2009 CADILLAC CTS warning

3. Add the proper DEX-COOL®coolant mixture to the
ll neck until the coolant reaches the COLD FILL
line on the ll neck.
With the intercooler system pressure cap off, start
the engine and let it run for a couple of minutes.
Then turn the engine off. By this time, the coolant
level inside the ll neck may be lower. If the
level drops to where coolant is no longer visible in
the horizontal tube section of the ll neck, with
the engine off add more of the DEX-COOL
®coolant
mixture to the ll neck until the level is again
visible in the horizontal tube section.
4. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may occur.
Be sure the cap is properly and tightly secured.
If the coolant is not at the proper level when the system
cools down again, see your dealer/retailer.
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap
Notice:If the pressure cap is not tightly installed,
coolant loss and possible engine damage may occur.
Be sure the cap is properly and tightly secured.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap must be fully
installed on the coolant surge tank. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on page 5-14for more
information on location.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of engine
overheating.
There are two engine hot messages that may be
displayed in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-58for
more information.
You may decide not to lift the hood when this warning
appears, but instead get service help right away.
SeeRoadside Service on page 7-7.
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If No Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is displayed but no steam
can be seen or heard, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot
when the vehicle:
Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
Stops after high-speed driving.
Idles for long periods in traffic.
Tows a trailer.
If the overheat warning is displayed with no sign of
steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and
to the highest fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the
road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral) and let
the engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gage is no longer in the
overheat zone or an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive
the vehicle slow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the car in front of you. If the
warning does not come back on, continue to drive
normally.If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the
vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it cools down. Also,
see “Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode”
next in this section.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
This operating mode allows your vehicle to be driven
to a safe place in an emergency. Should a hot engine
condition exist, an overheat protection mode which
alternates ring groups of cylinders helps prevent engine
damage. In this mode, there is a loss in power and engine
performance. Driving extended miles (km) and/or towing
a trailer in the overheat protection mode should be
avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss and change the oil.
SeeEngine Oil on page 5-18.
5-39

Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When adding windshield washer uid to the vehicle, be
sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before
use. If you will be operating your vehicle in an area
where the temperature may fall below freezing, use a
uid that has sufficient protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The Washer Fluid Low Add Fluid message will appear
on the Driver Information Center (DIC) when the
uid level is low. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-58for more information.
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer uid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-14for reservoir
location.Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for adding
water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts
of the washer system. Also, water does not
clean as well as washer uid.
Fill the washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for uid
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage the vehicle’s
windshield washer system and paint.
5-41

Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder
reservoir is lled with
DOT-3 brake uid. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 5-14for
the location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid level in
the reservoir might go down:
The brake uid level goes down because of normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are installed,
the uid level goes back up.
A uid leak in the brake hydraulic system can also
cause a low uid level. Have the brake hydraulic
system xed, since a leak means that sooner
or later the brakes will not work well.Do not top off the brake uid. Adding uid does not
correct a leak. If uid is added when the linings are worn,
there will be too much uid when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove brake uid, as necessary, only
when work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If too much brake uid is added, it can spill on the
engine and burn, if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and the vehicle could
be damaged. Add brake uid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
If the ignition is in ON/RUN and the brake uid is low,
the Service Brake System message displays in the DIC.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-58.
When the brake uid falls to a low level, the brake
warning light comes on. SeeBrake System Warning
Light on page 3-39.
5-42

Brake Wear
This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads have
built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads
are needed. The sound can come and go or be heard all
the time the vehicle is moving, except when applying
the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
the brakes will not work well. That could lead to an
accident. When the brake wear warning sound is
heard, have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to torque specications in
Capacities and Specifications on page 5-127.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does not
return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign that brake service
might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time the brakes are applied, with or without the
vehicle moving, the brakes adjust for wear.
5-44

Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. The vehicle
was designed and tested with top-quality brake parts.
When parts of the braking system are replaced — for
example, when the brake linings wear down and new
ones are installed — be sure to get new approved
replacement parts. If this is not done, the brakes might
not work properly. For example, if someone puts in brake
linings that are wrong for the vehicle, the balance
between the front and rear brakes can change — for the
worse. The braking performance expected can change in
many other ways if the wrong replacement brake parts
are installed.
Battery
This vehicle has a maintenance free battery. It is located
in the trunk, behind the trim panel, on the passenger side
of the vehicle. When it is time for a new battery, see your
dealer/retailer for one that has the replacement number
shown on the original battery’s label.Warning:Battery posts, terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
After a power loss, such as disconnecting the battery
or removing the maxi fuses in the power distribution
fuse block, the following steps must be performed
to calibrate the electronic throttle control. If this is
not done, the engine will not run properly.
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN. Do not start the
engine.
2. Leave the ignition in ON/RUN for at least three
minutes so that the electronic throttle control will
cycle and re-learn its home position.
3. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
4. Start and run the engine for at least 30 seconds.
5-45

Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS). TPMS is designed to warn the driver when a
low tire pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel assembly, excluding
the spare tire and wheel assembly, if the vehicle has one.
The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in the
vehicle’s tires and transmits the tire pressure readings
to a receiver located in the vehicle.
Using the Driver Information Center (DIC), the driver
can also check tire pressure levels using the DIC.
For additional information and details about the DIC
operation and displays seeDIC Operation and Displays
on page 3-51andDIC Warnings and Messages on
page 3-58.
When a low tire pressure
condition is detected, the
TPMS illuminates the
low tire pressure warning
light located on the
instrument panel cluster.
A DIC warning message to check the pressure in a
specic tire is also shown on the DIC display screen.
The low tire pressure warning light and the DIC warning
message come at each ignition cycle until the tires
are inated to the correct ination pressure.The low tire pressure warning light may come on in cool
weather when the vehicle is rst started, and then
turn off as you start to drive. This could be an early
indicator that the air pressure in the tire(s) are getting
low and need to be inated to the proper pressure.
The Tire and Loading Information label, attached to
your vehicle, shows the size of your vehicle’s original
equipment tires and the correct ination pressure for the
tires when they are cold. SeeLoading the Vehicle on
page 4-20, for an example of the Tire and Loading
Information label and its location on your vehicle.
Also seeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-69.
Your vehicle’s TPMS can warn you about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace normal
tire maintenance. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-76andTires on page 5-61.
Notice:Using non-approved tire sealants could
damage the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
sensors. TPMS sensor damage caused by using
an incorrect tire sealant is not covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use the GM approved tire
sealant available through your dealer/retailer.
Your vehicle, when new, included a factory-installed
Tire Inator Kit. This kit uses a GM approved liquid
tire sealant. Using non-approved tire sealants could
damage the TPMS sensors. SeeTire Sealant and
Compressor Kit on page 5-86for information regarding
the inator kit materials and instructions.
5-73

TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
The TPMS will not function properly if one or more of the
TPMS sensors are missing or inoperable. When the
system detects a malfunction, the low tire warning light
ashes for about one minute and then stays on for
the remainder of the ignition cycle. A DIC warning
message is also displayed. The low tire warning light
and DIC warning message come on at each ignition
cycle until the problem is corrected. Some of the
conditions that can cause the malfunction light and DIC
message to come on are:
One of the road tires has been replaced with the
spare tire, if the vehicle has one. The spare tire
does not have a TPMS sensor. The DIC message
should go off once you re-install the road tire
containing the TPMS sensor.
The TPMS sensor matching process was not done
or not completed successfully after rotating the
vehicle’s tires. The DIC message should go off
after successfully completing the sensor matching
process. See “TPMS Sensor Matching Process”
later in this section.
One or more TPMS sensors are missing or
damaged. The DIC message and the TPMS
malfunction light should go off when the TPMS
sensors are installed and the sensor matching
process is performed successfully. See your dealer/
retailer for service.
Replacement tires or wheels do not match your
vehicle’s original equipment tires or wheels. Tires
and wheels other than those recommended for your
vehicle could prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. SeeBuying New Tires on page 5-78.
Operating electronic devices or being near facilities
using radio wave frequencies similar to the TPMS
could cause the TPMS sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning it cannot detect or signal a
low tire condition. See your dealer/retailer for service if
the TPMS malfunction light and DIC message comes on
and stays on.
TPMS Sensor Matching Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique identication code.
Any time you replace one or more of the TPMS sensors
or rotate your vehicle’s tires, the identication codes need
to be matched to the new tire/wheel position. The sensors
are matched to the tire/wheel positions in the following
order: driver side front tire, passenger side front tire,
passenger side rear tire, and driver side rear tire using a
TPMS diagnostic tool. See your dealer/retailer for
service.
5-74