Black plate (19,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-19
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on
briefly when the ignition is turned
on, but the engine is not running, as
a check to show the light is working.
The light turns off when the engine
is started. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, there may be a
problem with the electrical charging
system. Have it checked by your
dealer. Driving while this light is on
could drain the battery.
When this light comes on, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) also
displays a message.See
Battery Voltage and Charging
Messages on page 5‑31.
If a short distance must be driven
with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the radio
and air conditioner.
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp
A computer system called OBD II
(On-Board Diagnostics-Second
Generation) monitors the operation
of the vehicle to ensure emissions
are at acceptable levels, to produce
a cleaner environment. This light
comes on when the vehicle is
placed in ON/RUN as a check to
show it is working. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer. See Ignition Positions (Key
Access) on page 9‑16 orIgnition
Positions (Keyless Access) on
page 9‑18 for more information.
This light should come on when the
ignition is on, but the engine is not
running, as a check to show it is
working. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the malfunction indicator lamp
comes on and stays on while the
engine is running, this indicates that
there is an OBD II problem and
service is required.
Black plate (38,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
5-38 Instruments and Controls
buttons facing the front of the
vehicle and then start the
vehicle.
.The vehicle's battery voltage is
low. The battery voltage must be
above 10 volts for the keyless
access transmitter to be
detected properly.
ELECTRONIC KEY NOT
DETECTED RESTART
ALLOWED
If the vehicle has the keyless
access system, this message
displays when the keyless access
transmitter is not detected inside the
vehicle while you are trying to turn
the ignition off. The vehicle may be
near a strong radio antenna signal
causing the keyless access system
to be jammed. If you have the
keyless access transmitter with you,
get out of the vehicle and lock the
doors. If you do not have the
keyless access transmitter with you,
you will be able to start the vehicle
again within five minutes, or after
the vehicle's content theft-deterrentsystem is armed. See
Starting the
Engine on page 9‑20 for more
information.
LEARN DELAY ACTIVE WAIT
XX MIN (MINUTES)
If the vehicle has the keyless
access system, this message
displays when matching new
transmitters to the vehicle. See the
Keyless Access information for
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation (Key Access) on
page 2‑5 orRemote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation (Keyless
Access) on page 2‑6 for more
information.
MAXIMUM # ELECTRONIC
KEYS LEARNED
If the vehicle has the keyless
access system, this message
displays when the maximum
number of transmitters have been
learned. See the Keyless Access
information for Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation (Key
Access) on page 2‑5 orRemote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation (Keyless Access) on
page 2‑6
for more information.
PRESS START CONTROL TO
LEARN KEYS
If the vehicle has the keyless
access system, this message
displays when matching new
transmitters to the vehicle. See
the keyless access information
forRemote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation (Key Access) on
page 2‑5 orRemote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation (Keyless
Access) on page 2‑6 for more
information.
READY TO LEARN
ELECTRONIC KEY # X
If the vehicle has the keyless
access system, this message
displays while matching new
transmitters to the vehicle. See the
keyless access information for
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation (Key Access) on
page 2‑5 orRemote Keyless Entry
Black plate (39,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-39
(RKE) System Operation (Keyless
Access) on page 2‑6for more
information.
REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY
This message displays when the
battery in the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) or keyless access transmitter
needs to be replaced. To replace
the battery, see “Battery
Replacement” underRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation (Key Access) on
page 2‑5 orRemote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation (Keyless
Access) on page 2‑6.
ROTATE CONTROL TO OFF
POSITION
If the vehicle has the keyless
access system, this message
displays when the ignition is in
ACC/ACCESSORY and the shift
lever has just been moved to
P (Park). The message displays as
a reminder to turn the ignition off. To avoid draining the battery, make
sure the ignition is turned off before
leaving the vehicle.
SERVICE KEYLESS START
SYSTEM
If the vehicle has the keyless
access system, this message
displays when there is a problem
with this feature. See your dealer.
Lamp Messages
AFL (ADAPTIVE FORWARD
LIGHTING) LAMPS NEED
SERVICE
This message displays when the
Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL)
system is disabled and needs
service. See your dealer. See
Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) on
page 6‑5
for more information.
AUTOMATIC LIGHT
CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the
automatic headlamps are turned off.
AUTOMATIC LIGHT
CONTROL ON
This message displays when the
automatic headlamps are turned on.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays as a
reminder to turn off the turn signal if
you drive the vehicle for more than
about 1.6 km (1 mi) with a turn signal
on. A multiple chime sounds when
this message displays.
Object Detection System
Messages
PARKING ASSIST BLOCKED
SEE OWNER'S MANUAL
If the vehicle has the Ultrasonic
Rear Park Assist (URPA) system,
this message displays if there is
something interfering with the park
assist system. See Ultrasonic
Parking Assist on page 9‑44 for
more information.
Black plate (45,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-45
SERVICE TRANSMISSION
This message displays when there
is a problem with the vehicle's
transmission. Have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer.
SHIFT TO PARK (AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION ONLY)
If the vehicle has the keyless
access system, this message
displays if the vehicle is not in
P (Park) while the engine is being
turned off. The vehicle will be in
ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the shift
lever is moved to P (Park), the
ignition needs to be turned off. If the
ignition is not turned off, the vehicle
will remain in ACC/ACCESSORY.
To avoid draining the battery, turn
the ignition off before leaving the
vehicle.
SPORT MODE
This message displays when the
vehicle is in sport mode. The
transmission gear position will also
be displayed when DSC is in use.
SeeManual Mode on page 9‑29 for
more information.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE
ENGINE
This message displays when the
transmission fluid in the vehicle is
too hot. Stop the vehicle and allow it
to idle until the transmission cools
down or until this message is
removed.
Vehicle Speed Messages
ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE
WITH CARE
This message displays when the
outside temperature is cold enough
to create icy road conditions. Adjust
your driving accordingly.
SPEED LIMITED TO
XXX KM/H (MPH)
This message displays when the
vehicle speed is limited to 128 km/h
(80 mph) because the vehicle
detects a problem in the speed
variable assist steering or magnetic
ride control systems. Have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer.
Washer Fluid Messages
WASHER FLUID LOW ADD
FLUID
This message displays when the
vehicle is low on windshield washer
fluid. Refill the windshield washer
fluid reservoir as soon as possible.
See Washer Fluid on page 10‑25 for
more information.
Black plate (8,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
6-8 Lighting
Exit Lighting
The headlamps, taillamps, parking
lamps, back‐up lamps, and license
plate lamps come on at night, or in
areas with limited lighting, when the
key is removed from the ignition.
The dome lamps also come on
when the key is removed from the
ignition. The exterior lights and
dome lamps remain on after the
door is closed for a set amount of
time, then automatically turn off.
For vehicles with keyless access,
the exterior lights and dome lamps
automatically turn on when a door is
opened after the ignition is turned
off. SeeIgnition Positions (Key
Access) on page 9‑16 orIgnition
Positions (Keyless Access) on
page 9‑18.
The exterior lights turn off
immediately by turning the
exterior lamps control off.
This feature can be changed.
See Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑46.
Parade Dimming
This feature does not let the
instrument panel backlight dim
during daylight hours while the key
is in the ignition and the headlamps
are on. Parade dimming
automatically works with the light
sensor, located on top of the
dashboard. If it is dark enough
outside and the parking lamps are
on, the backlight on the instrument
panel can be adjusted by turning the
instrument panel brightness knob
clockwise or counterclockwise to
brighten or dim the lighting. See
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑7.
Battery Load
Management
The vehicle has Electric Power
Management (EPM) that estimates
the battery's temperature and state
of charge. It then adjusts the voltage
for best performance and extended
life of the battery. When the battery's state of charge
is low, the voltage is raised slightly
to quickly bring the charge back up.
When the state of charge is high,
the voltage is lowered slightly to
prevent overcharging. If the vehicle
has a voltmeter gauge or a voltage
display on the Driver Information
Center (DIC), you may see the
voltage move up or down. This is
normal. If there is a problem, an
alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at
idle if the electrical loads are very
high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator
(alternator) may not be spinning fast
enough at idle to produce all the
power that is needed for very high
electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when
several of the following are on, such
as: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger,
climate control fan at high speed,
heated seats, engine cooling fans,
trailer loads, and loads plugged into
accessory power outlets.
Black plate (35,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Infotainment System 7-35
automatically be powered off and
will not charge or draw power from
the vehicle's battery.
A standard iPod USB cable, like the
one that came with the iPod, cannot
be used to connect an iPod to the
vehicle. The special iPod
connection cable that came
equipped with the vehicle or that
was made available from your
dealer must be used to command
and control an iPod.
Use a standard 3.5 mm (1/8 in)
stereo cable to connect an older
iPod model that is not supported,
or if the special iPod connection
cable is missing. Command and
control of the iPod using the
infotainment control buttons and
knobs is not supported when only a
3.5 mm (1/8 in) stereo cable is used.Commanding and Controlling
an iPod
An iPod can be controlled by using
the radio buttons and knobs; the
song information shows on the
infotainment system's display. To
connect and control the iPod using
the radio controls, use the special
iPod connection cable that came as
standard equipment with the vehicle
as part of the USB option. The
special iPod connection cable can
also be purchased or made
available from your dealer. See
your dealer for more information.
Use the MENU/SELECT knob to
bring up the iPod Menu and select
Songs, Artists, Albums, Playlists,
and Audio Books to play from
the iPod.
Disconnecting an iPod
To properly dismount the iPod USB
device before disconnecting from
the vehicle, press the softkey under
the EJECT tab on the infotainment
display screen during iPod
playback.Phone
Bluetooth
For vehicles equipped with
Bluetooth capability, the system
can interact with many cell phones,
allowing:
.Placement and receipt of calls in
a hands-free mode.
.Sharing of the cell phone’s
address book or contact list with
the vehicle.
To minimize driver distraction,
before driving, and with the vehicle
parked:
.Become familiar with the
features of the cell phone.
Organize the phone book and
contact lists clearly and delete
duplicate or rarely used entries.
If possible, program speed dial
or other shortcuts.
.Review the controls and
operation of the infotainment
system.
Black plate (18,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
9-18 Driving and Operating
C (ON/RUN):This position is for
driving. It is the position the ignition
switch returns to after the engine
starts, and the key is released. This
position can also be used for
service and diagnostics, and to
verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may
be required for emission inspection
purposes.
To shift the transmission out of
P (Park), the ignition key has to be
in ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN.
The battery could be drained if the
key is left in the ACC/ACCESSORY
or ON/RUN position with the engine
off. The vehicle might not start if the
battery is allowed to drain for an
extended period of time.
D (START): This position starts the
engine. When the engine starts,
release the key. The ignition switch
returns to ON/RUN for driving.
A warning tone will sound when the
driver door is opened, the ignition is
in ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/
OFF, and the key is in the ignition.Key Lock Release
Vehicles with an automatic
transmission are equipped with an
electronic key lock release system.
The key lock release is designed to
prevent ignition key removal unless
the shift lever is in P (Park).
The key lock release is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less than
9‐volt) battery. If the vehicle has an
uncharged battery or a battery with low voltage, try charging or jump
starting the battery. See
Jump
Starting on page 10‑104.
If charging or jump starting the
battery does not work, locate the
hole below the ignition lock. Insert a
flat bladed tool or another key from
the key chain into the opening.
When the lever can be felt, actuate
the lever away from the driver, and
remove the key from the ignition.
Ignition Positions
(Keyless Access)
The ignition control knob can be
turned to four different positions.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition
must be in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY and the regular brake
pedal must be applied.
Black plate (20,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
9-20 Driving and Operating
wipers when the engine is off. This
position will allow you to turn off the
engine.
C (ON/RUN):This position is for
driving. It is the position the ignition
switch returns to after the engine
starts, and the control knob is
released. This position can also be
used for service and diagnostics,
and to verify the proper operation of
the malfunction indicator lamp as
may be required for emission
inspection purposes.
If you need to shift the transmission
out of P (Park), the ignition control
knob has to be in ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN.
The battery could be drained if you
leave the ignition 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.Starting the Engine
Place the transmission in the
proper gear.
If the vehicle has the keyless
access system, the keyless access
transmitter must be authenticated
in order for the ignition control knob
to turn. The transmitter can be
authenticated either by putting your
foot on the brake pedal or by
pushing the ignition control knob in.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). The engine will not start
in any other position. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already
moving, use N (Neutral) only.
If the vehicle has the keyless
access system, your foot must be
on the brake pedal to start the
engine. To rotate the ignition control
knob, put your foot on the brake
pedal and turn the ignition control
knob to the START position. If the ignition control knob does not turn,
try pushing the knob in and turning
again. When the engine begins
cranking, let go of the ignition
control knob, it will return to the ON/
RUN position.
If the transmitter is not in the vehicle
or something is interfering with the
transmitter, the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will display
ELECTRONIC KEY NOT
DETECTED. See
Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑27 for more
information.
If the battery in the keyless access
transmitter needs replacing, the
DIC displays REPLACE BATTERY
IN REMOTE KEY. The vehicle can
still be driven. See “Battery
Replacement” underRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation (Key Access) on
page 2‑5 orRemote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation (Keyless
Access) on page 2‑6 for more
information.