Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
128 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Have it checked by your dealer.
Driving while this light is on could
drain the battery.
When this light comes on, or is
flashing, the Driver Information
Center (DIC) also displays a message.
If a short distance must be driven
with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the radio and
air conditioner.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s
emission control on-board diagnostic
system. If this light is on while the
engine is running, a malfunction has
been detected and the vehicle may
require service. The light should come
on to show that it is working when
the ignition is in Service Mode. See
Ignition Positions0192.
Malfunctions are often indicated by
the system before any problem is
noticeable. Being aware of the light
and seeking service promptly when it
comes on may prevent damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually
with this light on, the emission
control system may not work as
well, the fuel economy may be
lower, and the vehicle may not run
smoothly. This could lead to costly
repairs that might not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not meet
the original tire specifications, can
cause this light to come on. This
could lead to costly repairs not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
This could also affect the vehicle’s
ability to pass an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications 0254.
If the light is f lashing : A
malfunction has been detected that
could damage the emission control
system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service may
be required.
To help prevent damage, reduce
vehicle speed and avoid hard
accelerations and uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the amount
of cargo being hauled as soon as
possible.
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INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 143
Care of the HUD
Clean the inside of the windshield to
remove any dirt or film that could
reduce the sharpness or clarity of the
HUD image.
Clean the HUD lens with a soft cloth
sprayed with glass cleaner. Wipe the
lens gently, then dry it.
HUD Troubleshooting
Check that:
.Nothing is covering the HUD lens.
. HUD brightness setting is not too
dim or too bright.
. HUD is adjusted to the proper
height.
. Polarized sunglasses are not worn.
. Windshield and HUD lens are
clean.
If the HUD image is not correct,
contact your dealer.
The windshield is part of the HUD
system. If the windshield needs
replacing, see Windshield Replacement
0 281.
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC
indicate the status of the vehicle or
some action that may be needed to
correct a condition. Multiple messages
may appear one after another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be
acknowledged and cleared by pressing
V. The messages that require
immediate action cannot be cleared
until that action is performed.
All messages should be taken
seriously; clearing the message does
not correct the problem.
If a SERVICE message appears, see
your dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays
messages regarding the following
topics:
. Service Messages
. Fluid Levels
. Vehicle Security
. Brakes .
Ride Control Systems
. Driver Assistance Systems
. Cruise Control
. Lighting and Bulb Replacement
. Wiper/Washer Systems
. Doors and Windows
. Seat Belts
. Airbag Systems
. Engine and Transmission
. Tire Pressure
. Battery
Engine Power Messages
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays when the
vehicle's propulsion power is reduced.
Reduced propulsion power can affect
the vehicle's ability to accelerate.
If this message is on, but there is no
observed reduction in performance,
proceed to your destination. The
performance may be reduced the next
time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle
may be driven while this message is
Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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
Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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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VEHICLE CARE 253
Tire Sealant andCompressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - NorthAmerica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . 326
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit your
dealer. You will receive genuine GM
parts and GM-trained and supported
service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these
marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
{Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this
one, as well as many of its service
parts and fluids, contain and/or
emit chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Engine exhaust, many parts
and systems, many fluids, and
some component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these
chemicals. For more information go
to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0277 and
Jump Starting - North America 0323
and the back cover.
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VEHICLE CARE 257
1. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 275.
2. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0323.
3. Engine Compartment Fuse Block
0286. 4. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. See Cooling System
0 269.
5. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0323.
6. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil
0 263. 7. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of
View). See Cooling System 0269.
8. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine
Oil 0263.
9. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0267.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake
Fluid 0276.
Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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VEHICLE CARE 259
1. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 275.
2. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0323.
3. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0323. 4. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. See Cooling System
0 269.
5. Engine Compartment Fuse Block
0286.
6. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0269. 7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
Engine Oil
0 263.
8. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine
Oil 0263.
9. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake
Fluid 0276.
10. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0267.
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VEHICLE CARE 261
1. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 275.
2. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0323.
3. Engine Compartment Fuse Block
0286. 4. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. See Cooling System
0 269.
5. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0323.
6. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0269. 7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
Engine Oil
0 263.
8. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine
Oil 0263.
9. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0267.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake
Fluid 0276.