2009 CADILLAC CTS maintenance

Engine Oil Pressure Gage
For vehicles with an engine oil pressure gage. It shows
the engine oil pressure in psi (pounds per square inch)
when the engine is running. Canadian vehicles indicate
pressure in kPa (kilopascals).
Oil pressure may vary with engine speed, outside
temperature and oil viscosity, but if readings are outside
the normal operating range, the oil pressure light will
come on. SeeOil Pressure Light on page 3-46for more
information.A reading outside the normal operating range may be
caused by a dangerously low oil level or some other
problem causing low oil pressure. Oil should be
checked as soon as possible. See Oil pressure Low
Stop Engine underDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-58andEngine Oil on page 5-18.
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
The engine can become so hot that it catches re.
Someone could be burned. Check the oil as soon
as possible and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance can
damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always follow the
maintenance schedule in this manual for changing
engine oil. United States
Canada
3-47

Speedometer
This display shows a digital speedometer in the DIC.
The speed displays in either miles per hour (mph)
or kilometers per hour (km/h). To change the units from
English to metric, see “Units” later in this section.
Blank Display
This display shows no information.
Vehicle Information Display Menu Items
T
(Vehicle Information):The following display
menu items can be displayed by pressing the vehicle
information button:
Oil Life Remaining
If the vehicle has this display, it shows the estimated oil
life remaining. If you see 99% Oil Life Remaining on
the display, that means that 99% of the current oil life
remains.
When the oil life is depleted, the Change Engine Oil
Soon message appears on the display. You should
change the oil as soon as possible. In addition to the
engine oil life system monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended in the Maintenance
Schedule in this manual. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4andEngine Oil on page 5-18.The Oil Life must be reset after each oil change.
It does not reset itself. Avoid accidental resetting of the
Oil Life system. It cannot be reset accurately until
the next oil change. To reset the engine oil life system,
SeeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-21. The display
shows 100% when the system is reset.
Units
This display allows you to select between English or
Metric units of measurement. Once in this display,
press the set/reset button to select between English or
Metric units.
Parking Assist
If the vehicle has the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
(URPA) system, this display allows the system to
be turned on or off. Once in this display, press the
set/reset button to select between On or Off. The URPA
system automatically turns back on after each vehicle
start. When the URPA system is turned off and the
vehicle is shifted out of P (Park), the DIC displays the
Parking Assist Off message as a reminder that the
system has been turned off. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-58andUltrasonic Rear
Parking Assist (URPA) on page 2-54for more
information.
3-53

Calibrating Drive In Circles
This message displays when calibrating the compass.
Drive the vehicle in circles at less than 5 mph (8 km/h)
to complete the calibration. SeeDIC Compass on
page 3-56for more information.
Calibration Complete
This message displays when the compass calibration is
complete. SeeDIC Compass on page 3-56for more
information.
Change Engine Oil Soon
When this message displays, it means that service is
required for the vehicle. See your dealer/retailer.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-18andScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4for more information.
When you reset the Change Engine Oil Soon message
by clearing it from the display, you still must reset
the engine oil life system separately. For more
information on resetting the engine oil life system,
seeEngine Oil Life System on page 5-21.
Check Tire Pressure
This message displays when the pressure in one or
more of the vehicle’s tires needs to be checked. It also
displays Left Front, Right Front, Left Rear, or Right
Rear to indicate which tire. More than one tire pressure
message can be received at a time. To read the
other messages, press the set/reset button. If a tire
pressure message appears, stop as soon as you can.
Have the tire pressures checked and set to those shown
on the Tire Loading Information label. SeeTires on
page 5-61,Loading the Vehicle on page 4-20, and
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-69. The DIC display
also shows the tire pressure values. SeeDIC
Operation and Displays on page 3-51. If the tire
pressure is low, the low tire pressure warning light
comes on. SeeTire Pressure Light on page 3-42.
Cruise Set To XXX MPH (km/h)
This message displays whenever the cruise control
is set. SeeCruise Control on page 3-14for more
information.
3-60

Your Driving, the Road, and
the Vehicle
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some
driving tips to get the best fuel economy possible.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.
When road and weather conditions are appropriate,
use cruise control, if equipped.
Always follow posted speed limits or drive more
slowly when conditions require.
Keep vehicle tires properly inated.
Combine several trips into a single trip.
Replace the vehicle’s tires with the same TPC Spec
number molded into the tire’s sidewall near the size.
Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The rst step in driving defensively is to
wear your safety belt — SeeSafety Belts: They Are for
Everyone on page 1-14.
{CAUTION:
Assume that other road users (pedestrians,
bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they
might do and be ready. In addition:
Allow enough following distance between you
and the driver in front of you.
Focus on the task of driving.
Driver distraction can cause collisions resulting in
injury or possible death. These simple defensive
driving techniques could save your life.
4-2

Parking on Hills
{CAUTION:
Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer
attached can be dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be
injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can
be damaged. When possible, always park the rig
on a at surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but if the vehicle has an
automatic transmission, do not shift into P (Park)
yet. Turn the wheels into the curb if facing downhill
or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the
regular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. For vehicles with an
automatic transmission, apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park). For vehicles with a manual
transmission, apply the parking brake, place the
transmission in 1 (First) and turn the ignition to
OFF/LOCK.
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
Start the engine
Shift into a gear
Release the parking brake
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
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. See this manual’s Maintenance Schedule or Index
for more information. Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic transmission uid,
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system and brake
system. It is a good idea to inspect these before and
during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating on
page 5-37.
4-34

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

California Proposition 65 Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this one, contain and/or
emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Engine exhaust, many parts and systems (including
some inside the vehicle), many uids, and some
component wear by-products contain and/or emit
these chemicals.
California Perchlorate Materials
Requirements
Certain types of automotive applications, such as airbag
initiators, seat belt pretensioners, and lithium batteries
contained in remote keyless transmitters, may contain
perchlorate materials. Special handling may be
necessary. For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Doing Your Own Service Work
{CAUTION:
You can be injured and the vehicle could be
damaged if you try to do service work on a vehicle
without knowing enough about it.
Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,
experience, the proper replacement parts,
and tools before attempting any vehicle
maintenance task.
Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts, and
other fasteners. English and metric fasteners
can be easily confused. If the wrong fasteners
are used, parts can later break or fall off.
You could be hurt.
5-4

If doing some of your own service work, use the proper
service manual. It tells you much more about how to
service the vehicle than this manual can. To order
the proper service manual, seeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 7-15.
This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting
to do your own service work, seeServicing Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 1-72.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the
mileage and the date of any service work performed.
SeeMaintenance Record on page 6-18.
Adding Equipment to the Outside of
the Vehicle
Things added to the outside of the vehicle can affect the
airow around it. This can cause wind noise and can
affect fuel economy and windshield washer performance.
Check with your dealer/retailer before adding equipment
to the outside of the vehicle.
Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of the
proper maintenance of this vehicle. To help keep the
engine clean and maintain optimum vehicle performance,
we recommend the use of gasoline advertised as TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline.
The 8th digit of the Vehicle Identication Number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identies the
vehicle’s engine. The VIN is at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle Identification Number
(VIN) on page 5-114.
5-5