2009 CADILLAC CTS towing

Seats and Restraint System............................. 1-1
Head Restraints
......................................... 1-2
Front Seats
............................................... 1-4
Rear Seats
..............................................1-13
Safety Belts
.............................................1-14
Child Restraints
.......................................1-34
Airbag System
.........................................1-58
Restraint System Check
............................1-74
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-16
Windows
.................................................2-22
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-26
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-30
Mirrors
....................................................2-52
Object Detection Systems
..........................2-54
OnStar
®System
......................................2-56
Universal Home Remote System
................2-60
Storage Areas
.........................................2-64
Sunroof
..................................................2-65
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-24
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-30
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-50
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-85Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle
....... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-26
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-12
All-Wheel Drive
........................................5-51
Rear Axle
...............................................5-52
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-53
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-57
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-59
Tires
......................................................5-61
Appearance Care
...................................5-106
Vehicle Identication
...............................5-114
Electrical System
....................................5-114
Capacities and Specications
...................5-127
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-14
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-16
Index................................................................ 1
2009 Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner ManualM

A wet seat can affect the performance of the passenger
sensing system. Here is how:
The passenger sensing system may turn off the
passenger airbag when liquid is soaked into the
seat. If this happens, the off indicator will be lit,
and the airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel will also be lit.
Liquid pooled on the seat that has not soaked in
may make it more likely that the passenger
sensing system will enable (turn on) the passenger
airbag while a child restraint or child occupant is
on the seat. If the passenger airbag is turned on, the
on indicator will be lit.
If the passenger seat gets wet, dry the seat immediately.
If the airbag readiness light is lit, do not install a child
restraint or allow anyone to occupy the seat. SeeAirbag
Readiness Light on page 3-36for important safety
information.
{CAUTION:
Stowing of articles under the passenger seat or
between the passenger seat cushion and seatback
may interfere with the proper operation of the
passenger sensing system.
Servicing Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle should be serviced.
There are parts of the airbag system in several places
around the vehicle. Your dealer/retailer and the
service manual have information about servicing the
vehicle and the airbag system. To purchase a service
manual, seeService Publications Ordering Information
on page 7-15.
{CAUTION:
For up to 10 seconds after the ignition is turned off
and the battery is disconnected, an airbag can still
inate during improper service. You can be injured
if you are close to an airbag when it inates. Avoid
yellow connectors. They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the person performing
work for you is qualied to do so.
1-72

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 (CTS-V) on page 4-27orTowing a Trailer
(CTS) on page 4-28for the trailer towing capabilities
of your vehicle and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
2-30

Automatic Transmission Operation
The shift lever is located on the center console between
the front seats.
There are several different
positions for the shift lever.
P (Park):This position locks the rear wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine because
the 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 (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-47. If you are pulling a
trailer, seeTowing a Trailer (CTS-V) on page 4-27
orTowing a Trailer (CTS) on page 4-28.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before starting
the engine. The vehicle has an automatic transmission
shift lock control system. You must fully apply the 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 2-48.
2-36

If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light on the
instrument panel cluster should come on. If it does not,
you need to have the vehicle serviced. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-39for more information.
To release the parking brake, pull the release lever
located to the left of the steering wheel on the instrument
panel.Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
A warning chime will sound if the parking brake is set,
the ignition is on, and the vehicle begins to move.
To stop the chime, fully release the parking brake.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a hill,
seeTowing a Trailer (CTS-V) on page 4-27orTowing a
Trailer (CTS) on page 4-28for more information.
2-43

EPB Release
To release the EPB, turn the ignition switch to the
ON/RUN position, apply and hold the brake pedal, and
push down momentarily on the EPB switch. If you attempt
to release the EPB without the brake pedal applied, a
chime will sound, and the DIC message “Press Brake
Pedal to Release Park Brake” will be displayed. The EPB
is released when the BRAKE light is off and the DIC
message “Park Brake Released” is displayed.
If the
Ylight is on, the EPB has detected an error
in another system and is operating with reduced
functionality. To release the EPB when this light is on,
push down on the EPB switch and hold it in the down
position. EPB release may take a longer period of time
than normal when this light is on. Continue to hold the
switch until the BRAKE light is off. If the
Ylight is on,
see your dealer/retailer.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the vehicle is
running, placed into gear and an attempt is made to
drive away. Avoid rapid acceleration when the EPB
is applied, to preserve park brake lining life.
The EPB can also be used to prevent roll back for
vehicles with a manual transmission taking off on a hill.
In a situation where no roll back is desired, an applied
EPB will allow both feet to be used for the clutch
and accelerator pedals in preparation for starting the
vehicle moving in the intended direction.
In this situation, perform the normal clutch and
accelerator actions required to begin moving the vehicle.
There is no need to push the switch to release the EPB.
If you are towing a trailer and parking on a hill, see
Towing a Trailer (CTS-V) on page 4-27orTowing
a Trailer (CTS) on page 4-28for more information.
2-46

Shifting Into Park
(Automatic Transmission)
{CAUTION:
It can be 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. 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, use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer (CTS-V) on
page 4-27orTowing a Trailer (CTS) on page 4-28.Use this procedure to shift into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking
brake.
SeeParking Brake on page 2-42for more
information.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by holding in the
button on the shift lever and pushing the lever all
the way toward the front of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. For vehicles with key access, remove the key and
take it with you. If you can leave the vehicle with
the ignition key in your hand, the vehicle is in
P (Park). Vehicles with the keyless access system,
take the keyless access transmitter with you.
2-47

If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery with
low voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery.
SeeJump Starting on page 5-46for more information.
To shift out of P (Park) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Then press the shift lever button.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift
lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park),
consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service.Parking the Vehicle
(Manual Transmission)
Before you get out of the vehicle, place the shift lever in
R (Reverse) and rmly apply the parking brake.
For vehicles with the key access ignition, turn the
ignition key to OFF/LOCK, press the release button and
remove the key. See “Key Release Button” under
Ignition Positions (Key Access) on page 2-31orIgnition
Positions (Keyless Access) on page 2-32for more
information.
For vehicles with the keyless access ignition, turn the
ignition to LOCK/OFF and remove the keyless
access transmitter.
If you are towing a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer (CTS-V)
on page 4-27orTowing a Trailer (CTS) on page 4-28.
Parking Over Things That Burn
{CAUTION:
Things that can burn could touch hot exhaust
parts under the vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass, or other things that
can burn.
2-49