Black plate (43,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-43
Airbag System Messages
SERVICE AIR BAG
This message displays when there
is a problem with the airbag system.
Have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer immediately. SeeAirbag
Readiness Light on page 5‑17 for
more information.
Anti-theft Alarm System
Messages
SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT
SYSTEM
This message displays when there
is a problem with the theft-deterrent
system programmed in the key.
A fault has been detected in the
system which means that the
system is disabled and it is not
protecting the vehicle. The vehicle
usually restarts; however, you may
want to take the vehicle to your
dealer before turning off the engine.
See Immobilizer Operation (Key
Access) on page 2‑25 orImmobilizer Operation (Keyless
Access) on page 2‑26
for more
information.
START ABORTED BY THEFT
DETERRENT
This message displays if there is a
communication problem between
the keyless access system and the
vehicle. The vehicle cannot be
started when this message displays.
See your dealer for service.
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message displays if the
theft-deterrent system has detected
a break-in attempt while you were
away from the vehicle. See
Anti-theft Alarm System on
page 2‑24 for more information.
Service Vehicle Messages
SERVICE A/C SYSTEM
This message displays when the
electronic sensors that control
the air conditioning and heating
systems are no longer working. Have the climate control system
serviced by your dealer if you
notice a drop in heating and air
conditioning efficiency.
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message displays when a
non-emissions related malfunction
occurs. Have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer as soon as possible.
Tire Messages
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
SYSTEM
This message displays if a part on
the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) is not working properly. The
tire pressure light also flashes and
then remains on during the same
ignition cycle. See
Tire Pressure
Light on page 5‑25. Several
conditions may cause this message
to appear. See Tire Pressure
Monitor Operation on page 10‑73 for
more information. If the warning
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 (9,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Lighting 6-9
EPM works to prevent excessive
discharge of the battery. It does this
by balancing the generator's output
and the vehicle's electrical needs.
It can increase engine idle speed to
generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce
the power demands of some
accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in
steps or levels, without being
noticeable. In rare cases at the
highest levels of corrective action,
this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a Driver Information
Center (DIC) message might be
displayed, such as BATTERY
SAVER ACTIVE or BATTERY
VOLTS LOW. If this message is
displayed, it is recommended that
the driver reduce the electrical loads
as much as possible. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑27.Battery Power Protection
This feature helps to prevent battery
drain if accessory lamps are left on.
If accessory lamps such as the
vanity mirror, cargo, reading,
console, or glove box are left on,
they automatically time out after
about 20 minutes. To reset the
battery protection, all of the above
lamps must be turned off or the
ignition must be in the ACC/
ACCESSORY position.
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver
The exterior lamps turn off about
10 minutes after the ignition is
turned to LOCK/OFF, if the parking
lamps or headlamps have been left
on. This protects against draining
the battery. The battery saver does
not work if the headlamps are
turned on after the ignition is turned
to LOCK/OFF.
To keep the lamps on for more than
10 minutes, turn the lamps back on
with the exterior lamp control.
Black plate (2,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
7-2 Infotainment System
To minimize taking your eyes off the
road while driving, do the following
while the vehicle is parked:
.Become familiar with the
operation and controls of the
audio system.
.Set up the tone, speaker
adjustments, and preset radio
stations.
For more information, see Defensive
Driving on page 9‑3. Notice:
Contact your dealer
before adding any equipment.
Adding audio or communication
equipment could interfere with
the operation of the engine, radio,
or other systems, and could
damage them. Follow federal
rules covering mobile radio and
telephone equipment.
The vehicle has Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP,
the audio system can be played
even after the ignition is turned off.
See Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 9‑22 for more
information.
Navigation System
For vehicles with a navigation
system, see the separate navigation
manual.
Theft-Deterrent Feature
TheftLock®is designed to
discourage theft of the vehicle's
radio by learning a portion of the
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
The radio does not operate if it is
stolen or moved to a different
vehicle.
Black plate (3,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Climate Controls 8-3
operation. The blower may reduce
during an Onstar®session to limit
background noise.
If the airflow seems low when the
fan speed is at the highest setting,
the passenger compartment air filter
might need to be replaced. For more
information, see Passenger
Compartment Air Filter on page 8‑6
and Maintenance Schedule on
page 11‑3.
H G(Air Delivery Mode Control):
Press the buttons to change the
direction of the airflow. The current
mode appears in the display screen.
Changing the mode cancels the
automatic air delivery. Press AUTO
to return to automatic operation.
The outboard air outlets always
receive some airflow in every mode,
except defrost.
To change the current mode, select
one of the following:
Y(Vent): Air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets.
\(Bi-Level): Air is divided
between the instrument panel
outlets and the floor outlets. In
automatic operation, cooler air is
directed to the upper outlets and
warmer air to the floor outlets.
[(Floor): Air is directed to the
floor outlets, with some air directed
to the windshield and outboard
outlets.
-(Defog): This mode clears the
windows of fog or moisture. Air is
directed to the windshield, floor, and
side window outlets. When this
mode is selected, the system turns
off recirculation and runs the
air-conditioning compressor unless
the outside temperature is at or
below freezing. If recirculation is
selected while in defog mode, it is
cancelled after 10 minutes.
0(Defrost): This mode clears the
windshield of fog or frost more
quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield, with some air directed to
the side windows. In this mode, the
system automatically turns off recirculation and runs the
air-conditioning compressor, unless
the outside temperature is at or
below freezing.
This mode can also cause the fan
speed and air temperature to
increase.
#(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 needed.
The air conditioning system
removes moisture from the air, so
water might drip under the vehicle
while idling or after turning off the
engine. This is normal.
M(Recirculation): Press to turn
on recirculation. An indicator light
comes on. Air is recirculated inside
the vehicle. It helps to quickly cool
the air inside the vehicle or prevent
outside air and odors from entering.
Press the AUTO button to have the
system select the best air delivery
mode for the temperature setting.
Black plate (4,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
8-4 Climate Controls
Recirculation is not available in the
defrost mode and automatically
turns off 10 minutes after defog is
selected. This helps to limit window
fogging in the vehicle.
Using recirculation for long periods
of time could cause the air inside
the vehicle to become too dry or
stuffy. To prevent this from
happening, after the air in the
vehicle has cooled, select outside
air or press the auto button.
F(Outside Air):Press to turn
on the outside air. An indicator light
turns on. The outside air mode pulls
fresh air from outside the vehicle.
Outside air is always selected in
defrost mode to prevent fogging.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a
warming grid to remove fog or frost
from the rear window. It only works
when the ignition is in ON/RUN.
=(Rear Window Defogger):
Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. The rear window defogger stays on
for about 15 minutes, before turning
off if the vehicle is moving at a
slower speed. At higher speeds, the
rear window defogger may stay on
continuously. With each additional
press, the defogger runs for about
10 minutes. The defogger can also
be turned off by turning off the
engine.
The heated outside rearview mirrors
turn on when the rear window
defogger button is on and helps to
clear fog or frost from the surface of
the mirrors. See
Heated Mirrors on
page 2‑28.
Notice: Do not try to clear frost
or other material from the inside
of the front windshield and rear
window with a razor blade or
anything else that is sharp. This
may damage the rear window
defogger grid and affect your
radio's ability to pick up stations
clearly. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
z/{(Heated and Ventilated
Seats): Press to heat or ventilate
the seat. See Heated and Ventilated
Front Seats on page 3‑10.
Remote Start Climate Control
Operation: For vehicles with
remote vehicle start, the climate
control system automatically heats
and cools the vehicle based on the
temperature inside and outside of
the vehicle. The climate control
displays will be blank. See Remote
Vehicle Start on page 2‑12.
In cold weather the windshield
defroster and/or rear window
defogger automatically turn on.
If the vehicle has heated seats, they
will also turn on.
When the ignition is turned to ON/
RUN, the climate control system
returns to the settings used before
the vehicle was last turned off. The
heated seats will turn off,
if equipped.
Black plate (5,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Climate Controls 8-5
Sensors
The solar sensor located on the
instrument panel, near the
windshield, monitors the solar heat.
The interior temperature sensor,
located on the instrument panel to
the right of the steering wheel,
measures the temperature of the air
inside the vehicle.
The climate control system uses the
information from these sensors to
adjust the fan speed and the air
delivery, in order to maintain the
selected temperature. The system
may also supply cooler air to the
side of the vehicle facing the sun.
The recirculation mode will also be
activated, as necessary.
Do not cover the sensors or the
automatic climate control system will
not work properly.Air Quality Sensor
For vehicles with an air quality
sensor, the climate control system
adjusts to limit some exhaust fumes
from being pulled inside your
vehicle.
Press the AUTO button on the
climate control to activate the air
quality sensor. The recirculation
indicator light comes on when poor
quality air is detected. The air
quality sensor will not maintain
recirculation for an extended period
to prevent the air inside the vehicle
from becoming too dry or stuffy.
Under certain conditions, the air
quality sensor will not activate
recirculation, such as during cold
weather or with odors, like skunk. To
limit odors manually, press
Muntil
the condition has passed.
The air quality sensor system does
not protect against carbon monoxide
(CO), which you cannot see or
smell. See Engine Exhaust on
page 9‑26.