Black plate (16,1)Cadillac CTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707478) - 2015 - crc - 10/1/14
2-16 Keys, Doors, and Windows
{Caution
Do not use the emergency trunk
release handle as a tie-down or
anchor point when securing items
in the trunk as it could damage
the handle.
There is a glow-in-the-dark
emergency trunk release handle on
the trunk lid. This handle will glow
following exposure to light. Pull the
release handle to open the trunk
from the inside.
After use, return to the stored
position.
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not make
the vehicle impossible to steal.
Vehicle Alarm System
This vehicle has an anti-theft alarm
system.
The indicator light, on the
instrument panel near the
windshield, indicates the status of
the system.
Off: Alarm system is disarmed. On Solid:
Vehicle is secured
during the delay to arm the system.
Fast Flash: Vehicle is unsecured.
A door, the hood, or the trunk
is open.
Slow Flash: Alarm system is
armed.
Arming the Alarm System
1. Turn off the vehicle.
2. Lock the vehicle in one of three ways:
.Use the RKE transmitter.
.Use the Keyless Access
system.
.With a door open, pressQ
on the interior of the door.
3. After 30 seconds the alarm system will arm, and the
indicator light will begin to slowly
flash indicating the alarm system
is operating. Pressing
Qon the
RKE transmitter a second time
Black plate (17,1)Cadillac CTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707478) - 2015 - crc - 10/1/14
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-17
will bypass the 30-second delay
and immediately arm the alarm
system.
The vehicle alarm system will not
arm if the doors are locked with
the key.
If the driver door is opened without
first unlocking with the RKE
transmitter, the horn will chirp and
the lights will flash to indicate
pre-alarm. If the vehicle is not
started, or the door is not unlocked
by pressing
Kon the RKE
transmitter during the 10-second
pre-alarm, the alarm will be
activated.
The alarm will also be activated if a
passenger door, the trunk, or the
hood is opened without first
disarming the system. When the
alarm is activated, the turn signals
flash and the horn sounds for about
30 seconds. The alarm system will
then re-arm to monitor the next
unauthorized event.
Disarming the Alarm System
To disarm the alarm system or turn
off the alarm if it has been activated:
.PressKon the RKE transmitter.
.Unlock the vehicle using the
Keyless Access system.
.Start the vehicle.
To avoid setting off the alarm by
accident:
.Lock the vehicle after all
occupants have left the vehicle
and all doors are closed.
.Always unlock a door with the
RKE transmitter or use the
Keyless Access system.
Unlocking the driver door with the
key will not disarm the system or
turn off the alarm.
How to Detect a Tamper
Condition
IfKis pressed on the transmitter
and the horn chirps and the lights
flash three times, a previous alarm
occurred while the system was
armed.
If the alarm has been activated, a
message will appear on the DIC.
See Security Messages on
page 5-45.
Power Sounder and Inclination
Sensor
In addition to the standard
theft-deterrent system features, this
system may also have a power
sounder and inclination sensor.
The power sounder provides an
audible alarm which is distinct from
the vehicle’ s horn. It has its own
power source, and can sound an
alarm if the vehicle’s battery is
compromised.
Black plate (12,1)Cadillac CTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707478) - 2015 - crc - 10/1/14
3-12 Seats and Restraints
Heated Rear Seats
{Warning
If you cannot feel temperature
change or pain to the skin, the
seat heater may cause burns.
See the Warning underHeated
and Ventilated Front Seats on
page 3-8.
If equipped, the buttons are on the
rear of the center console. With the ignition in ON/RUN/START,
press
MorLto heat the left or right
outboard seat cushion and
seatback. An indicator on the
climate control display appears
when this feature is on.
Press the button once for the
highest setting. With each press of
the button, the heated seat changes
to the next lower setting, and then
the off setting. Three lights indicate
the highest setting, and one light
indicates the lowest. If the heated
seats are on high, the level may
automatically be lowered after
approximately 30 minutes.Rear Seat
Pass-Through Door
The vehicle has a rear seat
pass-through door in the center of
the rear seatback. Fold down the
center armrest and pull the latch to
open the door.
The pass-through door can be
locked or unlocked using the knob
on the back of the door. Open the
trunk to access the lock. Turn the
knob toward
Qto lock the door or
away from
Qto unlock the door.
Black plate (3,1)Cadillac CTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707478) - 2015 - crc - 10/1/14
Storage 4-3
two USB ports, an SD card reader,
a power outlet, and an input jack
inside.
If equipped, press the top of the
door to open the storage area on
the rear of the center console.
If equipped, there is a power outlet
inside.
Additional Storage
Features
Cargo Tie-Downs
The cargo tie-downs can be used to
secure small loads inside the trunk.
Convenience Net
If equipped, the convenience net is
in the rear. Put small loads behind
the net. It can also be positioned
into an envelope style to hold
smaller items. The net is not for
heavier loads. Store items as far
forward as you can.
Black plate (38,1)Cadillac CTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707478) - 2015 - crc - 10/1/14
5-38 Instruments and Controls
SHIFT TO PARK BEFORE
EXITING
This message may display if
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is
engaged holding the vehicle at a
stop, and the driver attempts to exit
the vehicle. Put the vehicle in
P (Park) before exiting.
Door Ajar Messages
DOOR OPEN
A door open symbol will be
displayed on the DIC showing which
door is open. If the vehicle has been
shifted out of P (Park), a DOOR
OPEN message will also be
displayed. The DOOR OPEN
message may also be displayed if
the vehicle starts to move. Close the
door completely.
HOOD OPEN
This message will display along with
a hood open symbol when the hood
is open. Close the hood completely.
TRUNK OPEN
This message will display along with
a symbol when the trunk is open.
Close the trunk completely.
Engine Cooling System
Messages
A/C OFF ENGINE
COOLANT HOT
This message displays when the
engine coolant becomes hotter than
the normal operating temperature.
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. The vehicle can continue to be
driven.
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
This message displays and a chime
sounds when the engine coolant
temperature is too hot. The engine
coolant temperature warning light
will also be on. Stop and allow the
vehicle to idle until it cools down.
ENGINE OVERHEATED —
TURN VEHICLE OFF
This message displays and a
continuous chime sounds if the
engine cooling system reaches
unsafe temperatures for operation.
The engine coolant temperature
warning light will flash. Stop and
turn off the vehicle as soon as it is
safe to do so to avoid severe
damage. This message clears when
the engine has cooled to a safe
operating temperature.
Black plate (64,1)Cadillac CTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707478) - 2015 - crc - 10/1/14
9-64 Driving and Operating
spillage. Clean fuel from painted
surfaces as soon as possible. See
Exterior Care on page 10-71.
{Warning
If a fire starts while you are
refueling, do not remove the
nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by
notifying the station attendant.
Leave the area immediately.
Filling the Tank with a Portable
Gas Can
If the vehicle runs out of fuel and
must be filled from a portable
gas can:
1. Locate the capless funnel adapter from under the carpet in
the trunk.
2. Insert and latch the funnel into the capless fuel system.
{Warning
Attempting to refuel without using
the funnel adapter may cause fuel
spillage and damage the capless
fuel system. This could cause a
fire and you or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle
could be damaged.
3. After filling the tank, remove and clean the funnel adapter and
return it to the storage location.
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container
{Warning
Filling a portable fuel container
while it is in the vehicle can cause
fuel vapors that can ignite either
by static electricity or other
means. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle
could be damaged. Always:
.Use approved fuel
containers.
.Remove the container from
the vehicle, trunk, or pickup
bed before filling.
.Place the container on the
ground.
.Place the nozzle inside the fill
opening of the container
before dispensing fuel, and
(Continued)
Black plate (66,1)Cadillac CTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707478) - 2015 - crc - 10/1/14
9-66 Driving and Operating
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of
the vehicle and enter if the
liftgate, trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window is open.
When towing a trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
.Also adjust the climate
control system to a setting
that brings in only outside air.
See“Climate Control
Systems” in the Index.
For more information about
Carbon Monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9-22. Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. The
combination you are driving is
longer and not as responsive as the
vehicle itself. Get acquainted with
the handling and braking of the rig
before setting out for the open road.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch
parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires, and mirrors. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the
combination moving and then apply
the trailer brake controller by hand
to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure
and the lamps and any trailer
brakes still work.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid heavy
braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. The
combination will not accelerate as
quickly and is longer so it is
necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before
returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move that hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
{Caution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
(Continued)
Black plate (25,1)Cadillac CTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707478) - 2015 - crc - 10/1/14
Vehicle Care 10-25
{Warning
With the wrong kind of fluid in the
brake hydraulic system, the
brakes might not work well. This
could cause a crash. Always use
the proper brake fluid.
{Caution
.Using the wrong fluid can
badly damage brake
hydraulic system parts. For
example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as
engine oil, in the brake
hydraulic system can damage
brake hydraulic system parts
so badly that they will have to
be replaced. Do not let
someone put in the wrong
kind of fluid.(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces,
the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to
spill brake fluid on the
vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately.
Battery
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
The battery is in the trunk, behind
the trim panel, on the driver side of
the vehicle. Refer to the
replacement number shown on the
original battery label when a new
battery is needed.
{Warning
Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
After a power loss, such as
disconnecting the battery or
removing the maxi fuses in the
power distribution fuse block, the
following steps must be performed
to calibrate the electronic throttle
control. If this is not done, the
engine will not run properly.
1. Turn the ignition on but do not start the engine.
2. Leave the ignition on for at least three minutes so that the
electronic throttle control will
cycle and relearn its home
position.
3. Turn the ignition off.