2010 CADILLAC DTS trailer

Pulling A Trailer
Here are some important points:
•There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make surethe rig will be legal, not only where you live butalso where you will be driving. A good source forthis information can be state or provincial police.
•Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 1,000 miles
(1600 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,transmission or other parts could be damaged.The repairs would not be covered by thevehicle’s warranty.
•Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)and do not make starts at full throttle. This helpsthe engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in atthe heavier loads.
•Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission
to a lower gear if the transmission shifts too oftenunder heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
•Obey speed limit restrictions when towing a trailer.
Do not drive faster than the maximum postedspeed for trailers, or no more than 55 mph(90 km/h), to save wear on the vehicle’s parts.
•Do not tow a trailer when the outside temperature is
above 100°F (38°C).
•If the vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system and it doesn’t seem to be working properlywhile pulling a trailer, turn the system off. SeeSideBlind Zone Alert (SBZA) on page 3-43for moreinformation.
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
•The weight of the trailer
•The weight of the trailer tongue
•The total weight on the vehicle’s tires
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than 1,000 lbs (454 kg).But even that can be too heavy.
It depends on how the rig is used. For example, speed,altitude, road grades, outside temperature and howmuch the vehicle is used to pull a trailer are allimportant. It can depend on any special equipment onthe vehicle, and the amount of tongue weight the vehiclecan carry. See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue” later inthis section for more information.
5-27

Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only thedriver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the requiredtrailering equipment. The weight of additional optionalequipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehiclemust be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight.
Ask your dealer/retailer for trailering information oradvice, or write us at our Customer Assistance Offices.SeeCustomer Assistance Offices on page 8-6formore information.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (A) of any trailer is an important weightto measure because it affects the total gross weightof the vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)includes the curb weight of the vehicle, any cargocarried in it, and the people who will be riding in thevehicle. If there are a lot of options, equipment,passengers or cargo in the vehicle, it will reduce thetongue weight the vehicle can carry, which will alsoreduce the trailer weight the vehicle can tow. If towing atrailer, the tongue load must be added to the GVWbecause the vehicle will be carrying that weight, too.SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 5-18for moreinformation about the vehicle’s maximum load capacity.
Using a weight-carrying hitch, the trailer tongue (A)should weigh 10 to 15 percent of the total loaded trailerweight (B).
After loading the trailer, weigh the trailer and then thetongue, separately, to see if the weights are proper.If they are not, adjustments might be made by movingsome items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on the Vehicle’s Tires
Be sure the vehicle’s tires are inflated to the upper limitfor cold tires. These numbers can be found on theCertification/Tire label. SeeLoading the Vehicle onpage 5-18. Make sure not to go over the GVW limit for thevehicle, including the weight of the trailer tongue.
5-28

Hitches
It is important to have the correct hitch equipment.Crosswinds, large trucks going by and rough roads are afew reasons why the right hitch is needed. Here are somerules to follow:
•The rear bumper on the vehicle is not intended for
hitches. Do not attach rental hitches or otherbumper-type hitches to it. Use only a frame-mountedhitch that does not attach to the bumper.
•Will any holes be made in the body of the vehicle
when the trailer hitch is installed? If there are, thenbe sure to seal the holes later when the hitch isremoved. If the holes are not sealed, dirt, water, anddeadly carbon monoxide (CO) from the exhaust canget into the vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust onpage 3-34for more information.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle and thetrailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of thetrailer to help prevent the tongue from contactingthe road if it becomes separated from the hitch.Instructions about safety chains may be provided by thehitch manufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer.Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for attachingsafety chains and do not attach them to the bumper.Always leave just enough slack so the rig can turn.Never allow safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Because the vehicle has StabiliTrak®, do not tap intothe vehicle’s hydraulic brake system. If you do,both brake systems will not work well, or at all.
Be sure to read and follow the instructions for the trailerbrakes so they are installed, adjusted and maintainedproperly.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.Get to know the rig before setting out for the openroad. Get acquainted with the feel of handling andbraking with the added weight of the trailer. And alwayskeep in mind that the vehicle you are driving is nowlonger and not as responsive as the vehicle is by itself.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts andattachments, safety chains, electrical connectors, lamps,tires and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has electricbrakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving andthen apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be surethe brakes are working. This checks the electricalconnection at the same time.
During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that theload is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer brakesare still working.
5-29

Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead asyou would when driving the vehicle without a trailer. Thiscan help to avoid situations that require heavy brakingand sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when towing a trailer.Because the rig is longer, it is necessary to go muchfarther beyond the passed vehicle before returning tothe lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.Then, to move the trailer to the left, move that handto the left. To move the trailer to the right, move yourhand to the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while traileringcould cause the trailer to come in contact with thevehicle. The vehicle could be damaged. Avoidmaking very sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make wider turns thannormal. Do this so the trailer will not strike softshoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal well inadvance.
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on the instrument panel flash wheneversignaling a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, thetrailer lamps also flash, telling other drivers the vehicleis turning, changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrumentpanel flash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer areburned out. For this reason you may think otherdrivers are seeing the signal when they are not. It isimportant to check occasionally to be sure thetrailer bulbs are still working.
5-30

Driving on Grades
Notice:Do not tow on steep continuous gradesexceeding 6 miles (9.6 km). Extended, higherthan normal engine and transmission temperaturesmay result and damage the vehicle. Frequentstops are very important to allow the engine andtransmission to cool.
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforestartingdown a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission isnot shifted down, the brakes might have to be used somuch that they would get hot and no longer work well.
On a long uphill grade, shift down and reduce thevehicle’s speed to around 45 mph (70 km/h) to reducethe possibility of the engine and the transmissionoverheating. If the engine does overheat, seeEngineOverheating on page 6-27.
Parking on Hills
{WARNING:
Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer
attached can be dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be
injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always park the rig on a
flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park)yet. Turn the wheels into the curb if facing downhillor into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under thetrailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release thebrake pedal until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parkingbrake and shift the transmission into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
5-31

Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
•start the engine,
•shift into a gear, and
•release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and storethe chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling atrailer. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 7-3for moreinformation. Things that are especially important in traileroperation are automatic transmission fluid, engine oil,belts, cooling system and brake system. It is a good ideato inspect these before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and boltsare tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily overheat duringsevere operating conditions. SeeEngine Overheating onpage 6-27.
Changing a Tire When Trailer Towing
If the vehicle gets a flat tire while towing a trailer,be sure to secure the trailer and disconnect it from thevehicle before changing the tire.
5-32

How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you maychoose to have this done at the dealer/retailer servicedepartment.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructionshere or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too little fluid can damageyour transmission. Too much can mean that someof the fluid could come out and fall on hot engineparts or exhaust system parts, starting a fire.Too little fluid could cause the transmission tooverheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if youcheck your transmission fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking thetransmission fluid level if you have been driving:
•When outside temperatures are above 32°C (90°F).
•At high speed for quite a while.
•In heavy traffic — especially in hot weather.
•While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the fluid should be atnormal operating temperature, which is 82°C to 93°C(180°F to 200°F).
Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 24 km(15 miles) when outside temperatures are above10°C (50°F). If it is colder than 10°C (50°F), you mayhave to drive longer.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare the vehicle as follows:
1. Park the vehicle on a level place. Keep the enginerunning.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift leverin P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shiftlever through each gear range, pausing for aboutthree seconds in each range. Then, positionthe shift lever in P (Park).
4. Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes.
Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
1. Locate the transmission fluid cap which is locatednext to the radiator hose and below the engine aircleaner/filter assembly on the driver side of thevehicle. The cap is marked TRANS FLUID.SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 6-12for more information on location.
2. After removing the engine air cleaner/filter assemblyto reach the transmission fluid cap, turn the capcounterclockwise to remove. Pull out the dipstickand wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
6-20

If No Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is displayed but no steamcan be seen or heard, the problem may not be tooserious. Sometimes the engine can get a little too hotwhen 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 ofsteam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature andto the highest fan speed. Open the windows asnecessary.
3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral) whilestopped. If it safe to do so, pull off the road, shift toP (Park) or N (Neutral) and let the engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gage is no longer in theoverheat zone or an overheat warning no longer displays,the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive the vehicleslow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle distancefrom the car in front of you. If the warning does not comeback on, continue to drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park thevehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for threeminutes while parked. If the warning is still displayed, turnoff the engine until it cools down. Also, see!OverheatedEngine Protection Operating Mode!next in this section.
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and themessage ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE isdisplayed, an overheat protection mode which alternatesfiring groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage.In this mode, you will notice a loss in power andengine performance. This operating mode allows yourvehicle to be driven to a safe place in an emergency.Driving extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in theoverheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice:After driving in the overheated engineprotection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,allow the engine to cool before attempting anyrepair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil andreset the oil life system. SeeEngine Oil onpage 6-13.
6-29