Page 292 of 496

Black plate (32,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual - 2011
9-32 Driving and Operating
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature always
send engine power to all four
wheels. It is fully automatic, and
adjusts itself as needed for road
conditions.
When using a compact spare tire on
an AWD vehicle, the system
automatically detects the compact
spare and disables AWD. To restore
AWD operation and prevent
excessive wear on the system,
replace the compact spare with a
full-size tire as soon as possible.
SeeCompact Spare Tire
on
page 10‑111for more information.
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the engine is started and the
vehicle begins to drive away, ABS
checks itself. A momentary motor or
clicking noise might be heard while
this test is going on, and it might
even be noticed that the brake
pedal moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
on page 5‑23. If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to
avoid a sudden obstacle, a
computer senses that the wheels
are slowing down. If one of the
wheels is about to stop rolling, the
computer will separately work the
brakes at each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure
to each wheel, as required, faster
than any driver could. This can help
the driver steer around the obstacle
while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates
on wheel speed and controls
braking pressure accordingly.
Page 293 of 496

Black plate (33,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-33
Remember: ABS does not change
the time needed to get a foot up to
the brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too
close to the vehicle in front of you,
there will not be enough time to
apply the brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to
stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down firmly and let
ABS work. You might hear the ABS
pump or motor operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsate, but this is
normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows the driver to steer and
brake at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
more than even the very best
braking.
Parking Brake (Manual)
The parking brake pedal is located
on the lower portion of the
instrument panel to the left of the
steering wheel.
To set the parking brake, hold the
brake pedal down, then push the
parking brake pedal down.
If the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light on the
instrument panel cluster should
come on. If it does not, you need tohave the vehicle serviced. See
Brake System Warning Light
on
page 5‑22for more information.
To release the parking brake, pull
the release lever located to the left
of the steering wheel on the
instrument panel.
Notice: Driving with the parking
brake on can overheat the brake
system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system
parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the
brake warning light is off before
driving.
Page 296 of 496

Black plate (36,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual - 2011
9-36 Driving and Operating
If the yellow light is on, the EPB has
detected an error in another system
and is operating with reduced
functionality. To release the EPB
when this light is on, push down on
the EPB switch and hold it in the
down position. EPB release may
take a longer period of time than
normal when this light is on.
Continue to hold the switch until the
BRAKE light is off. If the yellow light
is on, see your dealer.
Notice:Driving with the parking
brake on can overheat the brake
system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system
parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the red
brake warning light is off before
driving.Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if
the vehicle is running, placed into
gear, and an attempt is made to
drive away. Avoid rapid acceleration
when the EPB is applied, to
preserve park brake lining life.
The EPB can also be used to
prevent roll back for vehicles with a
manual transmission taking off on a
hill. In a situation where no roll back
is desired, an applied EPB will allow
both feet to be used for the clutch
and accelerator pedals in
preparation for starting the vehicle
moving in the intended direction.
In this situation, perform the normal
clutch and/or accelerator actions
required to begin moving the
vehicle. There is no need to push
the switch to release the EPB.
If you are towing a trailer and
parking on a hill, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
on
page 9‑52for more information.
Brake Assist
(Except CTS-V)
This vehicle has a brake assist
feature designed to assist the driver
in stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal as
the driving situation dictates. The
brake assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
Page 315 of 496

Black plate (55,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-55
while parked, preferably on level
ground, with the transmission out of
gear and the parking brake applied,
for a few minutes before turning the
engine off. If the overheat warning
comes on, seeEngine Overheating
on page 10‑24.
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 for
vehicles with an automatic
transmission, or into gear for
vehicles with a manual transmission. Turn the wheels
into the curb if facing downhill or
into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the brake pedal
until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park) for vehicles with an
automatic transmission or into
gear for vehicles with a manual
transmission.
5. Release the brake pedal.
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 store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See this
manual's Maintenance Schedule or
Index for more information. Things
that are especially important in
trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. It is a good idea to
inspect these before and during
the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Page 328 of 496
Black plate (10,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual - 2011
10-10 Vehicle Care
Engine Cover
Engine Cover (CTS)
To remove:
1. Remove the oil fill cap (A).
2. Raise the right front corner ofthe engine cover (B) to release it
from the ball stud.
3. Pull the engine cover (B) forward to slide the rear tabs (C) out from
under the retainers. 4. Lift and remove the engine
cover.
5. Reverse Steps 1 through 4 to reinstall engine cover.
Engine Cover (CTS-V)
To remove:
The engine cover consists of two
pieces. Only the larger front piece
needs to be removed to access the
engine oil and power steering
fill caps.
1. Raise the front of the enginecover (A) to release it from the
ball studs (B).
2. Pull the engine cover forward until it is clear of the smaller
piece.
3. Lift and remove the engine cover.
4. Reverse Steps 1 through 3 to reinstall engine cover.
Page 336 of 496

Black plate (18,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual - 2011
10-18 Vehicle Care
8. Remove the air cleaner filterfrom the air cleaner housing.
How to Reinstall Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
1. Install the air cleaner into the aircleaner housing. The outer air
cleaner filter seal must be fitted
properly in the air cleaner
housing.
2. Align the air cleaner housing cover tabs to the air cleaner
housing. 3. Install the air cleaner housing
cover.
4. Install the air cleaner housing cover screws.
5. Install the hose to the air cleaner housing mounting arm. The hose
must be routed correctly.
6. Install the air cleaner outlet duct to the air cleaner housing.
7. Tighten the air cleaner outlet duct screw clamp. 8. Attach the electrical connector to
the air box.
9. Reinstall the side cover.
{WARNING
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it
helps to stop flames if the engine
backfires. Use caution when
working on the engine and do not
drive with the air cleaner/filter off.
Notice: If the air cleaner/filter is
off, dirt can easily get into the
engine, which could damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/filter
in place when you are driving.
Page 361 of 496
Black plate (43,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-43
Mini‐Fuses Usage11 Not Used
19 Antilock Braking
System (ABS)
22 Display
23 Not Used
24 Body Control
Module 1 Mini‐Fuses Usage
25 Automatic Forward
Lighting System
(HID Only)
26 Body Control
Module 5
27 Body Control
Module 4 Mini‐Fuses Usage
28 Navigation Motor
29 All-Wheel Drive
30 Transmission
Control Module
Battery
31 Horn
33 Left Low‐Beam
Headlamp
(Domestic
Non‐HID Only)
34 Pedestrian
Protection System
(Export Only)
35 Body Control
Module 3
36 Body Control
Module 2
38 Headlamp Washer
(HID Only)
Page 365 of 496
Black plate (47,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-47
Mini‐Fuses Usage11 Not Used
19 Antilock Braking
System (ABS)
22 Display
23 Sunroof
24 Body Control
Module 1 Mini‐Fuses Usage
25 Automatic Forward
Lighting System
(HID Only)
26 Body Control
Module 5
27 Body Control
Module 4 Mini‐Fuses Usage
28 Navigation Motor
29 Not Used
30 Transmission
Control Module
Battery
31 Horn
33 Not Used
34 Pedestrian
Protection System
(Export Only)
35 Body Control
Module 3
36 Body Control
Module 2
38 Headlamp Washer
(HID Only)
40 Not Used
41 Air Conditioning
Compressor Clutch