2012 CADILLAC CTS Owners Manual

Black plate (33,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-33
PRESS BRAKE TO START
ENGINE (AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION ONLY)
If the vehicle has the keyless
access system, this message
displays if you try to start the engine
without having the brake pressed.
The brake needs to be pressed
when starting the engine. See
Ignition Positions (Key Access) on
page 9‑16orIgnition Positions
(Keyless Access) on page 9‑18 for
more information.
RELEASE PARK BRAKE
SWITCH
For vehicles with the electric parking
brake, this message displays if the
switch is pulled while the vehicle is
moving. See the electric parking
brake information under Parking
Brake (Manual) on page 9‑34 or
Parking Brake (Electric) on
page 9‑35 for more information.
SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST
This message displays if there is a
problem with the brake system. The
brake system warning light and the
antilock brake system (ABS)
warning light may also display on
the instrument panel cluster. See
Brake System Warning Light on
page 5‑22andAntilock Brake
System (ABS) Warning Light on
page 5‑23 for more information.
Stop as soon as possible and turn
off the vehicle. Restart the vehicle
and check for the message on the
DIC display. If the message displays
immediately or again after you begin
driving, the brake system needs
service. See your dealer as soon as
possible. See Antilock Brake
System (ABS) on page 9‑33 for
more information.
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM
This message displays, while the
ignition is on, when the brake fluid
level is low. The brake system
warning light on the instrument
panel cluster also comes on. See
Brake System Warning Light on
page 5‑22 for more information. This
message may also be displayed for
other brake system problems. Have
the brake system serviced by your
dealer as soon as possible.
SERVICE PARK BRAKE
For vehicles with the electric parking
brake, this message displays if a
problem is detected with the electric
parking brake system. See your
dealer for service.
STEP ON BRAKE TO
RELEASE PARK BRAKE
For vehicles with the electric parking
brake, this message displays if you
try to release the park brake system
without first pressing the brake
pedal. See the electric parking
brake information under Parking
Brake (Manual) on page 9‑34 or
Parking Brake (Electric) on
page 9‑35 for more information.

Black plate (34,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
5-34 Instruments and Controls
Compass Messages
CALIBRATING DRIVE IN
CIRCLES
This message displays when
calibrating the compass. Drive the
vehicle in circles at less than 8 km/h
(5 mph) to complete the calibration.
SeeCompass on page 5‑7 for more
information.
CALIBRATION COMPLETE
This message displays when the
compass calibration is complete.
See Compass on page 5‑7 for more
information.
Cruise Control Messages
CRUISE SET TO XXX MPH
(KM/H)
This message displays whenever
the cruise control is set. See Cruise
Control on page 9‑41 for more
information.
Door Ajar Messages
DRIVER DOOR OPEN
This message displays when the
driver door is not closed completely.
Close the door completely.
HOOD OPEN
This message displays when the
hood is not closed completely. Make
sure that the hood is closed
completely.
LEFT REAR DOOR OPEN
This message displays when the
driver side rear door is not closed
completely. Make sure that the door
is closed completely.
PASSENGER DOOR OPEN
This message displays when the
passenger side front door is not
closed completely. Make sure that
the door is closed completely.
REAR ACCESS OPEN (Wagon)
This message displays when the
liftgate is not closed completely.
Make sure that the liftgate is closed
completely.
RIGHT REAR DOOR OPEN
This message displays when the
passenger side rear door is not
closed completely. Make sure that
the door is closed completely.
TRUNK OPEN (Sedan and
Coupe)
This message displays when the
trunk is not closed completely. Make
sure that the trunk is closed
completely.

Black plate (35,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-35
Engine Cooling System
Messages
ENGINE HOT A/C (AIR
CONDITIONING) OFF
This message displays when the
engine coolant becomes hotter than
the normal operating temperature.
SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gauge on page 5‑16. To avoid
added strain on a hot engine,
the air conditioning compressor
automatically turns off. When the
coolant temperature returns to
normal, the air conditioning
compressor turns back on. You
can continue to drive the vehicle.
If this message continues to appear,
have the system repaired by your
dealer as soon as possible to avoid
damage to the engine.
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE
ENGINE
Notice: If you drive the vehicle
while the engine is overheating,
severe engine damage may
occur. If an overheat warning
appears on the instrument panel
cluster and/or DIC, stop the
vehicle as soon as possible. Do
not increase the engine speed
above normal idling speed.
See Engine Overheating on
page 10‑23 for more information.
This message displays when the
engine coolant temperature is too
hot. Stop and allow the vehicle
to idle until it cools down. If the
message does not clear in a
few minutes or if the overheat light
stays on, shut the vehicle off and
have it serviced before driving
again. See Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light on
page 5‑24. See
Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode on page 10‑24 for
information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
Engine Oil Messages
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
When this message displays, it
means that service is required
for the vehicle. See your dealer.
See Maintenance Schedule on
page 11‑3 andEngine Oil on
page 10‑10 for more information.
When you reset the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message by
clearing it from the display, you still
must reset the engine oil life system
separately. For more information on
resetting the engine oil life system,
see Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑12.
ENGINE OIL LOW ADD OIL
If the vehicle has an oil level sensor,
this message displays if the oil level
in the vehicle is low. Check the oil
level and correct it as necessary.

Black plate (36,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
5-36 Instruments and Controls
You may need to let the vehicle cool
or warm up and cycle the ignition to
be sure this message clears.
This message clears itself after
10 seconds, until the next ignition
cycle. SeeEngine Oil on
page 10‑10 for additional
information.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP
ENGINE
Notice: If you drive the vehicle
while the engine oil pressure is
low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure
warning appears on the
instrument panel cluster and/or
DIC, stop the vehicle as soon as
possible. Do not drive the vehicle
until the cause of the low oil
pressure is corrected. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑10 for more
information. This message displays when the
vehicle's engine oil pressure is low.
The oil pressure light may also
appear on the instrument panel
cluster. See
Engine Oil Pressure
Light on page 5‑25. See Engine Oil
on page 10‑10 for more information.
Stop the vehicle immediately, as
engine damage can result from
driving a vehicle with low oil
pressure. Have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer as soon as possible
when this message is displayed.
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the
engine power is being reduced to
protect the engine from damage.
There could be several malfunctions
that might cause this message.
Reduced engine power can affect
the vehicle's ability to accelerate.
If this message is on, but there is no
reduction in performance, proceed to your destination. The
performance may be reduced the
next time the vehicle is driven. The
vehicle may be driven at a reduced
speed while this message is on, but
acceleration and speed may be
reduced. Anytime this message
stays on, take the vehicle to your
dealer for service as soon as
possible.
Fuel System Messages
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays when the
vehicle is low on fuel. Refill the fuel
tank as soon as possible. A chime
may sound when this message
displays. See
Filling the Tank on
page 9‑53.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message displays when the
fuel cap has not been fully
tightened. Recheck the fuel cap to
ensure that it is on and tightened
properly.

Black plate (37,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-37
Key and Lock Messages
ACCESSORY MODE ACTIVE
If the vehicle has the keyless
access system, this message
displays when the accessory mode
is active. SeeIgnition Positions (Key
Access) on page 9‑16 orIgnition
Positions (Keyless Access) on
page 9‑18 for more information.
ELECTRONIC KEY ALREADY
KNOWN
If the vehicle has the keyless
access system, this message
displays if you try to match a
transmitter that has already 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.
ELECTRONIC KEY NOT
DETECTED
If the vehicle has the keyless
access system, this message
displays if the vehicle does not
detect the presence of a transmitter
when you have attempted to start
the vehicle or a vehicle door has
just closed. The following conditions
may cause this message to appear:
.Driver-added equipment plugged
into the accessory power outlet
on the center console is causing
interference. Examples of these
devices are cell phones and cell
phone chargers, two-way radios,
power inverters, or similar items.
Try moving the keyless access
transmitter away from these
devices when starting the
vehicle. In addition, PDA devices
and remote garage and gate
openers may also generate
Electromagnetic Interference
(EMI) that may interfere with the
keyless access transmitter. Do not carry the keyless access
transmitter in the same pocket
or bag as these devices.
.The vehicle is experiencing
Electromagnetic Interference
(EMI). Some locations, such as
airports, automatic toll booths,
and some gas stations have EMI
fields which may interfere with
the keyless access transmitter.
If moving the transmitter to
different locations within the
vehicle does not help, place the
transmitter in the center console
transmitter pocket with the

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 (40,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
5-40 Instruments and Controls
PARKING ASSIST OFF
After the vehicle has been started,
this message displays to remind the
driver that the URPA system has
been turned off. This message also
displays when there is a temporary
condition causing the system to be
disabled. SeeUltrasonic Parking
Assist on page 9‑44. Press the set/
reset button to acknowledge this
message and clear it from the DIC
display.
SERVICE PARKING ASSIST
This message displays if there is a
problem with the Ultrasonic Rear
Parking Assist (URPA) system. Do
not use this system to help you
park. See Ultrasonic Parking Assist
on page 9‑44 for more information.
See your dealer for service.
SERVICE SIDE BLIND ZONE
ALERT SYSTEM
If this message appears, both SBZA
displays will remain on indicating
there is a problem with the SBZA system. If these displays remain on
after continued driving, the system
needs service. Take the vehicle to
your dealer.
SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM OFF
This message indicates that the
driver has turned the system off.
SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM TEMPORARILY
UNAVAILABLE
This message indicates that the
SBZA system is disabled because
the sensor is blocked and cannot
detect vehicles in the blind zone.
The sensor may be blocked by
mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush. This
message may also activate during
heavy rain or due to road spray. The
vehicle does not need service. For
cleaning, see
Exterior Care on
page 10‑110.
Ride Control System
Messages
ALL WHEEL DRIVE OFF
If the vehicle has the All-Wheel
Drive (AWD) system, this message
displays when there is a temporary
condition making the AWD system
unavailable. The vehicle will run in
2WD. This could be caused by:
.Loss of wheel or vehicle speed
.AWD system overheat
.Certain vehicle electrical
conditions
This message turns off when the
above conditions are no longer
present and the warning message is
reset.
To reset the warning message, turn
the ignition off and then back on
again after 30 seconds. If the
message stays on, see your dealer
right away. See All-Wheel Drive on
page 9‑33 for more information.