2009 CADILLAC DTS engine coolant

Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to warn of engine
overheating.
There is an engine temperature warning light and/or
gage on the instrument panel cluster. SeeEngine
Coolant Temperature Warning Light on page 3-59and
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage on page 3-60.
The vehicle may also display a ENGINE OVERHEATED
IDLE ENGINE message or an ENGINE OVERHEATED
STOP ENGINE message displayed in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-73for more information. You will
also hear a chime.
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.If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle
is parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fans are
running. If the engine is overheating, both fans should
be running. If they are not, do not continue to run
the engine and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Engine damage from running the engine
without coolant is not covered by the warranty.
Notice:If the engine catches re while driving with
no coolant, the vehicle can be badly damaged.
The costly repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. SeeOverheated Engine
Protection Operating Mode on page 5-30for
information on driving to a safe place in an
emergency.
5-28

If Steam Is Coming From The Engine
Compartment
{CAUTION:
Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Turn it off and get everyone away from the
vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign
of steam or coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when the vehicles engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re. You or
others could be badly burned. Stop the engine if it
overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
on page 5-30for information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
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 safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to
P (Park) or N (Neutral) and let the engine idle.
5-29

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
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
message ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE is
displayed, an overheat protection mode which alternates
ring groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage.
In this mode, you will notice a loss in power and
engine performance. This operating mode allows your
vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an emergency.
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, change the oil and reset the oil
life system. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13.
5-30

Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield washer uid, be
sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
If the vehicle will be operating 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
be displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC)
when the uid is low. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 3-73for more information.
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer uid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for 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.
5-32

Scheduled Maintenance
To maintain the ride, handling, and performance of
the vehicle, it is important that the rst tire rotation
service be performed when the vehicle has 5,000 to
8,000 miles (8 000 to 13 000 km). Check tires for
ination pressures and wear. SeeTires on page 5-48.
Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on
page 5-65and “Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once
a Month on page 6-9.
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
displays in the Driver Information Center (DIC), service
is required for the vehicle. Have the vehicle serviced
as soon as possible within the next 600 miles
(1 000 km). It is possible that, if driving under the best
conditions, the engine oil life system may not indicate
that vehicle service is necessary for over a year.
However, the engine oil and lter must be changed at
least once a year and at this time the system must
be reset. Your dealer/retailer has trained service
technicians who will perform this work using genuine
parts and reset the system.
If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
service the vehicle within 3,000 miles (5 000 km)
since the last service. Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed. SeeEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-16for information on the Engine
Oil Life System and resetting the system.When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
appears, the following services, checks, and inspections
are required:
❑Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-13. Reset oil life system. SeeEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-16.An Emission Control Service.
❑Visually check for any leaks or damage.
See footnote (k).
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter. If necessary, replace
lter. SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17.
See footnote (m).
❑Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear.
SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 5-65and
“Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month on
page 6-9.
❑Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).
❑Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid
levels and add uid as needed.
❑Perform any needed additional services.
See “Additional Required Services” in this section.
❑Inspect suspension and steering components.
See footnote (b).
❑Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).
❑Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).
❑Inspect restraint system components.See footnote (e).
❑Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).
❑Check transmission uid level and add uid
as needed.
6-4

(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

Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake,
set the parking brake.
To check the parking brake’s holding ability:
With the engine running and the transmission
in N (Neutral), slowly remove foot pressure from
the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle
is held by the parking brake only.
To check the P (Park) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to P (Park). Then
release the parking brake followed by the regular
brake.
Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required.
Underbody Flushing Service
At least every spring, use plain water to ush any
corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care
to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other
debris can collect.
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number, or specication can be obtained from your
dealer/retailer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilThe engine requires a special
engine oil meeting GM Standard
GM4718M. Oils meeting this
standard can be identied as
synthetic, and should also be
identied with the American
Petroleum Institute (API) Certied
for Gasoline Engines starburst
symbol. However, not all synthetic
API oils with the starburst symbol
will meet this GM standard.
Look for and use only oil that meets
GM Standard GM4718M. For the
proper viscosity, seeEngine Oil
on page 5-13.
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 5-23.
6-11

Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-3
Convenience Net............................................2-63
Coolant
Engine.......................................................5-23
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-60
Engine Temperature Warning Light.................3-59
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-27
Cooled Seats................................................... 1-5
Cooling System..............................................5-22
Cornering Lamps............................................3-34
Courtesy Lamps.............................................3-35
Courtesy Transportation...................................7-10
Cruise Control................................................3-16
Cruise Control, Active......................................3-19
Cruise Control, Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System........................................................ 3-9
Cruise Control Light........................................3-66
Cupholders....................................................2-62
Customer Assistance......................................... 7-6
Offices......................................................... 7-6
Text Telephone (TTY) Users........................... 7-6
Customer Information
Service Publications Ordering Information........7-16
Customer Satisfaction Procedure........................ 7-2D
Damage Repair, Collision.................................7-12
Data Recorders
Event.........................................................7-18
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).........................3-33
Defensive Driving............................................. 4-2
Disc, MP3....................................................3-110
Doing Your Own Service Work........................... 5-4
Door
Central Door Unlocking System.....................2-11
Locks........................................................2-10
Power Door Locks.......................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks.............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks.............................2-12
Driver Information Center (DIC).........................3-67
DIC Operation and Displays..........................3-68
DIC Vehicle Customization............................3-86
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-73
Driving
At Night.....................................................4-12
Before a Long Trip......................................4-14
Defensive..................................................... 4-2
Drunk.......................................................... 4-3
4