
Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
VEHICLE CARE 325
{Warning
Fans 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 (–) grounding
terminal for the discharged
battery. 9. Start the engine in the vehicle
with the good battery and run
the engine at idle speed for at
least four minutes.
10. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not
start after a few tries, it probably
needs service.
Caution
If the jumper cables are connected
or removed in the wrong order,
electrical shorting may occur and
damage the vehicle. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always connect and
remove the jumper cables in the
correct order, making sure that the
cables do not touch each other or
other metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle and
removing the jumper cables, allow it
to idle for several minutes.
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Do not lash or hook to suspension
components. Use the proper straps
around the tires to secure the
vehicle.
Use only a flatbed tow truck for
towing a disabled vehicle. Never use a
sling type lift or damage will occur.
Use ramps to help reduce approach
angles if necessary. A towed vehicle
should have its drive wheels off the
ground. Consult a professional towing
service if the disabled vehicle must be
towed.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
326 VEHICLE CARE
Due to low ramp angles on the
V-Series only, use care when loading
the vehicle onto a flatbed carrier.
Front spring spacers were provided for
lifting the front suspension if more
clearance is necessary when towing.
Consult your dealer or a professional
towing service if the disabled vehicle
must be towed.
Front Tow EyeCaution
Improper use of the tow eye can
cause vehicle damage. Use caution
and low speeds to prevent damage
to the vehicle.
If the vehicle is equipped with tow
eye, only use the tow eye to pull the
vehicle onto a flatbed car carrier from
a flat road surface. Do not use the tow
eye to pull the vehicle from snow,
mud or sand. The tow eye is located
underneath the load floor, near the
spare tire or the compressor kit,
if equipped.
Carefully open the cover in the fascia
by using the small notch that conceals
the tow eye socket.
Install the tow eye into the socket and
turn it until it is fully tightened. When
the tow eye is removed, reinstall the
cover with the notch in the original
position.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle such as a motor home. The
two most common types of
recreational vehicle towing are known
as dinghy towing and dolly towing.
Dinghy towing is towing the vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground.
Dolly towing is towing the vehicle
with two wheels on the ground and
two wheels up on a device known as a
dolly.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
332 VEHICLE CARE
Caution
Chrome wheels and other chrome
trim may be damaged if the vehicle
is not washed after driving on roads
that have been sprayed with
magnesium, calcium, or sodium
chloride. These chlorides are used
on roads for conditions such as ice
and dust. Always wash the chrome
with soap and water after exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage, do not
use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners, brushes,
or cleaners that contain acid on
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels.
Use only approved cleaners. Also,
never drive a vehicle with
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels
through an automatic car wash that
uses silicone carbide tire cleaning(Continued)
Caution (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 drum 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 hinge, 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

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
340 SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
.Check tire inflation pressures. See
Tire Pressure 0301.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0307.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0267.
. Inspect brake system. See Exterior
Care 0329.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear.
See Exterior Care 0329.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 075. .
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 0329.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0279.
. Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control Function Check 0280.
. Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check 0280. .
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. If the hold open is low,
service the gas strut. See Gas
Strut(s) 0281.
. Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof053.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
366 CUSTOMER INFORMATION
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that the vehicle requires
damage repairs, GM recommends that
you take an active role in its repair.
If you have a pre-determined repair
facility of choice, take the vehicle
there, or have it towed there. Specify
to the facility that any required
replacement collision parts be original
equipment parts, either new Genuine
GM parts or recycled original GM
parts. Remember, recycled parts will
not be covered by the GM vehicle
warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair,
but you must live with the repair.
Depending on your policy limits, your
insurance company may initially value
the repair using aftermarket parts.
Discuss this with the repair
professional, and insist on Genuine
GM parts. Remember, if the vehicle is
leased, you may be obligated to have
the vehicle repaired with Genuine GM
parts, even if your insurance coverage
does not pay the full cost.If another party's insurance company
is paying for the repairs, you are not
obligated to accept a repair valuation
based on that insurance company's
collision policy repair limits, as you
have no contractual limits with that
company. In such cases, you can have
control of the repair and parts choices
as long as the cost stays within
reasonable limits.
Service Publications
Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis
and repair information on the engines,
transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical, steering, body, etc.
Owner Information
Owner publications are written
specifically for owners and intended
to provide basic operational
information about the vehicle. The
Owner’s Manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio,
Owner’s Manual, and Warranty
Manual.
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Current and Past Models
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