2009 CADILLAC DTS transmission

Notice:Driving the vehicle if you notice that it is
moving slowly or not shifting gears as you increase
speed may damage the transmission. Have the
vehicle serviced right away. You can drive in
2 (Second) when you are driving less than 35 mph
(55 km/h) and D (Drive) for higher speeds until then.
D (Drive) can be used for towing. You may want to
shift the transmission to 3 (Third) or, if necessary, to a
lower gear if the transmission shifts too often under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
SeeTowing a Trailer on page 4-28for more information.
3 (Third):This position is also used for normal
driving. However, it reduces vehicle speed more than
D (Drive) without using the brakes. You might choose
3 (Third) instead of D (Drive) when driving on hilly,
winding roads, when towing a trailer, so there is less
shifting between gears and when going down a
steep hill.2 (Second):This position reduces vehicle speed more
than 3 (Third) without using the brakes. You can use
2 (Second) on hills. It can help control vehicle speed
as you go down steep mountain roads, but then
you would also want to use the brakes off and on.
Notice:Do not shift into 2 (Second) unless you are
going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h), or you can
damage the engine and/or transmission.
1 (First):This position reduces vehicle speed even
more than 2 (Second) without using the brakes. You can
use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud.
If the shift lever is put in 1 (First) while the vehicle is
moving forward, the transmission will not shift into rst
gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If you are
stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
2-31

Performance Shifting
If the vehicle has this feature, it can detect a change in
driving patterns. If you make an aggressive driving
maneuver, the vehicle’s transmission automatically
shifts to the lowest possible gear to maximize vehicle
performance. The vehicle will automatically return
to normal operation when you return to normal driving
patterns.
Parking Brake
The parking brake pedal is
located to the left of the
regular brake pedal,
near the driver door.
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down, then push the parking brake pedal down.If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light on
the instrument panel cluster should come on. If it
does not, you need to have the vehicle serviced.
A warning chime will sound if the parking brake is set, the
ignition is on, and the vehicle speed is greater than 5 mph
(8 km/h). The brake light will come on and stay on until
the parking brake is released. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-56for more information.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down, then push the parking brake pedal down.
When you lift your foot off the parking brake pedal,
the pedal will follow your foot to the released position.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-28.
2-32

Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the
engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake rmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat
and even catch re. You or others could be
injured. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine
running.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running,
be sure your vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking
brake is rmly set before you leave it. SeeParking Brake
on page 2-32for more information.
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of the vehicle puts too
much force on the parking pawl in the transmission.
This happens when parking on a hill and shifting
the transmission into P (Park) is not done properly and
then it is difficult to shift out of P (Park). To prevent
torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into
P (Park). To nd out how, see “Shifting Into Park” in this
section.
If torque lock does occur, your vehicle may need to be
pushed uphill by another vehicle to relieve the parking
pawl pressure, so you can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting Out of Park
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
This vehicle has an electronic shift lock release system.
The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever
is in P (Park)
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of
P (Park), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal
is applied.
2-34

Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor
ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon
Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Never run the engine in an enclosed area that has
no fresh air ventilation. For more information,
seeEngine Exhaust on page 2-36.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
automatic transmission shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake rmly set.
The vehicle can roll. Do not leave the vehicle
when the engine is running unless you have to.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set the
parking brake after you move the shift lever
to P (Park).
Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park on page 2-33.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, seeTowing a
Trailer on page 4-28.
2-37

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 3-46.
B.Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-67.
C.Exterior Lamps on page 3-29.
D.Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-51.
E.Horn on page 3-6.
F.Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-127.
G.Ultrasonic Front and Rear Parking Assist (UFRPA)
on page 2-42andAdaptive Cruise Control on
page 3-19(If Equipped).
H.Analog Clock on page 3-39.
I.Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
J.Audio System(s) on page 3-95.
K. Trunk Release Button. SeeTrunk on page 2-13.
L.Instrument Panel Brightness on page 3-34.
M.Lane Departure Warning (LDW) on page 2-49.
N.Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-8.O.Hood Release on page 5-11.
P.Parking Brake on page 2-32.
Q.Heated Steering Wheel on page 3-7(If Equipped).
R.Cruise Control on page 3-16orAdaptive Cruise
Control on page 3-19.
S.Tilt Wheel on page 3-6.Power Tilt Wheel
and Telescopic Steering Column on page 3-7
(If Equipped).
T.Dual Climate Control System on page 3-40.
U. Traction Control System Button (Console-Shift
Vehicles). SeeTraction Control System (TCS)
on page 4-6.
V. Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-29.
W.Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 3-38.
X.Glove Box on page 2-62.Valet Lockout Switch on
page 2-20.
3-5

Headlamps on Reminder
A warning chime will sound if the exterior lamp control
is left on in either the headlamp or parking lamp position
and the driver’s door is opened with the ignition off.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier for
others to see the front of your vehicle during the day.
Fully functional daytime running lamps are required
on all vehicles rst sold in Canada.
The DRL system makes the turn signal lamps come on
when the following conditions are met:
It is still daylight and the ignition is on.
The exterior lamp control is in the off position.
The transmission is not in P (Park)
(United States only).
The light sensor is covered or not detecting light.
See “Sensors” underDual Climate Control System
on page 3-40.
When DRL are on, no other exterior lamps such as the
parking lamps, taillamps, etc. will be on when the DRL
are being used. The instrument panel will not be lit
up either.When automatic lighting is on and it is dark enough
outside, the turn signal lamps turn off and normal
low-beam headlamp operation occurs.
When automatic lighting is on and it is bright enough
outside, the regular lamps go off, and the DRL takes over.
If the vehicle is started in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system comes on immediately. Once you
leave the garage, it will take approximately one minute
for the automatic headlamp system to change to DRL if
there is light outside. During that delay, the instrument
panel cluster may not be as bright as usual. Make sure
the instrument panel brightness knob is in the full bright
position. SeeInstrument Panel Brightness on page 3-34.
Turning on automatic lighting or the headlamps will
deactivate the DRL. If the parking lamps or the fog lamps
were turned on instead, the DRL will still deactivate.
To idle the vehicle with the DRL off at night, turn off
automatic lighting and shift the transmission into P (Park).
Placing the vehicle in P (Park) disables the DRL. The
DRL will stay off until the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).
To drive the vehicle with the DRL off, turn off automatic
lighting and manually turn on the parking lamps or
fog lamps, if the vehicle has them.
The regular headlamp system should be turned on
when needed.
3-33

Malfunctions often are indicated by the system before
any problem is apparent. Being aware of the light
can prevent more serious damage to the vehicle.
This system assists the service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If the vehicle is continually driven with
this light on, after a while, the emission controls
might not work as well, the vehicle’s fuel economy
might not be as good, and the engine might not
run as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairs
that might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system
of the vehicle or the replacement of the original
tires with other than those of the same Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC) can affect the vehicle’s
emission controls and can cause this light to
come on. Modications to these systems could
lead to costly repairs not covered by the vehicle
warranty. This could also result in a failure to pass
a required Emission Inspection/Maintenance test.
SeeAccessories and Modifications on page 5-3.This light comes on during a malfunction in one of
two ways:
Light Flashing:A misre condition has been detected.
A misre increases vehicle emissions and could damage
the emission control system on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.
To prevent more serious damage to the vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being
hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart
the engine. If the light is still ashing, follow the previous
steps and see your dealer/retailer for service as soon
as possible.
3-62

SERVICE SUSPENSION SYS (System)
This message displays when the magnetic ride
control or automatic leveling control system is not
operating properly. Have your vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer.
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. SeePASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation on page 2-23for more information.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS), this message displays if a part on the 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 3-60.
Several conditions may cause this message to appear.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 5-61for
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). When this message is
displayed, the system will not limit 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 your vehicle serviced by
your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when a non-emissions related
malfunction occurs. Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer as soon as possible.
SET SPD (Speed)
If your vehicle has Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC),
this message displays whenever the cruise control is
set. First, the “CRUISE SET TO XXX MPH (km/h)”
message appears. After a few seconds, the “CRUISE
SET TO XXX MPH (km/h)” message clears and the
message “SET SPD XX” displays at the bottom of the
DIC. See “CRUISE SET TO XXX MPH (km/h)” earlier in
this section andAdaptive Cruise Control on page 3-19
for more information.
3-82