2010 CADILLAC DTS Owners Manual

Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
The vehicle has the passenger sensing system.SeePassenger Sensing System on page 2-67forimportant safety information. The overhead console hasa passenger airbag status indicator.
When the vehicle is started, the passenger airbag statusindicator will light ON and OFF, or the symbol for onand off, for several seconds as a system check.
If you are using remote start to start the vehicle from adistance, if equipped, you may not see the system check.
Then, after several more seconds, the status indicatorwill light either ON or OFF, or either the on or off symbol,to let you know the status of the right front passengerfrontal and seat-mounted side impact airbags.
If the word ON or the on symbol is lit on the passengerairbag status indicator, it means that the right frontpassenger frontal airbag and seat-mounted side impactairbag are enabled (may inflate).
If the word OFF or the off symbol is lit on the passengerairbag status indicator, it means that the passengersensing system has turned off the right front passengerfrontal and seat-mounted side impact airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status indicator lightsremain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may be aproblem with the lights or the passenger sensingsystem. See your dealer/retailer for service.
{WARNING:
If the airbag readiness light ever comes on and
stays on, it means that something may be wrong
with the airbag system. To help avoid injury to
yourself or others, have the vehicle serviced right
away. SeeAirbag Readiness Light on page 4-50
for more information, including important safety
information.
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Charging System Light
This light comes on brieflywhen the ignition key isturned to START, butthe engine is not running,as a check to show itis working.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by yourdealer/retailer.
The light should go out once the engine starts. If it stayson, or comes on while driving, there could be aproblem with the charging system. A charging systemmessage in the Driver Information Center (DIC) can alsoappear. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-67for more information. This light could indicate thatthere are problems with a generator drive belt, or thatthere is an electrical problem. Have it checked rightaway. If the vehicle must be driven a short distance withthe light on, turn off accessories, such as the radioand air conditioner.
Brake System Warning Light
The vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided intotwo parts. If one part is not working, the other part canstill work and stop the vehicle. For good brakingboth parts need to be working.
If the warning light comes on, there is a brake problem.Have the brake system inspected right away.
This light comes on briefly when the engine is turnedon. If it does not come on then, have it fixed so it will beready to warn if there is a problem.
When the ignition is on, the brake system warning lightalso comes on when the parking brake is set. Thelight will stay on if the parking brake does not releasefully. If it stays on after the parking brake is fullyreleased, it means there is a brake problem.
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If the light comes on while driving, pull off the road andstop carefully.The pedal may be harder to push, orthe pedal may go closer to the floor. It may take longerto stop. If the light is still on, have the vehicle towedfor service. SeeTowing Your Vehicle on page 5-24.
{WARNING:
The brake system might not be working properly if
the brake system warning light is on. Driving with
the brake system warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after the vehicle has
been pulled off the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for service.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
For vehicles with theAntilock Brake System(ABS), this light comes onbriefly when the engineis started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by yourdealer/retailer. If the system is working normally theindicator light then goes off.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off. If the lightcomes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safelypossible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engineagain to reset the system. If the ABS light stays on,or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needsservice. If the regular brake system warning light is noton, the vehicle still has brakes, but not antilockbrakes. If the regular brake system warning light is alsoon, the vehicle does not have antilock brakes andthere is a problem with the regular brakes. SeeBrakeSystem Warning Light on page 4-52.
For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC), seeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-67for allbrake related DIC messages.
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Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
This warning light comeson briefly while startingthe engine.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by yourdealer/retailer. If the system is working normally theindicator light will then go off.
If it stays on, or comes on while driving, there may be aproblem with the traction control system and thevehicle needs service. When this warning light is on, thesystem will not limit wheel spin.
If the traction control system warning light comes onand stays on when the system is turned on, the vehicleneeds service. SeeTraction Control System (TCS)on page 5-6for more information.
StabiliTrak®Indicator Light
For vehicles with theStabiliTrak®system, thislight comes on briefly whilestarting the engine.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by yourdealer/retailer. If the system is working normally theindicator light then goes off.
If the light comes on and stays on while driving, therecould be a problem with the StabiliTrak®system and thevehicle might need service. When this warning light ison, the StabiliTrak®system is off and does not limitwheel spin.
The light flashes if the system is active and is workingto assist the driver with directional control of thevehicle in difficult driving conditions.
SeeStabiliTrak®System on page 5-5for moreinformation.
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Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Light
For vehicles with the lanedeparture warning system,this light briefly comeson green, while starting thevehicle, to indicate that itis working.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by yourdealer/retailer. If the system is working normally theindicator light will then go off.
This light also comes on green if the system detects aleft or right lane marking. It flashes, changes toamber and three beeps sound if a detected lane markingis crossed without using a turn signal. For moreinformation, see the Index in the Navigation Manual.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
The engine coolanttemperature warning lightcomes on when theengine is very hot.
This light also comes on briefly when the vehicle isstarted.
If the light does not go out or comes on and stays onwhile driving, there may be a problem with the coolingsystem. Driving with engine coolant temperature light oncould cause the vehicle to overheat, seeOverheatedEngine Protection Operating Mode on page 6-29.SeeEngine Overheating on page 6-27andDICWarnings and Messages on page 4-67for moreinformation.
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Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows theengine coolanttemperature.
It indicates when the engine has warmed up and if thecooling system is operating properly. If the gagepointer moves into the shaded area, the engine coolantis too hot and the engine coolant temperature warninglight comes on. SeeEngine Overheating on page 6-27for more information.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with a tire pressure monitoring system, thislight comes on briefly when the engine is started. Itprovides information about tire pressures and the TirePressure Monitoring System.
When the Light is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires aresignificantly underinflated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver InformationCenter (DIC), can accompany the light. SeeDriverInformation Center (DIC) on page 4-61for moreinformation. Stop and check the tires as soon as it issafe to do so. If underinflated, inflate to the properpressure. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 6-54formore information.
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When the Light Flashes First and Then is
On Steady
This indicates that there may be a problem with the TirePressure Monitor System. The light flashes for abouta minute and stays on steady for the remainder ofthe ignition cycle. This sequence repeats with everyignition cycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation onpage 6-58for more information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II (On-BoardDiagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operation ofthe fuel, ignition, and emission control systems. Itensures that emissions are at acceptable levels for thelife of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleanerenvironment.
This light should come onwhen the ignition is on, butthe engine is not running,as a check to show itis working. If it does not,have the vehicle servicedby your dealer/retailer.
If the check engine light comes on and stays on, whilethe engine is running, this indicates that there is anOBD II problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by the system beforeany problem is apparent. Being aware of the lightcan prevent more serious damage to the vehicle. Thissystem assists the service technician in correctlydiagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If the vehicle is continually driven with thislight on, after a while, the emission controlsmight not work as well, the vehicle’s fuel economymight not be as good, and the engine might notrun as smoothly. This could lead to costly repairsthat might not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Notice:Modifications made to the engine,transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of thevehicle or the replacement of the original tireswith other than those of the same Tire PerformanceCriteria (TPC) can affect the vehicle’s emissioncontrols and can cause this light to come on.Modifications to these systems could lead to costlyrepairs not covered by the vehicle warranty. Thiscould also result in a failure to pass a requiredEmission Inspection/Maintenance test. SeeAccessories and Modifications on page 6-3.
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This light comes on during a malfunction in one oftwo ways:
Light Flashing:A misfire condition has been detected.A misfire increases vehicle emissions and coulddamage 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 flash, when it is safe to do so, stopthe vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle. Turn thekey off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart the engine. Ifthe light is still flashing, follow the previous steps and seeyour dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
Light On Steady:An emission control systemmalfunction has been detected on the vehicle. Diagnosisand service might be required.
An emission system malfunction might be corrected bydoing the following:
•Make sure the fuel cap is fully installed. SeeFilling
the Tank on page 6-8. The diagnostic system candetermine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel capallows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A fewdriving trips with the cap properly installed shouldturn the light off.
•If the vehicle has been driven through a deep
puddle of water, the vehicle’s electrical systemmight be wet. The condition is usually correctedwhen the electrical system dries out. A few drivingtrips should turn the light off.
•Make sure to fuel the vehicle with quality fuel.
Poor fuel quality causes the engine not to runas efficiently as designed and can cause: stallingafter start-up, stalling when the vehicle is changedinto gear, misfiring, hesitation on acceleration,or stumbling on acceleration. These conditionsmight go away once the engine is warmed up.
If one or more of these conditions occurs, changethe fuel brand used. It will require at least onefull tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 6-5.
If none of the above have made the light turn off, yourdealer/retailer can check the vehicle. The dealer/retailerhas the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools tofix any mechanical or electrical problems that mighthave developed.
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