Segment:
Entry-level luxury/performance sedan.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and professional technicians seeking in-depth repair information.
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS.
Vehicle Design Focus:
Sporty handling, distinctive American luxury styling, rear-wheel drive platform.
Manual Advantage:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving significant costs compared to dealership labor.
Main Coverage:
All service, repair, maintenance, diagnostics, and troubleshooting procedures.
Specific Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, HVAC, Electrical System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Body, Interior, Chassis.
Type:
Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, timing systems.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system, ignition system, emission control systems, sensors, actuators, ECM/PCM diagnosis and programming.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission disassembly, assembly, component testing, fluid service, torque converter.
Drivetrain:
Front axle, rear axle, drive shafts, CV joints, differentials.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, bushings.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, wheel alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, brake fluid service, caliper replacement, rotor replacement.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heating system, climate control, refrigerant handling, blower motor, evaporator, condenser.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, power windows, door locks.
Body And Interior:
Door panels, dashboard, seats, exterior trim, bumpers, hood, trunk lid.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, circuit testing.
Repair And Replacement:
Component removal, installation, and adjustment for all major systems.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (GM 5L40-E/MY-7)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (B_G M32/MM8) - Limited Availability on some trims/engines.
Drive Layout:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) standard, All-Wheel Drive (AWD) optional.
Fluid Type Automatic:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Fluid Capacity Automatic:
Approx. 7.5 quarts (7.1 Liters) for a dry fill
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard StabiliTrak Stability Control
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, and available curtain side airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for all occupants.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil). Owner's manual should be consulted for specific conditions.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Refer to manual for specific interval, typically every 5 years or 100,000 miles for extended life coolant.
Transmission Fluid Service:
Refer to manual for specific interval, often around 50,000-100,000 miles depending on driving conditions.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN/SP or equivalent, GM dexos1 Gen 2 or higher recommended)
Engine Coolant:
GM-specified DEX-COOL 50/50 mixture (Orange coolant)
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent specified)
Common Complaints Engine:
Oil leaks from valve covers, intake manifold gasket leaks, potential timing chain wear on higher mileage vehicles.
Common Complaints Transmission:
Occasional rough shifting, potential solenoid issues in the automatic transmission.
Common Complaints Suspension:
Front end suspension noise (ball joints, control arm bushings), early strut wear.
Common Complaints Electrical:
HVAC blower motor resistor failure, occasional issues with power window regulators.
Cadillac Legacy:
Long-standing American luxury marque known for innovation and comfort.
Cadillac Cts Introduction:
The Cadillac CTS was introduced for the 2003 model year as a replacement for the DeVille and Seville sedan lines, marking Cadillac's return to rear-wheel drive platforms and a more driver-focused luxury sedan.
First Generation:
First generation (2003-2007), which this manual covers.
2005 Updates:
Minor updates for 2005 included some feature packaging adjustments and minor styling tweaks, but the core platform and powertrains remained consistent with the initial launch.
Manufacturing Location:
Lansing, Michigan, USA
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The first-generation CTS, including the 2005 model, was a 10Best honoree by Car and Driver magazine in 2003 and 2004, praised for its chassis dynamics and European-like driving feel, a significant achievement for an American luxury sedan at the time.
Jd Power Dependability:
While early models received mixed reviews in initial quality surveys, the 2005 model generally improved, with specific focus on build quality and refinement being key areas addressed by the manual.