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.
6-18
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.
6-21
Black plate (66,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Five‐Tire Rotation Pattern
A five‐tire rotation pattern may be used for your
professional vehicle, if it has a full‐size spare tire
and wheel assembly that matches the original
equipment tires and wheels in size, type and
brand. The correct five‐tire rotation pattern is
shown.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label. SeeLoading the
Vehicle
on page 5‑18.
Vehicles that have the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS) will need to have the sensors
reset after a tire rotation is performed. See Tire
Pressure Monitor System
on page 6‑60. Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See
“Wheel Nut Torque” under
Capacities and Specifications
on page 6‑112.
{WARNING:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a
cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire brush later,
if needed, to get all the rust or dirt off. See
Changing a Flat Tire
on page 6‑83.
Lightly coat the center of the wheel hub with
wheel bearing grease after a wheel change or tire
rotation to prevent corrosion or rust build-up. Do
not get grease on the flat wheel mounting surface
or on the wheel nuts or bolts.
6-66
Black plate (96,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rubtoward the center. Continue cleaning, using a clean
area of the cloth each time it becomes soiled.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area until the cleaning cloth remains clean.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild soap solution and repeat the cleaning process that
was used with plain water.
If any of the soil remains, a commercial fabric cleaner
or spot lifter may be necessary. When a commercial
upholstery cleaner or spot lifter is to be used, test a
small hidden area for colorfastness first. If the locally
cleaned area gives any impression that a ring formation
may result, clean the entire surface.
After the cleaning process has been completed, a paper
towel can be used to blot excess moisture from the
fabric or carpet.
Leather
A soft cloth dampened with water can be used to
remove dust. If a more thorough cleaning is necessary,
a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap solution can
be used. Allow the leather to dry naturally. Do not use
heat to dry. Never use steam to clean leather. Never
use spot lifters or spot removers on leather. Many
commercial leather cleaners and coatings that are
sold to preserve and protect leather may permanently
change the appearance and feel of the leather and are not recommended. Do not use silicone or wax-based
products, or those containing organic solvents to
clean the vehicle's interior because they can alter the
appearance by increasing the gloss in a non-uniform
manner. Never use shoe polish on leather.
TEHAMA™
Leather
The leather surface on the seat was not designed to be
aggressively cleaned using any commercial product.
Use a well wrung cloth dampened with water to remove
dust. Do not use a wet cloth or saturate the leather
surface with water. Allow the leather to dry naturally. If a
soil occurs that cannot be completely removed, allow it
to become part of the natural markings of the leather.
The leather in the vehicle was designed to have a
natural appearance and develop a more vintage
appearance with use.
Do not use heat to dry. Never use steam to clean
leather. Never use spot lifters or spot removers on
leather. It is very important to not use any commercial
leather cleaners or coatings that are sold to preserve
and protect leather. Not only are those products not
necessary, they will permanently and adversely change
the appearance and feel of the leather. Never use
silicone or wax-based products, or those containing
organic solvents to clean the vehicle's interior. Never
use shoe polish on leather.
6-96
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 (8,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Coverage
Services are provided up to 5 years/160 000 km
(100,000 miles), whichever comes first.
In the U.S., anyone driving the vehicle is covered. In
Canada, a person driving the vehicle without permission
from the owner is not covered.
Roadside Service is not a part of the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty. Cadillac and General Motors of
Canada Limited reserve the right to make any changes
or discontinue the Roadside Service program at any
time without notification.
Cadillac and General Motors of Canada Limited reserve
the right to limit services or payment to an owner or
driver if they decide the claims are made too often,
or the same type of claim is made many times.
Cadillac Owner Privileges™
.Emergency Fuel Delivery:Delivery of enough
fuel for the vehicle to get to the nearest service
station.
.Lock‐Out Service: Service to unlock the vehicle
if you are locked out. A remote unlock may be
available if you have OnStar
®. For security
reasons, the driver must present identification
before this service is given.
.Emergency Tow From a Public Road or
Highway: Tow to the nearest Cadillac dealer for
warranty service, or if the vehicle was in a crash
and cannot be driven. Assistance is also given
when the vehicle is stuck in the sand, mud,
or snow.
.Flat Tire Change: Service to change a flat tire
with spare tire. The spare tire, if equipped, must be
in good condition and properly inflated. It is your
responsibility for the repair or replacement of the
tire if it is not covered by the warranty.
.Battery Jump Start: Service to jump start a dead
battery.
.Trip Routing Service: Detailed maps of North
America are provided when requested either with
the most direct route or the most scenic route.
Additional travel information is also available. Allow
three weeks for delivery.
.Trip Interruption Benefits and Service: If your
trip is interrupted due to a warranty failure,
incidental expenses may be reimbursed during the
5 years/160 000 km (100,000 miles) Powertrain
warranty period. Items considered are hotel,
meals, and rental car.
8-8
Black plate (11,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Public Transportation or Fuel
Reimbursement
If your vehicle requires overnight warranty repairs, and
public transportation is used instead of the dealer's
shuttle service, the expense must be supported by
original receipts and can only be up to the maximum
amount allowed by GM for shuttle service. In addition,
for U.S. customers, should you arrange transportation
through a friend or relative, limited reimbursement for
reasonable fuel expenses may be available. Claim
amounts should reflect actual costs and be supported
by original receipts. See your dealer for information
regarding the allowance amounts for reimbursement of
fuel or other transportation costs.
Courtesy Rental Vehicle
Your dealer may arrange to provide you with a courtesy
rental vehicle or reimburse you for a rental vehicle
that you obtain if your vehicle is kept for an overnight
warranty repair. Rental reimbursement will be limited
and must be supported by original receipts. This
requires that you sign and complete a rental agreementand meet state/provincial, local, and rental vehicle
provider requirements. Requirements vary and
may include minimum age requirements, insurance
coverage, credit card, etc. You are responsible for fuel
usage charges and may also be responsible for taxes,
levies, usage fees, excessive mileage, or rental usage
beyond the completion of the repair.
It may not be possible to provide a like vehicle as a
courtesy rental.
Additional Program Information
All program options, such as shuttle service, may not
be available at every dealer. Please contact your dealer
for specific information about availability. All Courtesy
Transportation arrangements will be administered by
appropriate dealer personnel.
General Motors reserves the right to unilaterally modify,
change, or discontinue Courtesy Transportation at any
time and to resolve all questions of claim eligibility
pursuant to the terms and conditions described herein
at its sole discretion.
8-11
Black plate (16,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Owner Information
Owner publications are written specifically for owners
and intended to provide basic operational information
about the vehicle. The Owner Manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner Manual, and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00 (U.S.) plus handling and
shipping fees
Without Portfolio: Owner Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $25.00 (U.S.) plus handling and
shipping fees
Current and Past Models
Technical Service Bulletins and Manuals are available
for current and past model GM vehicles.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), visit Helm, Inc.,
at: www.helminc.com
Or you can write to:Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207
Prices are subject to change without notice and without
incurring obligation. Allow ample time for delivery.
Note to Canadian Customers: All listed prices are
quoted in U.S. funds. Canadian residents are to make
checks payable in U.S. funds.
8-16