2010 CADILLAC DTS brakes

A.Underhood Fuse Block on page 6-101.
B. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting onpage 6-36.
C. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “AddingWasher Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluidon page 6-31.
D. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.SeeEngine Coolant on page 6-23.
E. Remote Negative (!) Terminal. SeeJump Startingon page 6-36.
F.Power Steering Fluid on page 6-30.
G. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”underEngine Oil on page 6-13.
H. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”underEngine Oil on page 6-13.
I. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”underBrakes on page 6-32.
J. Automatic Transmission Fluid Cap and Dipstick(Out of View). SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid onpage 6-19.
K.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-17.
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at eachfuel fill. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil mustbe warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 6-12forthe location of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutesto drain back into the oil pan. If this is not done, theoil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towelor cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove itagain, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
6-13

Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinderreservoir is filled with DOT3 brake fluid. SeeEngine CompartmentOverview on page 6-12forreservoir location andaccess.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level inthe reservoir might go down:
•The brake fluid level goes down because of normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are installed,the fluid level goes back up.
•A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system can also
cause a low fluid level. Have the brake hydraulicsystem fixed, since a leak means that sooneror later the brakes will not work well.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid does notcorrect a leak. If fluid is added when the liningsare worn, there will be too much fluid when new brakelinings are installed. Add or remove brake fluid, asnecessary, only when work is done on the brakehydraulic system.
{WARNING:
If too much brake fluid is added, it can spill on the
engine and burn, if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and the vehicle could
be damaged. Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
If the ignition is on and the brake fluid is low, theSERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM message displays in theDriver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Warnings andMessages on page 4-67.
What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container.SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-8.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and thearea around the cap before removing it. This helps keepdirt from entering the reservoir.
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{WARNING:
With the wrong kind of fluid in the brake hydraulic
system, the brakes might not work well. This could
cause a crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
Notice:
•Using the wrong fluid can badly damage brake
hydraulic system parts. For example, just afew drops of mineral-based oil, such as engineoil, in the brake hydraulic system can damagebrake hydraulic system parts so badly that theywill have to be replaced. Do not let someoneput in the wrong kind of fluid.
•If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paint finish can be damaged. Becareful not to spill brake fluid on the vehicle.If you do, wash it off immediately. SeeWashingYour Vehicle on page 6-95.
Brake Wear
This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads havebuilt-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warningsound when the brake pads are worn and new padsare needed. The sound can come and go or be heard allthe time the vehicle is moving, except when applyingthe brake pedal firmly.
{WARNING:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
the brakes will not work well. That could lead to an
accident. When the brake wear warning sound is
heard, have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brakepads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brakesqueal when the brakes are first applied or lightlyapplied. This does not mean something is wrong withthe brakes.
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Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to helpprevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspectbrake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts inthe proper sequence to torque specifications inCapacities and Specifications on page 6-109.
Brake linings should always be replaced as completeaxle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does notreturn to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase inpedal travel. This could be a sign that brake servicemight be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time the brakes are applied, with or without thevehicle moving, the brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its manyparts have to be of top quality and work well together ifthe vehicle is to have really good braking. The vehiclewas designed and tested with top-quality brake parts.When parts of the braking system are replaced — forexample, when the brake linings wear down and newones are installed — be sure to get new approvedreplacement parts. If this is not done, the brakes mightnot work properly.
For example, if someone puts in brake linings that arewrong for the vehicle, the balance between the front andrear brakes can change — for the worse. The brakingperformance expected can change in many other ways ifthe wrong replacement brake parts are installed.
Battery
Refer to the replacement number on the original batterylabel when a new battery is needed.
{DANGER:
Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer
and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
The battery is under the rear seat cushion. To accessthe battery, seeRear Underseat Fuse Block onpage 6-104. Access to the battery is not necessary tojump start the vehicle. SeeJump Starting on page 6-36.
6-34

Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside thetire pressing outward on each square inch of thetire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds persquare inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combinedweight of optional accessories. Some examples ofoptional accessories are, automatic transmission,power steering, power brakes, power windows,power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s heightto its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is locatedbetween the plies and the tread. Cords may bemade from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrappedby steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the pliesare laid at alternate angles less than 90 degreesto the centerline of the tread.
Cold Tire Pressure:The amount of air pressure ina tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) orkilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heatfrom driving. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure onpage 6-54.
Curb Weight:The weight of a motor vehicle withstandard and optional equipment including themaximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant,but without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewallof a tire signifying that the tire is in compliancewith the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT codeincludes the Tire Identification Number (TIN),an alphanumeric designator which can also identifythe tire manufacturer, production plant, brand,and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 5-18.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for thefront axle. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 5-18.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for therear axle. SeeLoading the Vehicle on page 5-18.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of anasymmetrical tire, that must always face outwardwhen mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used onlight duty trucks and some multipurpose passengervehicles.
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{WARNING:
If you use bias-ply tires on the vehicle, thewheel rim flanges could develop cracks aftermany miles of driving. A tire and/or wheelcould fail suddenly, causing a crash. Useonly radial-ply tires with the wheels onthe vehicle.
If you must replace your vehicle’s tires with those thatdo not have a TPC Spec number, make sure theyare the same size, load range, speed rating, andconstruction type (radial and bias-belted tires) as yourvehicle’s original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire pressure monitoring systemcould give an inaccurate low-pressure warning ifnon-TPC Spec rated tires are installed on your vehicle.Non-TPC Spec rated tires may give a low-pressurewarning that is higher or lower than the proper warninglevel you would get with TPC Spec rated tires. SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 6-57.
Your vehicle’s original equipment tires are listed on theTire and Loading Information Label. SeeLoadingthe Vehicle on page 5-18, for more information aboutthe Tire and Loading Information Label and its locationon your vehicle.
Different Size Tires and Wheels
If you add wheels or tires that are a different size thanyour original equipment wheels and tires, this mayaffect the way your vehicle performs, including itsbraking, ride and handling characteristics, stability, andresistance to rollover. Additionally, if your vehiclehas electronic systems such as, antilock brakes, tractioncontrol, and electronic stability control, the performanceof these systems can be affected.
{WARNING:
If you add different sized wheels, your vehicle may
not provide an acceptable level of performance
and safety if tires not recommended for those
wheels are selected. You may increase the
chance that you will crash and suffer serious
injury. Only use GM specific wheel and tire
systems developed for your vehicle, and have
them properly installed by a GM certified
technician.
SeeBuying New Tires on page 6-64andAccessoriesand Modifications on page 6-3for additional information.
6-66

Tire Chains
{WARNING:
Do not use tire chains. There is not enough
clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle without
the proper amount of clearance can cause
damage to the brakes, suspension or other vehicle
parts. The area damaged by the tire chains could
cause you to lose control of the vehicle and you or
others may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for use on the
vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s instructions.
To help avoid damage to the vehicle, drive slowly,
readjust or remove the device if it is contacting the
vehicle, and do not spin the vehicle’s wheels. If
you do find traction devices that will fit, install
them on the front tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout while you are driving,especially if you maintain your vehicle’s tires properly.If air goes out of a tire, it is much more likely to leak outslowly. But if you should ever have a blowout, hereare a few tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates a drag that pullsthe vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off theaccelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake toa stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like askid and may require the same correction you woulduse in a skid. In any rear blowout remove your foot fromthe accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under controlby steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It maybe very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gentlybrake to a stop, well off the road if possible.
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Parking Brake and Automatic
Transmission P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{WARNING:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
begin to move. You or others could be injured and
property could be damaged. Make sure there is
room in front of the vehicle in case it begins to roll.
Be ready to apply the regular brake at once
should the vehicle begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facingdownhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set theparking brake.
•To check the parking brake’s holding ability:
With the engine running and the transmissionin N (Neutral), slowly remove foot pressure from theregular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle isheld by the parking brake only.
•To check the P (Park) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to P (Park). Thenrelease the parking brake followed by theregular brake.
Contact your dealer/retailer if service is required.
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, partnumber, or specification can be obtained from yourdealer/retailer.
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil
The engine requires a specialengine oil meeting GM StandardGM4718M. Oils meeting thisstandard can be identified assynthetic, and should also beidentified with the AmericanPetroleum Institute (API) Certifiedfor Gasoline Engines starburstsymbol. However, not all syntheticAPI oils with the starburst symbolwill meet this GM standard. Look forand use only oil that meets GMStandard GM4718M. For the properviscosity, seeEngine Oil onpage 6-13.
Engine Coolant
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkablewater and use only DEX-COOL®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant onpage 6-23.
Hydraulic BrakeSystem
DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid(GM Part No. U.S. 88862806, inCanada 88862807).
7-8