2009 CADILLAC CTS spare wheel

Press and release this
button, located in the
center of the instrument
panel, to change modes.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Vehicles with a limited-slip rear axle can give more
traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like
a standard axle most of the time, but when traction
is low, this feature allows the drive wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
With this feature, the AWD system will automatically
monitor and adjust engine power to the front and
rear wheels for the best traction and handling. If there is
a loss of traction or stability, the AWD system works
with the electronic stability control system to increase
power to the front wheels as necessary.
If the spare tire is on the vehicle, there may be a slight
reduction in performance of the AWD system.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-58for
AWD related DIC messages.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Speed Variable Assist Steering
Your vehicle has a steering system that varies the
amount of effort required to steer the vehicle in relation
to the speed of the vehicle.
The amount of steering effort required is less at slower
speeds to make the vehicle more maneuverable and
easier to park. At faster speeds, the steering effort
increases to provide a sport-like feel to the steering.
This provides maximum control and stability.
If your vehicle seems harder to steer than normal when
parking or driving slowly, there may be a problem
with the system. You will still have power steering, but
steering will be stiffer than normal at slow speeds.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
4-9

Tire Pressure Monitor Operation.....................5-73
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-76
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-77
Buying New Tires.........................................5-78
Different Size Tires and Wheels......................5-80
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..........................5-80
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance..................5-82
Wheel Replacement......................................5-82
Tire Chains..................................................5-84
If a Tire Goes Flat........................................5-85
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit....................5-86
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit Storage.........5-95
Changing a Flat Tire.....................................5-96
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools................5-98
Removing the Flat Tire and Installing the
Spare Tire................................................5-99
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools...........5-104
Compact Spare Tire....................................5-105
Appearance Care..........................................5-106
Interior Cleaning.........................................5-106
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-107
Leather......................................................5-108
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................5-108
Wood Panels..............................................5-109
Speaker Covers..........................................5-109Care of Safety Belts....................................5-109
Weatherstrips.............................................5-109
Washing Your Vehicle..................................5-110
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses....................5-110
Finish Care................................................5-110
Windshield and Wiper Blades.......................5-111
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels
and Trim.................................................5-112
Tires.........................................................5-113
Sheet Metal Damage..................................
.5-113
Finish Damage...........................................5-113
Underbody Maintenance...............................5-113
Chemical Paint Spotting...............................5-113
Vehicle Identication.....................................5-114
Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)................5-114
Service Parts Identication Label...................5-114
Electrical System..........................................5-114
Add-On Electrical Equipment.........................5-114
Windshield Wiper Fuses...............................5-115
Power Windows and Other Power Options......5-115
Fuses and Circuit Breakers..........................5-115
Underhood Fuse Block (CTS).......................5-115
Underhood Fuse Block (CTS-V)....................5-119
Rear Compartment Fuse Block (CTS)..............5-122
Rear Compartment Fuse Block (CTS-V).........5-124
Capacities and Specications........................5-127
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-2

Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS). TPMS is designed to warn the driver when a
low tire pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel assembly, excluding
the spare tire and wheel assembly, if the vehicle has one.
The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in the
vehicle’s tires and transmits the tire pressure readings
to a receiver located in the vehicle.
Using the Driver Information Center (DIC), the driver
can also check tire pressure levels using the DIC.
For additional information and details about the DIC
operation and displays seeDIC Operation and Displays
on page 3-51andDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-58.
When a low tire pressure
condition is detected, the
TPMS illuminates the
low tire pressure warning
light located on the
instrument panel cluster.
A DIC warning message to check the pressure in a
specic tire is also shown on the DIC display screen.
The low tire pressure warning light and the DIC warning
message come at each ignition cycle until the tires
are inated to the correct ination pressure.The low tire pressure warning light may come on in cool
weather when the vehicle is rst started, and then
turn off as you start to drive. This could be an early
indicator that the air pressure in the tire(s) are getting
low and need to be inated to the proper pressure.
The Tire and Loading Information label, attached to
your vehicle, shows the size of your vehicle’s original
equipment tires and the correct ination pressure for the
tires when they are cold. SeeLoading the Vehicle on
page 4-20, for an example of the Tire and Loading
Information label and its location on your vehicle.
Also seeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-69.
Your vehicle’s TPMS can warn you about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace normal
tire maintenance. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-76andTires on page 5-61.
Notice:Using non-approved tire sealants could
damage the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
sensors. TPMS sensor damage caused by using
an incorrect tire sealant is not covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use the GM approved tire
sealant available through your dealer/retailer.
Your vehicle, when new, included a factory-installed
Tire Inator Kit. This kit uses a GM approved liquid
tire sealant. Using non-approved tire sealants could
damage the TPMS sensors. SeeTire Sealant and
Compressor Kit on page 5-86for information regarding
the inator kit materials and instructions.
5-73

TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
The TPMS will not function properly if one or more of the
TPMS sensors are missing or inoperable. When the
system detects a malfunction, the low tire warning light
ashes for about one minute and then stays on for
the remainder of the ignition cycle. A DIC warning
message is also displayed. The low tire warning light
and DIC warning message come on at each ignition
cycle until the problem is corrected. Some of the
conditions that can cause the malfunction light and DIC
message to come on are:
One of the road tires has been replaced with the
spare tire, if the vehicle has one. The spare tire
does not have a TPMS sensor. The DIC message
should go off once you re-install the road tire
containing the TPMS sensor.
The TPMS sensor matching process was not done
or not completed successfully after rotating the
vehicle’s tires. The DIC message should go off
after successfully completing the sensor matching
process. See “TPMS Sensor Matching Process”
later in this section.
One or more TPMS sensors are missing or
damaged. The DIC message and the TPMS
malfunction light should go off when the TPMS
sensors are installed and the sensor matching
process is performed successfully. See your dealer/
retailer for service.
Replacement tires or wheels do not match your
vehicle’s original equipment tires or wheels. Tires
and wheels other than those recommended for your
vehicle could prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. SeeBuying New Tires on page 5-78.
Operating electronic devices or being near facilities
using radio wave frequencies similar to the TPMS
could cause the TPMS sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning it cannot detect or signal a
low tire condition. See your dealer/retailer for service if
the TPMS malfunction light and DIC message comes on
and stays on.
TPMS Sensor Matching Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique identication code.
Any time you replace one or more of the TPMS sensors
or rotate your vehicle’s tires, the identication codes need
to be matched to the new tire/wheel position. The sensors
are matched to the tire/wheel positions in the following
order: driver side front tire, passenger side front tire,
passenger side rear tire, and driver side rear tire using a
TPMS diagnostic tool. See your dealer/retailer for
service.
5-74

Tire Inspection and Rotation
Inspect tires regularly for signs of wear or damage.
Also inspect the spare tire, if the vehicle has
one. For more information on tire inspection, see
When It Is Time for New Tires on page 5-77.
Tire rotation is not recommended if the vehicle has
255/40R19 size tires on the front wheels and
285/35R19 size tires on the rear wheels.
Different tire sizes should not be rotated front to
rear. Each tire and wheel should only be used
in its original front or rear position.
Tire rotation is recommended if the vehicle has
the same size tires on all four wheel positions.
These tires should be rotated every 5,000
to 8,000 miles (8 000 to 13 000 km). See
Scheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
The purpose of a regular tire rotation is to achieve
a uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. This
will ensure that your vehicle continues to perform
most like it did when the tires were new.Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your
tires as soon as possible and check wheel
alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels.
SeeWhen It Is Time for New Tires on page 5-77
andWheel Replacement on page 5-82.
Use the rotation pattern shown here when rotating
tires of the same size installed on all four wheel
positions.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear ination pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressure on page 5-69andLoading the Vehicle on
page 4-20.
5-76

Different Size Tires and Wheels
If you add wheels or tires that are a different size than
your original equipment wheels and tires, this may
affect the way your vehicle performs, including its
braking, ride and handling characteristics, stability,
and resistance to rollover. Additionally, if your vehicle
has electronic systems such as, antilock brakes, traction
control, and electronic stability control, the performance
of these systems can be affected.
{CAUTION:
If you add different sized wheels, your vehicle may
not provide an acceptable level of performance and
safety if tires not recommended for those wheels
are selected. You may increase the chance that you
will crash and suffer serious injury. Only use GM
specic wheel and tire systems developed for your
vehicle, and have them properly installed by a GM
certied technician.
SeeBuying New Tires on page 5-78andAccessories
and Modifications on page 5-3for additional information.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable on
the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which
grades tires by treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This applies only to
vehicles sold in the United States. The grades are
molded on the sidewalls of most passenger car
tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type
snow tires, space-saver, or temporary use spare
tires, tires with nominal rim diameters of
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), or to some
limited-production tires.
5-80

If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out while you are driving,
especially if you maintain the tires properly. SeeTires on
page 5-61. If air goes out of a tire, it is much more likely to
leak out slowly. But, if you should ever have a blow out,
here are a few tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the at tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel rmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blow out, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you would use
in a skid. In any rear blow out, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road if possible.
If a tire goes at, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place and stopping.
1. Turn on the hazard warning ashers. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
2. Park your vehicle. If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, set the parking brake rmly and put
the shift lever in P (Park). If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, move the shift lever to
R (Reverse) and set the parking brake rmly.3. Turn off the engine.
4. Inspect the at tire.
{CAUTION:
Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do
maintenance or repairs is dangerous without the
appropriate safety equipment and training. If a jack
is provided with the vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a at tire. If it is used for anything else,
you or others could be badly injured or killed if the
vehicle slips off the jack. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, only use it for changing a at tire.
This vehicle may come with a jack and spare tire or a
tire sealant and compressor kit. To use the jack and
spare tire, seeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-96.To
use the tire sealant and compressor kit, seeTire Sealant
and Compressor Kit on page 5-86.
5-85

Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
{CAUTION:
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor
ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Never run the engine in an enclosed area that has
no fresh air ventilation. For more information, see
Engine Exhaust on page 2-50.
{CAUTION:
Over-inating a tire could cause the tire to rupture
and you or others could be injured. Be sure to read
and follow the tire sealant and compressor kit
instructions and inate the tire to its recommended
pressure. Do not exceed the recommended
pressure.
{CAUTION:
Storing the tire sealant and compressor kit or
other equipment in the passenger compartment of
the vehicle could cause injury. In a sudden stop or
collision, loose equipment could strike someone.
Store the tire sealant and compressor kit in its
original location.
If this vehicle has a tire sealant and compressor kit,
there may not be a spare tire, tire changing equipment,
and on some vehicles there may not be a place to
store a tire.
The tire sealant and compressor can be used to
temporarily seal punctures up to
14inch (6 mm) in the
tread area of the tire. It can also be used to inate
an under inated tire.
If the tire has been separated from the wheel, has
damaged sidewalls, or has a large puncture, the tire is too
severely damaged for the tire sealant and compressor kit
to be effective. SeeRoadside Service on page 7-7.
Read and follow all of the tire sealant and compressor
kit instructions.
5-86