🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Cadillac

Model:

CTS

Year Range:

2008-2011

Generation Designation:

Second Generation (XLR-based platform, later Sigma II)

Chassis Code:

GMT935

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Luxury Sports Sedan

Cadillac Strategy:

Cadillac's strategy to compete with European luxury sedans, emphasizing performance, technology, and design.

Key Competitors:

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

Design Philosophy:

Art and Science design language, sharp lines, distinctive grille, and Cadillac crest.

Performance Orientation:

Rear-wheel-drive platform (with optional all-wheel-drive), balanced chassis, available V6 and V8 engines.

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, and Cadillac owners seeking comprehensive maintenance and repair information.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Areas:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Electrical, Emission Control, Fuel System, Clutch System, Manual Transaxle, Automatic Transaxle, Driveshaft and Axle, Suspension System, Steering System, Restraint System, Brake System, Body (Interior/Exterior), Body Electrical System, HVAC

Page Count:

Thousands (typical factory service manuals are extensive)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Workshop Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete overhaul, cylinder head, engine block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing, lubrication system (oil pump, oil pan)

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system (starter motor), sensors (crankshaft position, camshaft position, O2, etc.), wiring diagrams, ECM/PCM diagnostics

Emission Control:

EVAP system, EGR system, catalytic converter, PCV system, emissions-related sensor diagnostics

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter, fuel tank, fuel lines, diagnostic procedures

Clutch System:

Clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing, clutch master and slave cylinders (for manual transmission models)

Manual Transaxle:

Gearbox overhaul, clutch pedal assembly, shift linkage, internal components, fluid specifications

Automatic Transaxle:

Transmission overhaul, valve body, torque converter, planetary gear sets, solenoids, transmission fluid, diagnostic procedures, control module programming

Driveshaft And Axle:

CV joints, half-shafts, differential, driveshaft U-joints (if applicable), wheel bearings

Suspension System:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, ball joints, bushings, wheel alignment specifications

Steering System:

Power steering pump, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, power steering fluid, diagnostic procedures

Restraint System:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, SRS module diagnostics, airbag replacement procedures

Brake System:

Brake pads, rotors, calipers, master cylinder, brake lines, ABS system, EBD system, parking brake, brake fluid specifications

Body Interior Exterior:

Body panels, doors, windows, mirrors, interior trim, seats, headliner, bumpers, weatherstripping, corrosion protection

Body Electrical System:

Lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horns, body control module (BCM), fuse box diagrams, relay locations

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heating system, climate control module, blower motor, refrigerant type and charge, cabin air filter replacement

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil change, filter replacement, fluid flushes (coolant, brake, transmission, power steering), spark plug replacement, belt replacement, tire rotation and balancing

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), using scan tools, symptom-based diagnostics

Repair Procedures:

Component removal and installation, rebuild procedures (engine, transmission), component testing, calibration

Installation Procedures:

Component replacement, module programming and configuration, accessory installation

Diagnostic Complexity:

Advanced diagnostics, including electrical schematics, sensor data interpretation, and module communication troubleshooting

Rebuild Capability:

Full overhaul procedures for major components like the engine and transmissions, including detailed torque specifications and clearances

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, including component locations and pin-outs

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

PDF with searchable text and embedded index for quick navigation.

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Option 1:

3.6L V6 VVT DI (Direct Injection) - RPO: LFX or LLT

Engine Displacement V6:

3564 cc (217.5 cubic inches)

Engine Cylinders V6:

6

Engine Configuration V6:

V-configuration

Engine Bore V6:

94 mm (3.70 inches)

Engine Stroke V6:

85.5 mm (3.37 inches)

Engine Compression Ratio V6:

11.3:1 (LLT), 12.2:1 (LFX)

Engine Horsepower V6:

Approximately 304-318 hp @ 6300-6400 rpm (depending on variant)

Engine Torque V6:

Approximately 260-273 lb-ft @ 4400-5200 rpm (depending on variant)

Engine Fuel Delivery:

Direct Injection (DI)

Engine Valvetrain:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, Variable Valve Timing (VVT)

Engine Option 2:

4.6L V8 VVT - RPO: LH2

Engine Displacement V8:

4600 cc (280 cubic inches)

Engine Cylinders V8:

8

Engine Configuration V8:

V-configuration

Engine Horsepower V8:

Approximately 320-325 hp @ 6400 rpm

Engine Torque V8:

Approximately 300-307 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Engine Fuel Delivery V8:

Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Engine Valvetrain V8:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, Variable Valve Timing (VVT)

Performance Variants:

CTS, CTS Luxury, CTS Performance, CTS Premium, CTS Sport, CTS-V (supercharged V8, not covered by this specific manual description but part of the model line)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (recommended for V6 and V8)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

6-speed Manual Transmission (e.g., TR-6060 on some models/years)

Optional Transmission:

6-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., GM 6L50 or 6L45)

Transmission Features:

Driver Shift Control (manual mode for automatic), available All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approximately 113.4 inches (2880 mm)

Overall Length:

Approximately 191.6 inches (4867 mm)

Overall Width:

Approximately 72.5 inches (1841 mm)

Overall Height:

Approximately 57.3 inches (1455 mm)

Front Track:

Approximately 61.0 inches (1550 mm)

Rear Track:

Approximately 61.7 inches (1567 mm)

Front Headroom:

Approximately 38.8 inches (985 mm)

Rear Headroom:

Approximately 37.2 inches (945 mm)

Front Legroom:

Approximately 42.1 inches (1069 mm)

Rear Legroom:

Approximately 35.0 inches (889 mm)

Shoulder Room Front:

Approximately 55.3 inches (1405 mm)

Shoulder Room Rear:

Approximately 53.7 inches (1364 mm)

Cargo Volume:

Approximately 13.6 cubic feet (385 liters)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3700-4000 lbs (1680-1815 kg), depending on engine and drivetrain

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by configuration (detailed in manual)

Towing Capacity:

Not typically specified or recommended for this model

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 120 mm (common for GM rear-wheel-drive platforms)

Wheel Size:

Standard 17-inch, optional 18-inch, 19-inch

Tire Size:

Example: P235/50R17, P245/45R18, P255/35R19 (varies by trim and option)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (all seating positions)

NHTSA Side Impact:

5-Star (all seating positions)

IIHS Crash Test Results:

Good (for models tested in relevant categories)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Esc:

Standard Electronic Stability Control (StabiliTrak)

Brake Assist:

Standard

Eebd:

Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Available Cadillac CUE (Cadillac User Experience) or earlier generation infotainment systems, often including navigation, Bluetooth, and premium audio options.

Audio Options:

Bose premium audio systems, often with multiple speaker configurations.

Driver Assistance Features:

Available features like adaptive cruise control, rear parking assist, rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring (on later models/trims within the range).

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, USB ports, auxiliary audio input.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Approximately every 30,000-50,000 miles, or as needed based on inspection.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Approximately every 15,000-25,000 miles, or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement V6:

Approximately every 100,000 miles (Iridium plugs)

Spark Plug Replacement V8:

Approximately every 60,000 miles (Premium Platinums)

Coolant Flush:

Every 5 years or 100,000 miles (Dex-Cool)

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

Typically every 45,000-100,000 miles, consult manual or vehicle history. Some sources suggest fluid for life, but regular changes are recommended for longevity.

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Every 60,000-100,000 miles, or as specified.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2-3 years or as recommended by service interval indicator.

Engine Oil V6:

SAE 5W-30, Dexos1 Gen 2 approved (API SN or higher)

Engine Oil V8:

SAE 5W-30 (Mobil 1 Synthetic recommended)

Coolant:

GM P/N 89022082 (or equivalent orange Dex-Cool, 50/50 mix with distilled water)

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Dexron VI

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Refer to manual for specific gear oil specification (e.g., Dexron II/III or specific GL-4/GL-5 rated oil)

Power Steering Fluid:

GM P/N 12345884 (or equivalent synthetic power steering fluid)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 (or DOT 4 where specified)

Common Problem 1:

Water pump leaks (especially on early direct-injection V6 engines)

Common Problem 2:

Oil cooler line leaks (particularly on models with the 4.6L V8)

Common Problem 3:

Variable Valve Timing (VVT) actuator issues leading to rough idle or check engine light

Common Problem 4:

Infotainment system glitches or failure

Common Problem 5:

Door lock actuator failures

Transmission Rebuild:

Comprehensive steps for rebuilding both automatic and manual transmissions.

Engine Overhaul:

Detailed procedures for complete engine disassembly and reassembly, including component specifications.

📚 Vehicle History

Cadillac Legacy:

Long-standing American luxury automotive brand with a history of innovation and executive vehicles.

First Generation Cts:

Launched in 2002 as Cadillac's first major foray into the European sports sedan market, based on the Sigma platform.

Second Generation Cts:

Introduced for the 2008 model year. Built on the Sigma II platform, featuring a larger body, updated styling, improved chassis, and more powerful engines. The CTS-V variant with a supercharged V8 was also a significant addition.

Manufacturing Location:

Lansing Grand River Assembly, Lansing, Michigan, USA

Production Years:

2008-2013 (Second Generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Accolades:

Received various accolades for styling, performance, and value within its segment during its production run.

Car And Driver Awards:

Frequently appeared on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists for its segment.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Generally received favorable ratings for performance and interior comfort, with some noted concerns regarding predicted reliability for certain components on early models.