🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Cadillac

Model:

CTS

Year:

2008

Generation Code:

GMT955

Generation Years:

2008-2013

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 2008 Cadillac CTS was positioned as a premium mid-size luxury sedan, designed to compete with established European and Japanese luxury marques.

Segment:

Entry-level to mid-level luxury sedan

Key Competitors:

BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS

Design Philosophy:

Art and Science design language, featuring sharp lines, geometric shapes, and a distinctive grille.

Platform:

Global Epsilon II platform, shared with other GM vehicles like the Opel Insignia and Saab 9-5.

Powertrain Options:

Offered with V6 engine options, including rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

Target Demographic:

Buyers seeking a blend of American luxury, performance, and distinctive styling.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All factory-installed features and functions for the 2008 Cadillac CTS

Secondary Coverage:

Basic maintenance, fluid specifications, part numbers, and cleaning

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 300-400 (typical for factory owner's manuals of this era)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine compartment details, engine oil, battery, fuel information, air filter, refill capacities, lubricant specifications

Electrical And Electronics:

Instrument cluster, entertainment systems, climate controls, lights, driver controls, locks and security

Safety And Comfort:

Seating and safety restraints, climate controls

Chassis And Body:

Locks and security, cleaning, accessories

Operation:

Operating all vehicle systems, including climate, infotainment, lighting, and driver controls

Maintenance:

Basic maintenance tasks, checking fluid levels, air filter replacement guidance, battery maintenance

Troubleshooting:

Identification of warning lights and basic troubleshooting steps for common issues

Safety And Security:

Proper use of safety restraints, understanding security features

Depth:

Covers owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not include in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic codes typically found in a Service Manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Readability:

Requires a compatible PDF reader (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit Reader)

Searchability:

Typically searchable text within the PDF, allowing for quick information retrieval

Quality:

Digital reproduction of factory manual, quality dependent on original scan/compilation.

Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

3.6L V6 (LLT)

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated, DOHC, VVT

Horsepower:

255 hp @ 6200 rpm

Torque:

251 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm

Induction Type:

Direct Injection (DI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Locations Covered:

Engine layout, fluid fill points, key components identification

Specification:

GM dexos1 or equivalent API SN/SM, SAE 5W-30

Capacity Quarts:

5.5

Specification:

Group Size 48 (H6), 600-700 CCA recommended

Octane Rating:

Premium Unleaded, 91 octane (R+M)/2 recommended for optimal performance.

Part Number Example:

GM 25732538 (example, actual may vary by VIN)

Coolant Capacity Quarts:

11.2

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

GM DEXRON-VI

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed automatic (6L50)

Type:

Not applicable for 2008 model year (only automatic available)

Driver Modes:

Driver Shift Control (manual shifting capability)

📐 Dimensions

Length Inches:

192.4

Width Inches:

72.5

Height Inches:

58.0

Wheelbase Inches:

113.4

Curb Weight Lbs:

Approx. 3,800 - 4,000 (depending on configuration)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (Driver), 5-Star (Passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

5-Star (Front), 5-Star (Rear)

IIHS Roof Strength:

Good

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Stability Control:

Standard StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags

Seat Belts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

Cadillac User Experience (CUE) was not present in this generation; featured a premium audio system with CD player, AM/FM stereo, and optional navigation.

Audio Features:

Bose premium sound system (optional), auxiliary audio input jack

Features:

Rear parking assist (optional), Rain-sensing windshield wipers (optional)

Features:

OnStar telematics system (subscription-based), Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling (optional)

Features:

Analog gauges for speed, tachometer, fuel, and temperature. Includes multi-function driver information center (DIC).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, or as indicated by the Oil Life System

Tire Rotation:

Every 7,500 miles or 6 months

Cabin Air Filter:

Every 24,000 miles or 24 months

Spark Plugs:

100,000 miles (specific to the LLT engine's iridium plugs)

Power Steering Fluid:

GM Power Steering Fluid or equivalent (Dexron VI is not recommended)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3

Coolant:

GM Engine Coolant (Blue), 50/50 mix with distilled water

Common Issues Examples:

Early models might experience occasional issues with the infotainment system, fuel pump failures, or minor electrical gremlins. Direct injection engines can sometimes be prone to carbon buildup on intake valves if not maintained properly.

Oil Filter Example:

GM 19158451 (ACDelco PF46E or equivalent)

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Cadillac, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing luxury vehicles known for their comfort, prestige, and technological innovation.

First Generation Introduction:

The first generation CTS was introduced for the 2003 model year, marking Cadillac's entry into the increasingly important European-style sport sedan segment.

Second Generation Introduction:

The 2008 CTS represents the second generation of the model, debuting a completely redesigned exterior and interior, based on the more advanced Epsilon II platform.

Manufacturing Location:

Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant, Lansing, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Notable Awards Examples:

The second-generation CTS was generally well-received for its improved driving dynamics, upscale interior, and distinctive styling. It was often cited for offering good value in the luxury segment.