2009 CADILLAC CTS battery

Exterior Lighting Battery Saver
The exterior lamps turn off about 10 minutes after the
ignition is turned to LOCK/OFF, if the parking lamps
or headlamps have been left on. This protects against
draining the battery. The battery saver does not work
if the headlamps are turned on after the ignition is turned
to LOCK/OFF.
To keep the lamps on for more than 10 minutes, turn
the lamps back on with the exterior lamp control.
Instrument Panel Brightness
The knob with this symbol
is located on the instrument
panel to the left of the
steering column.
Turn the knob clockwise or counterclockwise to brighten
or dim the lights.
Turn the knob completely clockwise to turn on the
interior lamps.
Entry Lighting
The entry lighting system turns on the reading and
dome lamps and the backlighting to the exterior lamp
control, when a door is opened or if the transmitter
unlock button is pressed. If activated by the transmitter,
the lighting stays on for about 25 seconds. The entry
lighting system uses the light sensor on the instrument
panel; so it must be dark outside in order for the lamps
to turn on. The lamps turn off about 25 seconds after
the last door is closed. They dim then turn off if the
ignition key is turned to ON/RUN. They immediately
turn off if the power locks are used.
Parade Dimming
This feature does not let the instrument panel backlight
dim during daylight hours while the key is in the
ignition and the headlamps are on. Parade dimming
automatically works with the light sensor, located on top
of the dashboard. If it is dark enough outside and the
parking lamps are on, the backlight on the instrument
panel can be adjusted by turning the instrument panel
brightness knob clockwise or counterclockwise to
brighten or dim the lighting. SeeInstrument Panel
Brightness on page 3-20.
3-20

Reading Lamps
The reading lamps are located on the overhead console.
These lamps come on automatically when any door is
opened.
For manual operation, press the button next to each
lamp to turn it on or off.
If the reading lamps are left on, they automatically shut
off 10 minutes after the ignition has been turned off.
Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery’s temperature and state of charge.
It then adjusts the voltage for best performance and
extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage is
raised slightly to quickly bring the charge back up. When
the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered slightly
to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a voltmeter
gage or a voltage display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you may see the voltage move up or down.
This is normal. If there is a problem, an alert will be
displayed.The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator (alternator) may not be
spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the power that
is needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following are on: headlamps, high beams, fog lamps,
rear window defogger, climate control fan at high speed,
heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer loads, and
loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output
and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase
engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands of
some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels
of corrective action, this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message
might be displayed, such as BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE,
BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW BATTERY. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that the driver
reduce the electrical loads as much as possible. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-58.
3-21

Battery Run-Down Protection
This feature helps to prevent battery drain if accessory
lamps are left on. If accessory lamps such as the
vanity mirror, cargo, reading, console, or glove box
are left on, they automatically time-out after about
20 minutes. To reset the battery protection, all of the
above lamps must be turned off or the ignition must be
in the ACC/ACCESSORY position.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Accessory power outlets can be used to connect
auxiliary electrical equipment, such as a cellular
telephone.
There are three accessory power outlets. There is an
outlet located in the front storage area below the climate
control system, one inside the center console storage
bin, and one on the rear of the center console.
To use an outlet, remove the protective cap. When not
in use, always cover the outlet with the protective cap.
The accessory power outlet is operational at all times.Notice:If electrical devices are left plugged into
a power outlet, the battery may drain causing
the vehicle not to start or damage to the battery.
This would not be covered by the warranty.
Always unplug all electrical devices when turning
off the vehicle.
Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible
with the accessory power outlet and could result
in blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience
a problem see your dealer/retailer for additional
information on accessory power outlets.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to the
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating of
20 amperes. Check with your dealer/retailer before
adding electrical equipment.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can cause
damage not covered by the warranty. Do not hang
any type of accessory or accessory bracket from the
plug because the power outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only.
3-22

If none of the above have made the light turn off, your
dealer/retailer can check the vehicle. The dealer/retailer
has the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to
x any mechanical or electrical problems that might have
developed.
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have or
might begin programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on the vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection
could prevent getting a vehicle registration.
Here are some things to know to help the vehicle pass
an inspection:
The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the check
engine light is on with the engine running, or if the
key is in the ON/RUN and the light is not on.
For vehicles with a Keyless Access ignition,
make sure the transmitter is in the passenger
compartment. SeeIgnition Positions (Key Access)
on page 2-31orIgnition Positions (Keyless Access)
on page 2-32.
The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the OBD II
(on-board diagnostic) system determines that critical
emission control systems have not been completely
diagnosed by the system. The vehicle would be
considered not ready for inspection. This can happen
if the battery has recently been replaced or if the
battery has run down. The diagnostic system is
designed to evaluate critical emission control
systems during normal driving. This can take several
days of routine driving. If this has been done and the
vehicle still does not pass the inspection for lack of
OBD II system readiness, your dealer/retailer can
prepare the vehicle for inspection.
3-45

Tire Pressure
The pressure for each tire can be viewed in the DIC.
The tire pressure is shown in either pounds per square
inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa). Press the vehicle
information button until the DIC displays Front Tire PSI
(kPa) Left ## Right ##. Press the vehicle information
button again until the DIC displays Rear Tire PSI (kPa)
Left ## Right ##.
If a low or high tire pressure condition is detected by
the system while driving, a message advising you
to check the pressure in a specic tire appears in the
display. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-69and
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-58for more
information.
Battery Voltage
This display shows the current battery voltage.
The vehicle’s charging system regulates voltage based
on the state of the battery. The battery voltage may
uctuate when viewing this information on the DIC.
This is normal.If there is a problem with the battery charging system,
the charging system light illuminates and/or the DIC
displays a message. SeeCharging System Light
on page 3-38,DIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-58andElectric Power Management on
page 3-21for more information.
Calibrate Compass
The vehicle may have this feature. The compass can be
manually calibrated. To calibrate the compass through
the DIC, seeDIC Compass on page 3-56.
Change Compass Zone
The vehicle may have this feature. To change the
compass zone through the DIC, seeDIC Compass on
page 3-56.
3-54

Automatic Light Control Off
This message displays when the automatic headlamps
are turned off.
Automatic Light Control On
This message displays when the automatic headlamps
are turned on.
Battery Saver Active
This message displays when the system detects
that the battery voltage is dropping below expected
levels. The battery saver system starts reducing certain
features of the vehicle that you may be able to notice.
At the point that the features are disabled, this message
is displayed. It means that the vehicle is trying to
save the charge in the battery.
Turn off all unnecessary accessories to allow the battery
to recharge.
The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts.
You can monitor battery voltage on the DIC by pressing
the vehicle information button until Battery Voltage is
displayed.
Battery Volts Low
This message displays when the electrical system is
charging less than 10 volts or the battery has been
drained.
If this message appears immediately after starting the
engine, it is possible that the generator can still recharge
the battery. The battery should recharge while driving,
but may take a few hours to do so. Consider using
an auxiliary charger to boost the battery after returning
home or to a nal destination. Make sure you follow
the manufacturer’s instructions.
If this message appears while driving or after starting
the vehicle and stays on, have it checked immediately to
determine the cause of this problem.
To help the generator recharge the battery quickly, you
can reduce the load on the electrical system by
turning off the accessories.
The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts.
You can monitor battery voltage on the DIC by pressing
the vehicle information button until Battery Voltage is
displayed.
3-59

If moving the transmitter to different locations within
the vehicle does not help, place the transmitter in the
center console transmitter pocket with the buttons facing
the front of the vehicle and then start the vehicle.
The vehicle’s battery voltage is low. The battery
voltage must be above 10 volts for the keyless
access transmitter to be detected properly.
Electronic Key Not Detected Restart
Allowed
If the vehicle has the keyless access system, this
message displays when the keyless access transmitter is
not detected inside the vehicle while you are trying to turn
the ignition off. The vehicle may be near a strong radio
antenna signal causing the keyless access system to be
jammed. If you have the keyless access transmitter with
you, get out of the vehicle and lock the doors. If you do
not have the keyless access transmitter with you, you will
be able to start the vehicle again within ve minutes, or
until the vehicle’s content theft deterrent system is armed.
SeeStarting the Engine on page 2-33for more
information.
Engine Hot A/C (Air Conditioning) Off
This message displays when the engine coolant
becomes hotter than the normal operating temperature.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-42.
To avoid added strain on a hot engine, the air
conditioning compressor automatically turns off. When
the coolant temperature returns to normal, the air
conditioning compressor turns back on. You can
continue to drive the vehicle.
If this message continues to appear, have the system
repaired by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible
to avoid damage to the engine.
3-62

Rainsense Wipers Active
If the vehicle has this feature, this message displays
while the Rainsense™ wipers are active. See
Rainsense™ Wipers on page 3-10for more information.
Ready To Learn Electronic Key # X
If the vehicle has the keyless access system, this
message displays while matching new transmitters to
the vehicle. SeeKeyless Access System Operation
on page 2-8for more information.
Release Park Brake Switch
For vehicles with the Electric Parking Brake, this
message displays if the Park Brake switch is pulled
while the vehicle is moving. SeeElectric Parking Brake
on page 2-44for more information.
Remote Key Learning Active
If the vehicle has the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system, this message displays while matching
new transmitters to the vehicle. See “Matching
Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle” underRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-6and
DIC Operation and Displays on page 3-51for more
information.
Replace Battery In Remote Key
This message displays when the battery in the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) or keyless access transmitter
needs to be replaced. To replace the battery, see
“Battery Replacement” underRemote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation on page 2-6orKeyless Access
System Operation on page 2-8.
Right Rear Door Open
This message displays when the passenger side rear
door is not closed completely. Make sure that the door is
closed completely.
Rotate Control To Off Position
If the vehicle has the keyless access system,
this message displays when the ignition is in
ACC/ACCESSORY and the shift lever has just been
moved to P (Park). The message displays as a reminder
to turn the ignition off. To avoid draining the battery,
make sure the ignition is turned off before leaving
the vehicle.
Service Air Bag
This message displays when there is a problem with the
airbag system. Have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer immediately. SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 3-36for more information.
3-66