
Black plate (31,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Parade Dimming
This feature prohibits dimming of the digital displays
and backlighting during daylight hours when the key is
in the ignition and the headlamps are on. This feature is
fully automatic. When the light sensor reads darkness
outside and the parking lamps are active, the digital
displays can be adjusted by turning the instrument
panel brightness knob counterclockwise to dim and
clockwise to brighten lighting.
Reading Lamps
The reading lamps are located on the overhead console
on the headliner and in the rear door opening. These
lamps come on automatically when any door is opened
and it is dark outside.
For manual operation, press the button to turn them on.
Press it again to turn them off.
If the reading lamps are left on, they automatically shut
off 10 minutes after the ignition has been turned off.
Footwell Lamps
For vehicles with footwell lamps, they are located under
the instrument panel and at the rear of the front seats.
These lamps provide soft light to the front and rear floor
areas. They dim with the instrument panel cluster lights.Footwell lighting brightness can be adjusted with the
instrument panel brightness control located below the
exterior lamps control. See
Instrument Panel Brightness
on page 4‑30. The footwell lights will turn off before the
instrument panel lights are at their lowest level of
brightness.
Battery Load Management
This feature monitors the vehicle's electrical load and
determines when the battery is in a heavy discharge
condition. During times of high electrical loading, the
engine may idle at a higher revolutions per minute (rpm)
setting than normal to make sure the battery charges.
High electrical loads may occur when several of the
following are on: headlamps, high beams, fog lamps,
rear window defogger, the climate control fan at high
speeds, heated seats and engine cooling fans.
If the battery continues to discharge, even with the
engine idling at a higher rpm setting, some electrical
loads will automatically be reduced. When this occurs,
the rear window defogger may take slightly longer to
clear the glass, the heated seats may not get as warm
as they usually do and the climate control fan may
cut back to a lower speed. For more battery saving
information, see “Battery Saver Active Message” under
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 4‑65.
4-31

Black plate (34,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow
the proper installation instructions included with the
equipment. SeeAdd-On Electrical Equipment
on
page 6‑103.
Notice: Hanging heavy equipment from the power
outlet can cause damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty. The power outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only, such as cell phone
charge cords.
Analog Clock
The analog clock is located on the instrument panel
above the radio. The clock is not connected with any
other vehicle system and runs by itself. To adjust the
clock:
1. Locate the adjustment button directly below the clock face.
2. Push and hold the adjustment button to advance the clock hands. Holding the button down will
cause the clock to advance faster. Release the
button before reaching the desired time.
3. Push and release the button to increase the time by one minute increments until the desired time is
reached.
Climate Controls
Dual Climate Control System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle can
be controlled with this system.
Dual Climate Control System
4-34

Black plate (36,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
If the AUTO position is selected on the fan or mode
control, the system automatically controls the air
conditioning compressor. The A/C compressor will run
automatically even at cool outside temperatures in order
to dehumidify the air. The A/C indicator light is lit when
the system is operating automatically, even at near
freezing outside temperatures. Press
#on the fan
control to turn off the A/C. For improved window
clearing performance in defog or defrost modes, the
A/C compressor runs automatically.
h(AUTO RECIRCULATION): If the AUTO position is
selected on either the fan or air delivery mode control,
the system automatically controls the air inlet to supply
fresh outside air or recirculate the interior air to cool the
car faster. The light on the recirculation button will come
on when the system changes to recirculation. Outside
air can be forced by pressing
hwhen the light is lit.
For vehicles without rear climate controls, press
:to
force outside air. The next time AUTO fan or mode is
selected, the air inlet will reset back to AUTO operation.
Manual Operation
9(Off): Turns the entire climate control system off.
Outside air still enters the vehicle and is directed to the
floor. The airflow direction and temperature can be
adjusted, as indicated below.
If the temperature is adjusted while the system is off,
the display will light to show the current settings.
w x(Driver's Temperature Controls): Press the up
or down buttons next to the fan control to manually
increase or decrease the temperature inside the
vehicle.
w x(Passenger's Temperature Controls): Press the
up or down buttons next to the air delivery mode control
to manually increase or decrease the temperature for
the front passenger. If the passenger climate control
system is off, pressing one of these buttons turns it on.
9(Fan Control): Turn clockwise or counterclockwise
to increase or decrease the fan speed. Turning this
control completely counterclockwise will turn on the
automatic fan operation. If the airflow seems low when
the fan speed is at the highest setting, the passenger
compartment air filter may need to be replaced. See
Passenger Compartment Air Filter on page 4‑42.
4-36

Black plate (37,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Air Delivery Mode Control:Turn clockwise or
counterclockwise to change the current airflow mode.
Select one of the following:
AUTO: Turns on the automatic delivery mode
operation.
F (Vent): Air is directed to the instrument panel outlets.
* (Bi-Level): Air is divided between the instrument
panel and the floor outlets. In automatic operation,
cooler air is directed to the upper outlets and warmer air
to the floor outlets.
7 (Floor): Air is directed to the floor outlets with
some air directed to the side window outlets and the
windshield.
If recirculation is selected, it only stays on for
three minutes to reduce windshield fogging.
W(Floor/Defog): This mode clears the windows of
fog or moisture. Air is directed to the floor outlets,
with some air going to the side window outlets and
windshield. When selected, the system turns off
recirculation and runs the air conditioning compressor
unless the outside temperature is at or below freezing.
The recirculation mode cannot be selected while in the
floor/defog mode.
0(Defrost): This mode clears the windshield of fog
or frost more quickly. Air is directed to the windshield
and side window outlets. When selected, the system
automatically turns off recirculation and runs the
air conditioning compressor, unless the outside
temperature is at or below freezing. Recirculation
cannot be selected while in the defrost mode. Do not
drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
For professional vehicles, air will be allowed to flow
through the rear outlets. For quicker defrost, press the
AUX button on the front climate control system so that
the light is not lit.
#(Air Conditioning): Press to turn the air
conditioning system on or off and override the
automatic system. When in AUTO, the air conditioning
compressor comes on automatically, as necessary.
To avoid window fogging on rainy and humid days at
temperatures above freezing, run the air conditioning.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from
the air, so a small amount of water may drip under the
vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine. This
is normal.
4-37

Black plate (40,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
In order to prevent false temperature readings at
startup, the displayed temperature will not change until
the following occurs:
.Vehicle speed is above 16 km/h (10 mph) for
5 minutes.
.Vehicle speed is above 51 km/h (32 mph) for 2 and
a half minutes.
The climate control system uses the information from
these sensors to maintain your comfort setting by
adjusting the outlet temperature, fan speed, and the
air delivery mode. The system may also supply cooler
air to the side of the vehicle facing the sun. The
recirculation mode will also be used as needed to
maintain cool outlet temperatures.
Outlet Adjustment
For the front outlets, use the thumbwheel located below
each outlet to change the direction of the airflow. Use
the thumbwheel located next to the outlets to shut the
airflow or to open the outlets and re-direct the air.
For the rear outlets, slide the lever left or right and up or
down to change the direction of the airflow.
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow or leaves from the air
inlets at the base of the windshield that may block
the flow of air into your vehicle.
.Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors may
adversely affect the performance of the system.
.Keep the path under the front seats clear of
objects to help circulate the air inside of your
vehicle more effectively.
Rear Climate Control System
For vehicles with a rear climate control system, the rear
seat passengers can adjust the direction of the airflow,
fan speed and temperature for the rear seating area.
This system also works with the main climate control
system in the vehicle.
4-40

Black plate (51,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light
For vehicles with the
Antilock Brake System
(ABS), this light comes on
briefly when the engine is
started.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally the indicator light then
goes off.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the ignition off. If the light
comes on while driving, stop as soon as it is safely
possible and turn the ignition off. Then start the engine
again to reset the system. If the ABS light stays on,
or comes on again while driving, the vehicle needs
service. If the regular brake system warning light is not
on, the vehicle still has brakes, but not antilock brakes.
If the regular brake system warning light is also on, the
vehicle does not have antilock brakes and there is a
problem with the regular brakes. See Brake System
Warning Light on page 4‑50. For vehicles with a Driver Information Center (DIC), see
DIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑65for all
brake related DIC messages.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Warning Light
This warning light comes
on briefly while starting
the engine.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally the indicator light will
then go off.
If it stays on, or comes on while driving, there may be a
problem with the traction control system and the vehicle
needs service. When this warning light is on, the
system will not limit wheel spin.
If the traction control system warning light comes on
and stays on when the system is turned on, the vehicle
needs service. See Traction Control System (TCS)
on
page 5‑6for more information.
4-51

Black plate (64,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
If a low tire pressure condition is detected by the
system while driving, a message advising you to add
air to a specific tire will appear in the display. See
Inflation - Tire Pressure
on page 6‑57andDIC
Warnings and Messageson page 4‑65for more
information.
If the tire pressure display shows dashes instead of a
value, there may be a problem with your vehicle. If this
consistently occurs, see your dealer for service.
SPEED LIMIT: XXX MPH (SPEED LIMIT:
XXX Km/h) or ADVISORY: XXX MPH
(ADVISORY: XXX Km/h)
This display will show the speed limit or the advised
speed as determined by the information on the map
disc in the navigation system. If there is no map disc in
the navigation system, this display will not be available.
The speed limit and speed advisory displays on the DIC
are for reference only. There may be segments of road
where speed data has not been captured or times
where incorrect speed data, or no speed data, will be
displayed by the DIC due to the navigation system not
correctly matching the vehicle’s position to the actual
road. Be aware of this and obey posted speed limits
wherever you drive.
SPEED ALERT
This display will allow you to customize the speed alert
warning. You can choose to have no warning display,
or to have it display at the limit, at 5 km/h (mph) over
the limit, or at 10 km/h (mph) over the limit. The DIC
will toggle between OFF, AT LIMIT, +5 , +10 (Km/h or
MPH). Press the reset button to make your selection.
RELEARN REMOTE KEY
This display allows you to match Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitters to your vehicle. This procedure will
erase all previously learned transmitters. Therefore,
they must be relearned as additional transmitters.
To match an RKE transmitter to your vehicle:
1. Press the vehicle information button until PRESS
VTO RELEARN REMOTE KEY displays.
2. Press the set/reset button until REMOTE KEY LEARNING ACTIVE is displayed.
3. Press and hold the lock and unlock buttons on the first transmitter at the same time for about
15 seconds.
On vehicles with memory recall seats, the
first transmitter learned will match driver 1 and
the second will match driver 2.
A chime will sound indicating that the transmitter is
matched.
4-64

Black plate (65,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
4. To match additional transmitters at this time,repeat Step 3.
Each vehicle can have a maximum of
eight transmitters matched to it.
5. To exit the programming mode, you must cycle the key to LOCK/OFF.
Blank Display
This display shows no information.
DIC Warnings and Messages
These messages appear if there is a problem detected
in one of your vehicle's systems.
You must acknowledge a message to clear it from the
screen for further use. To clear a message, press the
set/reset button.
Be sure to take any message that appears on the
screen seriously and remember that clearing the
message will only make the message disappear, not
the problem.
ADVISORY XXX MPH (km/h)
This message displays when the Speed Alert has been
turned on through the DIC Information Menu and the
vehicle is at or above the advised speed. See DIC
Operation and Displays on page 4‑60.
AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the automatic headlamps
are turned off. See Exterior Lampson page 4‑25for
more information.
AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL ON
This message displays when the automatic headlamps
are turned on. See Exterior Lampson page 4‑25for
more information.
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message displays when the system detects that
the battery voltage is dropping beyond a reasonable
level. The battery saver system starts reducing certain
features of the vehicle that you may be able to notice.
At the point that the features are disabled, this message
is displayed. It means that the vehicle is trying to save
the charge in the battery.
Turn off all unnecessary accessories to allow the
battery to recharge.
The normal battery voltage range is 11.5 to 15.5 volts.
You can monitor battery voltage on the Driver
Information Center (DIC) by pressing the trip/fuel
button until BATTERY VOLTAGE is displayed.
4-65