2009 CADILLAC CTS oil level

Engine Oil Additives / Engine Oil
Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils
with the starburst symbol that meet GM standards are all
you need for good performance and engine protection.
Engine oil system ushes are not recommended and
could cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that lets you know
when to change the engine oil and lter. This is based on
engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on
mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change will be indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, you
must reset the system every time the oil is changed.When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it will indicate that an oil change is necessary.
A Change Engine Oil Soon message will come on.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-58. Change
the oil as soon as possible within the next 600 miles
(1 000 km). It is possible that, if you are driving under the
best conditions, the oil life system might not indicate that
an oil change is necessary for over a year. However, the
engine oil and lter must be changed at least once a year
and at this time the system must be reset. Your dealer/
retailer has trained service people who will perform this
work using genuine parts and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly and keep it at the
proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, you must
change the oil at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since the last
oil change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.
5-21

Automatic Transmission Fluid
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission uid level.
A transmission uid leak is the only reason for uid loss.
If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to the dealer/retailer
service department and have it repaired as soon as
possible.
There is a special procedure for checking and changing
the transmission uid. Because this procedure is
difficult, it should be done at the dealer/retailer service
department. Contact your dealer/retailer for additional
information or the procedure can be found in the service
manual. To purchase a service manual, seeService
Publications Ordering Information on page 7-15.Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage the vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty.
Always use the automatic transmission uid listed in
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-14.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in
Additional Required Services on page 6-6, and be sure
to use the uid listed inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-14.
Manual Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the manual transmission uid
level. A transmission uid leak is the only reason for uid
loss. If a leak occurs, take the vehicle to a dealer/retailer
for service. Have it repaired as soon as possible. You
may also have the uid level checked by your dealer/
retailer when the oil is changed. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-14for the proper uid
to use.
5-29

Checking Coolant (CTS)
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking
the coolant level.
The engine coolant reservoir is located in the engine
compartment on the driver side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-14.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the surge tank.
If the coolant inside the surge tank is boiling, do not do
anything else until it cools down. If coolant is visible
but the coolant level is not at or above the FULL COLD
mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water
and DEX-COOL
®coolant at the coolant surge tank,
but be sure the cooling system is cool before this
is done. SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-32for more
information.
If the engine is warm or hot, the coolant level should be
at or above the FROID/FULL COLD line on the side
of the coolant surge tank. If the engine is cold, the
coolant level should be near the FROID/FULL COLD
line on the side of the coolant surge tank. If it is
not, there could be a leak in the cooling system.
How to Add Coolant to the Surge Tank
{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot enough.
Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
Notice:This vehicle has a specic coolant ll
procedure. Failure to follow this procedure could
cause the engine to overheat and be severely
damaged.
{CAUTION:
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can
start up even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing, and tools
away from any underhood electric fan.
5-33

Checking Coolant in the Intercooler
System (CTS-V)
The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking
the coolant level.
The super charged engine intercooler coolant ll bottle
is located in the engine compartment on the passenger
side of the vehicle. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the coolant ll bottle.
If the coolant inside the coolant ll bottle is boiling, do not
do anything else until it cools down. If coolant is visible
but the coolant level is not at or above the COLD FILL
mark, add a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant at the coolant ll bottle, but be sure
the cooling system is cool before this is done.
If the engine is warm or hot, the coolant level should be
at or above the COLD FILL line on the side of the coolant
ll bottle. If the engine is cold, the coolant level should be
near the COLD FILL line on the side of the coolant ll
bottle. If it is not, you could have a leak in the cooling
system.
Adding Coolant to the Intercooler
System Coolant (CTS-V)
1. Remove the intercooler system pressure cap when
the intercooler system hoses are no longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise
about one-quarter of a turn. If you hear a hiss, wait
for that to stop. This allows any pressure still left
to be vented.
2. Then keep turning the pressure cap slowly and
remove it.
5-36

Maintenance Schedule
Introduction
Important: Keep engine oil at the proper level and
change as recommended.
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements the vehicle warranties. See the Warranty
and Owner Assistance booklet or your dealer/retailer for
details.
Maintenance Requirements
Notice:Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections,
replacement parts, and recommended uids and
lubricants as prescribed in this manual are necessary
to keep this vehicle in good working condition.
Any damage caused by failure to follow scheduled
maintenance might not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep the
vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance is
important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even affect
the quality of the air we breathe. Improper uid levels or
the wrong tire ination can increase the level of emissions
from the vehicle. To help protect the environment, and to
keep the vehicle in good condition, be sure to maintain
the vehicle properly.
6-2

When the Change Engine Oil Soon message appears,
the following services, checks, and inspections are
required:
❑Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-18. Reset oil life system. SeeEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-21.An Emission Control Service.
❑Visually check for any leaks or damage.
See footnote (k).
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace
lter. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-25.
See footnote (l).
❑Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear.
SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 5-76and
“Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month on
page 6-11.❑Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).
❑Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid
levels and add uid as needed.
❑Perform any needed additional services.
See “Additional Required Services” in this
section.
❑Inspect suspension and steering components.
See footnote (b).
❑Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).
❑Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).
❑Inspect restraint system components.
See footnote (e).
❑Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).
6-5

(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders. Lubricate all body door
hinges. Lubricate all hinges and latches, including those
for the hood, rear compartment, console door, and any
folding seat hardware. More frequent lubrication may be
required when exposed to a corrosive environment.
Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean
cloth will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
(g)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, the filter
may require replacement more often.
(h)Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as high performance operation.(i)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service can
be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer perform
this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-32 for what to
use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser, pressure
cap, and filler neck. Pressure test the cooling system and
pressure cap.
(j)If using DOT-4 brake fluid only: Drain, flush, and refill
brake hydraulic system at a regular maintenance service
every two years. This service can be complex; you should
have your dealer/retailer perform this service. See Brakes
on page 5-42.
(k)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(l)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, inspect the
filter at each engine oil change.
(m)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
6-9

At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-18.
Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and, on CTS-V models,
check the intercooler coolant level. Add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-32.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Inspection and Ination Check
Inspect the vehicle’s tires for wear and make
sure they are inated to the correct pressures.
SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-69.
6-11