Black plate (3,1)Cadillac CTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707478) - 2015 - crc - 10/1/14
In Brief 1-3
1.Air Vents on page 8-8.
2. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals on
page 6-6.
3. Manual Mode on page 9-25 (If
Equipped).
4. Instrument Cluster on page 5-10.
5. Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5-3.
6. Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 6-5.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) on
page 9-59 (If Equipped).
7. Light Sensor (If Equipped). See Automatic Headlamp System on
page 6-4.
Solar Sensor. See Dual
Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8-1.
8. Infotainment on page 7-1. 9. Glove Box Button. See
Glove
Box on page 4-1.
Automatic Parking Assist (If
Equipped). See Assistance
Systems for Parking or Backing
on page 9-46.
Parking Assist Button. See
Assistance Systems for Parking
or Backing on page 9-46.
10. Parking Brake Release Switch. SeeElectric Parking Brake on
page 9-28.
11. Hood Release. See Hood on
page 10-4.
12. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 5-19.
13. Head-Up Display (HUD) on
page 5-32 (If Equipped).
14. Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6-6. 15.
Cruise Control on page 9-34 (If
Equipped).
Adaptive Cruise Control on
page 9-37 (If Equipped).
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System on page 9-52 (If
Equipped).
Heated Steering Wheel on
page 5-3 (If Equipped).
16. Steering Wheel Adjustment on
page 5-2.
17. Horn on page 5-3.
18. Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5-3.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
Controls. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5-29.
19. ENGINE START/STOP Button. SeeIgnition Positions on
page 9-16.
20. Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats on page 3-8 (If
Equipped).
Black plate (17,1)Cadillac CTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707478) - 2015 - crc - 10/1/14
In Brief 1-17
The system will not assist or alert if
it detects that you are actively
steering. Override LKA by turning
the steering wheel. LKA uses a
camera to detect lane markings
between 60 km/h (37 mph) and
180 km/h (112 mph).
SeeLane Keep Assist (LKA) on
page 9-59.
Lane Change Alert (LCA)
If equipped, the LCA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists
drivers with avoiding lane change
crashes that occur with vehicles in
the side blind zone (or spot) areas
or with vehicles rapidly approaching
these areas from behind. The LCA
warning display will light up in the
corresponding outside side mirror
and will flash if the turn signal is on.
The Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system is included as part of the
LCA system.
See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
on page 9-56 andLane Change
Alert on page 9-56.
Rear Vision
Camera (RVC)
If equipped, RVC displays a view of
the area behind the vehicle on the
center stack display when the
vehicle is shifted into R (Reverse) to
aid with parking and low-speed
backing maneuvers.
See Assistance Systems for Parking
or Backing on page 9-46.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA) System
If equipped, the RCTA system uses
a triangle with an arrow displayed
on the RVC screen to warn of traffic
behind your vehicle that may cross
your vehicle's path while in
R (Reverse). In addition, beeps will
sound, or the driver seat will pulse.
See Assistance Systems for Parking
or Backing on page 9-46.
Parking Assist
If equipped, Rear Parking
Assist (RPA) uses sensors on the
rear bumper to assist with parking
and avoiding objects while in
R (Reverse). It operates at speeds
less than 8 km/h (5 mph). RPA may
display a warning triangle on the
Rear Vision Camera screen and a
graphic on the instrument cluster to
provide the object distance. In
addition, multiple beeps or seat
pulses may occur if very close to an
object.
The vehicle may also have the Front
Parking Assist system.
See Assistance Systems for Parking
or Backing on page 9-46.
Automatic Parking
Assist (APA)
If equipped, the APA system helps
to search for and maneuver the
vehicle into parallel or perpendicular
parking spots using automatic
steering, DIC displays, and beeps.
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 (18,1)Cadillac CTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707478) - 2015 - crc - 10/1/14
2-18 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The inclination sensor can set off
the alarm if it senses movement of
the vehicle, such as a change in
vehicle orientation.
Immobilizer
SeeRadio Frequency Statement on
page 13-11.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive
theft-deterrent system.
The system does not have to be
manually armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically
immobilized when the vehicle is
turned off.
The immobilization system is
disarmed when the pushbutton start
is activated to enter the ACC/
ACCESSORY mode or the ON/
RUN/START mode and a valid
transmitter is present in the vehicle.
The security light, in the instrument
cluster, comes on if there is a
problem with arming or disarming
the theft-deterrent system.
The system has one or more RKE
transmitters matched to an
immobilizer control unit in the
vehicle. Only a correctly matched
RKE transmitter will start the
vehicle. If the transmitter is ever
damaged, you may not be able to
start your vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light may come on briefly
when the ignition is turned on. If the engine does not start and the
security light stays on, there is a
problem with the system. Turn the
ignition off and try again.
If the vehicle will not change ignition
modes (ACC/ACCESSORY, ON/
RUN/START, OFF), and the RKE
transmitter appears to be
undamaged, try another transmitter.
Or, you may try placing the
transmitter in the transmitter pocket
located in the center console. See
Key and Lock Messages on
page 5-39.
If the ignition modes will not change
with the other transmitter, your
vehicle needs service. If the ignition
does change modes, the first
transmitter may be faulty. See your
dealer.
Black plate (26,1)Cadillac CTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707478) - 2015 - crc - 10/1/14
3-26 Seats and Restraints
When Should an Airbag
Inflate?
This vehicle is equipped with
airbags. SeeAirbag System on
page 3-22. Airbags are designed to
inflate if the impact exceeds the
specific airbag system's deployment
threshold. Deployment thresholds
are used to predict how severe a
crash is likely to be in time for the
airbags to inflate and help restrain
the occupants. The vehicle has
electronic sensors that help the
airbag system determine the
severity of the impact. Deployment
thresholds can vary with specific
vehicle design.
Frontal airbags are designed to
inflate in moderate to severe frontal
or near frontal crashes to help
reduce the potential for severe
injuries, mainly to the driver's or
front outboard passenger's head
and chest.
Whether the frontal airbags will or
should inflate is not based primarily
on how fast the vehicle is traveling. It depends on what is hit, the
direction of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down.
Frontal airbags may inflate at
different crash speeds depending on
whether the vehicle hits an object
straight on or at an angle, and
whether the object is fixed or
moving, rigid or deformable, narrow
or wide.
Frontal airbags are not intended to
inflate during vehicle rollovers, in
rear impacts, or in many side
impacts.
In addition, the vehicle has
advanced technology frontal
airbags. Advanced technology
frontal airbags adjust the restraint
according to crash severity.
Knee airbags are designed to inflate
in moderate to severe frontal or
near frontal impacts. Knee airbags
are not designed to inflate during
vehicle rollovers, in rear impacts,
or in many side impacts.
The vehicle also has a seat position
sensor that enables the sensing
system to monitor the position of the
front outboard passenger seat. The
passenger seat position sensor and
the passenger safety belt buckle
provide information that is used to
determine if the passenger knee
airbag should inflate.
Seat-mounted side impact airbags
are designed to inflate in moderate
to severe side crashes depending
on the location of the impact.
Seat-mounted side impact airbags
are not designed to inflate in frontal
impacts, near frontal impacts,
rollovers, or rear impacts.
A seat-mounted side impact airbag
is designed to inflate on the side of
the vehicle that is struck.
Roof-rail airbags are designed to
inflate in moderate to severe side
crashes depending on the location
of the impact. In addition, these
roof-rail airbags are designed to
inflate during a rollover or in a
severe frontal impact. Roof-rail
airbags are not designed to inflate in
Black plate (29,1)Cadillac CTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707478) - 2015 - crc - 10/1/14
Seats and Restraints 3-29
other parts. The service manual
for the vehicle covers the need
to replace other parts.
.The vehicle has a crash sensing
and diagnostic module which
records information after a
crash. SeeVehicle Data
Recording and Privacy on
page 13-13 andEvent Data
Recorders on page 13-14.
.Let only qualified technicians
work on the airbag systems.
Improper service can mean that
an airbag system will not work
properly. See your dealer for
service.
Passenger Sensing
System
The vehicle has a passenger
sensing system for the front
outboard passenger position. The
passenger airbag status indicator
will light on the overhead console
when the vehicle is started.
United States
Canada and Mexico
The words ON and OFF or the
symbol for on and off will be visible
during the system check. When the
system check is complete, either the
word ON or OFF, or the symbol for
on and off will be visible. See
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
on page 5-18.
The passenger sensing system
turns off the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag and knee airbag, under certain conditions. No
other airbag is affected by the
passenger sensing system.
The passenger sensing system
works with sensors that are part of
the front outboard passenger seat.
The sensors are designed to detect
the presence of a properly seated
occupant and determine if the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
and knee airbag should be allowed
to inflate or not.
According to accident statistics,
children are safer when properly
secured in a rear seat in a correct
child restraint for their weight
and size.
Whenever possible, children aged
12 and under should be secured in
a rear seating position.
Never put a rear-facing child seat in
the front. This is because the risk to
the rear-facing child is so great,
if the airbag inflates.
Black plate (34,1)Cadillac CTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707478) - 2015 - crc - 10/1/14
3-34 Seats and Restraints
Warning (Continued)
can still inflate during improper
service. You can be injured if you
are close to an airbag when it
inflates. Avoid yellow connectors.
They are probably part of the
airbag system. Be sure to follow
proper service procedures, and
make sure the person performing
work for you is qualified to do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the
vehicle's frame, bumper system,
height, front end, or side sheet
metal, may keep the airbag system
from working properly. The
operation of the airbag system can
also be affected by changing or
moving any parts of the front seats,
safety belts, the airbag sensing and
diagnostic module, steering wheel,
instrument panel, any of the airbag
modules, ceiling or pillar garnishtrim, overhead console, front
sensors, side impact sensors,
or airbag wiring.
Your dealer and the service manual
have information about the location
of the airbag sensors, sensing and
diagnostic module, and airbag
wiring.
In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system for the
front outboard passenger position,
which includes sensors that are part
of the passenger seat. The
passenger sensing system may not
operate properly if the original seat
trim is replaced with non-GM
covers, upholstery, or trim; or with
GM covers, upholstery, or trim
designed for a different vehicle. Any
object, such as an aftermarket seat
heater or a comfort-enhancing pad
or device, installed under or on top
of the seat fabric, could also
interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This
could either prevent proper
deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passengersensing system from properly
turning off the passenger airbag(s).
See
Passenger Sensing System on
page 3-29.
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail
airbags, see Different Size Tires
and Wheels on page 10-60 for
additional important information.
If you have to modify your vehicle
because you have a disability and
you have questions about whether
the modifications will affect the
vehicle's airbag system, or if you
have questions about whether the
airbag system will be affected if the
vehicle is modified for any other
reason, call Customer Assistance.
See Customer Assistance Offices
on page 13-3.
Airbag System Check
The airbag system does not need
regularly scheduled maintenance or
replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. See
Airbag Readiness Light on
page 5-17.
Black plate (4,1)Cadillac CTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
7707478) - 2015 - crc - 10/1/14
5-4 Instruments and Controls
Clear snow and ice from the wiper
blades and windshield before using
them. If frozen to the windshield,
carefully loosen or thaw them.
Damaged blades should be
replaced. SeeWiper Blade
Replacement on page 10-28.
Heavy snow or ice can overload the
wiper motor. See Electrical System
Overload on page 10-31.
Wiper Parking
When using intermittent or
Rainsense™ wipes, the wipers
pause briefly on the windshield.
If the wiper lever is moved to OFF
or if Rainsense and additional wipes
are not required, the wipers may
move to the base of the windshield.
If the ignition is put in OFF while the
wipers are on LO, HI, or INT, they
will immediately stop.
If the windshield wiper lever is then
moved to OFF before the driver
door is opened or within 10 minutes,
the wipers will restart and move to
the base of the windshield. If the ignition is put in OFF while the
wipers are performing wipes due to
windshield washing or Rainsense
wipes, the wipers continue to run
until they reach the base of the
windshield.
Rainsense
If equipped with Rainsense, a
sensor near the top center of the
windshield detects the amount of
water on the windshield and
controls the frequency of the
windshield wiper.
Keep this area of the windshield
clear of debris to allow for best
system performance.
INT (Rainsense Wipe Sensitivity
Control):
Move the windshield
wiper lever to INT. Turn the
xINT
band on the wiper lever to adjust the
sensitivity.
.Turn the band up for more
sensitivity to moisture.
.Turn the band down for less
sensitivity to moisture.
.Move the windshield wiper lever
out of the INT position to
deactivate Rainsense.
This feature can be changed. See
“Comfort and Convenience” under
Vehicle Personalization on
page 5-47.
Wiper Arm Assembly Protection
If equipped with wiper arm assembly
protection, when using an automatic
car wash, move the windshield
wiper lever to OFF. This disables
the automatic Rainsense windshield
wipers.