
Black plate (23,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
In Brief 1-23
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS warning light alerts you
to a significant loss in pressure of
one of the vehicle's tires. If the
warning light comes on, stop as
soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. SeeVehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑11. The warning
light will remain on until the tire
pressure is corrected.
During cooler conditions, the low tire
pressure warning light may appear
when the vehicle is first started and
then turn off. This may be an early indicator that the tire pressures are
getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. It is the
driver
’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 10‑72.Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
This vehicle may come with a spare
tire and tire changing equipment or
a tire sealant and compressor kit.
The kit can be used to temporarily
seal small punctures in the tread
area of the tire.
See Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit on page 10‑86 for complete
operating information.
If the vehicle came with a spare tire
and tire changing equipment, see If
a Tire Goes Flat on page 10‑84.
Engine Oil Life System
The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays the CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message when it is time
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. Using the DIC MENU button, display OIL LIFE REMAINING
on the DIC. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑27 andEngine Oil
Messages on page 5‑35.
2. Press the Set/Reset button and hold for two seconds to clear the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message and reset the oil life
at 100%.

Black plate (24,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
1-24 In Brief
Be careful not to reset the oil life
display accidentally at any time
other than after the oil is
changed. It cannot be reset
accurately until the next oil
change.
The oil life system can also be reset
as follows:
1. Turn the ignition on with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times
within five seconds.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message is not on, the
system is reset.
See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑12.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.
.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.
Roadside Service
U.S. or Canada: 1-800-882-1112
TTY Users (U.S. or Canada):
1-888-889-2438
Mexico: 01-800-466-0805
As the owner of a new Cadillac, you
are automatically enrolled in the
Roadside Service program.
See Roadside Service (U.S. and
Canada) on page 13‑7 orRoadside
Service (Mexico) on page 13‑9 for
more information.

Black plate (29,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-29
To reset the timer to zero, press and
hold the set/reset button.
Inst (Instantaneous) Economy
Displays the current fuel economy
in either liters per 100 kilometers
(L/100 km) or miles per gallon
(mpg). This number changes
frequently as driving conditions
change. It cannot be reset.
AVG (Average) Speed
Displays the average speed of the
vehicle in either kilometers per
hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph).
This calculation is based on the
various vehicle speeds recorded
since the last reset of this display.
Press the set/reset button to reset
to zero.
Speedometer
Displays a digital speedometer in
the DIC. The speed displays in
either kilometers per hour (km/h) or
miles per hour (mph). To change the
units from English to metric, see
“Units”later in this section. Blank Display
This display shows no information.
Vehicle Information Display
Menu Items
T(Vehicle Information):
Press
to display the following menu items:
Oil Life Remaining
If the vehicle has this display, it
shows the estimated oil life
remaining. If you see 99% Oil Life
Remaining on the display, that
means that 99% of the current oil
life remains.
When the oil life is depleted, the
Change Engine Oil Soon message
displays. Change the oil as soon
as possible. Additional maintenance
is also recommended in the
Maintenance Schedule in this
manual. See Maintenance Schedule
on page 11‑3 andEngine Oil on
page 10‑10.
The Oil Life must be reset after
each oil change. Avoid accidental
resetting of the Oil Life system. It cannot be reset accurately until
the next oil change. To reset the
engine oil life system, See
Engine
Oil Life System on page 10‑12. The
system is reset when 100%
displays.
Units
Select to display English or metric
units of measure. Press the set/
reset button to select when units is
displayed.
Parking Assist
If the vehicle has the Ultrasonic
Rear Parking Assist (URPA) system,
this display allows the system to
be turned on or off. Once in this
display, press the set/reset button
to select between On or Off. The
URPA system automatically turns
back on after each vehicle start.
When the URPA system is turned
off and the vehicle is shifted out
of P (Park), the DIC displays the
PARKING ASSIST OFF message
as a reminder that the system has
been turned off. See Object
Detection System Messages on

Black plate (31,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-31
Oil Pressure (CTS-V Only)
This display shows the oil pressure
in either kilopascals (kPa) or pounds
per square inch (psi).
Lateral Acceleration (CTS-V Only)
Lateral Acceleration measures the
force of a turn or corner. For
example, when turning right, it
forces to the left. This gauge
displays the“g”force from 0.0 g
to 2.0 g.
Blank Display
This display shows no information.
DIC Compass
The vehicle may have a compass in
the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See Compass on page 5‑7 for
information.
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC
indicate the status of the vehicle or
some action that may be needed to
correct a condition. Multiple
messages may appear one after
another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be
acknowledged and cleared by
pressing
V(Set/Reset).
The messages that require
immediate action cannot be cleared
until that action is performed.
All messages should be taken
seriously; clearing the message
does not correct the problem.
The following are the possible
messages and some information
about them.
Battery Voltage and
Charging Messages
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message displays when the
system detects that the battery
voltage is dropping below expected
levels. The battery saver system
starts reducing certain features of
the vehicle that may be noticeable.
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 DIC by
pressing the vehicle information
button until Battery Voltage is
displayed.

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 (41,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Instruments and Controls 5-41
SERVICE ALL WHEEL DRIVE
This message displays if a problem
occurs with the All-Wheel Drive
(AWD) system. The vehicle will run
in 2WD. This could be caused by:
.An electronics problem
.An AWD system oil overheat
.Worn out or overheated clutch
plates
.Various electrical issues
If this message appears, stop as
soon as possible and turn off the
ignition for 30 seconds. Restart the
vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message
still displays or appears again when
you begin driving, the system needs
service. See your dealer right away.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
This message displays if a problem
is detected with the speed variable
assist steering system. When this
message is displayed, you may notice that the effort required to
steer the vehicle increases or feels
heavier, but you will still be able to
steer the vehicle. See
Steering on
page 9‑4.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
This message displays if there has
been a problem detected with the
StabiliTrak
®system. The TCS/
StabiliTrak warning light on the
instrument panel cluster also
comes on.
If this message comes on while you
are driving, pull off the road as soon
as possible and stop carefully. Try
resetting the system by turning the
ignition off then back on. If this
message still stays on or comes
back on again while you are driving,
the vehicle needs service. Have the
StabiliTrak system inspected by
your dealer as soon as possible.
See StabiliTrak
®System on
page 9‑39 for more information.
SERVICE SUSPENSION
SYSTEM
This message displays when there
is a problem with the Magnetic Ride
Control system. See Magnetic Ride
Control on page 9‑40 for more
information. Have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer.
SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL
This message displays when there
is a problem with the Traction
Control System (TCS). The TCS/
StabiliTrak warning light on the
instrument panel cluster also comes
on. When this message displays,
the system will not limit wheel spin.
Adjust your driving accordingly. See
your dealer for service. See Traction
Control System (TCS) on page 9‑38
for more information.

Black plate (12,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
10-12 Vehicle Care
Notice:Failure to use the
recommended engine oil or
equivalent can result in engine
damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty. Check with your
dealer or service provider on
whether the oil is approved to the
dexos1 specification.
Viscosity Grade
SAE 5W‐30 is the best viscosity
grade for the vehicle. Do not use
other viscosity grade oils such as
SAE 10W‐30, 10W‐40, or 20W‐50.
If in an area of extreme cold, where
the temperature falls below −20°F
(−29°C), an SAE 0W‐30 oil should
be used. An oil of this viscosity
grade will provide easier cold
starting for the engine at extremely
low temperatures. When selecting
an oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, always select an oil that
meets the dexos1 specification or
equivalent. See
“Specification”for
more information.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils with the dexos
specification and displaying the
dexos certification mark are all that
is needed for good performance and
engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For
the oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.

Black plate (13,1)Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (Include Mex) - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-13
When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on. See
Engine Oil Messages on page 5‑35.
Change the oil as soon as possible
within the next 1 000 km (600 mi).
It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life
system might indicate that an oil
change is not necessary for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must
be changed at least once a year
and at this time the system must be
reset. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper
level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:
1. Using the DIC MENU button,display OIL LIFE REMAINING
on the DIC. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑27 andEngine Oil
Messages on page 5‑35.
2. Press the Set/Reset button and hold for two seconds to clear the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message and reset the oil life
at 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oil life
display accidentally at any time
other than after the oil is
changed. It cannot be reset
accurately until the next oil
change. The oil life system can also be reset
as follows:
1. Turn the ignition on with the
engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times
within five seconds.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message is not on, the
system is reset.
The system is reset when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message is off.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat
the procedure.