2009 CADILLAC CTS sport mode

M (Manual Mode):This position allows the driver to
select the range of gears appropriate for current driving
conditions. If the vehicle has this feature, see Driver
Shift Control (DSC) later in this section.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission. If you are stuck, do
not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
Driver Shift Control (DSC)
Notice:If you drive the vehicle at high RPMs without
upshifting while using Driver Shift Control (DSC), you
could damage the vehicle. Always upshift when
necessary while using DSC.
Driver Shift Control (DSC) allows you to shift an
automatic transmission similar to a manual transmission.
To use the DSC feature:
1. Move the shift lever to the right from D (Drive) to
M (Manual Mode).
Once in M (Manual Mode), if you do not move the
shift lever forward or rearward, the vehicle will be in
sport mode. When you are in sport mode the vehicle
will still shift automatically. The transmission may
remain in a gear longer than it would in the normal
driving mode based on braking, throttle input, and
vehicle lateral acceleration.SPORT MODE will be displayed in the DIC
momentarily. The vehicle will remain in sport mode
if the shift lever is not moved. Sport mode will
shift automatically but remain in a gear longer then
it would in normal driving mode based on braking
and acceleration.
2. Press the shift lever forward to upshift or rearward
to downshift.
The tachometer display on the instrument panel cluster
will show which gear the vehicle is in. The number
indicates the requested gear range when moving the
shift lever forward or rearward. SeeSpeedometer and
Odometer on page 3-33for more information on the
odometer.
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CTS-V vehicles use tracer lights around the outside of the
tachometer as a performance up-shift light. These tracers
ash to indicate when to shift to the next higher gear to
avoid the engine speed limit. SeeTachometer on
page 3-34for more information.
While using the DSC feature, the vehicle will have rmer,
quicker shifting. You can use this for sport driving or when
climbing or descending hills, to stay in gear longer, or to
down shift for more power or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow you to shift into
gears appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM). The transmission will
not automatically shift to the next lower gear if the
engine RPM is too high.
If shifting is prevented for any reason, the currently
selected gear will ash multiple times, indicating that
the transmission has not shifted gears.
While in the DSC mode, the CTS automatic transmission
will automatically downshift when the vehicle comes
to a stop. This will allow for more power during take-off.
The CTS-V automatic transmission will not automatically
downshift on hard acceleration when in DSC mode.
When accelerating your vehicle from a stop in snowy and
icy conditions, you may want to shift into second gear.
A higher gear ratio allows you to gain more traction on
slippery surfaces.Tap Shift
To use Tap Shift, the shift lever must be in Manual
Mode. Vehicles with this feature have switches on the
back of the steering wheel. Tap the left switch to
downshift, and the right switch to upshift.
The tachometer display on the instrument panel cluster
will show which gear the vehicle is in and a number
indicating the requested gear range when moving the
shift lever forward or rearward. SeeSpeedometer and
Odometer on page 3-33for more information on the
odometer.
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CTS-V vehicles use tracer lights around the outside of the
tachometer as a performance up-shift light. These tracers
ash to indicate when to shift to the next higher gear to
avoid the engine speed limit. SeeTachometer on
page 3-34for more information.
While using the Tap Shift feature, the vehicle will have
rmer, quicker shifting for increased performance.
You can use this for sport driving or when climbing or
descending hills, to stay in gear longer, or to down shift
for more power or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow you to shift into
gears appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM). The transmission will not
automatically shift to the next lower gear if the engine
RPM is too high.
If shifting is prevented for any reason, the currently
selected gear will ash multiple times, indicating that the
transmission has not shifted gears.
While in the Tap Shift mode, the transmission will not
automatically downshift on hard acceleration.
When accelerating your vehicle from a stop in snowy
and icy conditions, you may want to shift into second
gear. A higher gear ratio allows you to gain more traction
on slippery surfaces.Manual Transmission Operation
If the vehicle has a manual transmission, the shift lever is
located on the center console between the front seats.
The following explains how to operate the manual
transmission.
1 (First):Press the clutch pedal and shift into 1 (First).
Then slowly let up on the clutch pedal as you press
the accelerator pedal.
Shift into 1 (First) when you are going less than
25 mph (40 km/h). For CTS-V, shift into 1 (First)
when you are going less than 40 mph (64 km/h).
If you come to a complete stop and it is hard to shift
into 1 (First), put the shift lever in Neutral and let up
on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back down.
Then shift into 1 (First).CTS
CTS-V
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Speed Limited To XXX MPH (km/h)
This message displays when the vehicle speed is limited
to 80 mph (128 km/h) because the vehicle detects a
problem in the speed variable assist steering, magnetic
ride control, or automatic leveling control systems.
Have the vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
Sport Mode
This message displays when the vehicle is in sport
mode. See “Driver Shift Control (DSC)” underAutomatic
Transmission Operation on page 2-36for more
information.
Stabilitrak Competitive Mode
This message displays when the Competitive Driving
mode is selected. When in this mode, the Traction
Control System (TCS) will not be operating and
the TCS/StabiliTrak warning light will turn on. Adjust
your driving accordingly. See “Competitive Driving
Mode” underTraction Control System (TCS) on
page 4-6for more information.
Stabilitrak Not Ready
This message may display after rst driving the vehicle
and exceeding 19 mph (30 km/h) for 30 seconds.
The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light on the instrument
panel cluster also comes on. The StabiliTrak system is
not functional until the message has turned off. See
StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6for more information.
Stabilitrak Off
This message displays when you turn off StabiliTrak,
or when the stability control has been automatically
disabled. The TCS/StabiliTrak warning light on
the instrument panel cluster also comes on.
To realize the full benets of the stability enhancement
system, you should normally leave StabiliTrak on.
To turn the StabiliTrak system on or off, seeStabiliTrak
®
System on page 4-6.
There are several conditions that can cause this message
to appear.
One condition is overheating, which could occur if
StabiliTrak activates continuously for an extended
period of time.
The message also displays if the brake system
warning light is on. SeeBrake System Warning Light
on page 3-39.
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The message could display if the stability system
takes longer than usual to complete its diagnostic
checks due to driving conditions.
The message displays if an engine or vehicle related
problem has been detected and the vehicle needs
service. See your dealer/retailer.
The message turns off as soon as the conditions that
caused the message to be displayed are no longer
present.
Start Aborted By Theft Deterrent
This message displays if there is a communication
problem between the keyless access system and the
vehicle. The vehicle cannot be started when this
message displays. See your dealer/retailer for service.
Suspension Mode Sport (CTS-V Only)
This message will be displayed when sport mode is
selected using the Magnetic Ride Control button in the
center of the instrument panel. SeeMagnetic Ride
Control™ on page 4-8for more information.
Suspension Mode Tour (CTS-V Only)
This message will be displayed when touring mode
is selected using the Magnetic Ride Control button in
the center of the instrument panel. SeeMagnetic
Ride Control™ on page 4-8for more information.
Theft Attempted
This message displays if the theft-deterrent system has
detected a break-in attempt while you were away
from the vehicle. SeeTheft-Deterrent System on
page 2-26for more information.
Tighten Gas Cap
This message displays when the fuel cap has not been
fully tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to ensure that it
is on and tightened properly.
Tire Learning Active
This message displays when the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS) is re-learning the tire positions on
the vehicle. The tire positions must be re-learned after
rotating the tires or after replacing a tire or sensor.
SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 5-76,
Tire Pressure Monitor System on page 5-71, and
Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 5-69for more
information.
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Competitive Driving Mode
To select this optional handling mode, press the
TCS/StabiliTrak button quickly two times and the
STABILITRAK COMPETITVE MODE displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC). While in the StabiliTrak
Competitive Mode, TCS does not limit wheel spin, and
the TCS/StabiliTrak warning light comes on. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
Press the TCS/StabiliTrak button again, or turn the
ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY and restart the vehicle,
to turn TCS back on and turn the TCS/StabiliTrak
warning light off.
Notice:When traction control is turned off, or
Competitive Driving Mode is active, it is possible to
lose traction. If you attempt to shift with the rear
wheels spinning with a loss of traction, it is possible
to cause damage to the transmission. Do not attempt
to shift when the rear wheels do not have traction.
Damage caused by misuse of the vehicle is not
covered. See the warranty book for additional
information.
Magnetic Ride Control™
With this feature on the CTS-V, the Magnetic Ride
Control system adjusts the ride of the vehicle to Touring
or Sport modes. Magnetic Ride Control monitors the
suspension system to determine the proper system
response.
TOUR:Use for normal city and highway driving.
This setting provides a smooth, soft ride.
SPORT:Use where road conditions or personal
preference demand more control. This setting provides
more “feel”, or response to road conditions.
The setting can be changed at any time. Based on road
conditions, steering wheel angle and the vehicle speed,
the system automatically adjusts to provide the best
handling while providing a smooth ride. The Touring and
Sport modes will feel similar on a smooth road. Select a
new setting whenever driving conditions change.
The Driver Information Center (DIC) briey displays
SUSPENSION MODE TOURING or SUSPENSION
MODE SPORT on vehicle startup or when a new mode
is selected.
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Press and release this
button, located in the
center of the instrument
panel, to change modes.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Vehicles with a limited-slip rear axle can give more
traction on snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like
a standard axle most of the time, but when traction
is low, this feature allows the drive wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
With this feature, the AWD system will automatically
monitor and adjust engine power to the front and
rear wheels for the best traction and handling. If there is
a loss of traction or stability, the AWD system works
with the electronic stability control system to increase
power to the front wheels as necessary.
If the spare tire is on the vehicle, there may be a slight
reduction in performance of the AWD system.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-58for
AWD related DIC messages.
Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer but
it will take much more effort.
Speed Variable Assist Steering
Your vehicle has a steering system that varies the
amount of effort required to steer the vehicle in relation
to the speed of the vehicle.
The amount of steering effort required is less at slower
speeds to make the vehicle more maneuverable and
easier to park. At faster speeds, the steering effort
increases to provide a sport-like feel to the steering.
This provides maximum control and stability.
If your vehicle seems harder to steer than normal when
parking or driving slowly, there may be a problem
with the system. You will still have power steering, but
steering will be stiffer than normal at slow speeds.
See your dealer/retailer for service.
4-9

Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government
If you live in Canada, and you believe that your
vehicle has a safety defect, notify Transport Canada
immediately, in addition to notifying General Motors of
Canada Limited. Call them at 1-800-333-0510 or write to:
Transport Canada
Road Safety Branch
2780 Sheffield Road
Ottawa, Ontario K1B 3V9
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport Canada) in
a situation like this, please notify General Motors.
Call 1-800-458-8006, or write:
Cadillac Customer Assistance Center
Cadillac Motor Car Division
P.O. Box 33169
Detroit, MI 48232-5169
In Canada, call 1-888-446-2000, or write:
Canadian Cadillac Customer Communication Centre,
CA1-163-005
General Motors of Canada Limited
1908 Colonel Sam Drive
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 8P7
Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give additional technical service
information needed to knowledgeably service
General Motors cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains
instructions to assist in the diagnosis and service of
your vehicle.
Owner Information
Owner publications are written specically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The owner manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 (U.S.) plus processing fee
Without Portfolio: Owner Manual only.
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