2010 CADILLAC DTS brake

Towing a Trailer
The Cadillac Professional Vehicle cannot tow a trailer.
{WARNING:
The driver can lose control when pulling a trailer if
the correct equipment is not used or the vehicle is
not driven properly. For example, if the trailer is
too heavy, the brakes may not work well — or
even at all. The driver and passengers could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged; the resulting repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer only
if all the steps in this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer/retailer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Notice:Pulling a trailer improperly can damage thevehicle and result in costly repairs not coveredby the vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer correctly,follow the advice in this section and see yourdealer/retailer for important information abouttowing a trailer with the vehicle.
The vehicle can tow a trailer if it is equipped with theproper trailer towing equipment. To identify the traileringcapacity of the vehicle, read the information in “Weightof the Trailer” that appears later in this section. Traileringis different than just driving the vehicle by itself.Trailering means changes in handling, acceleration,braking, durability and fuel economy. Successful, safetrailering takes correct equipment, and it has to beused properly.
The following information has many time-tested,important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of theseare important for the safety of the driver and thepassengers. So please read this section carefully beforepulling a trailer.
Load-pulling components such as the engine,transmission, axles, wheel assemblies and tires areforced to work harder against the drag of the addedweight. The engine is required to operate at relativelyhigher speeds and under greater loads, generating extraheat. The trailer also adds considerably to windresistance, increasing the pulling requirements.
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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.
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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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Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-3California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . .6-4Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-4Adding Equipment to the Outsideof the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5Gasoline Octane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-6California Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-6Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-6Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-7Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-8Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-10
Checking Things Under the Hood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-10Hood Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-11Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-12Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-13Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-16Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-17Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-19Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-22Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-23Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-27
Overheated Engine ProtectionOperating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-29Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-30Windshield Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-31Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-32Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-34Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-36
Headlamp Aiming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-40
Bulb Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-43High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . .6-43
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-44
Tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-46Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-47Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-52Inflation - Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-54High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-56Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-57Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-58Tire Inspection and Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-62When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-64Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-64Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-66Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-67Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-68Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-68
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
6-1

Service
For service and parts needs, visit your dealer/retailer.You will receive genuine GM parts and GM-trained andsupported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these marks:
Accessories and Modifications
When non-dealer/non-retailer accessories are added tothe vehicle, they can affect vehicle performance andsafety, including such things as airbags, braking, stability,ride and handling, emissions systems, aerodynamics,durability, and electronic systems like antilock brakes,traction control, and stability control. Some of theseaccessories could even cause malfunction or damage notcovered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components resulting from theinstallation or use of non-GM certified parts, includingcontrol module modifications, are not covered under theterms of the vehicle warranty and may affect remainingwarranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to complement andfunction with other systems on the vehicle. Your GMdealer/retailer can accessorize the vehicle using genuineGM Accessories. When you go to your GMdealer/retailer and ask for GM Accessories, you willknow that GM-trained and supported service technicianswill perform the work using genuine GM Accessories.
Also, seeAdding Equipment to Your Airbag-EquippedVehicle on page 2-73.
6-3

Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{WARNING:
Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in the
vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the fuel vapor. You can be
badly burned and the vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others:
•Dispense fuel only into approved containers.
•Do not fill a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed, or onany surface other than the ground.
•Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the inside
of the fill opening before operating the nozzle.Contact should be maintained until the fillingis complete.
•Do not smoke while pumping fuel.
•Do not use a cellular phone while
pumping fuel.
Checking Things Under
the Hood
{WARNING:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{WARNING:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like fuel, oil,
coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and other
fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others could
be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill things
that will burn onto a hot engine.
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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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