General Motor's CTS FAQ

If you have a question about your Cadillac this is the best place to look. We've collected the most commonly asked questions and included them here for your convenience.

Why doesn't my heater blower work immediately after startup during cold weather?

If the amber ABS lamp comes on and stays on do I still have brakes?

Why won't cruise control work at low speeds?

What's the Express-Open Switch and how does it work?

Can my sunroof be opened incrementally?

What's the purpose of the Sport Mode button?

How often should the oil be changed on vehicles equipped with the GM Oil Life System?

My child restraint seat is equipped with a top strap (top tether). Where should this be attached?

What services are offered by On-Star?

The direction of the compass on my CTS doesn't seem to be correct. Should I calibrate it?

What should I do if my remote keyless entry transmitter does not work, or I have to stand closer to the vehicle?

What should I know about the Immobilizer?

Why do certain features continue to work up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned OFF?

Can I tow a trailer with my CTS?

Why is it sometimes difficult to shift out of PARK (P) when I am parked on a hill?

How do I turn off the Daytime Running Lamps when necessary?

What is the purpose of the Winter Driving Mode button?

My remote keyless entry key fob was lost/stolen. What should I do?

Can I replace the battery in my keyless entry transmitter myself?

I have children. Is there any device that can help prevent children from getting trapped in the trunk of my CTS?

How long should I leave the engine coolant heater plugged in during cold weather?

What is the DSP function in the audio system of my CTS?

How does THEFTLOCK discourage theft of my radio?

Why do I hear a momentary motor or clicking noise when I start my engine and begin to drive away?

When should I use the Traction Control button to turn the Traction Control System OFF?

Why is there a different level of effort for turning the steering wheel at different speeds?

Why won't the RDS feature on my radio work when it's in the AM band?

Is it true that the engine coolant in my CTS does not have to be changed for 150,000 miles (240 000km)?

In the Auto mode of my CTS Automatic Temperature Control system am I responsible for turning the air conditioner on and off?

How often do I care for the CD player that is part of my audio system?

How do I use the XM Satellite Radio Service?

How do I insert multiple discs into the 6-Disc CD Changer?




Why doesn't my heater blower work immediately after startup during cold weather?

To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather, the system will operate at lower fan speeds until warm air is available.





If the amber ABS lamp comes on and stays on do I still have brakes?

Yes! The hydraulic brake system is functional, but the ABS is not operational. See your dealer for service. If the amber ABS lamp and red BRAKE lamp are on together it indicates a potential malfunction that could affect braking. Seek service immediately.





Why won't cruise control work at low speeds?

Cruise control is designed for use at moderate to fast road speeds. With cruise control, you can maintain a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h) or more without keeping your foot on the accelerator.





What's the Express-Open Switch and how does it work?

Express-open fully lowers the window. Press the down area to its second position (fully down) for about 1 second. The window will go all the way down. This function works for all windows on the CTS.





Can my sunroof be opened incrementally?

Yes! Your sunroof is equipped with a comfort stop position. This is a three-quarter open position that will result in an open environment with less wind noise. See your Owner's Manual for information about using the sunroof control.





What's the purpose of the Sport Mode button?

It gives your CTS a sporty driving mode by changing the shift timing and feel for increased performance.



How often should the oil be changed on vehicles equipped with the GM Oil Life System?

The system will show you when to change the oil - usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and 10,000 miles (16 000 km) since your last oil change. Please see your Owner's Manual for more information.





My child restraint seat is equipped with a top strap (top tether). Where should this be attached?

The CTS already has top strap anchors installed for the rear seating positions. You'll find them behind the rear seat on the filler panel. In order to get to one of these brackets, you'll have to open the trim covers.





What services are offered by On-Star?

OnStar offers a variety of safety and security services. These include:

  • Automatic Notification of Air Bag Deployment
  • Stolen Vehicle Tracking
  • Roadside Assistance with Location
  • Remote Diagnostics
  • OnStar Med-Net
  • Accident Assist
  • Remote Door Unlock
  • Vehicle Locator Service
  • Premium Services are also offered for CTS owners. Check your Owner's Manual or call OnStar for more details.





    The direction of the compass on my CTS doesn't seem to be correct. Should I calibrate it?

    Variance is the difference between magnetic north and geographic north. In some areas, the difference between the two can be great enough to cause false compass readings. If this happens, follow the instructions in your owner's manual for your particular location. This 3-step procedure will correct the variance.





    What should I do if my remote keyless entry transmitter does not work, or I have to stand closer to the vehicle?

    At times you may notice a decrease in range. This is normal for any remote keyless entry system. Take a few steps to the left or right, hold the transmitter higher, and try again. Battery replacement or resynchronization may be necessary. See your Owner's Manual for more information.





    What should I know about the Immobilizer?

    The Immobilizer is a passive theft-deterrent system. The system works when you turn the key to ON. The uses a transponder that matches an immobilizer control unit in your vehicle. The correct key will start the vehicle.





    Why do certain features continue to work up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned OFF?

    Your vehicle is equipped with a Retained Accessory Power (RAP) feature. With RAP, the power windows, the audio system, the optional sunroof and other features will continue to work up to 10 minutes after the ignition key is turned to OFF and none of the doors are opened.





    Can I tow a trailer with my CTS?

    Typically you can pull a trailer up to 1000 pounds if your CTS is properly equipped. See your Owner's Manual for more information or ask your dealer.





    Why is it sometimes difficult to shift out of PARK (P) when I am parked on a hill?

    This is called "torque lock." To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into PARK (P) as you are parking. When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of PARK (P) before you release the parking brake. Check your Owner's Manual for more information.





    How do I turn off the Daytime Running Lamps when necessary?

    To operate your vehicle with the DRL off, turn the exterior lamp control to OFF. Then turn on the fog lamps or parking lamps, and the DRL will turn off. The Headlamps Suggested message will appear on the DIC display. This will work regardless of gear position and whether or not the parking brake is set.





    What is the purpose of the Winter Driving Mode button?

    This feature provides more traction during slippery conditions by using THIRD (3) gear instead of SECOND (2) when you begin to accelerate from a stopped position. Press this button once to turn on the winter driving mode feature. Press it again to turn the feature off.





    My remote keyless entry key fob was lost/stolen. What should I do?

    If a transmitter is lost or stolen, a replacement can be purchased through your dealer. Remember to bring any remaining transmitters with you when you go to your dealer. When the dealer matches the replacement transmitter to your vehicle, any remaining transmitters must also be matched. Once your dealer has coded the new transmitter, the lost transmitter will not unlock your vehicle.





    Can I replace the battery in my keyless entry transmitter myself?

    Yes you can. Refer to the Owner's Manual for the procedure for replacing the battery.





    I have children. Is there any device that can help prevent children from getting trapped in the trunk of my CTS?

    Yes, to help prevent a child from becoming trapped in your trunk, CTS is equipped with a glow-in-the-dark trunk release handle located in the trunk near the trunk latch. This handle will glow following exposure to light. Pull the release handle up to open the trunk from the inside. Check to see if your vehicle is equipped with this handle. If not, inquire with your dealer about the installation of this device.





    How long should I leave the engine coolant heater plugged in during cold weather?

    Usually the coolant heater should be plugged in a minimum of four hours prior to starting your vehicle. However, the time may vary depending on the outside temperature, the kind of oil you have, and some other things. A dealer in the area where you'll be parking your vehicle can give you the best advice for that particular area.





    What is the DSP function in the audio system of my CTS?

    This feature is used to provide a choice of five different listening experiences: DSP normal, talk, spacious, rear seat and driver seat. DSP can be used while listening to the radio or the CD player. See your OwnerŽ anual for more information on using this feature.





    How does THEFTLOCK discourage theft of my radio?

    With THEFTLOCK activated, your radio will not operate if stolen. See your Owner's Manual for more information about activating THEFTLOCK.





    Why do I hear a momentary motor or clicking noise when I start my engine and begin to drive away?

    Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. You may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise when you start your engine and begin to drive away. This is your anti-lock braking system checking itself and is normal.





    When should I use the Traction Control button to turn the Traction Control System OFF?

    You should turn the system off if your vehicle ever gets stuck in sand snow or mud and rocking the vehicle is required to get the vehicle unstuck. Consult your Owner's Manual index for "Rocking Your Vehicle" if you find yourself in this situation.





    Why is there a different level of effort for turning the steering wheel at different speeds?

    Your CTS is probably equipped with Speed Variable Assist Power Steering, a speed sensitive steering system. The system automatically varies the amount of steering effort based on vehicle speed. Steering assist is increased at lower speeds to help with parking and low speed maneuvers. Assist is decreased at higher speeds to provide improved road feel. See your Owner's Manual for more information.





    Why won't the RDS feature on my radio work when it's in the AM band?

    The RDS features are only available for use on FM stations that broadcast RDS information. The RDS features of your radio rely upon receiving specific RDS information from these stations. These features will only work when the RDS information is available.





    Is it true that the engine coolant in my CTS does not have to be changed for 150,000 miles (240 000 km)?

    It's true. The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with DEX-COOL engine coolant. The coolant is designed to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles (240 000 km), whichever occurs first, if you add only DEX-COOL extended life coolant.





    In the Auto mode of my CTS Automatic Temperature Control system am I responsible for turning the air conditioner on and off?

    No, just let your CTS handle everything. When the system is set for AUTO, your climate control system will control the air delivery mode, fan speed, A/C and RECIRC operations. Air will come from the floor, panel or windshield outlets. The fan speed will vary as the system maintains the selected temperature setting - which is a decision you have to make.





    How often do I care for the CD player that is part of my audio system?

    The use of CD lens cleaner discs is not advised, due to the risk of contaminating the lens of the CD optics with lubricants internal to the CD mechanism.





    How do I use the XM Satellite Radio Service?

    XM is a continental U.S.-based satellite radio service that offers over 100 coast-to-coast channels including music, news, sports, talk and childrenŽ0rogramming. XM provides digital quality audio and text information, including song title and artist name. A service fee is required to receive the XM service. For more information, contact XM at 1-800-852-XMXM (9696).





    How do I insert multiple discs into the 6-Disc CD Changer?

    With the ignition on, press and hold the LOAD button for two seconds. You will hear a beep and the display will read PLEASE WAIT. When INSERT appears on the display, insert a CD. Do not load a CD until INSERT appears on the display. The player will take up to six discs. Do not try to load more than six. If the radio is on, the last CD loaded will begin to play automatically.









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