2010 CADILLAC DTS Owners Manual

If your vehicle has P235/55R17 or P245/50R18 sizetires, and you will be driving at speeds of 100 mph(160 km/h) or higher, where it is legal, set the coldinflation pressure to the maximum inflation pressureshown on the tire sidewall, or 38 psi (265 kPa),whichever is lower. See the example following.
Example:
You will find the maximum load and inflation pressuremolded on the tire’s sidewall, in small letters, nearthe rim flange. It will read something like this: Maximumload 690 kg (1521 lbs) 300 kPa (44 psi) Max. Press.
For this example, you would set the inflation pressure forhigh-speed driving at 38 psi (265 kPa).
When you end this high-speed driving, return the tires tothe cold inflation pressure shown on the Tire andLoading Information label. SeeLoading the Vehicle onpage 5-18.
Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses radioand sensor technology to check tire pressure levels. TheTPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in yourvehicle’s tires and transmit tire pressure readings to areceiver located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should bechecked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflationpressure recommended by the vehicle manufactureron the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label.(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the sizeindicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflationpressure label, you should determine the proper tireinflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has beenequipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when oneor more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltaleilluminates, you should stop and check your tires assoon as possible, and inflate them to the properpressure. Driving on a significantly under-inflated tirecauses the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tiretread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handlingand stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for propertire maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsibility tomaintain correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation hasnot reached the level to trigger illumination of theTPMS low tire pressure telltale.
6-57

Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMSmalfunction indicator to indicate when the system is notoperating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicatoris combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When thesystem detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash forapproximately one minute and then remain continuouslyilluminated. This sequence will continue uponsubsequent vehicle start-ups as long as themalfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, thesystem may not be able to detect or signal low tirepressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur fora variety of reasons, including the installation ofreplacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehiclethat prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale afterreplacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle toensure that the replacement or alternate tires andwheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 6-58for additional information.
Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) and Industry and Science
Canada
SeeRadio Frequency Statement on page 8-20forinformation regarding Part 15 of the FederalCommunications Commission (FCC) Rules andRSS-210/211 of Industry and Science Canada.
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System(TPMS). The TPMS is designed to warn the driverwhen a low tire pressure condition exists. TPMS sensorsare mounted onto each tire and wheel assembly,excluding the spare tire and wheel assembly. The TPMSsensors monitor the air pressure in the vehicle’s tiresand transmits the tire pressure readings to a receiverlocated in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressurecondition is detected, theTPMS illuminates thelow tire pressure warninglight located on theinstrument panel cluster.
6-58

At the same time a message to check the pressure in aspecific tire appears on the Driver Information Center(DIC) display. The low tire pressure warning lightand the DIC warning message come on at each ignitioncycle until the tires are inflated to the correct inflationpressure. Using the DIC, tire pressure levels canbe viewed by the driver. For additional information anddetails about the DIC operation and displays seeDIC Operation and Displays on page 4-62andDICWarnings and Messages on page 4-67.
The low tire pressure warning light may come on in coolweather when the vehicle is first started, and thenturn off as you start to drive. This could be an earlyindicator that the air pressure in the tire(s) are gettinglow and need to be inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label, attached to yourvehicle, shows the size of your vehicle’s originalequipment tires and the correct inflation pressure foryour vehicle’s tires when they are cold. SeeLoading theVehicle on page 5-18, for an example of the Tire andLoading Information label and its location on yourvehicle. Also seeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 6-54.
Your vehicle’s TPMS can warn you about a low tirepressure condition but it does not replace normaltire maintenance. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation onpage 6-62andTires on page 6-46.
Notice:Using non-approved tire sealants coulddamage the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)sensors. TPMS sensor damage caused by usingan incorrect tire sealant is not covered by thevehicle warranty. Always use the GM approved tiresealant available through your dealer/retailer.
Factory-installed Tire Inflator Kits use a GM approvedliquid tire sealant. Using non-approved tire sealantscould damage the TPMS sensors. SeeTire Sealant andCompressor Kit on page 6-71for information regardingthe inflator kit materials and instructions.
TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
The TPMS will not function properly if one or more of theTPMS sensors are missing or inoperable. When thesystem detects a malfunction, the low tire warning lightflashes for about one minute and then stays on forthe remainder of the ignition cycle. A DIC warningmessage is also displayed. The low tire warning lightand DIC warning message come on at each ignitioncycle until the problem is corrected. Some of theconditions that can cause the malfunction light and DICmessage to come on are:
•One of the road tires has been replaced with the
spare tire. The spare tire does not have a TPMSsensor. The TPMS malfunction light and DICmessage should go off once you re-install the roadtire containing the TPMS sensor.
6-59

•The TPMS sensor matching process was started
but not completed or not completed successfullyafter rotating the vehicle’s tires. The DIC messageand TPMS malfunction light should go off oncethe TPMS sensor matching process is performedsuccessfully. See “TPMS Sensor Matching Process”later in this section.
•One or more TPMS sensors are missing or
damaged. The DIC message and the TPMSmalfunction light should go off when the TPMSsensors are installed and the sensor matchingprocess is performed successfully. See yourdealer/retailer for service.
•Replacement tires or wheels do not match your
vehicle’s original equipment tires or wheels.Tires and wheels other than those recommendedfor your vehicle could prevent the TPMS fromfunctioning properly. SeeBuying New Tires onpage 6-64.
•Operating electronic devices or being near facilities
using radio wave frequencies similar to the TPMScould cause the TPMS sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning it cannot detect or signala low tire condition. See your dealer/retailer forservice if the TPMS malfunction light and DIC messagecomes on and stays on.
TPMS Sensor Matching Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique identification code.Any time you rotate your vehicle’s tires or replace one ormore of the TPMS sensors, the identification codeswill need to be matched to the new tire/wheel position.The sensors are matched to the tire/wheel positionsin the following order: driver side front tire, passengerside front tire, passenger side rear tire, and driverside rear tire using a TPMS diagnostic tool. See yourdealer/retailer for service.
The TPMS sensors can also be matched to eachtire/wheel position by increasing or decreasing the tire’sair pressure. If increasing the tire’s air pressure, donot exceed the maximum inflation pressure indicated onthe tire’s sidewall.
To decrease air-pressure out of a tire you can use thepointed end of the valve cap, a pencil-style air pressuregage, or a key.
You have two minutes to match the first tire/wheelposition, and five minutes overall to match all fourtire/wheel positions. If it takes longer than two minutes,to match the first tire and wheel, or more than fiveminutes to match all four tire and wheel positions thematching process stops and you need to start over.
6-60

The TPMS sensor matching process is outlined below:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition switch to ON/RUN with theengine off.
3. Press the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter’slock and unlock buttons at the same time forapproximately five seconds. The horn sounds twiceto signal the receiver is in relearn mode andTIRE LEARNING ACTIVE message displays on theDIC screen.
4. Start with the driver side front tire.
5. Remove the valve cap from the valve cap stem.Activate the TPMS sensor by increasing ordecreasing the tire’s air pressure for five seconds,or until a horn chirp sounds. The horn chirp,which may take up to 30 seconds to sound,confirms that the sensor identification code hasbeen matched to this tire and wheel position.
6. Proceed to the passenger side front tire, and repeatthe procedure in Step 5.
7. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire, and repeatthe procedure in Step 5.
8. Proceed to the driver side rear tire, and repeat theprocedure in Step 5. The horn sounds two times toindicate the sensor identification code has beenmatched to the driver side rear tire, and theTPMS sensor matching process is no longer active.The TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE message on theDIC display screen goes off.
9. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK/OFF.
10. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressurelevel as indicated on the Tire and LoadingInformation label.
11. Put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
6-61

Tire Inspection and Rotation
We recommend that you regularly inspect yourvehicle’s tires, including the spare tire, for signs ofwear or damage. SeeWhen It Is Time for NewTires on page 6-64for more information.
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles(8 000 to 13 000 km). SeeScheduled Maintenanceon page 7-3.
The purpose of a regular tire rotation is to achievea uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. Thiswill ensure that your vehicle continues to performmost like it did when the tires were new.
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate yourtires as soon as possible and check wheelalignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels.SeeWhen It Is Time for New Tires on page 6-64andWheel Replacement on page 6-68formore information.
If your vehicle has a compact spare tire, it shouldnot be included in the tire rotation process.Use the four-tire rotation pattern shown.
Four-Tire Rotation Pattern
Five-Tire Rotation Pattern
6-62

A five-tire rotation pattern may be used for yourprofessional vehicle, if it has a full-size sparetire and wheel assembly that matches the originalequipment tires and wheels in size, type andbrand. The correct five-tire rotation patternis shown.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the frontand rear inflation pressures as shown on theTire and Loading Information label. SeeLoadingthe Vehicle on page 5-18.
Vehicles that have the Tire Pressure MonitorSystem (TPMS) will need to have the sensorsreset after a tire rotation is performed. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 6-57.
Make certain that all wheel nuts are properlytightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque” underCapacities and Specifications on page 6-109.
{WARNING:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts towhich it is fastened, can make wheel nutsbecome loose after time. The wheel couldcome off and cause an accident. When youchange a wheel, remove any rust or dirt fromplaces where the wheel attaches to thevehicle. In an emergency, you can use acloth or a paper towel to do this; but be sureto use a scraper or wire brush later, ifneeded, to get all the rust or dirt off. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 6-80.
6-63

When It Is Time for New Tires
Various factors, such as maintenance, temperatures,driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road conditionsinfluence when you need new tires.
One way to tell when it istime for new tires is tocheck the treadwearindicators, which willappear when your tireshave only 1/16 inch(1.6 mm) or less of treadremaining.
You need new tires if any of the following statementsare true:
•You can see the indicators at three or more places
around the tire.
•You can see cord or fabric showing through the
tire’s rubber.
•The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut, or snagged
deep enough to show cord or fabric.
•The tire has a bump, bulge, or split.
•The tire has a puncture, cut, or other damage that
cannot be repaired well because of the size orlocation of the damage.
The rubber in tires degrades over time, even if they arenot being used. This is also true for the spare tire, ifyour vehicle has one. Multiple conditions affect how fastthis aging takes place, including temperatures, loadingconditions, and inflation pressure maintenance. Withproper care and maintenance tires will typically wear outbefore they degrade due to age. If you are unsureabout the need to replace your tires as they get older,consult the tire manufacturer for more information.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched specific tires for yourvehicle. The original equipment tires installed onyour vehicle, when it was new, were designed to meetGeneral Motors Tire Performance Criteria Specification(TPC Spec) system rating. If you need replacementtires, GM strongly recommends that you get tires withthe same TPC Spec rating. This way, your vehiclewill continue to have tires that are designed to give thesame performance and vehicle safety, during normaluse, as the original tires.
6-64