
Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
SEATS AND RESTRAINTS 55
Seats and Restraints
Head Restraints
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Front Seats
Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Thigh Support Adjustment . . . . . . . . 60
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Heated and Ventilated FrontSeats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Rear Seats
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Heated Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Rear Seat Pass-Through Door . . . . . 69
Seat Belts
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
How to Wear Seat BeltsProperly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Seat Belt Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Seat Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Seat Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Replacing Seat Belt System Parts
after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Airbag System
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . 78
When Should an AirbagInflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . 80
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . 81
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . 82
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . . . . 87
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Child Restraints
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Infants and Young Children . . . . . . 90
Child Restraint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . . 94
Lower Anchors and Tethers forChildren (LATCH System) . . . . . . . 95
Replacing LATCH System Parts
After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Securing Child Restraints (With
the Seat Belt in the
Rear Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Securing Child Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the
Front Seat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
86 SEATS AND RESTRAINTS
A thick layer of additional material,
such as a blanket or cushion,
or aftermarket equipment such as seat
covers, seat heaters, and seat
massagers can affect how well the
passenger sensing system operates.
We recommend that you not use seat
covers or other aftermarket equipment
except when approved by GM for your
specific vehicle. SeeAdding Equipment
to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 087 for
more information about modifications
that can affect how the system
operates.
A wet seat can affect the performance
of the passenger sensing system. Here
is how:
. The passenger sensing system may
turn off the passenger frontal
airbag and passenger knee airbag
when liquid is soaked into the
seat. If this happens, the off
indicator will be lit, and the airbag
readiness light on the instrument
panel will also be lit.
. Liquid pooled on the seat that has
not soaked in may make it more
likely that the passenger sensing
system will turn on the passenger frontal airbag and passenger knee
airbag while a child restraint or
child occupant is on the seat.
If the passenger frontal airbag and
passenger knee airbag are turned
on, the on indicator will be lit.
If the passenger seat gets wet, dry the
seat immediately. If the airbag
readiness light is lit, do not install a
child restraint or allow anyone to
occupy the seat. See Airbag Readiness
Light 0126 for important safety
information.
The on indicator may be lit if an
object, such as a briefcase, handbag,
grocery bag, laptop, or other electronic
device, is put on an unoccupied seat.
If this is not desired, remove the
object from the seat.
{Warning
Stowing articles under the
passenger seat or between the
passenger seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle should
be serviced. There are parts of the
airbag system in several places around
the vehicle. Your dealer and the
service manual have information
about servicing the vehicle and the
airbag system. To purchase a service
manual, see Service Publications
Ordering Information 0366.
{Warning
For up to 10 seconds after the
vehicle is turned off and the battery
is disconnected, an airbag 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.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
SEATS AND RESTRAINTS 87
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 any parts of the front seats,
seat belts, airbag sensing and
diagnostic module, steering wheel,
instrument panel, inner door seals
including the speakers, any of the
airbag modules, ceiling or pillar
garnish trim, 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 withnon-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
passenger sensing system from
properly turning off the passenger
airbag(s). See
Passenger Sensing
System 082.
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail
airbags, see Different Size Tires and
Wheels 0311 for additional important
information.
If you have to modify your vehicle
because you have a disability and 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 0359.
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 0126.
Caution
If an airbag covering is damaged,
opened, or broken, the airbag may
not work properly. Do not open or
break the airbag coverings. If there
are any opened or broken airbag
coverings, have the airbag covering
and/or airbag module replaced. For
the location of the airbags, see
Where Are the Airbags? 078. See
your dealer for service.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
114 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Lift the cover to access the accessory
power outlet.
Certain electrical accessories may not
be compatible with the accessory
power outlet and could overload a
vehicle circuit breaker or adapter fuse.
If overloaded, the circuit breaker will
reset after all devices are disconnected
or if Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
is turned off and then back on. See
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)0197.
Wait one minute to allow the circuit
breaker to reset before reconnecting
devices or turning RAP back on. If the
problem continues, the issue could be
within your device. Try another
known good device to make sure the
circuit breaker is operating properly.
If this does not resolve your problem,
see your dealer.
It is possible to replace the factory
power outlet with a cigar lighter
receptacle, if desired. This requires the
factory installed circuit breaker to be
replaced with a standard minifuse by
the dealer. A minifuse will not reset
and will have to be replace if blown.Caution
Failure to replace the circuit
breaker with the minifuse could
overheat the cigar lighter and
damage the vehicle.
When adding electrical equipment, be
sure to follow the proper installation
instructions included with the
equipment. See Add-On Electrical
Equipment 0251.
Caution
Adding any electrical equipment to
the vehicle may damage it or keep
other components from working as
they should. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Do not use equipment exceeding
maximum amperage rating of
15 amperes. Check with your dealer
before adding electrical equipment.
Caution
Hanging heavy equipment from the
power outlet can cause damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
The power outlets are designed for
accessory power plugs only, such as
cell phone charge cords.
Power Outlet 110/120 Volt
Alternating Current
If equipped, this power outlet is inside
the center console. It can be used to
plug in electrical equipment that uses
a maximum limit of 150 watts.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
CLIMATE CONTROLS 175
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves
from air inlets at the base of the
windshield that could block the
flow of air into the vehicle.
. Clear snow off the hood to
improve visibility and help
decrease moisture drawn into the
vehicle.
. Keep the path under the front
seats clear of objects to help
circulate the air inside of the
vehicle more effectively.
. Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect the
performance of the system. Check
with your dealer before adding
equipment to the outside of the
vehicle.
. Do not attach any devices to the
air vent slats. This restricts airflow
and may cause damage to the air
vents.Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The filter reduces dust, pollen, and
other airborne irritants from outside
air that is pulled into the vehicle. The
filter should be replaced as part of
routine scheduled maintenance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0339.
See your dealer regarding replacement
of the filter.
Service
All vehicles have a label underhood
that identifies the refrigerant used in
the vehicle. The refrigerant system
should only be serviced by trained and
certified technicians. The air
conditioning evaporator should never
be repaired or replaced by one from a
salvage vehicle. It should only be
replaced by a new evaporator to
ensure proper and safe operation. During service, all refrigerants should
be reclaimed with proper equipment.
Venting refrigerants directly to the
atmosphere is harmful to the
environment and may also create
unsafe conditions based on inhalation,
combustion, frostbite, or other
health-based concerns.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
208 DRIVING AND OPERATING
To turn off only TCS, press and
release
Y. The traction off lighti
displays in the instrument cluster.
A DIC message may display.
To turn TCS on again, press and
release
Y. The traction off lighti
displayed in the instrument cluster
will turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
Y
is pressed, the system will not turn off
until the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak,
press and hold
Yuntil the traction
off light
iand StabiliTrak OFF light
gcome on and stay on in the
instrument cluster. A DIC message
may display.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak on again,
press and release
Y. The traction off
light
iand StabiliTrak OFF lightg
in the instrument cluster turn off.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle's performance. See Accessories
and Modifications 0254.
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control attempts to add
a sportier feel, provide a more
comfortable ride, or assist in different
weather conditions or terrain. This
system simultaneously changes the
software settings of various
sub-systems. Depending on the option
package, available features, and mode
selected, the suspension, steering, and
powertrain will change settings to
achieve the desired mode
characteristics. If the vehicle is
equipped with Magnetic Ride Control,
selecting the various Driver Modes
adjusts the ride of the vehicle to
enhance the ride performance for the
road conditions and the
selected mode.
Driver Mode Control Switch
The Driver Mode Control has three or
four modes: Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice,
and Track. The Track Mode is for
V-Sport and V-Series models only.
Press
yorzon the MODE switch
on the center console to make a mode
selection. The first press of the switch
will show the current mode.
Subsequent presses will scroll though
the available modes. The Tour and
Sport Modes will feel similar on a
smooth road. Select a new setting
whenever driving conditions change.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 251
certain threshold. Trailer brake
requirements vary from state to state.
Be sure to read and follow the
instructions for the trailer brakes so
they are installed, adjusted, and
maintained properly.
Because the vehicle has antilock
brakes, do not tap into the vehicle's
brake system. If this is done, both
brake systems will not work well or
at all
Towing Equipment (V6
Twin Turbo)
The vehicle is neither designed nor
intended to tow a trailer.
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0128.
A device connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle systems.
This could affect vehicle operation
and cause a crash. Such devices
may also access information stored
in the vehicle’s systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always check with your
dealer before adding electrical
equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12-volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see Servicing
the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 086 and
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 087.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
254 VEHICLE CARE
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag initiators,
seat belt pretensioners, and lithium
batteries contained in Remote Keyless
Entry transmitters, may contain
perchlorate materials. Special
handling may be necessary. For
additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Accessories and
Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or
making modifications to the vehicle
can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as
airbags, braking, stability, ride and
handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and
electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability
control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.Damage to suspension components
caused by modifying vehicle height
outside of factory settings will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components
resulting from modifications or the
installation or use of non-GM certified
parts, including control module or
software modifications, is not covered
under the terms of the vehicle
warranty and may affect remaining
warranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on the vehicle. See your
dealer to accessorize the vehicle using
genuine GM Accessories installed by a
dealer technician.
Also, see
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 087.
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on
your vehicle if you do not have the
proper knowledge, service manual,
tools, or parts. Always follow
owner’s manual procedures and
consult the service manual for your
vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service manual.
It tells you much more about how to
service the vehicle than this manual
can. To order the proper service
manual, see Service Publications
Ordering Information 0366.
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, see Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 086.