Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9235592) -
2016 - crc - 11/6/15
282 Vehicle Care Caution (Continued).
Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the
solution to freeze and
damage the washer fluid
tank and other parts of the
washer system.
.
When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
.
Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full when
it is very cold. This allows
for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is
completely full.
Brakes Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or can be heard all the time when the
vehicle is moving, except when
applying the brake pedal firmly.
{ WarningThe brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
CautionContinuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications 0 358 .
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete sets.
Brake Pedal Travel See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9235592) -
2016 - crc - 11/6/15
Vehicle Care 283
Brake Fluid The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid as indicated on the
reservoir cap. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0 265 for
the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a
level surface, the brake fluid level
should be between the minimum
and maximum marks on the brake
fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
.
Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up. .
A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.
{ Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system. When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light 0 133 .
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid
at the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0 344 .
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0 353 .
{ Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9235592) -
2016 - crc - 11/6/15
284 Vehicle Care CautionIf brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new 12-volt battery is
needed.
The battery is in the trunk under the
spare tire. The vehicle has an
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) 12-volt
battery. Installation of a standard
12-volt battery will result in reduced
12-volt battery life.
When using a 12-volt battery
charger on the 12-volt AGM battery,
some chargers have an AGM
battery setting on the charger. If available, use the AGM setting on
the charger, to limit charge voltage
to 14.8 volts.
Stop/Start System
The vehicle has a Stop/Start system
to shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. See Starting the
Engine 0 204 .
{ WarningWARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Batteries also
contain other chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer. WASH HANDS AFTER
HANDLING.
See California Proposition
65 Warning 0 262 . Vehicle Storage
{ WarningBatteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. See Jump Starting -
North America 0 327 for tips on
working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
12-volt battery black, negative ( − )
cable from the battery to keep the
battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the
12-volt battery black, negative ( − )
cable from the battery or use a
battery trickle charger.
Remember to reconnect the battery
when ready to drive the vehicle.
All-Wheel Drive If the vehicle is equipped with
All-Wheel Drive (AWD), this is an
additional system that needs
lubrication.
Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9235592) -
2016 - crc - 11/6/15
Vehicle Care 285Transfer Case When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly
check the transfer case fluid unless
a leak is suspected or an unusual
noise is heard. A fluid loss could
indicate a problem. Have it
inspected and repaired.
How to Check Lubricant
1. Fill Plug
2. Drain Plug
To get an accurate reading, the
vehicle should be on a level
surface. If the level is below the bottom of
the fill plug hole on the transfer
case, some lubricant will need to be
added. Add enough lubricant to
raise the level to the bottom of the
fill plug hole. Use care not to
overtighten the fill plug.
What to Use
To determine what kind of lubricant
to use, see Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0 353 .
Starter Switch Check
{ WarningWhen you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking
brake and the regular brake.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to turn off
the engine immediately if it
starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each
gear. The vehicle should start
only in P (Park) or N (Neutral).
If the vehicle starts in any other
position, contact your dealer for
service.
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
Function Check
{ WarningWhen you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface.
Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9235592) -
2016 - crc - 11/6/15
Vehicle Care 3292. Position the two vehicles so
that they are not touching.
3. Set the parking brake firmly
and put the shift lever in
P (Park). See Shifting Into
Park 0 207 .
CautionIf any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump
starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn
off or unplug all accessories on
either vehicle when jump starting.
4. Set the ignition to OFF. Turn off
all lights and accessories in
both vehicles, except the
hazard warning flashers if
needed. { WarningAn electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{ WarningUsing a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode.
People have been hurt doing this,
and some have been blinded.
Use a flashlight if you need more
light.
Battery fluid contains acid that
can burn you. Do not get it on
you. If you accidentally get it in
your eyes or on your skin, flush
the place with water and get
medical help immediately. { WarningFans or other moving engine
parts can injure you badly. Keep
your hands away from moving
parts once the engine is running.
5. Connect one end of the red
positive (+) cable to the remote
positive (+) terminal on the
discharged battery.
6. Connect the other end of the
red positive (+) cable to the
positive (+) terminal of the good
battery.
7. Connect one end of the black
negative ( – ) cable to the
negative ( – ) terminal of the
good battery.
8. Connect the other end of the
black negative ( – ) cable to the
remote negative ( – ) ground
terminal on the driver side
shock tower for the discharged
battery.
Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9235592) -
2016 - crc - 11/6/15
Vehicle Care 337Caution (Continued)brushes. Damage could occur
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Brake System Visually inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect brake
linings/shoes for wear or cracks.
Inspect all other brake parts.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at
least once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks. Body Component Lubrication Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and the
steel fuel door hinges, unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the
underbody. Take care to thoroughly
clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water
can overcome the seals and
contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and/or axles and
should be replaced. Sheet Metal Damage If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up materials
available from your dealer to avoid
corrosion. Larger areas of finish
damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon
and attack painted vehicle surfaces
causing blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint
surface. See “ Finish Care ”
previously in this section.
Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9235592) -
2016 - crc - 11/6/15
Service and Maintenance 343changes and tire rotations and
additional maintenance items like
tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper
blades.
CautionDamage caused by improper
maintenance can lead to costly
repairs and may not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids,
and lubricants are important to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition.
The Tire Rotation and Required
Services are the responsibility of the
vehicle owner. It is recommended to
have your dealer perform these
services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy,
and reduces vehicle emissions.
Because of the way people use
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
There may need to be more frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services -
Normal are for vehicles that:
.
Carry passengers and cargo
within recommended limits on
the Tire and Loading Information
label. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0 198 .
.
Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits.
.
Use the recommended fuel. See
Fuel 0 251 .
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services -
Severe are for vehicles that are:
.
Mainly driven in heavy city traffic
in hot weather.
.
Mainly driven in hilly or
mountainous terrain.
.
Frequently towing a trailer.
.
Used for high speed or
competitive driving. .
Used for taxi, police, or delivery
service.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe chart.
{ WarningPerforming maintenance work can
be dangerous and can cause
serious injury. Perform
maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools,
and equipment are available.
If they are not, see your dealer to
have a trained technician do the
work. See Doing Your Own
Service Work 0 263 .
Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-9235592) -
2016 - crc - 11/6/15
Service and Maintenance 345a year and the oil life system must
be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
See Engine Oil Life System 0 272 .
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation 0 313 .
.
Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0 270 and Engine Oil Life
System 0 272 .
.
Check engine coolant level. See
Engine Coolant 0 277 .
.
Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0 281 . .
Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0 333 . Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See
Wiper Blade
Replacement 0 286 .
.
Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0 306 .
.
Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0 312 .
.
Visually check for fluid leaks.
.
Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter 0 273 .
.
Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0 333 .
.
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of
wear. See Exterior Care 0 333 .
.
Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 0 75 .
.
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 0 333 .
.
Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0 285 .
.
Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check 0 285 .
.
Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism
Check 0 286 .
.
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 0 55 .