Black plate (32,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Power Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid
reservoir is located next to
the underhood fuse block
on the passenger side of
the vehicle. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 6‑14for more
information on location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering
fluid unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or
you hear an unusual noise. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the system inspected
and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag. 4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level
on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL COLD mark.
If necessary, add only enough fluid to bring the level
up to the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricantson page 7‑9.
Always use the proper fluid.
Notice: Use of the incorrect fluid may damage the
vehicle and the damages may not be covered by the
vehicle's warranty. Always use the correct fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
on
page 7‑9.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield washer fluid, be
sure to read the manufacturer's instructions before use.
If the vehicle will be operating in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against freezing.
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Black plate (33,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Adding Washer Fluid
The WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID message will
be displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC)
when the fluid is low. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑65for more information.
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer fluid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 6‑14for
reservoir location.
Notice:
.When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer's instructions for
adding water.
.Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer
fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze
and damage the washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system. Also, water does
not clean as well as washer fluid.
.Fill the washer fluid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for fluid
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
.Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system and paint.
Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder
reservoir is filled with
DOT 3 brake fluid. See
Engine Compartment
Overview
on page 6‑14for reservoir location and
access.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
the reservoir might go down:
.The brake fluid level goes down because of normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are installed,
the fluid level goes back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system can also
cause a low fluid level. Have the brake hydraulic
system fixed, since a leak means that sooner or
later the brakes will not work well.
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Black plate (99,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Notice:Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish may
damage it. Use only non-abrasive waxes and
polishes that are made for a basecoat/clearcoat
paint finish on the vehicle.
Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other
salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle's finish if they remain on painted
surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible.
If necessary, use non-abrasive cleaners that are
marked safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign
matter.
Exterior painted surfaces are subject to aging, weather
and chemical fallout that can take their toll over a period
of years. To help keep the paint finish looking new, keep
the vehicle garaged or covered whenever possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Parts
Bright metal parts should be cleaned regularly to keep
their luster. Washing with water is all that is usually
needed. However, chrome polish may be used on
chrome or stainless steel trim, if necessary. Use special care with aluminum trim. To avoid
damaging protective trim, never use auto or chrome
polish, steam or caustic soap to clean aluminum.
A coating of wax, rubbed to high polish, is
recommended for all bright metal parts.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield with glass cleaner.
Clean the rubber blades using a lint free cloth or paper
towel soaked with windshield washer fluid or a mild
detergent. Wash the windshield thoroughly when
cleaning the blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a
buildup of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause
wiper streaking. Replace the wiper blades if they are
worn or damaged.
Wipers can be damaged by:
.Extreme dusty conditions
.Sand and salt
.Heat and sun
.Snow and ice, without proper removal
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Black plate (4,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Every Engine Oil Change
.Change engine oil and filter. Reset oil life system.
SeeEngine Oilon page 6‑15andEngine Oil Life
Systemon page 6‑18. An Emission Control
Service.
.Engine coolant level check. See Engine Coolanton page 6‑26.
.Engine cooling system inspection. Visual
inspection of hoses, pipes, fittings, and clamps
and replacement, if needed.
.Windshield washer fluid level check. See
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 6‑32.
.Windshield wiper blade inspection for wear,
cracking, or contamination and windshield and
wiper blade cleaning, if contaminated. See
Windshield and Wiper Blades
on page 6‑99.
Worn or damaged wiper blade replacement. See
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
on
page 6‑46.
.Tire inflation pressures check. See Inflation - Tire
Pressure on page 6‑57.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6‑65.
.Rotate tires if necessary. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6‑65.
.Fluids visual leak check (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). A leak in any system must
be repaired and the fluid level checked.
.Engine air cleaner filter inspection. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 6‑19.
.Brake system inspection (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first).
.Steering and suspension inspection. Visual
inspection for damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear.
.Body hinges and latches, key lock cylinders,
console hinges, and glove box door hinges
lubrication. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
on page 7‑9. More frequent
lubrication may be required when the vehicle is
exposed to a corrosive environment. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth
makes them last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
.Restraint system component check. See Checking
the Restraint Systems on page 2‑70.
.Fuel system inspection for damage or leaks.
.Exhaust system and nearby heat shields
inspection for loose or damaged components.
7-4
Black plate (5,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Additional Required Services
Every 12 000 km/7,500 Miles
.Rotate tires. Tires should be rotated every
12 000 km/7,500 miles. SeeTire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6‑65.
At Each Fuel Stop
.Engine oil level check. See Engine Oilon
page 6‑15.
.Engine coolant level check. See Engine Coolanton page 6‑26.
.Windshield washer fluid level check. See
Windshield Washer Fluid on page 6‑32.
Once a Month
.Tire inflation pressures check. See Inflation - Tire
Pressure on page 6‑57.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire Inspection and
Rotation on page 6‑65.
.Sunroof track and seal inspection, if equipped. See
Sunroof on page 3‑56.
Once a Year
.Starter switch check. See Owner Checks and
Services on page 7‑7.
.Automatic transmission shiftlock control function
check. See Owner Checks and Serviceson
page 7‑7.
.Ignition transmission lock check. See Owner
Checks and Services on page 7‑7.
.Parking brake and automatic transmission P (Park)
mechanism check. See Owner Checks and
Services on page 7‑7.
.Accelerator pedal check for damage, high effort,
or binding. Replace if needed.
.Underbody flushing service.
First Engine Oil Change After Every
40 000 km/25,000 Miles
.Passenger compartment air filter replacement (or
every 24 months, whichever occurs first). More
frequent replacement may be needed if you
drive in areas with heavy traffic, areas with
poor air quality, or areas with high dust levels.
Replacement may also be needed if you notice
reduced air flow, windows fogging up, or odors.
Your dealer can help you determine when it is the
right time to replace the filter.
7-5
Black plate (9,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part
number, or specification can be obtained from your
dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil The engine requires engine oil
approved to the dexos™
specification.
Oils meeting this specification can
be identified with the dexos™
certification mark. Look for and use only
an engine oil that displays the dexos™
certification mark of the proper viscosity
grade. See Engine Oil on page 6‑15.
Engine
Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water
and use only DEX-COOL Coolant. See
Engine Coolant on page 6‑26.
Hydraulic
Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 88862806, in
Canada 88862807).
Windshield Washer Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Parking Brake Cable Guides Chassis Lubricant (GM Part No.
U.S. 12377985, in Canada 88901242)
or lubricant meeting requirements of
NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Usage
Fluid/Lubricant
Power
Steering
System GM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184, in
Canada 89021186).
Automatic
Transmission DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission
Fluid.
Key Lock
Cylinders Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Hood Latch Assembly,
Secondary
Latch, Pivots,
Spring Anchor,
and
Release Pawl Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346293, in
Canada 992723) or lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB
or GC-LB.
Hood and
Door Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip Conditioning Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No.
U.S. 3634770, in Canada 10953518)
or Dielectric Silicone Grease
(GM Part No. U.S. 12345579, in
Canada 992887).
7-9
Black plate (6,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
F
FilterEngine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-19
Finish Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-101
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-73
Flat Tire, Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-83
Flat Tire, Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-91
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-54
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-21
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-32
Windshield Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-32
Fog Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-29
Footwell Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-31
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6
Front Fog Lamps Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-58
Front Storage Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-54
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-5 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
California Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Fuel (cont.)
Gasoline Octane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-59
Fuel Economy Driving for Better . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Fuses Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-104
Rear Underseat Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-107
Underhood Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-104
Windshield Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-103
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-47
GasolineOctane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Gauges Engine Coolant Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-53
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-59
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-46
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-46
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-54
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-7
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Black plate (16,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
W
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . 4-44
WarningsDIC Warnings and Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-65
Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Safety and Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-72
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-70
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-72
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-67
Where to Put the Child Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-39
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15 Windshield
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-32
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-46
Wiper Blades, Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-99
Wiper Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-103
Wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Wiper Activated Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-28
X
XM Radio Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-105
XM™ Satellite Radio
Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-116
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