Page 345 of 400

Black plate (5,1)Cadillac CTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6081492) - 2014 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/20/13
Service and Maintenance 11-5
.Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of
wear. SeeExterior Care on
page 10-69.
.Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check on page 3-20.
.Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
.Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care on page 10-69.
.Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check on page 10-27.
.Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check on
page 10-27.
.Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check on
page 10-28.
.Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. See your
dealer if service is required.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof on
page 2-25.
Page 346 of 400

Black plate (6,1)Cadillac CTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6081492) - 2014 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/18/13
11-6 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Normal12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires, if recommended for the vehicle, and
perform Required Services. Check engine oil level
and oil life percentage. Change engine oil and
filter, if needed. (1)@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (2)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (3)@ @@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (4)@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.
(2.0L LTG and 3.6L LF3 Turbo Engines)@ @
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.
(3.6L LFX Engine Only)@
Change automatic transmission fluid. Change
filter if serviceable.@
Change transfer case fluid, if equipped with
AWD. (5)@
Change rear axle fluid, if equipped with electronic
limited slip differential. (3.6L V6 Turbo LF3
Engine only)@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (6)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (7)@
Replace brake fluid. (8)@
Page 347 of 400

Black plate (7,1)Cadillac CTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6081492) - 2014 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/18/13
Service and Maintenance 11-7
Footnotes—Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services - Normal
(1) Vehicles with different size front
and rear tires do not have tire
rotation. See Tire Rotation on
page 10-55.
(2) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent
replacement may be needed if the
vehicle is driven in areas with heavy
traffic, areas with poor air quality,
or areas with high dust levels.
Replacement may also be needed if
there is a reduction in air flow,
excessive window fogging, or odors. (3)
Check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper hook-up,
routing, and condition.
(4) Or every four years, whichever
comes first.
(5) Do not directly power wash the
transfer case output seals. High
pressure water can overcome the
seals and contaminate the transfer
case fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer
case and should be replaced.
(6) Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System on
page 10-16. (7)
Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.
(8) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first.
Page 348 of 400

Black plate (8,1)Cadillac CTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6081492) - 2014 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/18/13
11-8 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires, if recommended for the vehicle, and
perform Required Services. Check engine oil level
and oil life percentage. Change engine oil and
filter, if needed. (1)@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (2)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (3)@ @@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (4)@@@
2.0L LTG and 3.6L LF3 Engines: Replace spark
plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.@ @
3.6L LFX Engine Only: Replace spark plugs.
Inspect spark plug wires.@
Change automatic transmission fluid. Change
filter if serviceable.@@@
Change transfer case fluid, if equipped with
AWD. (5)@@@
Change rear axle fluid, if equipped with electronic
limited slip differential. (3.6L V6 Turbo LF3
Engine only)@ @
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (6)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (7)@
Replace brake fluid. (8)@
Page 349 of 400

Black plate (9,1)Cadillac CTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6081492) - 2014 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/18/13
Service and Maintenance 11-9
Footnotes—Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services - Severe
(1) Vehicles with different size front
and rear tires do not have tire
rotation. See Tire Rotation on
page 10-55.
(2) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent
replacement may be needed if the
vehicle is driven in areas with heavy
traffic, areas with poor air quality,
or areas with high dust levels.
Replacement may also be needed if
there is a reduction in air flow,
excessive window fogging, or odors.
(3) Check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper hook-up,
routing, and condition.
(4) Or every four years, whichever
comes first.
(5) Do not directly power wash the
transfer case output seals. High
pressure water can overcome the
seals and contaminate the transfer case fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer
case and should be replaced.
(6)
Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System on
page 10-16.
(7) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.
(8) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first.Special Application
Services
.Severe Commercial Use
Vehicles Only: Lubricate chassis
components every 5 000 km/
3,000 mi.
.Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody
Maintenance" in Exterior Care
on page 10-69.
Page 350 of 400

Black plate (10,1)Cadillac CTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6081492) - 2014 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/18/13
11-10 Service and Maintenance
Additional
Maintenance and Care
Your vehicle is an important
investment and caring for it properly
may help to avoid future costly
repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional
maintenance services may be
required.
It is recommended that your dealer
perform these services—their
trained dealer technicians know
your vehicle best. Your dealer can
also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point
inspection to recommend when your
vehicle may need attention.
The following list is intended to
explain the services and conditions
to look for that may indicate
services are required.
Battery
The battery supplies power to start
the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories.
.To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
.Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
.Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
.Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the belts and
recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
.Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping.
.Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-13 for GM
approved fluids.
.Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
.Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed.
Page 351 of 400

Black plate (11,1)Cadillac CTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6081492) - 2014 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/20/13
Service and Maintenance 11-11
Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
.Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage.
The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure
that they light when braking.
.With a multi-point inspection,
your dealer can check the lamps
and note any concerns.Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
.Signs of wear may include
steering wheel vibration, bounce/
sway while braking, longer
stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
.As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs
of leaking, blown seals,
or damage, and can advise
when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated,
rotated, and balanced. Maintaining
the tires can save money and fuel,
and can reduce the risk of tire
failure.
.Signs that the tires need to be
replaced include three or more
visible treadwear indicators; cord
or fabric showing through the rubber; cracks or cuts in the
tread or sidewall; or a bulge or
split in the tire.
.Trained dealer technicians can
inspect and recommend the right
tires. Your dealer can also
provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth
vehicle operation at all speeds.
Your dealer sells and services
name brand tires.
Vehicle Care
To help keep the vehicle looking like
new, vehicle care products are
available from your dealer. For
information on how to clean and
protect the vehicle’s interior and
exterior, see Interior Care on
page 10-74 andExterior Care on
page 10-69.
Page 352 of 400
Black plate (12,1)Cadillac CTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6081492) - 2014 - CRC 2nd Edition - 11/20/13
11-12 Service and Maintenance
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is critical for
ensuring that the tires deliver
optimal wear and performance.
.Signs that the alignment may
need to be adjusted include
pulling, improper vehicle
handling, or unusual tire wear.
.Your dealer has the required
equipment to ensure proper
wheel alignment.Windshield
For safety, appearance, and the
best viewing, keep the windshield
clean and clear.
.Signs of damage include
scratches, cracks, and chips.
.Trained dealer technicians can
inspect the windshield and
recommend proper replacement
if needed.
Wiper Blades
Wiper blades need to be cleaned
and kept in good condition to
provide a clear view.
.Signs of wear include streaking,
skipping across the windshield,
and worn or split rubber.
.Trained dealer technicians can
check the wiper blades and
replace them when needed.