.
It controls the following systems:
Headlamps
Taillamps
Parking Lamps
License Plate Lamps
Instrument Panel Lights
Fog Lamps
The exterior lamps control has four positions:
O(Off):Turns off the exterior lamps except for
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).AUTO (Automatic):Automatically turns on the
headlamps at normal brightness, together with the
following:
Parking Lamps
Instrument Panel Lights
IntelliBeam™
;(Parking Lamps):Turns on the parking lamps
together with the following:
Instrument Panel Lights
License Plate Lamps
Taillamps
Side Marker Lamps
The parking brake indicator light comes on and stays on
while the parking lamps are on with the engine off
and the ignition in ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN.
2(Headlamps):Turns on the headlamps together
with the previously listed lamps. A warning chime
sounds if the driver’s door is opened while the ignition
switch is off and the headlamps are on.
-(Fog Lamps):Press the exterior lamps control to
turn on the fog lamps. SeeFog Lamps on page 3-36.
3-32

Parade Dimming
This feature prohibits dimming of the digital displays and
backlighting during daylight hours when the key is in
the ignition and the headlamps are on. This feature is
fully automatic. When the light sensor reads darkness
outside and the parking lamps are active, the digital
displays can be adjusted by turning the instrument panel
brightness knob counterclockwise to dim and clockwise
to brighten lighting.
Reading Lamps
The reading lamps are located on the overhead console
on the headliner and in the rear door opening. These
lamps come on automatically when any door is opened
and it is dark outside.
For manual operation, press the button to turn them on.
Press it again to turn them off.
If the reading lamps are left on, they automatically shut
off 10 minutes after the ignition has been turned off.
Footwell Lamps
If your vehicle has footwell lamps, they are located
under the instrument panel and at the rear of the front
seats. These lamps provide soft light to the front
and rear oor areas. They dim with the instrument panel
cluster lights, before going out completely.
Footwell lighting brightness can be adjusted with the
instrument panel brightness control located below
the exterior lamps control. SeeInstrument Panel
Brightness on page 3-37. The footwell lights will turn off
before the instrument panel lights are at their lowest
level of brightness.
Battery Load Management
The battery load management feature is designed to
monitor the vehicle’s electrical load and determine when
the battery is in a heavy discharge condition. During
times of high electrical loading, the engine may idle
at a higher revolutions per minute (rpm) setting
than normal to make sure the battery charges. High
electrical loads may occur when several of the following
are on: headlamps, high beams, fog lamps, rear
window defogger, the climate control fan at high speeds,
heated seats and engine cooling fans.
3-38

If the battery continues to discharge, even with the
engine idling at a higher rpm setting, some electrical
loads will automatically be reduced. When this occurs,
the rear window defogger may take slightly longer
to clear the glass, the heated seats may not get as warm
as they usually do and the climate control fan may cut
back to a lower speed. For more battery saving
information, see “Battery Saver Active Message” under
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-75.
Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery’s temperature and state of charge.
It then adjusts the voltage for best performance and
extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage is
raised slightly to quickly put the charge back in. When
the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered slightly
to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a voltmeter
gage or a voltage display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you may see the voltage move up
or down. This is normal. If there is a problem, an
alert will be displayed.The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator (alternator) may not be
spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the power
that is needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following loads are on: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at
high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output
and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase
engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands
of some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels
of corrective action, this action may be noticeable
to the driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message might be displayed, such as Battery Saver
Active or Service Battery Charging System. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that the
driver reduce the electrical loads as much as possible.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-75.
3-39