Market Position:
Premium mid-size luxury sedan, competing with established European and Japanese luxury brands.
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, automotive enthusiasts.
Competitive Analysis:
The 2nd Gen CTS offered a compelling blend of American luxury, performance, and styling, challenging vehicles like the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi A6.
Key Features:
Sporty RWD platform, available AWD, upscale interior design, advanced technology options, powerful V6 engines.
Performance Variants:
Available in RWD and AWD configurations, including the high-performance CTS-V model (though this manual primarily covers standard CTS models).
Systems Covered:
Engine, Control System, Mechanical, Fuel System, Emission Control, Intake, Exhaust, Cooling, Lubrication, Ignition, Starting, Charging, Automatic Transmission, Manual Transmission, Transfer Case, Drive Shaft, Differential, Axle, Suspension, Tire & Wheel, Brake Control, Brakes, Parking Brake, Steering Column, Power Steering, Air Conditioning, Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), Seat Belts, Engine Immobilizer, Cruise Control, Wiper & Washer, Door Locks, Meter, Audio/Visual, Horn, Windshield/Glass/Mirror, Instrument Panel, Seats, Engine Hood/Doors, Exterior & Interior Body, Electrical Systems, Multiplex/CAN Communication
Electrical Systems Detail:
Comprehensive wiring schematics for all circuits, including lighting, power distribution, body control modules, engine control modules, chassis control modules, and infotainment systems.
Body And Interior Coverage:
Door panel removal, seat adjustment mechanisms, headliner service, interior trim replacement, glass replacement (windshield, side glass, rear glass), door lock actuator service, mirror replacement.
Brake System Coverage:
Front and rear brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake fluid bleeding procedures, parking brake system maintenance, ABS component testing.
Procedures Included:
Maintenance, Service, Diagnosis, Repair, Troubleshooting, Component Replacement, System Adjustments, Fluid Changes, Electrical Schematics Interpretation, Component Testing, Overhaul Procedures
Engine Repair Procedures:
Engine removal and installation, cylinder head removal and installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft service, camshaft timing, valve train adjustments, oil pump and system service, cooling system flush and refill, lubrication system service.
Transmission Repair Procedures:
Automatic transmission fluid and filter change, transmission removal and installation, clutch replacement (for manual transmission), torque converter service, gear selection and linkage adjustment.
Suspension And Steering Procedures:
Front and rear suspension component replacement (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings), wheel alignment procedures, power steering pump and rack replacement, steering column service.
Wheel And Tire Procedures:
Tire rotation, wheel balancing, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor replacement and relearning, wheel lug nut torque specifications, wheel bearing replacement.
Technical Depth:
Vehicle Specific, Dealer Technician Level, Complete Step-by-Step Instructions, Diagnostic Procedures, Wiring Schematics, Detailed Illustrations and Diagrams
Diagnostic Procedures:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common symptoms, component testing procedures using multimeter and specialized diagnostic tools (e.g., scan tools), diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution.
Illustrations And Diagrams:
High-quality diagrams and illustrations for most repair procedures, component identification, and system layouts.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners, including engine components, suspension parts, and drivetrain components.
Infotainment System:
Cadillac User Experience (CUE) with touch-screen interface, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, available navigation.
Infotainment Display Size:
8-inch diagonal color touch screen
Driver Assistance Features:
Available Adaptive Cruise Control, Available Smart Remote Start, Available Backup Camera, Available Rear Parking Assist
Parking Assistance:
Rear Vision Camera, Rear Park Assist sensors.
Connectivity Features:
OnStar capabilities (subscription-based), Bluetooth phone and audio streaming.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil). Refer to manual for exact recommendations based on driving conditions.
Brake Fluid Change Interval:
Recommended every 2-3 years or as per manual recommendations.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil (API SN or dexos1 approved)
Coolant Specification:
Dex-Cool (Orange) Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III/VI Automatic Transmission Fluid or specified power steering fluid.
Known Issues Common:
Timing chain wear (especially on early 3.6L direct injection engines), CUE infotainment system glitches, minor interior trim wear, potential issues with the electronic parking brake module.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Issues:
Potential sensor failures or communication issues.
