2010 CADILLAC DTS tow

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.
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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.
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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.
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How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter, remove the filter from thevehicle and lightly shake the filter to release loose dustand dirt. If the filter remains caked with dirt, a new filteris required.
To inspect or replace the filter:
1. Remove the two screws on the top of the engine aircleaner/filter cover.
2. Lift up the outboard side of the cover at an anglewhile pulling toward you. This is necessary due tothe two hinges located on the inboard side ofthe cover.
3. Remove the engine air cleaner/filter and any loosedebris that may be found in the air cleaner base.
4. Inspect or replace the air filter element.
To reinstall the cover:
1. Align the two hinges located on the inboard side ofthe cover.
2. Push the cover slightly down and towards theengine to engage the tabs in the hinges andalign the two screws.
3. Tighten the two screws on the top of the engine aircleaner/filter cover.
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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.
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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.
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Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wearor cracking. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 7-3for more information on wiper blade inspection.
Replacement blades come in different types and areremoved in different ways. Here is how to remove thewiper blade:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Lit the windshield wiper arm and blade away fromthe windshield.
3. Pull the clip up from the blade connecting point andpull the blade assembly down toward the windshieldto remove it from the wiper arm.
4. Install the new wiper blade onto the wiper arm andfirmly press down on the clip to snap it into place.
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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.
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