Black plate (5,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the Index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$: Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B: Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.: Fuel Gauge
+:Fuses
3: Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*: Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
g:Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
v
Black plate (8,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
If the vehicle is left running it will automatically shut
off after 10 minutes unless a time extension has
been done.
To manually shut off a remote start:
.Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press
the remote start button until the parking lamps
turn off.
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Turn the ignition switch on and then off.
The remote vehicle start feature provides two separate
starts, each with 10 minutes of engine running, or it
provides one start with 10 minutes of engine running
that may be extended 10 more minutes. If you press
and release the transmitter lock button and then press
and hold the remote start button on the RKE transmitter
again before the first 10 minutes of engine running time
has expired, 10 minutes are added to the remaining
minutes. For example, if the lock button and then
the remote start buttons are pressed again after
five minutes of the engine run time, 10 minutes are
added and you now have 15 minutes of engine running.
The added ten minutes are considered a second remote
vehicle start. Once two remote starts or a single start with a time
extension have been used, the vehicle must be started
with the ignition key before you can use the remote start
feature again.
The remote vehicle start feature will not operate if the
key is in the ignition, the hood is not closed, or if there
is an emission control system malfunction.
The engine will turn off during a remote vehicle start
if the coolant temperature gets too high, or the oil
pressure is too low.
See
Engine Exhaust
on page 3‑33for important safety
information when using remote start in a closed garage.
Remote Start Ready
If your vehicle does not have the remote vehicle start
feature, it may have the remote start ready feature. This
feature allows your dealer to add the manufacturer's
remote vehicle start feature. See your dealer if you
would like to add the manufacturer's remote vehicle
start feature to your vehicle.
3-8
Black plate (2,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Section 4 Instrument Panel
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . 4-51
Traction Control System (TCS) WarningLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-51
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-52
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Light . . . . . . . . . . 4-52
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . 4-53
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . 4-53
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-54
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-54
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-57
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-57
Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-58
Lights On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-58
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-58
Highbeam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-58
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-59 Driver Information Center (DIC)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-59
DIC Operation and Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-60
DIC Warnings and Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-65
DIC Vehicle Customization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-77
Audio System(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-86
Setting the Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-87
Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-90
Using an MP3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-100
XM Radio Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-105
Navigation/Radio System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-106
Bluetooth
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-107
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-114
Audio Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-114
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-115
Backglass Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-116
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System . . . . . . . . 4-116
4-2
Black plate (17,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Your vehicle was filled at the factory with dexos™
approved engine oil.
Notice:Use only engine oil that is approved to the
dexos™ specification or an equivalent engine oil
of the appropriate viscosity grade. Engine oils
approved to the dexos™ specification will show the
dexos™ symbol on the container. Failure to use the
recommended engine oil or equivalent can result in
engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty.
If you are unsure whether your oil is approved to
the dexos™ specification, ask your service provider.
Use of Substitute Engine Oils if dexos™ is unavailable:
In the event that dexos™ approved engine oil is not
available at an oil change or for maintaining proper oil
level, you may use substitute engine oil displaying the
API Starburst symbol and of SAE 5W-30 viscosity
grade. Use of oils that do not meet the dexos™
specification, however, may result in reduced
performance under certain circumstances.
Viscosity Grade
SAE 5W-30 is the best viscosity grade for the vehicle.
Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W‐30,
10W‐40, or 20W-50.
Cold Temperature Operation: In an area of extreme
cold, where the temperature falls below −29°C
(−20°F), an SAE 0W-30 oil should be used.
An oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold
starting for the engine at extremely low temperatures.
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Black plate (18,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
When selecting an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade,
be sure to always select an oil that meets the required
specification, dexos™. See“Specification”for more
information.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils
with the dexos™ specification and displaying the
dexos™ certification mark are all that is needed for
good performance and engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not recommended and
could cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements that can be
unhealthy for your skin and could even cause cancer.
Do not let used oil stay on your skin for very long. Clean
your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand
cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer's
warnings about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment. If you
change your own oil, be sure to drain all the oil from the
filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it
in the trash or pouring it on the ground, into sewers,
or into streams or bodies of water. Recycle it by taking it
to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that indicates when
to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on
engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on
mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change is indicated can vary considerably.
For the oil life system to work properly, the system must
be reset every time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life has been
diminished, it indicates that an oil change is necessary.
A CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) comes on. Change the oil as
soon as possible within the next 600 miles (1 000 km).
It is possible that, if driving under the best conditions,
the oil life system might indicate that an oil change is
not necessary for up to a year. The engine oil and filter
must be changed at least once a year and, at this time,
the system must be reset. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this work and reset the
system. It is also important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain interval and keep it at the
proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 3,000 miles (5 000 km) since the last oil
change. Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.
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Black plate (21,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
A good time to check the automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed in
Scheduled Maintenance
on page 7‑3, and be sure to
use the transmission fluid listed in Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 7‑9.
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you
may choose to have this done at the dealer service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here or you could get a false reading on the dipstick. Notice:
Too much or too little fluid can damage the
transmission. Too much can mean that some of the
fluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts
or exhaust system parts, starting a fire. Too little
fluid could cause the transmission to overheat. Be
sure to get an accurate reading if checking the
transmission fluid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission 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 at normal
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 above 10°C
(50°F). If it is colder than 10°C (50°F), you may have to
drive longer.
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Black plate (26,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in the vehicle for five years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs first.
The following explains the cooling system and how to
check and add coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating, see Engine
Overheating on page 6‑29.
What to Use
{WARNING:
Adding only plain water or some other liquid to the
cooling system can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. The vehicle's coolant warning
system is set for the proper coolant mixture. With
plain water or the wrong mixture, the engine could
get too hot but you would not get the overheat
warning. The engine could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of
clean, drinkable water and DEX-COOL coolant. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant. If using this mixture, nothing else
needs to be added. This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down to −34°F (−37°C),
outside temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C),
engine temperature.
.Protects against rust and corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine temperature.
Notice: If an improper coolant mixture is used, the
engine could overheat and be badly damaged. The
repair cost would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze
and crack the engine, radiator, heater core, and
other parts.
Notice: If extra inhibitors and/or additives are used
in the vehicle's cooling system, the vehicle could be
damaged. Use only the proper mixture of the engine
coolant listed in this manual for the cooling system.
See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on
page 7‑9for more information.
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Black plate (31,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
If the overheat warning is displayed with no sign of
steam:1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral) while stopped. If it safe to do so, pull off the road,
shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral) and let the
engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gauge is no longer in the
overheat zone or an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive
the vehicle slow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in front. If the warning
does not come back on, continue to drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the
vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for
three minutes while parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it cools down. Also,
see "Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode"
next in this section.Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition exists and the
message ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE
is displayed, an overheat protection mode which
alternates firing groups of cylinders helps prevent
engine damage. In this mode, you will notice a loss in
power and engine performance. This operating mode
allows your vehicle to be driven to a safe place in an
emergency. Driving extended miles (km) and/or towing
a trailer in the overheat protection mode should be
avoided.
Notice: After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any
repair. The engine oil will be severely degraded.
Repair the cause of coolant loss, change the oil
and reset the oil life system. See Engine Oil
on
page 6‑15.
6-31