Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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160 LIGHTING
When the battery's state of charge is
low, the voltage is raised slightly to
quickly bring the charge back up.
When the state of charge is high, the
voltage is lowered slightly to prevent
overcharging. If the vehicle has a
voltmeter gauge or a voltage display
on the Driver Information Center
(DIC), you may see the voltage move
up or down. This is normal. If there is
a problem, an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle
if the electrical loads are very high.
This is true for all vehicles. This is
because the generator (alternator)
may not be spinning fast enough at
idle to produce all the power that is
needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when
several of the following are on, such
as: headlamps, high beams, fog lamps,
rear window defogger, climate control
fan at high speed, heated seats, engine
cooling fans, and loads plugged into
accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive
discharge of the battery. It does this
by balancing the generator's output
and the vehicle's electrical needs.It can increase engine idle speed to
generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the
power demands of some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps
or levels, without being noticeable. In
rare cases at the highest levels of
corrective action, this action may be
noticeable to the driver. If so, a DIC
message might be displayed. If a
battery message is displayed, it is
recommended that the driver reduce
the electrical loads as much as
possible. See
Driver Information Center
(DIC) 0137.
Battery Power Protection
The battery saver feature is designed
to protect the vehicle's battery.
If some interior lamps are left on and
the ignition is turned off, the battery
rundown protection system
automatically turns the lamp off after
some time.
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver
The exterior lamps turn off about
10 minutes after the ignition is turned
off, if the parking lamps or headlamps
have been manually left on. This
protects against draining the battery.
To restart the 10-minute timer, turn
the exterior lamp control to the
O
position and then back to the;
or2position.
To keep the lamps on for more than
10 minutes, the ignition must be on or
in ACC/ACCESSORY.
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 187
.Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may cause
exhaust gases to get inside. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide
(CO), which cannot be seen or
smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
. Clear snow from the base of
the vehicle, especially any
blocking the exhaust pipe.
. Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the vehicle side that
is away from the wind, to
bring in fresh air.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Adjust the climate control
system to circulate the air
inside the vehicle and set the
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control
Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0199.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then
shut the engine off and partially close
the window. Moving about to keep
warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the
engine runs faster than the idle speed.
This keeps the battery charged to
restart the vehicle and to signal for
help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels
to free the vehicle when stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow. If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. See
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0206.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you or
others could be injured. The vehicle
can overheat, causing an engine
compartment fire or other damage.
Spin the wheels as little as possible
and avoid going above 56 km/h
(35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right
to clear the area around the front
wheels. Turn off any traction system.
Shift back and forth between
R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as
possible. To prevent transmission
wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears. Release
the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 233
FCA detects vehicles within a distance
of approximately 60 m (197 ft) and
operates at speeds above 40 km/h
(25 mph). If the vehicle has Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC), it can detect
vehicles to distances of approximately
110 m (360 ft) and operates at all
speeds. SeeAdaptive Cruise Control
0 217.
{Warning
FCA is a warning system and does
not apply the brakes. When
approaching a slower-moving or
stopped vehicle ahead too rapidly,
or when following a vehicle too
closely, FCA may not provide a
warning with enough time to help
avoid a crash. It also may not
provide any warning at all. FCA
does not warn of pedestrians,
animals, signs, guardrails, bridges,
construction barrels, or other
objects. Be ready to take action and
apply the brakes. See Defensive
Driving 0178. FCA can be disabled with either the
FCA steering wheel control or,
if equipped, through vehicle
personalization. See
“Collision/
Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0144.
Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
FCA warnings will not occur unless
the FCA system detects a vehicle
ahead. When a vehicle is detected, the
vehicle ahead indicator will display
green. Vehicles may not be detected
on curves, highway exit ramps,
or hills, due to poor visibility; or if a
vehicle ahead is partially blocked by
pedestrians or other objects. FCA will
not detect another vehicle ahead until
it is completely in the driving lane.
{Warning
FCA does not provide a warning to
help avoid a crash, unless it detects
a vehicle. FCA may not detect a
vehicle ahead if the FCA sensor is
blocked by dirt, snow, or ice, or if
the windshield is damaged. It may
also not detect a vehicle on winding
or hilly roads, or in conditions that
can limit visibility such as fog, rain,
or snow, or if the headlamps or
windshield are not cleaned or in
proper condition. Keep the
windshield, headlamps, and FCA
sensors clean and in good repair.
Collision Alert
With Head-Up Display
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 235
Following Distance Indicator
The following distance to a moving
vehicle ahead in your path is indicated
in following time in seconds on the
Driver Information Center (DIC). See
Driver Information Center (DIC)0137.
The minimum following time is
0.5 seconds away. If there is no vehicle
detected ahead, or the vehicle ahead is
out of sensor range, dashes will be
displayed.
Unnecessary Alerts
FCA may provide unnecessary alerts
for turning vehicles, vehicles in other
lanes, objects that are not vehicles,
or shadows. These alerts are normal
operation and the vehicle does not
need service.
Cleaning the System
If the FCA system does not seem to
operate properly, this may correct the
issue:
. Clean the outside of the
windshield in front of the rearview
mirror. .
Clean the entire front of the
vehicle.
. Clean the headlamps.
Forward Automatic
Braking (FAB)
If the vehicle has Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC), it also has FAB, which
includes Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA).
When the system detects a vehicle
ahead in your path that is traveling in
the same direction that you may be
about to crash into, it can provide a
boost to braking or automatically
brake the vehicle. This can help avoid
or lessen the severity of crashes when
driving in a forward gear. Depending
on the situation, the vehicle may
automatically brake moderately or
hard. This forward automatic braking
can only occur if a vehicle is detected.
This is shown by the FCA vehicle
ahead indicator being lit. See Forward
Collision Alert (FCA) System 0232.
The system works when driving in a
forward gear above 4 km/h (2 mph).
It can detect vehicles up to
approximately 60 m (197 ft).
{Warning
FAB is an emergency crash
preparation feature and is not
designed to avoid crashes. Do not
rely on FAB to brake the vehicle.
FAB will not brake outside of its
operating speed range and only
responds to detected vehicles.
FAB may not: . Detect a vehicle ahead on
winding or hilly roads.
. Detect all vehicles, especially
vehicles with a trailer,
tractors, muddy vehicles, etc.
. Detect a vehicle when
weather limits visibility, such
as in fog, rain, or snow.
. Detect a vehicle ahead if it is
partially blocked by
pedestrians or other objects.
Complete attention is always
required while driving, and you
should be ready to take action and
apply the brakes and/or steer the
vehicle to avoid crashes.
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 239
Keep Assist (LKA) system, read the
entire LKA section before using this
feature.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
If equipped, LKA may help avoid
crashes due to unintentional lane
departures. It may assist by gently
turning the steering wheel if the
vehicle approaches a detected lane
marking without using a turn signal in
that direction. It may also provide a
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
system alert as the lane marking is
crossed. The LKA system will not
assist or provide an LDW 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).
{Warning
The LKA system does not
continuously steer the vehicle.
It may not keep the vehicle in the(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
lane or give a Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) alert, even if a lane
marking is detected.
The LKA and LDW systems
may not:
. Provide an alert or enough
steering assist to avoid a lane
departure or crash.
. Detect lane markings under
poor weather or visibility
conditions. This can occur if
the windshield or headlamps
are blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice, if they are not in
proper condition, or if the sun
shines directly into the
camera.
. Detect road edges.
. Detect lanes on winding or
hilly roads.
If LKA only detects lane markings
on one side of the road, it will only
assist or provide an LDW alert (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
when approaching the lane on the
side where it has detected a lane
marking. Even with LKA and LDW,
you must steer the vehicle. Always
keep your attention on the road and
maintain proper vehicle position
within the lane, or vehicle damage,
injury, or death could occur. Always
keep the windshield, headlamps,
and camera sensors clean and in
good repair. Do not use LKA in bad
weather conditions.
{Warning
Using LKA while towing a trailer or
on slippery roads could cause loss
of control of the vehicle and a
crash. Turn the system off.
How the System Works
The LKA camera sensor is on the
windshield ahead of the rearview
mirror.
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252 VEHICLE CARE
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . 267
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . 277
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279 Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . 280
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . 281
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . 285
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . 285
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . 289
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Run-Flat Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . 303
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 311
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
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282 VEHICLE CARE
Caution
Do not apply tape or hang any
objects from gas struts. Also do not
push down or pull on gas struts.
This may cause damage to the
vehicle.
See Maintenance Schedule 0339.
Hood
Trunk
Liftgate
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp aim has been preset and
should need no further adjustment.
If the vehicle is damaged in a crash,
the headlamp aim may be affected.
If adjustment to the headlamps is
necessary, see your dealer.
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VEHICLE CARE 283
Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement
bulbs, or any bulb changing procedure
not listed in this section, contact your
dealer.
Halogen Bulbs
{Warning
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas
inside and can burst if you drop or
scratch the bulb. You or others
could be injured. Be sure to read
and follow the instructions on the
bulb package.
High Intensity Discharge
(HID) Lighting
{Warning
The High Intensity Discharge (HID)
lighting system operates at a very
high voltage. If you try to service
any of the system components, you
could be seriously injured. Have
your dealer or a qualified technician
service them.
After an HID headlamp bulb has been
replaced, the beam might be a slightly
different shade than it was originally.
This is normal.
LED Lighting
This vehicle has several LED lamps.
For replacement of any LED lighting
assembly, contact your dealer.
Back-Up Lamps
1. Back-Up Bulb Socket
2. Back-Up Lamp Assembly
To replace one of these bulbs: 1. Reach under the rear fascia and locate the back-up lamp
assembly.