2009 CADILLAC DTS fuel cap

To open the fuel door, push the rearward center edge in
and release and it will open.
To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly counterclockwise.
The fuel cap has a spring in it; if the cap is released
too soon, it will spring back to the right.
While refueling, hang the tethered fuel cap from the
hook on the fuel door.
{CAUTION:
Fuel can spray out on you if you open the fuel cap
too quickly. If you spill fuel and then something
ignites it, you could be badly burned. This spray
can happen if the tank is nearly full, and is more
likely in hot weather. Open the fuel cap slowly and
wait for any hiss noise to stop. Then unscrew the
cap all the way.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Do not top off or overll the
tank and wait a few seconds after you have nished
pumping before removing the nozzle. Clean fuel
from painted surfaces as soon as possible. See
Washing Your Vehicle on page 5-90.
When replacing the fuel cap, turn it clockwise until it
clicks. Make sure the cap is fully installed. The diagnostic
system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. This would allow fuel to evaporate
into the atmosphere. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 3-61.
5-8

The TIGHTEN GAS CAP message displays on the
Driver Information Center (DIC) if the fuel cap is
not properly installed. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-73for more information.
{CAUTION:
If a re starts while you are refueling, do not
remove the nozzle. Shut off the ow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by notifying the station
attendant. Leave the area immediately.
Notice:If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get
the right type. Your dealer/retailer can get one
for you. If you get the wrong type, it may not t
properly. This may cause the malfunction indicator
lamp to light and may damage the fuel tank and
emissions system. SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 3-61.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{CAUTION:
Never ll a portable fuel container while it is in
the vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the fuel vapor. You can be
badly burned and the vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others:
Dispense fuel only into approved containers.
Do not ll a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed, or on
any surface other than the ground.
Bring the ll nozzle in contact with the inside
of the ll opening before operating the nozzle.
Contact should be maintained until the lling
is complete.
Do not smoke while pumping fuel.
Do not use a cellular phone while
pumping fuel.
5-9

A.Underhood Fuse Block on page 5-95.
B. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 5-38.
C. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-32.
D. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
SeeEngine Coolant on page 5-23.
E. Remote Negative (−) Terminal. SeeJump Starting
on page 5-38.
F.Power Steering Fluid on page 5-31.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
H. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-13.
I. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-33.
J. Automatic Transmission Fluid Cap and Dipstick
(Out of View). SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid on
page 5-19.
K.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17.Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at each
fuel ll. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil must
be warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
the location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutes
to drain back into the oil pan. If this is not done, the
oil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towel
or cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it
again, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
5-13

Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the
tire pressing outward on each square inch of the
tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight
:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be
made from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount of air pressure in
a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-57.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard and optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance
with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identication Number (TIN),
an alphanumeric designator which can also identify
the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand,
and date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. See
Loading the Vehicle on page 4-19.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
front axle. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 4-19.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
rear axle. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 4-19.
5-54

Ination - Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of air pressure to
operate effectively.
Notice:Do not let anyone tell you that
under-ination or over-ination is all right. It is
not. If your tires do not have enough air
(under-ination), you can get the following:
Too much exing
Too much heat
Tire overloading
Premature or irregular wear
Poor handling
Reduced fuel economy
If your tires have too much air (over-ination),
you can get the following:
Unusual wear
Poor handling
Rough ride
Needless damage from road hazardsA Tire and Loading Information label is attached
to the vehicle’s center pillar. This label lists your
vehicle’s original equipment tires and shows the
correct ination pressures for your tires when they
are cold. The recommended cold tire ination
pressure, shown on the label, is the minimum
amount of air pressure needed to support your
vehicle’s maximum load carrying capacity.
For additional information regarding how much
weight your vehicle can carry, and an example of
the Tire and Loading Information label, seeLoading
the Vehicle on page 4-19. How you load your
vehicle affects the vehicle handling and ride
comfort, never load your vehicle with more weight
than it was designed to carry.
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more. Do not
forget to check the spare tire. If your vehicle has a
compact spare tire, it should be at 60 psi (420 kPa).
For additional information seeSpare Tire on
page 5-85.
5-57

Capacities and Specications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-11for more information.
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning RefrigerantFor the air conditioning system refrigerant charge
amount, see the refrigerant caution label located
under the hood. See your dealer/retailer for more
information.
Cooling System 12.6 qt 12.0 L
Engine Oil with Filter 7.5 qt 7.1 L
Fuel Tank 18.5 gal 70.0 L
Transmission 7.4 qt 7.0 L
Wheel Nut Torque 100 lb ft 140Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to ll to the approximate level as recommended in this
manual. Recheck uid level after lling.
Engine Specications
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
4.6L DOHC V8 Engine Y Automatic 0.050 in (1.27 mm)
4.6L DOHC V8 Engine 9 Automatic 0.050 in (1.27 mm)
5-103

(j)Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-23
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure test
the cooling system and pressure cap.
(k)A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired
and the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(l)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
(m)If driving regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.
Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure vehicle
safety, dependability, and emission control performance.
Your dealer/retailer can assist with these checks and
services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to the
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-11.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil
if necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13.
Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-23.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary.
6-8

Audio System.................................................3-95
Audio Steering Wheel Controls....................3-127
Navigation/Radio System,
see Navigation Manual............................3-116
Setting the Clock.........................................3-96
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System...........3-129
Audio System(s).............................................3-99
Audio Systems
Radio Reception........................................3-128
Theft-Deterrent Feature...............................3-127
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-19
Operation...................................................2-29
B
Backglass Antenna........................................3-129
Battery..........................................................5-36
Electric Power Management..........................3-36
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver......................3-34
Inadvertent Power Saver..............................3-37
Load Management.......................................3-36
Run-Down Protection...................................3-37
Belt Routing, Engine.......................................6-14
Bluetooth
®....................................................3-116
Brake
Emergencies................................................ 4-5
Brake Fluid....................................................5-33Brakes..........................................................5-33
Antilock....................................................... 4-4
Parking......................................................2-32
System Warning Light..................................3-56
Braking........................................................... 4-4
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-5
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-24
Bulb Replacement
Fog Lamp ..................................................3-34
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-43
Headlamps.................................................5-46
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting...........5-46
Buying New Tires...........................................5-68
C
Calibration.............................................1-11, 2-38
California
Perchlorate Materials Requirements................. 5-4
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
California Proposition 65 Warning....................... 5-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-103
Carbon Monoxide
Engine Exhaust...........................................2-36
Trunk.........................................................2-13
Winter Driving.............................................4-16
2