2009 CADILLAC CTS check engine

Remote Vehicle Start
This vehicle may have a remote starting feature that
allows you to start the engine from outside 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
and/or rear window defogger turn on if it is cold outside.
If the vehicle has heated seats, they also turn on if the
interior or exterior temperature is cold enough. See
Heated and Ventilated Seats on page 1-7for 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.
/(Remote Start):This button will be on the
transmitter if the vehicle has 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
Q, then
immediately press and hold the transmitter’s
/for at
least four seconds or until the vehicle’s turn signal
lamps ash. The vehicle’s doors will be locked.
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.
If the vehicle is left running it automatically shuts off after
10 minutes unless a time extension has been done.
To manually shut off a remote start:
Aim the transmitter at the vehicle and press the
remote start button until the parking lamps turn off.
Turn on the hazard warning ashers.
Turn the ignition switch on and then off.
When you enter the vehicle during a remote start, press
the brake pedal and turn the ignition to ON/RUN to drive
the vehicle.
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.
2-14

Immobilizer Operation (Key Access)
Your vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed when the key
is removed from the ignition.
The theft-deterrent system is disarmed when the key is
turned to ON/RUN.
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.
The key uses a transponder that matches an immobilizer
control unit in your vehicle and automatically disarms the
system. Only the correct key will start the vehicle. If the
key is ever damaged, you may not be able to start your
vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not
start and the security light comes on, 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 5-115. 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 theft-deterrent system
and have a new key made.It is possible for the theft-deterrent system decoder to
learn the transponder value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 keys can be programmed for the vehicle.
The following procedure is for programming additional
keys only.
To program a new key do the following:
1. Verify that the new key has
1stamped on it.
2. Insert the current driver’s 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 key to be programmed and turn it to
ON/RUN within ve seconds of the ignition being
turned to LOCK/OFF in Step 3.
5. The security light will turn off once the key has
been programmed. It may not be apparent that
the security light went on due to how quickly the key
is programmed.
6. Repeat the Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are
to be programmed.
In an emergency, contact Cadillac Roadside Service.
SeeRoadside Service on page 7-7.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
2-28

Immobilizer Operation
(Keyless Access)
Your vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed when the ignition
control knob is turned to LOCK/OFF.
The immobilization system is disarmed when the ignition
control knob is pushed in and a valid transmitter is
found in the vehicle.
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.
The system has one or more keyless access transmitters
that are matched to an immobilizer control unit in your
vehicle. Only a correctly matched keyless access
transmitter will start the vehicle. If the keyless access
transmitter is ever damaged, you may not be able to
start your vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does not
start and the security light comes on, there may be a
problem with your immobilizer system. Turn the ignition
control knob off and try again.If the ignition control knob does not rotate, and the
keyless access transmitter appears to be undamaged,
try another keyless access transmitter. Or, you may
try placing the transmitter in the transmitter pocket
located in the center console. See “Electronic Key Not
Detected” underDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-58. At this time, you may also want to check the
fuse. SeeFuses and Circuit Breakers on page 5-115.
If the ignition control knob still does not rotate with
the other transmitter, your vehicle needs service. If the
ignition control knob does rotate, the rst transmitter
may be faulty. See your dealer/retailer who can service
the theft-deterrent system and have a new keyless
access transmitter programmed to the vehicle.
It is possible for the immobilizer system to learn new or
replacement keyless access transmitters. Up to 4 keyless
access transmitters can be programmed for the vehicle.
To program additional transmitters, see “Matching
transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle” underKeyless Access
System Operation on page 2-8.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
2-29

Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. If the 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.
The 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 overheatand 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.
2-34

The climate control system uses the information from
these sensors to adjust the fan speed and the air
delivery, in order to maintain the selected temperature.
The system may also supply cooler air to the side of
the vehicle facing the sun. The recirculation mode
will also be activated, as necessary.
Do not cover the sensors or the automatic climate
control system will not work properly.
Outlet Adjustment
Use the air outlets located in the center and on the side
of the instrument panel to direct the airow. Use the
thumbwheels near the air outlets to open or close off the
airow.
Operation Tips

Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from air inlets
at the base of the windshield that could block the
ow of air into the vehicle.
Keep the path under the front seats clear of objects
to help circulate the air inside of the vehicle more
effectively.
Use of non-GM approved hood deectors can
adversely affect the performance of the system.
Check with your dealer/retailer before adding
equipment to the outside of the vehicle.
Passenger Compartment Air Filter
The passenger compartment air lter traps most of
the dust and pollen from the air entering the vehicle.
The lter will need to be changed periodically.
SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
Using the climate control system without the passenger
air lter installed could let water or other debris enter
the system. This could cause a water leak or noises.
Make sure a new air lter is installed after removing the
old one.
The passenger compartment air lter is located under
the hood below the windshield wiper arm and the screen
on the passenger side of the vehicle. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-14for more
information on location.
3-29

To replace the passenger compartment air lter:
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off.
2. Turn on the windshield wipers and turn the
ignition off again when the wipers are straight up
on the windshield.
This allows access to the leaf screen.
The passenger compartment air lter is located
under the screen.
3. Open the hood to access the engine compartment.
SeeHood Release on page 5-12for more
information.
4. Remove the three screws that hold the screen in
place and lift off the screen by lifting and sliding it
toward the center of the vehicle.
5. Pull out on the two tabs located on each end of the
lter cover.
6. Lift the lter cover off by pulling it straight up.
7. Remove the old lter and insert a new one.
SeeMaintenance Replacement Parts on page 6-16
for the correct part number for the lter.
8. Reverse Steps 1 through 6 to reinstall the cover.Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
Warning lights and gages can signal that something is
wrong before it becomes serious enough to cause
an expensive repair or replacement. Paying attention to
the warning lights and gages could prevent injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or is a
problem with one of the vehicle’s functions. Some
warning lights come on briey when the engine is
started to indicate they are working.
Gages can indicate when there may be or is a problem
with one of the vehicle’s functions. Often gages and
warning lights work together to indicate a problem with
the vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and stays on
while driving, or when one of the gages shows there
may be a problem, check the section that explains what
to do. Follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to do
repairs can be costly and even dangerous.
3-30

Airbag Readiness Light
The system checks the airbag’s electrical system for
possible malfunctions. If the light stays on it indicates
there is an electrical problem. The system check
includes the airbag sensor, the pretensioners, the
airbag modules, the wiring and the crash sensing
and diagnostic module. For more information on the
airbag system, seeAirbag System on page 1-58.
The airbag readiness light
ashes for a few seconds
when the engine is
started. If the light does
not come on then, have it
xed immediately.{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light stays on after the
vehicle is started or comes on while driving, it
means the airbag system might not be working
properly. The airbags in the vehicle might not
inate in a crash, or they could even inate
without a crash. To help avoid injury, have the
vehicle serviced right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag system, an airbag
Driver Information Center (DIC) message can also come
on. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-58
for more information.
3-36

Charging System Light
This light comes on briey
when the ignition key is
turned to START, but
the engine is not running,
as a check to show it
is working.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer.
The light should go out once the engine starts. If it
stays on, or comes on while driving, there could be a
problem with the charging system. A charging system
message in the Driver Information Center (DIC) can also
appear. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-58
for more information. This light could indicate that
there are problems with a generator drive belt, or that
there is an electrical problem. Have it checked right
away. If the vehicle must be driven a short distance with
the light on, turn off accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
Up-Shift Light
The vehicle may have an
up-shift light, it shows
when to shift to the next
higher gear for best
fuel economy.
SeeManual Transmission Operation on page 2-40
for more information.
For the CTS-V, the tracer lights function as a
performance up-shift light.
These tracers ash to indicate when to shift to the
next higher gear to avoid the engine speed limit.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on page 2-36
orManual Transmission Operation on page 2-40
for more information.
3-38