Market Segment:
Full-size luxury sedan
Key Competitors:
Lincoln Town Car, Chrysler 300, Lexus LS, Mercedes-Benz S-Class (though often positioned slightly below the German luxury tier)
Luxury Appointments:
Plush interior, comfortable ride, advanced (for its time) technology features, spacious cabin
Target Audience:
Discerning buyers seeking American luxury, comfort, and a smooth, quiet driving experience.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system
Drivetrain:
Transmission operation, drive axles
Chassis:
Steering, suspension, brakes, wheels, tires
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, lighting, instrument cluster, audio system, climate control, power accessories
Body:
Doors, windows, seats, interior trim, exterior features
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraints, StabiliTrak (electronic stability control), ABS
Basic Maintenance:
Fluid level checks, tire pressure checks, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement
User Operation:
Vehicle operation, climate control, infotainment system, driver information center, seat adjustments, lighting controls
Troubleshooting:
Warning lights and messages, basic diagnostic indicators
Depth:
Owner-level operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repair or diagnostics.
Engine Type:
32-Valve V8 (Northstar)
Displacement:
4.6 Liters (281 cubic inches)
Horsepower:
292 hp @ 6300 rpm (for most DTS models)
Torque:
288 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm (for most DTS models)
Fuel Injection:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher recommended for optimal performance)
Engine Code:
L37 (Northstar V8, often used in premium trims)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (Front and Rear Passenger)
Electronic Stability Control:
StabiliTrak system
Traction Control:
Standard
Anti Lock Brakes:
4-wheel ABS
Airbags:
Frontal, side-impact, and curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point restraint system with pretensioners
Child Restraint:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system (often standard or optional, with CD player and auxiliary input)
Navigation:
Optional DVD-based navigation system
Parking Assist:
Rear parking assist sensors
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth for hands-free calling
Oil Change Interval:
Refer to oil life monitoring system or typically 7,500 miles / 6 months (synthetic oil recommended)
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles
Spark Plugs:
Platinum-tipped spark plugs typically have a long service life (e.g., 100,000 miles), but refer to manual for exact specification.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SM or higher)
Coolant Type:
Dex-Cool (Orange silicate-free coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
Northstar பராம:
While the 4.6L Northstar V8 is generally robust, some earlier versions experienced coolant leaks due to head gasket issues (less common on later models like the 2009 DTS). Regular coolant level checks are crucial.
Suspension Components:
Magnetorheological dampers (if equipped) can be expensive to replace if they fail.
Interior Electronics:
Occasional issues with climate control modules or infotainment displays have been reported.
Cadillac Legacy:
Long-standing American luxury marque with a history of large, comfortable, and powerful sedans.
Dts Lineage:
Successor to the Cadillac Sedan de Ville and Fleetwood, inheriting a focus on comfort and traditional luxury.
Production Years:
2006-2011 (as the DTS)
Manufacturing Location:
Hamtramck Assembly, Michigan, USA