2009 CADILLAC CTS service

Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different
than driving on at or rolling terrain. Tips for driving
in these conditions include:
Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
Check all uid levels and brakes, tires, cooling
system, and transmission.
Going down steep or long hills, shift to a
lower gear.
{CAUTION:
If you do not shift down, the brakes could get so
hot that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{CAUTION:
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the ignition
off is dangerous. The brakes will have to do all the
work of slowing down and they could get so hot
that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Always have the engine running
and the vehicle in gear when going downhill.
Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut
across the center of the road. Drive at speeds
that let you stay in your own lane.
Top of hills: Be alert — something could be in your
lane (stalled car, accident).
Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocks
area, winding roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
4-16

Blizzard Conditions
Being stuck in snow can be in a serious situation.
Stay with the vehicle unless there is help nearby.
If possible, use theRoadside Service on page 7-7.
To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe:
Turn on theHazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{CAUTION:
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle.
This may cause exhaust gases to get inside.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
Clear away snow from around the base of
your vehicle, especially any that is blocking
the exhaust pipe.
Check again from time to time to be sure
snow does not collect there.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Open a window about two inches (5 cm) on
the side of the vehicle that is away from the
wind to bring in fresh air.
Fully open the air outlets on or under the
instrument panel.
Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting
that circulates the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest setting.
See Climate Control System in the Index.
For more information about carbon monoxide,
seeEngine Exhaust on page 2-50.
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you.
You cannot see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking the exhaust
Run the engine for short periods only as needed to
keep warm, but be careful.
To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods as
needed to warm the vehicle and then shut the engine off
and close the window most of the way to save heat.
4-18

Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
Consult your dealer/retailer or a professional towing
service if the disabled vehicle needs to be towed.
SeeRoadside Service on page 7-7.
To tow the vehicle behind another vehicle for
recreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),
see Recreational Vehicle Towing following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle
behind another vehicle – such as behind a motorhome.
The two most common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as “dinghy towing” (towing the vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground) and “dolly towing”
(towing the vehicle with two wheels on the ground
and two wheels up on a device known as a “dolly”).
Here are some important things to consider before
recreational vehicle towing:
What is the towing capacity of the towing vehicle?
Be sure to read the tow vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations.
What is the distance that will be travelled? Some
vehicles have restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.
Is the proper towing equipment going to be used?
See your dealer/retailer or trailering professional
for additional advice and equipment
recommendations.
Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as preparing
the vehicle for a long trip, make sure the vehicle is
prepared to be towed. SeeBefore Leaving on a
Long Trip on page 4-15.
Dinghy Towing
Notice:If the vehicle is towed with all four wheels
on the ground, the drivetrain components could
be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not tow the vehicle with all
four wheels on the ground.
The vehicle was not designed to be towed with all
four wheels on the ground. If a rear-wheel-drive vehicle
must be towed, a dolly or a trailer should be used. If an
all-wheel-drive vehicle must be towed, a trailer should be
used. See “Dolly Towing” following for more information.
4-26

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

Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....5-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of the
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-6
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-7
Additives.......................................................5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-8
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-11
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-12
Hood Release..............................................5-12
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-14
Engine Oil...................................................5-18
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-21
Engine Cover...............................................5-23
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-25
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-29
Manual Transmission Fluid.............................5-29
Hydraulic Clutch...........................................5-30
Cooling System............................................5-31
Engine Coolant.............................................5-32Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-37
Engine Overheating.......................................5-37
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode.........................................5-39
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-40
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-41
Brakes........................................................5-42
Battery........................................................5-45
Jump Starting...............................................5-46
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-51
Rear Axle.......................................................5-52
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-53
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-57
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............5-57
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-57
Front Turn Signal and Fog Lamps...................5-58
License Plate Lamp......................................5-59
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-59
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-59
Tires..............................................................5-61
Winter Tires.................................................5-62
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-63
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-66
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-69
High-Speed Operation...................................5-70
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................5-71
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

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

Service
For service and parts needs, visit your dealer/retailer.
You will receive genuine GM parts and GM-trained and
supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
Accessories and Modications
When non-dealer/non-retailer accessories are added to
the vehicle, they can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as airbags, braking, stability,
ride and handling, emissions systems, aerodynamics,
durability, and electronic systems like antilock brakes,
traction control, and stability control. Some of these
accessories could even cause malfunction or damage
not covered by the vehicle warranty.
GM Accessories are designed to complement and
function with other systems on the vehicle. Your
GM dealer/retailer can accessorize the vehicle using
genuine GM Accessories. When you go to your
GM dealer/retailer and ask for GM Accessories, you will
know that GM-trained and supported service technicians
will perform the work using genuine GM Accessories.
Also, seeAdding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle on page 1-73.
5-3

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