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 (3,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
A.Outlet Adjustment on page 4‑40.
B. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. See Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 4‑59.
C. Exterior Lamps on page 4‑25.
D. Instrument Panel Cluster on page 4‑45.
E. Horn on page 4‑3.
F. Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 4‑114.
G. Ultrasonic Front and Rear Parking Assist (UFRPA)
on page 3‑38.
Adaptive Cruise Control
on page 4‑14(If Equipped).
H. Analog Clock on page 4‑34.
I. Hazard Warning Flashers on page 4‑3.
J. Audio System(s) on page 4‑86.
K. Trunk Release Button. See Trunk on page 3‑12.
L. Instrument Panel Brightness on page 4‑30.
M. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) on page 3‑45.
N. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 4‑5.
Windshield Wipers on page 4‑10. O.
Hood Release on page 6‑13.
P. Parking Brake on page 3‑29.
Q. Data Link Connector (DLC). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 4‑54.
R. Heated Steering Wheel
on page 4‑4(If Equipped).
S. Cruise Control
on page 4‑12(If Equipped).
Adaptive Cruise Control
on page 4‑14(If Equipped).
T. Tilt Wheel
on page 4‑3.
Power Tilt Wheel and Telescopic Steering Column
on page 4‑4(If Equipped).
U. Dual Climate Control System on page 4‑34.
V. Traction Control System Button (Console-Shift Vehicles). See Traction Control System (TCS)
on
page 5‑6.
W. Shift Lever. See Automatic Transmission Operation
on page 3‑26.
X. Accessory Power Outlet(s) on page 4‑33.
Y. Glove Box
on page 3‑54.
Valet Lockout Switch on page 3‑18.
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Black plate (22,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
This vehicle may come with a jack and spare tire or a
tire sealant and compressor kit. The kit can be used to
seal small punctures in the tread area of the tire.
SeeTire Sealant and Compressor Kit
on page 6‑75for
complete operating information.
If the vehicle came with a jack and spare tire, see
Changing a Flat Tire on page 6‑83.
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates engine oil life
based on vehicle use and displays a DIC message
when it is necessary to change the engine oil and filter.
The oil life system should be reset to 100% only
following an oil change.
Resetting the Oil Life System
1. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN, with the engine off.
2. Press the DIC INFO button until OIL LIFE REMAINING displays.
3. Press and hold the DIC INFO RESET button until 100% displays.
4. Turn the key to LOCK/OFF.
See Engine Oil Life System on page 6‑18.
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some
driving tips to get the best fuel economy possible.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.
.When road and weather conditions are
appropriate, use cruise control, if equipped.
.Always follow posted speed limits or drive more
slowly when conditions require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.Combine several trips into a single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with the same TPC
Spec number molded into the tire's sidewall near
the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.
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Black plate (63,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
{WARNING:
A crash severe enough to inflate the airbags may
have also damaged important functions in the
vehicle, such as the fuel system, brake and
steering systems, etc. Even if the vehicle appears
to be drivable after a moderate crash, there may
be concealed damage that could make it difficult
to safely operate the vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt to restart the
engine after a crash has occurred.In many crashes severe enough to inflate the airbag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from
the right front passenger airbag..Airbags are designed to inflate only once. After an
airbag inflates, you will need some new parts for
the airbag system. If you do not get them, the
airbag system will not be there to help protect you
in another crash. A new system will include airbag
modules and possibly other parts. The service
manual for your vehicle covers the need to replace
other parts.
.The vehicle has a crash sensing and diagnostic
module which records information after a crash.
See
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
on
page 8‑17and Event Data Recorderson
page 8‑17.
.Let only qualified technicians work on the airbag
systems. Improper service can mean that an
airbag system will not work properly. See your
dealer for service.
2-63
Black plate (1,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Section 3 Features and Controls
Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Doors and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Central Door Unlocking System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Rear Door Security Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-18
Valet Lockout Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18
Content Theft-Deterrent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
PASS-Key
®III+ Electronic Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . 3-20
PASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20 Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
. . . . . . . . . . . .3-22
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
Engine Coolant Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
Automatic Transmission Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
Performance Shifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
Shifting Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
Parking Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-37
Park Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-37
Outside Convex Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38
Outside Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38
3-1
Black plate (22,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:The vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
.Do not drive at any one constant speed,
fast or slow, for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Do not make full-throttle starts. Avoid
downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle.
.Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time the
new brake linings are not yet broken in. Hard
stops with new linings can mean premature
wear and earlier replacement. Follow this
breaking-in guideline every time you get new
brake linings.
.Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See
Towing a Trailer
on page 5‑26for the trailer
towing capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break‐in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different positions:
In order to shift out of P (Park), ignition must be in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY and the brake pedal
must be applied.
Notice: Using a tool to force the key to turn in the
ignition could cause damage to the switch or break
the key. Use the correct key, make sure it is all the
way in, and turn it only with your hand. If the key
cannot be turned by hand, see your dealer.
3-22
Black plate (23,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
A (STOPPING THE ENGINE/LOCK/OFF):When the
vehicle is stopped, turn the ignition switch to LOCK/OFF
to turn the engine off. Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
will remain active. See Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 3‑24.
This is the only position in which the ignition key can be
inserted or removed. This position locks the ignition and
transmission and steering column.
Do not turn the engine off when the vehicle is moving.
This will cause a loss of power assist in the brake and
steering systems and disable the airbags.
In an emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This may deplete
power assist, requiring increased brake pedal
force.
2. Shift the vehicle to neutral. This can be done while the vehicle is moving. After shifting to neutral,
firmly apply the brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF. On vehicles with
an automatic transmission, the shift lever must
be in P (Park) to turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK/OFF position.
4. Set the parking brake. See Parking Brake
on
page 3‑29. The steering can bind with the wheels turned off center.
If this happens, move the steering wheel from right to
left while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY. If this
doesn't work, the vehicle needs service.
B (ACC/ACCESSORY):
This position lets the radio
and windshield wipers operate while the engine is off.
To use ACC/ACCESSORY, turn the key clockwise.
C (ON/RUN): This position is where the key returns to
after the vehicle is started. This position displays some
of the warning and indicator lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in
the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the
engine off. You may not be able to start the vehicle if
the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period
of time.
D (START): This position starts the engine.
A warning chime will sound and the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display DRIVER DOOR OPEN when
the driver door is opened if the ignition is in LOCK/OFF,
ACC/ACCESSORY and the key is in the ignition. See
DIC Warnings and Messages
on page 4‑65for more
information.
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Black plate (27,1)Cadillac DTS Owner Manual - 2011
{WARNING:
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift
lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly
level ground, always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park
on page 3‑30. If you are pulling a trailer,
see Towing a Trailer on page 5‑26. Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before
starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You have to
fully apply the regular brakes before you can shift from
P (Park) while the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you
cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the shift
lever. Push the shift lever all the way into P (Park) as
you maintain brake application. Then move the shift
lever into another gear. See
Shifting Out of Park
on
page 3‑32.
R (Reverse): Use this gear to back up.
Notice: Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
Also use this gear to rock the vehicle back and forth
to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging the
transmission. See If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow
on page 5‑17for additional
information.
3-27