Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
28 IN BRIEF
Car Wash Guidelines
Caution
Some automatic car washes can
cause damage to the vehicle, wheels
and ground effects. Automatic car
washes are not recommended, due
to lack of clearance for the
undercarriage and/or wide rear tires
and wheels. See "Washing the
Vehicle" underExterior Care0329.
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage.
Here are some driving tips to get the
best fuel economy possible.
.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
. Brake gradually and avoid abrupt
stops.
. Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time. .
When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control.
. Always follow posted speed limits
or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
. Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated.
. Combine several trips into a
single trip.
. Replace the vehicle's tires with the
same TPC Spec number molded
into the tire's sidewall near
the size.
. Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Roadside Service
U.S.: 1-800-224-1400
Canada: 1-800-882-1112
TTY Users (U.S. Only): 1-888-889-2438
New Cadillac owners are automatically
enrolled in the Roadside Service
Program.
See Roadside Service 0361.
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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
134 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this light
comes on briefly when the engine is
started. It provides information about
tire pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the
tires are significantly underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC) tire
pressure message may also display.
Stop as soon as possible, and inflate
the tires to the pressure value shown
on the Tire and Loading Information
label. SeeTire Pressure 0301.
When the Light Flashes First and
Then Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute
and then stays on, there may be a
problem with the TPMS. If the
problem is not corrected, the light will
come on at every ignition cycle. See
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0304.Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. Driving with the engine oil
low can also damage the engine.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check the
oil level as soon as possible. Add oil
if required, but if the oil level is
within the operating range and the
oil pressure is still low, have the
vehicle serviced. Always follow the
maintenance schedule for changing
engine oil.
This light should come on briefly as
the engine is started. If it does not
come on, have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer. If the light comes on and stays on, it
means that oil is not flowing through
the engine properly. The vehicle could
be low on oil and might have some
other system problem. See your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
This light is near the fuel gauge and
comes on briefly when the ignition is
turned on as a check to show it is
working. For vehicles with a
reconfigurable cluster, this light is in
the display area and may not come on
when the ignition is turned on.
It also comes on when the fuel tank is
low on fuel. The light turns off when
fuel is added. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced.
Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 249
3. When the wheel chocks are inplace, release the regular brakes
until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more often
when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule 0339. Things
that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission fluid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system, and brake system. It is
a good idea to inspect these before
and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch
nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing (V6 Engine,
Non Twin Turbo)
Before pulling a trailer, there are three
important considerations that have to
do with weight:
.
The weight of the trailer.
. The weight of the trailer tongue.
. The total weight on your vehicle's
tires.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than
454 kg (1,000 lb). But even that can be
too heavy.
It depends on how the rig is used. For
example, speed, altitude, road grades,
outside temperature, and how much
the vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all important. It can depend on any
special equipment on the vehicle, and
the amount of tongue weight the
vehicle can carry. See
“Weight of the
Trailer Tongue ”later in this section.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming only the driver is in the tow
vehicle and it has all the required
trailering equipment. The weight of
additional optional equipment,
passengers, and cargo in the tow
vehicle must be subtracted from the
maximum trailer weight.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or advice.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (1) of any trailer is an
important weight to measure because
it affects the total gross weight of the
vehicle. The Gross Vehicle Weight
(GVW) includes the curb weight of the
vehicle, any cargo carried in it, and
the people who will be riding in the
vehicle. If there are a lot of options,
equipment, passengers, or cargo in the
vehicle, it will reduce the tongue
weight the vehicle can carry, which
will also reduce the trailer weight the
Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 337
Service and
Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Cadillac Premium Care
Maintenance
Cadillac Premium CareMaintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Special Application Services
Special Application Services . . . . . 344
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Additional Maintenanceand Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
General Information
Your vehicle is an important
investment. This section describes the
required maintenance for the vehicle.
Follow this schedule to help protect
against major repair expenses
resulting from neglect or inadequate
maintenance. It may also help to
maintain the value of the vehicle if it
is sold. It is the responsibility of the
owner to have all required
maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained technicians
who can perform required
maintenance using genuine
replacement parts. They have
up-to-date tools and equipment for
fast and accurate diagnostics. Many
dealers have extended evening and
Saturday hours, courtesy
transportation, and online scheduling
to assist with service needs.
Your dealer recognizes the importance
of providing competitively priced
maintenance and repair services. With
trained technicians, the dealer is the
place for routine maintenance such as
oil changes and tire rotations and
Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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338 SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
additional maintenance items like
tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper
blades.
Caution
Damage 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.
Do not have chemical flushes that
are not approved by GM performed
on the vehicle. The use of flushes,
solvents, cleaners, or lubricants that
are not approved by GM could
damage the vehicle, requiring
expensive repairs that are not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
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 0188.
. Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving limits.
. Use the recommended fuel. See
Fuel 0242.
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.
{Warning
Performing 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 0254.
Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 339
Cadillac Premium Care
Maintenance
This vehicle comes with Cadillac
Premium Care Maintenance. It is a
maintenance program that covers
select services, when scheduled in
accordance with the owner’s manual,
including:
.Oil changes based on the vehicle's
oil life monitor system.
. Tire rotation every 12 000 km
(7,500 mi).
. Passenger compartment air filter
replacement.
. Multi-point vehicle inspection
(MPVI) performed by a qualified
technician.
Cadillac requires that all Cadillac
Premium Care Maintenance services
be performed by a Cadillac authorized
service dealer.
Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
. Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0263.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0301.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire
Inspection 0307.
. Check the windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0275.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
under the best conditions, the engine
oil life system may not indicate the
need for vehicle service for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a 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
0265.
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 Rotation0307.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change
engine oil and filter, and reset oil
life system. See Engine Oil0263
and Engine Oil Life System 0265.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0269.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0275.
. Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0329. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See Wiper
Blade Replacement 0280.