Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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264 VEHICLE CARE
1. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 280.
2. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0329.
3. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0329. 4. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. See Cooling System
0 274.
5. Engine Compartment Fuse Block
0292.
6. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0274. 7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
Engine Oil
0 268.
8. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine
Oil 0268.
9. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake
Fluid 0282.
10. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0272.
Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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266 VEHICLE CARE
1. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 280.
2. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0329.
3. Engine Compartment Fuse Block
0292. 4. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. See Cooling System
0 274.
5. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0329.
6. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0274. 7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See
Engine Oil
0 268.
8. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine
Oil 0268.
9. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0272.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake
Fluid 0282.
Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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268 VEHICLE CARE
1. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 280.
2. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0329.
3. Engine Compartment Fuse Block
0292.
4. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System
0 274.
5. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting -
North America 0329.
6. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine
Oil 0268.
7. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0274.
8. Engine Oil Fill Cap (Out of View). See Engine Oil 0268.
9. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0272.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake
Fluid 0282.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” in this
section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0271.
. 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 0261 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.
Follow these guidelines:
. To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground. Check
the engine oil level after the
engine has been off for at least
two hours. Checking the engine oil
level on steep grades or too soon
after engine shutoff can result in
incorrect readings. Accuracy
improves when checking a cold
engine prior to starting. Remove
the dipstick and check the level.
Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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280 VEHICLE CARE
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure cap,
even a little, can cause them to
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.
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment with No
Overheat Warning
(V-Series Only)
The V-Series hood vent is functional,
and will allow water from rain and car
washes to enter the engine
compartment and contact hot
surfaces. If steam is seen coming from
the hood vent with no accompanying
overheat warning, no action is
required.
If No Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen or
heard, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can get
a little too hot when the vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
. Stops after high-speed driving.
. Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest
fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral) and let the
engine idle.
If the overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally
and have the cooling system checked
for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while parked.
If the warning is still displayed, turn
off the engine until it cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is
needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an area
where the temperature may fall below
freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
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VEHICLE CARE 281
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer symbol
on it. Add washer fluid until the tank
is full. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview 0261 for reservoir location.
Caution
.
Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
. Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the windshield
washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system
and paint.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system.
. When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is
very cold. This allows for
fluid expansion if freezing
occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is
completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be heard all the time when the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will not
work well. That could lead to a
crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
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VEHICLE CARE 335
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0354.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash
it often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they
can damage the vehicle's paint,
metal, or plastic parts. If damage
occurs, it would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Approved
cleaning products can be obtained
from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and appropriate
disposal of any vehicle care
product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes
closer than 30 cm (12 in) to the
surface of the vehicle. Use of power
washers exceeding 8,274 kPa
(1,200 psi) can result in damage or
removal of paint and decals.
Caution
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this
e
symbol.
This could cause damage that
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using an automatic car wash, follow
the car wash instructions. The
windshield wiper and rear window
wiper, if equipped, must be off.
Remove any accessories that may be
damaged or interfere with the car
wash equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing
and after, to remove all cleaning
agents completely. If they are allowed
to dry on the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat
sealant/wax materials is not
recommended. If painted surfaces are
damaged, see your dealer to have the
damage assessed and repaired. Foreign
materials such as calcium chloride
and other salts, ice melting agents,
road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial
chimneys, etc., can damage the
vehicle's finish if they remain on
painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as
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VEHICLE CARE 337
.Washer fluids and other cleaning
agents in higher concentrations
than suggested by the
manufacturer.
. Solvents, alcohols, fuels, or other
harsh cleaners.
. Ice scrapers or other hard items.
. Aftermarket appearance caps or
covers while the lamps are
illuminated, due to excessive heat
generated.
Caution
Failure to clean lamps properly can
cause damage to the lamp cover
that would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Caution
Using wax on low gloss black finish
stripes can increase the gloss level
and create a non-uniform finish.
Clean low gloss stripes with soap
and water only.
Air Intakes
Clear debris from the air intakes,
between the hood and windshield
when washing the vehicle.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
with glass cleaner.
Clean rubber blades using a lint-free
cloth or paper towel soaked with
windshield washer fluid or a mild
detergent. Wash the windshield
thoroughly when cleaning the blades.
Bugs, road grime, sap, and a buildup
of vehicle wash/wax treatments may
cause wiper streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if they are
worn or damaged. Damage can be
caused by extreme dusty conditions,
sand, salt, heat, sun, snow, and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply weatherstrip lubricant on
weatherstrips to make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak. Lubricate weatherstrips at
least once a year. Hot, dry climates
may require more frequent application. Black marks from rubber
material on painted surfaces can be
removed by rubbing with a clean
cloth. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0354.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on the vehicle may
damage the paint finish and/or
tires. When applying a tire dressing,
always wipe off any overspray from
all painted surfaces on the vehicle.
Wheels and Wheel Trim
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild soap
and water to clean the wheels. After
rinsing thoroughly with clean water,
dry with a soft, clean towel. A wax
may then be applied.
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SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 345
Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0268.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0307.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire
Inspection 0313.
. Check the windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0280.
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
0271.
Air Conditioning Desiccant
(Replace Every Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years. This
service requires replacement of the
desiccant to help the longevity and
efficient operation of the air
conditioning system. This service can
be complex. See your dealer.
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 Rotation0313.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change
engine oil and filter, and reset oil
life system. See Engine Oil0268
and Engine Oil Life System 0271. .
Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0274.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0280.
. Check tire inflation pressures. See
Tire Pressure 0307.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0313.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0272.
. Inspect brake system. See Exterior
Care 0335.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damage, including
cracks or tears in the rubber boots,
loose or missing parts, or signs of
wear at least once a year. See
Exterior Care 0335.
. Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.