2010 CADILLAC DTS engine overheat

The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled CrankingSystem. This feature assists in starting theengine and protects components. If the ignition keyis turned to the START position, and thenreleased when the engine begins cranking, theengine will continue cranking for a few seconds oruntil the vehicle starts. If the engine does notstart and the key is held in START, cranking will bestopped after 15 seconds to prevent crankingmotor damage. To prevent gear damage, thissystem also prevents cranking if the engineis already running. Engine cranking can be stoppedby turning the ignition switch to theACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods oftime, by returning the key to the START positionimmediately after cranking has ended, can overheatand damage the cranking motor, and drain thebattery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,to let the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or!18°C), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way tothe floor and holding it there as you hold the key inSTART for up to a maximum of 15 seconds.Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to allowthe cranking motor to cool down. When theengine starts, let go of the key and accelerator. Ifthe vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, repeatthese steps. This clears the extra gasoline fromthe engine. Do not race the engine immediatelyafter starting it. Operate the engine andtransmission gently until the oil warms up andlubricates all moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed to work with theelectronics in the vehicle. If you add electrical partsor accessories, you could change the way the engineoperates. Before adding electrical equipment, checkwith your dealer/retailer. If you do not, the enginemight not perform properly. Any resulting damagewould not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
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Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater can provide easier startingand better fuel economy during engine warm-up in coldweather conditions at or below 0°F (!18°C). Vehicleswith an engine coolant heater should be pluggedin at least four hours before starting.
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The electrical cord is located on the driver sideof the engine, behind the transmission dipstick/fluidfill location and next to the engine.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{WARNING:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could
cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of
extension cord could overheat and cause a fire.
You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into
a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC
outlet. If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty
three-prong extension cord rated for at least
15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug andstore the cord as it was before to keep it awayfrom moving engine parts and prevent damage.
The length of time the heater should remain plugged independs on several factors. Ask a dealer/retailer inthe area where you will be parking the vehicle for thebest advice on this.
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Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the
engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly if
the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with
the engine running, it could overheat and even
catch fire. You or others could be injured. Do not
leave the vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running,be sure your vehicle is in P (Park) and the parkingbrake is firmly set before you leave it. SeeParking Brakeon page 3-30for more information.
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of the vehicle puts toomuch force on the parking pawl in the transmission.This happens when parking on a hill and shiftingthe transmission into P (Park) is not done properly andthen it is difficult to shift out of P (Park).
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and thenshift into P (Park). To find out how, see “ShiftingInto Park” in this section.
If torque lock does occur, your vehicle may need to bepushed uphill by another vehicle to relieve the parkingpawl pressure, so you can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting Out of Park
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
This vehicle has an electronic shift lock release system.The shift lock release is designed to:
•Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever is
in P (Park)
•Prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park),
unless the ignition is in ON/RUN orACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal isapplied.
The shift lock is always functional except in the case of aan uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery withlow voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery.SeeJump Starting on page 6-36.
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Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Light
For vehicles with the lanedeparture warning system,this light briefly comeson green, while starting thevehicle, to indicate that itis working.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by yourdealer/retailer. If the system is working normally theindicator light will then go off.
This light also comes on green if the system detects aleft or right lane marking. It flashes, changes toamber and three beeps sound if a detected lane markingis crossed without using a turn signal. For moreinformation, see the Index in the Navigation Manual.
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light
The engine coolanttemperature warning lightcomes on when theengine is very hot.
This light also comes on briefly when the vehicle isstarted.
If the light does not go out or comes on and stays onwhile driving, there may be a problem with the coolingsystem. Driving with engine coolant temperature light oncould cause the vehicle to overheat, seeOverheatedEngine Protection Operating Mode on page 6-29.SeeEngine Overheating on page 6-27andDICWarnings and Messages on page 4-67for moreinformation.
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Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows theengine coolanttemperature.
It indicates when the engine has warmed up and if thecooling system is operating properly. If the gagepointer moves into the shaded area, the engine coolantis too hot and the engine coolant temperature warninglight comes on. SeeEngine Overheating on page 6-27for more information.
Tire Pressure Light
For vehicles with a tire pressure monitoring system, thislight comes on briefly when the engine is started. Itprovides information about tire pressures and the TirePressure Monitoring System.
When the Light is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the tires aresignificantly underinflated.
A tire pressure message in the Driver InformationCenter (DIC), can accompany the light. SeeDriverInformation Center (DIC) on page 4-61for moreinformation. Stop and check the tires as soon as it issafe to do so. If underinflated, inflate to the properpressure. SeeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 6-54formore information.
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ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine isoverheating, severe engine damage may occur. Ifan overheat warning appears on the instrumentpanel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soonas possible. Do not increase the engine speed abovenormal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating onpage 6-27for more information.
This message displays when the engine coolanttemperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle toidle until it cools down. SeeEngine CoolantTemperature Warning Light on page 4-55.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating Mode onpage 6-29for information on driving to a safe placein an emergency.
ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engineis overheating, severe engine damage may occur.If an overheat warning appears on the instrumentpanel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon aspossible. SeeEngine Overheating on page 6-27for more information.
This message displays when the engine has overheated.Immediately look for a safe place to pull your vehicleover and turn the engine off right away to avoid severeengine damage. SeeEngine Overheating on page 6-27andOverheated Engine Protection Operating Modeon page 6-29. A chime also sounds when this messageis displayed.
ENGINE POWER REDUCED
This message displays when the engine power is beingreduced to protect the engine from damage. Therecould be several malfunctions that might causethis message. Reduced engine power can affect thevehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message is on, butthere is no reduction in performance, proceed toyour destination. The performance may be reduced thenext time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may bedriven at a reduced speed while this message is on, butacceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime thismessage stays on, the vehicle should be taken toyour dealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
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TRACTION CONTROL ON
This message displays when the Traction ControlSystem (TCS) is turned on. SeeTraction Control System(TCS) on page 5-6for more information.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while thetransmission fluid is overheating and thetransmission temperature warning is displayed onthe instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, youcan damage the transmission. This could lead tocostly repairs that would not be covered byyour warranty. Do not drive your vehicle withoverheated transmission fluid or while thetransmission temperature warning is displayed.
This message displays when the transmission fluid inyour vehicle is too hot. Stop the vehicle and allowit to idle until the transmission cools down or until thismessage is removed.
TRUNK OPEN
This symbol appears withthis message.
This message displays when the trunk is not closedcompletely. Make sure that the trunk is closedcompletely.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays as a reminder to turn off the turnsignal if you drive your vehicle for more than about1 mile (1.6 km) with a turn signal on. A multiple chimesounds when this message is displayed.
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Repeat this until help arrives but only when you feelreally uncomfortable from the cold. Moving aboutto keep warm also helps.
If it takes some time for help to arrive, now and thenwhen you run the engine, push the acceleratorpedal slightly so the engine runs faster than the idlespeed. This keeps the battery charged to restartthe vehicle and to signal for help with the headlamps.Do this as little as possible to save fuel.
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free thevehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. SeeRocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 5-17.
If the vehicle has a traction system, it can often help tofree a stuck vehicle. Refer to the vehicle’s tractionsystem in the Index. If stuck too severely for the tractionsystem to free the vehicle, turn the traction system offand use the rocking method.
{WARNING:
If the vehicle’s tires spin at high speed, they can
explode, and you or others could be injured.
The vehicle can overheat, causing an engine
compartment fire or other damage. Spin the
wheels as little as possible and avoid going above
55 km/h (35 mph) as shown on the speedometer.
For information about using tire chains on the vehicle,seeTire Chains on page 6-70.
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to clear the areaaround the front wheels. Turn off any traction or stabilitysystem. Shift back and forth between R (Reverse) and aforward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible.To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stopspinning before shifting gears. Release the acceleratorpedal while shifting, and press lightly on the acceleratorpedal when the transmission is in gear. Slowly spinningthe wheels in the forward and reverse directions causes arocking motion that could free the vehicle. If that does notget the vehicle out after a few tries, it might need to betowed out. If the vehicle does need to be towed out, seeTowing Your Vehicle on page 5-24.
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