🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Cadillac

Model:

DTS

Year:

2008

Product Code Identifier:

2008 Cadillac DTS Owners Manual PDF

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size luxury sedan

Target Demographic:

Discerning individuals seeking comfort, prestige, and refined driving dynamics.

Key Competitors 2008:

Lincoln Town Car, Chrysler 300, Lexus LS, Mercedes-Benz S-Class (lower trims)

Premium Appointments:

Emphasis on luxury materials, spacious interior, and advanced comfort features.

Smooth Ride:

Engineered for a serene and comfortable driving experience, particularly on highways.

Powerful Engine:

Typically equipped with a V8 engine offering substantial power and torque.

📋 Manual Details

Features And Controls:

True

Maintenance And Service Schedules:

True

Do It Yourself Activities:

True

Towing Considerations:

True

Safety Considerations:

True

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 400-500 pages (typical for this class of vehicle's owner manual)

Manual Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Instrument Panel And Controls:

True

Lighting System:

True

Climate Control System:

True

Audio And Infotainment Systems:

True

Seats And Restraints:

True

Storage Compartments:

True

Power Accessories:

True

Driving Controls:

True

Tire And Wheel Information:

True

Maintenance Schedule:

True

Fluid Recommendations:

True

Tire Pressure Monitoring System:

True

Brake System Operation:

True

Suspension System Overview:

True

Fuel System Operation:

True

Exhaust System Overview:

True

Cooling System Operation:

True

Electrical System Basics:

True

Battery Maintenance:

True

Lighting Maintenance:

True

Checking Fluid Levels:

True

Changing Wiper Blades:

True

Jump Starting The Vehicle:

True

Changing A Flat Tire:

True

Basic Troubleshooting Indicators:

True

Towing Preparation And Guidelines:

True

Emergency Procedures:

True

Understanding Warning Lights:

True

Fuel And Lubricant Requirements:

True

Tire And Wheel Care:

True

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Focuses on understanding dashboard indicators and basic fault identification, not deep diagnostic procedures.

Repair Scope:

Limited to user-serviceable items like bulbs, fluids, and tire changes.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Typically searchable text within the PDF for quick reference.

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing at home or a professional print shop.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital - for print purposes, user chooses binding)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital - for print purposes, user chooses paper type)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

4.6L V8 Northstar

Engine Code:

L37 (for 275 hp) or LD8 (for 292 hp depending on trim/market)

Horsepower Std:

275 hp @ 6000 rpm (typically for base models)

Horsepower Hp Option:

292 hp @ 6300 rpm (typically for performance/higher trims)

Torque Std:

295 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (for 275 hp variant)

Torque Hp Option:

302 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (for 292 hp variant)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for optimal performance)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic

Optional Transmission:

N/A (4-Speed Automatic was standard across all DTS models for 2008)

Transmission Control:

Driver Shift Control (tap-up/tap-down manual shifting capability)

Drive System:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

207.6 inches

Width:

74.4 inches

Height:

57.3 inches

Wheelbase:

115.6 inches

Curb Weight:

Approximately 4,050 - 4,150 lbs (depending on trim and options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Driver Impact:

5-Star (for 2008 DTS)

NHTSA Front Passenger Impact:

5-Star (for 2008 DTS)

IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:

Good (for 2008 DTS)

ABS:

Standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Stability Control:

Standard StabiliTrak (Electronic Stability Control)

Airbags:

Frontal, side-impact, and side-curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point active seatbelts with pretensioners

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Cadillac Bose® premium audio system with CD player, optional navigation, and auxiliary audio input.

Climate Control:

Dual-zone automatic climate control with heated and ventilated front seats.

Parking Assist:

Optional ultrasonic rear parking assist.

Lighting Features:

Auto-on headlights, fog lamps, and optional HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlamps.

Connectivity Options:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free phone system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 7,500 miles

Air Filter Replacement:

Approximately every 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 100,000 miles for iridium-tipped plugs (specific interval found in manual).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Full Synthetic (GM dexos1 or equivalent recommended)

Coolant Type:

GM P/N 12346290 (Dex-Cool®) or equivalent Orange Long-Life Coolant

Transmission Fluid Type:

Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid

Northstar Engine Issues:

While improved over earlier versions, some Northstar engines from this era could experience coolant leaks (head gaskets) or oil consumption. Regular maintenance is key.

Suspension Components:

Front struts/shocks and control arm bushings can wear over time, leading to noise or a less composed ride.

Electronics And Sensors:

As with many vehicles of this era, electronic modules and various sensors can be a source of intermittent faults.

📚 Vehicle History

Cadillac Legacy:

Cadillac has a long-standing reputation for American luxury, innovation, and powerful V8 engines since its founding in 1902.

Dts Lineage:

The DTS (DeVille Touring Sedan) replaced the long-standing DeVille nameplate and represented Cadillac's flagship sedan, building upon the front-wheel-drive platform that had been successful for decades.

Production Period:

2006-2011 (based on the GMS3200 platform, a derivative of the K-platform)

Manufacturing Location:

Hamtramck, Michigan, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Jd Power Initial Quality Study:

The DTS generally performed well in J.D. Power's Initial Quality Study for its segment, reflecting Cadillac's focus on refinement.