2009 CADILLAC CTS ignition

DIC Warnings and Messages
Messages are displayed on the DIC to notify the driver
that the status of the vehicle has changed and that
some action may be needed by the driver to correct the
condition. Multiple messages may appear one after
another.
Some messages may not require immediate action,
but you can press
V(Set/Reset) to acknowledge that
you received the messages and to clear them from
the display.
Some messages cannot be cleared from the DIC
display because they are more urgent. These messages
require action before they can be cleared. You should
take any messages that appear on the display seriously
and remember that clearing the messages will only
make the messages disappear, not correct the problem.
The following are the possible messages that can be
displayed and some information about them.
Accessory Mode Active
If the vehicle has the keyless access system, this
message displays when the accessory mode is active.
SeeIgnition Positions (Key Access) on page 2-31
orIgnition Positions (Keyless Access) on page 2-32
for more information.
AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting)
Lamps Need Service
This message displays when the Adaptive Forward
Lighting (AFL) system is disabled and needs service.
See your dealer/retailer. SeeAdaptive Forward Lighting
System on page 3-19for more information.
All Wheel Drive Off
If the vehicle has the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system,
this message displays when there is a temporary
condition making the AWD system unavailable.
The vehicle will run in 2WD. This could be caused by:
Loss of wheel or vehicle speed
AWD system overheat
Certain vehicle electrical conditions
This message turns off when the above conditions are
no longer present and by resetting the warning
message.
To reset the warning message, turn the ignition off
and then back on again after 30 seconds. If the
message stays on, see your dealer/retailer right away.
SeeAll-Wheel Drive (AWD) System on page 4-9for
more information.
3-58

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

Engine Oil Low Add Oil
If the vehicle has an oil level sensor, this message
displays if the oil level in the vehicle is low. Check the
oil level and correct it as necessary. You may need to let
the vehicle cool or warm up and cycle the ignition to
be sure this message clears.
This message clears itself after 10 seconds, until the
next ignition cycle. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-18
for additional information.
Engine Overheated Idle Engine
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
is overheating, severe engine damage may occur.
If an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Do not increase the engine speed above
normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-37for more information.
This message displays when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle to
idle until it cools down. SeeEngine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light on page 3-41.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating Mode on
page 5-39for information on driving to a safe place
in an emergency.
Engine Power Is Reduced
This message displays when the engine power is
being reduced to protect the engine from damage.
There could be several malfunctions that might cause
this message. Reduced engine power can affect
the vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message is on,
but there is no reduction in performance, proceed to
your destination. The performance may be reduced the
next time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be
driven at a reduced speed while this message is on, but
acceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, the vehicle should be taken to
your dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
Fuel Level Low
This message displays when the vehicle is low on fuel.
Rell the fuel tank as soon as possible. A chime may
sound when this message displays. SeeFilling the Tank
on page 5-8.
Heated Washer Fluid Wash (Washer)
Wipes Pending
If the vehicle has this feature, this message displays
when you turn on the heated windshield washer
uid system. See “Heated Windshield Washer” under
Windshield Washer on page 3-12for more information.
3-63

Stop the vehicle immediately, as engine damage can
result from driving a vehicle with low oil pressure.
Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer as
soon as possible when this message is displayed.
Park Brake Released
For vehicles with the Electric Parking Brake, this
message displays when the parking brake has been
released from the set position. SeeElectric Parking
Brake on page 2-44for more information.
Park Brake Set
For vehicles with the Electric Parking Brake, this
message displays when the parking brake has been
applied to the set position. SeeElectric Parking Brake
on page 2-44for more information.
Parking Assist Off
If the vehicle has the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
(URPA) system, after the vehicle has been started, this
message displays to remind the driver that the URPA
system has been turned off. Press the set/reset button to
acknowledge this message and clear it from the DIC
display. To turn the URPA system back on, see “Parking
Assist” underDIC Operation and Displays on page 3-51.
SeeUltrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) on
page 2-54for more information.
Passenger Door Open
This message displays when the passenger side front
door is not closed completely. Make sure that the door
is closed completely.
Press Brake Pedal to Release Park
Brake
For vehicles with the Electric Parking Brake, this
message displays if you try to release the park
brake system without rst pressing the brake pedal.
SeeElectric Parking Brake on page 2-44for more
information.
Press Brake To Start Engine
(Automatic Transmission Only)
If the vehicle has the keyless access system, this
message displays if you try to start the engine without
having the brake pressed. The brake needs to be
pressed when starting the engine. SeeIgnition Positions
(Key Access) on page 2-31orIgnition Positions
(Keyless Access) on page 2-32for more information.
Press Start Control To Learn Keys
If the vehicle has the keyless access system, this
message displays when matching new transmitters to
the vehicle. SeeKeyless Access System Operation
on page 2-8for more information.
3-65

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

Service A/C System
This message displays when the electronic sensors that
control the air conditioning and heating systems are
no longer working. Have the climate control system
serviced by your dealer/retailer if you notice a drop in
heating and air conditioning efficiency.
Service All Wheel Drive
This message displays if a problem occurs with the
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. The vehicle will run in
2WD. This could be caused by:
An electronics problem
An AWD system oil overheat
Worn out or overheated clutch plates
Various electrical issues
If this message appears, stop as soon as possible
and turn off the ignition for 30 seconds. Restart
the vehicle and check for the message on the DIC
display. If the message is still displayed or appears
again when you begin driving, the system needs service.
See your dealer/retailer right away.
Service Battery Charging System
This message displays when there is a problem with the
generator and battery charging systems. Driving with this
problem could drain the battery. Turn off all unnecessary
accessories. Stop and turn off the vehicle as soon as it is
safe to do so. Have the electrical system checked by your
dealer/retailer. Under certain conditions, the charging
system light may also turn on in the instrument panel
cluster. SeeCharging System Light on page 3-38for
more information.
Service Brake Assist
This message displays if there is a problem with the
brake system. The brake system warning light and the
antilock brake system (ABS) warning light may also
display on the instrument panel cluster. SeeBrake
System Warning Light on page 3-39andAntilock Brake
System (ABS) Warning Light on page 3-40for more
information. Stop as soon as possible and turn off the
vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message displays immediately
or again after you begin driving, the brake system
needs service. See your dealer/retailer as soon as
possible. SeeBrakes on page 5-42for more information.
3-67

Service Brake System
This message displays, while the ignition is on, when
the brake uid level is low. The brake system warning
light on the instrument panel cluster also comes on.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-39for more
information. Have the brake system serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
Service Keyless Start System
If the vehicle has the keyless access system, this
message displays when there is a problem with this
feature. See your dealer/retailer.
Service Park Brake
For vehicles with the Electric Parking Brake, this
message displays if a problem is detected with the
electric parking brake system. See your dealer/retailer
for service.
Service Parking Assist
If the vehicle has the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
(URPA) system, this message displays if there is
a problem with the URPA system. SeeUltrasonic
Rear Parking Assist (URPA) on page 2-54for more
information. See your dealer/retailer for service.
Service Power Steering
This message displays if a problem is detected with
the speed variable assist steering system. When
this message is displayed, you may notice that the
effort required to steer the vehicle increases or feels
heavier, but you will still be able to steer the vehicle.
SeeSteering on page 4-9.
Service Stabilitrak
This message displays if there has been a
problem detected with the StabiliTrak®system.
The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light on the instrument
panel cluster also comes on.
If this message comes on while you are driving, pull
off the road as soon as possible and stop carefully.
Try resetting the system by turning the ignition off then
back on. If this message still stays on or comes back
on again while you are driving, the vehicle needs
service. Have the StabiliTrak system inspected by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible. SeeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-6for more information.
Service Suspension System
This message displays when there is a problem with the
Magnetic Ride Control system. SeeMagnetic Ride
Control™ on page 4-8for more information. Have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
3-68

Service Theft Deterrent System
This message displays when there is a problem with the
theft-deterrent system programmed in the key. A fault
has been detected in the system which means that
the system is disabled and it is not protecting the
vehicle. The vehicle usually restarts; however, you may
want to take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer before
turning off the engine. SeeImmobilizer Operation
(Key Access) on page 2-28orImmobilizer Operation
(Keyless Access) on page 2-29for more information.
Service Tire Monitor System
This message displays if a part on the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS) is not working properly. The tire
pressure light also ashes and then remains on during
the same ignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on
page 3-42. Several conditions may cause this message
to appear. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on
page 5-73for more information. If the warning comes on
and stays on, there may be a problem with the TPMS.
See your dealer/retailer.
Service Traction Control
This message displays when there is a problem with the
Traction Control System (TCS). The TCS/StabiliTrak
warning light on the instrument panel cluster also comes
on. When this message displays, the system will notlimit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
See your dealer/retailer for service. SeeTraction
Control System (TCS) on page 4-6for more
information.
Service Transmission
This message displays when there is a problem with the
vehicle’s transmission. Have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer.
Service Vehicle Soon
This message displays when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
Shift To Park (Automatic
Transmission Only)
If the vehicle has the keyless access system, this
message displays if the vehicle is not in P (Park) while
the engine is being turned off. The vehicle will be in
ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the shift lever is moved
to P (Park), the ignition needs to be turned off. If the
ignition is not turned off, the vehicle will remain in
ACC/ACCESSORY. To avoid draining the battery,
turn the ignition to off before leaving the vehicle.
3-69