Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12533370) -
2019 - crc - 1/23/19
290 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 094.
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 Publication Ordering
Information 0410.
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, see Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 094.
Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12533370) -
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If equipped with remote vehicle start,
open the hood before performing any
service work to prevent remote
starting the vehicle accidentally. See
Remote Vehicle Start036.
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of
any service work performed. See
Maintenance Records 0395.
Caution
Even small amounts of
contamination can cause damage to
vehicle systems. Do not allow
contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
{Warning
Gas struts and other metal
components under the hood can get
hot after running the engine. Do
not touch these components as
they can burn unprotected skin and
could cause serious injury. Clear any snow from the hood before
opening.
To open the hood:
1. Pull the hood release handle. It is
on the lower left side of the
instrument panel between the
door and the steering wheel.
2. Release the handle, then pull the handle again to fully open
the hood.
3. Go to the front of the vehicle and lift the hood open.
Caution
Be sure the hood is completely
closed before driving. Damage may
occur if it is not.
To close the hood: 1. Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are properly
installed.
2. Lower the hood approximately 46 cm (18 in) from the closed
position.
3. Then push the front center of the hood with a swift, firm motion.
4. Check to make sure the hood is closed. If not, release the hood
from inside and repeat Steps 1–3.
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1. Passenger Side EngineCompartment Fuse Block. See
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
0323.
2. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System
0 307.
3. Passenger Side Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter 0304.
4. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil
0 299.
5. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine
Oil 0299.
6. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0307.
7. Driver Side Engine Air Cleaner/ Filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter 0304.
8. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0367.
9. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake
Fluid 0315. 10. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 313.
11. Driver Side Engine Compartment Fuse Block. See Engine
Compartment Fuse Block 0323.
12. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0367.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine performance
and long life, careful attention must
be paid to engine oil. Following these
simple, but important steps will help
protect your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil” in
this section.
. Check the engine oil level regularly
and maintain the proper oil level.
See “Checking Engine Oil” and
“When to Add Engine Oil” later in
this section. .
Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0302.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially prior
to a long trip. The engine oil dipstick
handle is a loop. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0292 for the
location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may
be hot; it could burn you. Use a
towel or glove to touch the dipstick
handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays, check the oil
level.
Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12533370) -
2019 - crc - 1/23/19
302 VEHICLE CARE
When selecting an oil of the
appropriate viscosity grade, it is
recommended to select an oil of the
correct specification. See
“Specification”earlier in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil
Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the dexos
specification are all that is needed for
good performance and engine
protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your own
oil, be sure to drain all the oil from
the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the trash
or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of
water. Recycle it by taking it to a place
that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based on a
combination of factors which include
engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change is indicated can
vary considerably. For the oil life
system to work properly, the system
must be reset every time the oil is
changed.When the system has calculated that
oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message comes on. Change the
oil as soon as possible within the next
1 000 km (600 mi). It is possible that,
if driving under the best conditions,
the oil life system might indicate that
an oil change is not necessary for up
to a year. The engine oil and filter
must be changed at least once a year
and at this time the system must be
reset. Your dealer has trained service
people who will perform this work and
reset the system. It is also important
to check the oil regularly over the
course of an oil drain interval and
keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally,
the oil must be changed at 5 000 km
(3,000 mi) since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.
Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12533370) -
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6. Reverse Steps 1–4 to reinstall theengine air cleaner/filter cover
and diagonal brace.
4.2L V8 Engine (Driver Side)
1. Diagonal Brace
2. Bolts (3)
3. Screws (4)
1. Remove the three bolts (2) and
the diagonal brace (1).
2. Remove the four screws (3) on top of the engine air cleaner/
filter cover.
3. Lift the engine air cleaner/filter cover open on the hinge. 4. Lift and remove the engine air
cleaner/filter.
5. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
6. Reverse Steps 1–4 to reinstall the engine air cleaner/filter cover
and diagonal brace.4.2L V8 Engine (Passenger Side)
1. Screws (4)
2. Bolts (3)
3. Diagonal Brace
1. Remove the three bolts (2) and
the diagonal brace (3). 2. Remove the four screws (1) on
top of the engine air cleaner/
filter cover.
3. Lift the engine air cleaner/filter cover open on the hinge.
4. Lift and remove the engine air cleaner/filter.
5. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
6. Reverse Steps 1–4 to reinstall the engine air cleaner/filter cover
and diagonal brace.
{Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. Use caution
when working on the engine. Do
not start the engine or drive the
vehicle with the air cleaner/filter
off, as flames may be present if the
engine backfires.
Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12533370) -
2019 - crc - 1/23/19
308 VEHICLE CARE
3.6L V6 Engine
1. Engine Coolant Surge Tankand Pressure Cap (Under
Cover)
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
4.2L V8 Engine
1. Engine Coolant Surge Tankand Pressure Cap (Under
Cover)
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can start
up even when the engine is not
running and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan. If the coolant inside the coolant surge
tank is boiling, do not do anything
else until it cools down. The vehicle
should be parked on a level surface.
The coolant level should be at the
cold fill mark on the middle of the
tank. If it is not, the vehicle may have
a leak at the radiator hoses, heater
hoses, radiator, water pump,
or somewhere else in the cooling
system.
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator
hoses, or other engine parts. They
can be very hot and can burn you.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak; all coolant could leak out.
That could cause an engine fire and
can burn you. Fix any leak before
driving the vehicle.
If there seems to be no leak, with the
engine on, check to see if the electric
cooling fan is running. If the engine is
overheating, the fan should be
running. If it is not, the vehicle needs
service. Turn off the engine.
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Engine Coolant
The engine cooling system in the
vehicle is filled with a DEX-COOL
engine coolant mixture. This coolant
needs to be checked and replaced at
appropriate intervals. SeeMaintenance
Schedule 0383.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating, see
Engine Overheating 0312.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With plain
water or the wrong mixture, the
engine could get too hot but there
would not be an overheat warning.
The engine could catch fire and you
or others could be burned. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture, nothing
else needs to be added. This mixture:
.
Gives freezing protection down to
−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature.
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion.
. Will not damage aluminum parts.
. Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.Caution
Do not use anything other than a
mix of DEX-COOL coolant that
meets GM Standard GMW3420 and
clean, drinkable water. Anything
else can cause damage to the
engine cooling system and the
vehicle, which would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on
the ground, or into sewers, streams,
or bodies of water. Have the coolant
changed by an authorized service
center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used coolant
disposal. This will help protect the
environment and your health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level surface
when checking the coolant level.
3.0L V6 Engine Coolant Surge Tank
Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12533370) -
2019 - crc - 1/23/19
310 VEHICLE CARE
2.0L L4, 3.6L V6, and 4.2L V8 EngineCoolant Surge Tank
The coolant surge tank is in the
engine compartment on the passenger
side of the vehicle. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0292.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the
coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is
boiling, do not do anything else until
it cools down. See Engine Overheating
0 312.
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank
If no problem is found, check to see if
coolant is visible in the coolant surge
tank. If coolant is visible but not at or
above the indicated mark, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant. Be sure
the cooling system, including the
coolant surge tank pressure cap, is
cool before this is done. See Engine
Overheating 0312.
{Warning
Spilling coolant on hot engine parts
can burn you. Coolant contains
ethylene glycol and it will burn if
the engine parts are hot enough.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure cap,
even a little, can cause them to
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
come out at high speed and you
could be burned. Never turn the cap
when the cooling system, including
the pressure cap, is hot. Wait for
the cooling system and pressure
cap to cool.
Caution
Failure to follow the specific
coolant fill procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and could
cause system damage. If coolant is
not visible in the surge tank,
contact your dealer.
3.0L V6 and 3.6L V6 Engines