Cadillac CTS/CTS-V

ctsjerry

Hi oldsman01- We absolutely loved our '91, but it had little problems from day one. It was built during the height of the Gulf War so I always thought someone was watching CNN and not the assembly line. We drove it just over 100,000 miles, using the Dealer for EVERY repair & service. I sold it to a co-worker, so I see it nearly every day. We always liked it's styling, size and comfort. Great road car. And with 200 V8 hp, it was amazingly fast. Could light up the tires without trying. But our CTS has worked out just great. Not as comfortable, but the CTSs size fits even better in our garage.

ctsjerry

You know my Dealer told me the same thing: "Use regular gas or maybe the mid-grade gas". I think I read somewhere too that the car uses Regular. But a quick look at the Owner's Manual AND the inside of the gas door, shows they state use PREMIUM FUEL. Wonder why the Dealers say that? So nowadays all I use is the 91 Octane Premium. I did notice the car ran better when I switched. My old '91 Caddy used Premium, so I'm used to the higher prices (well, sort of). I now have just about 4500 miles on the odometer and it seems to be running better all the time. I do feel that I have to let the car warm up just a bit before taking off, especially if going onto a Freeway onramp. It doesn't like taking off hard when cold. My old 4.9L '91 never needed a warm up, but I did most of the time because I respect machinery (of course here in L.A. it's seldom lower than 45 degrees F, so we're spoiled) -Jer:>)

ctsjerry

Get with the program Motor Trend! I really think the reviewers at Motor Trend showed their collective predudices when they shunned the CTS this year. If you think about it, the CTS is a milestone car for Cadillac and GM on many levels. Shouldn't that make it the Car Of The Year? The ones they chose were just upgraded models of last years production. Ho-hum. The CTS is exciting and a real break from the past. Time will tell, when the 2003 CTSs will become recognized for the real landmark cars that they are. This is coming from a guy who collects '55 Chevys (Chevrolet's turning-point revolutionary car), and recognizes an innovative design when he sees it. -Jer:>)

rsteph

Thanks for the info. We're paying (locally) $1.47 for regular/87-oct, $1.64/89-oct, $1.74 for Premium/92-oct. Think we're gonna go with the mid-grade stuff for awhile and see what that does. I've only run 2 tanks through it so far (87-oct) so nothing's come up as far as pinging and so on. I'd rather it not start though (and based on what others are saying here, doesn't sound like it would anyway.) Since the manual "recommends" 91-oct but says you can use 87, I'll split the difference. Just over 500 miles on the car now. Got my license plates today..bummer, so much for the new car "look" dealer placard plates and temporary permit in the back window.

thebug

I'm familiar with that stretch of highway, and it is yet another trap. It's very easy to drift into triple digits on that hill since the traffic flow is usually 90 and up. I normally take it easy in that section as well.

It's currently involved in a widening project in the southbound lanes. I guess it's an effort to get the traffic in and out of Neveda faster during holiday and big boxing weekends. I think they are going for 3 lanes both directions from LA to Las Vegas. An estimated seven year project.

thebug...

thebug

That's pretty much what I decided to do, and it works fine so far. The gasoline prices are starting to go down here. They are now at $1.85 (87 oct) to $2.05 (91 oct). A change of 15 cents over the last two to three weeks.

thebug...

ctsjerry

Hi wwhite2- I assume you are referring to this photo?

http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/showphoto.php3?photo=4295&pa- ssword=&sort=1&thecat=500

It does look similar, but it's missing all the lighted programmable buttons & radio control wheel. It also doesn't have the Zabrano wood I love on the Luxury models. So I guess it's not too bad in my eyes. But like you I want our Cadillac to be exclusive, and agree I don't want the CTS to be cheapened by other lower priced models using the same parts. Especially ones so visible as interior components. Note the cheap A/C controls on the center console. I hate those things. All the imports have that style knobs too. Functional, but not too hi-tech. -Jer:>)

seatown

Yeah, I hate how GM uses parts from different divisions like that. I dont think Id mind too much if Buick and Saturn shared parts, but if GM wants Caddy to be exclusive and have as much "snob appeal" as a beemer or benz, they cant be doing this non-sense with caddy parts.

Also, did anyone see pictures of that new Chrysler rwd car in the newest Automobile Mag, the 300C. The interior looks very XLR-ish to me. Are rival companies again looking to Cadillac for inspiration??? Maybe..........

oldsman01

Originally, the MT car of the year awards were for a new vehicle that was not only superb but also was very significant for the manufacturer. To me, both the G35 and the CTS are superb cars from their respective manufactures, but IMO the CTS is a far more significant car for Cadillac. It not only marks uncharted waters for them, but also is leads the new direction of the marque in terms of styling, performance, and quality. But oh well, I never purchased a car due to it winning an award of some sort.

j1205

Got my new CTS under the wire for 0%. Paid $30,800 for base model with auto and premium red paint. Love it so far. Questions. Radio has bad high pitched hum on FM- multiple stations. Anyone heard of that? Is 87 Octane gas really OK as one poster says? Auto transmission seems to really "clunk" into lower gear when braking to a stop, especially when cold. Anyone else have that? My digital clock is 1 minute fast but the analog is 3 min slow. I'll check out clock synch post I saw earlier. Anyone not buy GM's paint protection package. I did not and would like recommendation for keeping paint in top shape. Final question for now: the horizontal surface of the black window trim at the base of the windows collects water drops that leave white spots when they evaporate. Is this due to armor-all used by dealer prep or should I try armor all to get rid of them?

thebug

Congrats on the purchase of your CTS. Nice color choice. For the radio and tranny, I would take it back to the dealer to have them check it out. On the octane, I use 89%, but have used 87 and 91% and for me there was no difference. One question, did they walk you through the operation of the computer system? If not, ask for a crash course, (I had to take a mandatory 3 hour class before they would let me have the car). Also the owner's manual is a must read for best results. Enjoy your CTS.

thebug...

b4z

Yet another octane post.
Here In SC we do not have the 91 octane you guys talk about. Our choices are 87 octane, 89 octane or 93 octane.
Gas is very cheap here.
Our 93 octane is $1.59!
The 87 octane is $1.39!

rsteph

My understanding is the CTS has something called transmission braking (sort of like compression brakes on trucks except it's done through the transmission instead of the engine). My CTS does the same thing except I wouldn't say it "clunks"..but, rather, you can feel it shift down into the lower gear especially when you're moving slow, and sometimes rather abruptly. I'm not a mechanic so don't take my word that this is normal. Just my experience. Maybe others here can shed more light on this.

mannytranny

Went back to the dealer and showed the wheel scratch. They asked what I wanted to do? I said REPLACE of course! A $500. wheel shouldn't have two ding scratches in it.
     I then went to service and asked why the license plate surround was not taken care of while the car just sat here on Friday til they called me. The service advisor said he didn't remember anything about it. I called over the other advisor and he agreed that it was to be taken care of while the car was here. duh!!!!!
     The part has been ordered . The advisor took the spare out and checked for a water leak that he said could be causing the problem but there was no other water present.
     He said that they would replace the bezel around the plate. There was no mention about any "sealant". He just said that it would be ½ hour.
     I was promised a loaner Deville but I think I will watch the replacement of both the wheel and the license plate surround. He said that it could be early next week.

mannytranny

Congrats on your CTS!

 Love mine and know you'll love yours!Enjoy the ride.

cu95

Just to add the octane "knowledge base", my salesman said what a lot of you heard as well: it's fine to use 87, but I'd get more pep with the premium.

The CTS does indeed have engine braking (at least according to various articles about the car). J1205, do you drive in Sport Mode? I haven't played with Sport Mode so I'm merely speculating, but I wonder if the engine braking would be less pronounced if not using Sport Mode.

Random observation: What's the story with that tiny lightbulb on the inside lower corners of the headlights? It flashes when I unlock/lock remotely. Is that's only purpose? Just seems to be an oddity.

thebug

Mine also flash, and then remain on until I open the door with the use of the remote, likewise, they are on during auto headlamp operation.

thebug...

ctsjerry

Congratulations on joining the ranks of the Cadillac Revolution! We really like the Garnet Red (our second choice). A few comments on the fuel: I use the 91 Octane Premium and I did notice difference from the first tankful. I'm sure the Dealer had filled it with Regular. Gas prices here in Southern California are some of the highest in the country due to the HIGH taxation we have here in California and the more expensive EPA required fuel chemistry to enhance air quality.

In regards to the clock. My digital and analog clocks differ by an annoying 3 minutes. I will get the Dealer to fix it next time I'm in for service, using the process posted elsewhere at this Forum.

In regards to the "clunking" I haven't heard that yet. The 5 speed automatic does have a neat feature that uses engine compression to slow the car down. It is something new for Cadillac and I really like it. It feels like a manual transmission. You won't notice it much if you drive around in "D" (fifth gear is an overdrive). Try using "4" around town. Really improves the feel. I only use "D" when I get on the Freeway or on an open stretch of roadway.

About the "tiny triangular light bulbs" they are Parking Lights as far as I can tell. They are NOT on with the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). You can turn them on, by turning the light/directional stalk. And they come on, as others have mentioned, when you unlock the car after dark.

Owners Manual: That book is a MUST read. I bought a second one on ebay so I could read it while in the house (the original copy is in the glove box). I learn something new EVERY time I read it. We talk about CTS performance and styling but the hi-tech features on this car are amazing, and deserve alot of praise too.

Paint protection Plan: I never heard about that one? Sounds like a Dealer thing. I use Meguire's gel Car Wash with a super soft wash mitt to wash the car, and the Absorber plus soft bath towels to dry it. For paint protection I use the 3M products Swirl Remover, Hand Glaze and Carnuba Wax (liquid & paste). The new hi-tech micro fiber cloths are really nice for polishing the car. I bought about 8 of them and keep all my rags and towels clean at all times. Downy liquid softener really works good, but don't use it on the Micro-Fiber towels (there's a warning about that on the packaging). For the glass I use "Invisible Glass" by Stoner with Job Squad paper towels (soft). For the polished wheels I use Black Magic Wheel Wipes and follow up with a soft towel. I bought the Meguires Leather Wipes but haven't had the nerve to try them yet. Anyone else use them? Most of these supplies are available at your local Pep Boys or auto supply shop. Hope this helps someone!

sevenfeet0

I've used the Meguire's Leather Wipes...they work well. Just be careful about using them on the steering wheel. If you do, don't drive the car for an hour or so until it dries or else it'll be really slippery.

I use Meguire's Car Wash and a lambs wool mitt for washing. I use Meguire's Gold Class Wax for the finish. Their Hot Rims wheel cleaner works wonders and I use their Endurance product for the tires.

I need to clean the carpets at some point. I have a Hoover V2 SteamVac that just did wonders for my house...I can't wait to try it on the CTS's carpets.

CTSJerry, do you know where I can order the 3M microfiber cloths? I've heard they are great, but the only recommendation I got for a place that sells them isn't in Tennessee. And how is the "Invisible Glass" product? I haven't found anything better than Windex right now, although you have to be really careful with ammonia based products so you don't get them on the finish of the car.

fjk57702

The CTS's 5 speed automatic is "different" in that when in overdrive the transmission will hold, perhaps even in lower gears (I am not sure on this point). But please note, GM's automatics have permitted downshifting into lower gears for hill holding for years. My grandmother's 1950 buick dynaflow would do this. My 2002 Seville will hold in 3 and 2, however, in 4 (overdrive) it coasts on downhills, especially at lower speeds.

cu95

CTS came in second in its segment for initial quality in the JD Power ratings. Here's GM's press release:
http://www.media.gm.com/news/releases/030506_jdpower.html

dindak

Many people still think anything Japanese is best though. Cadillac needs to promote it's quality numbers as perception is everything.

wwhite2

I have found the we have to be real careful of what dealers tell their customers to do . It would be nice to think so but I dont believe they are the experts we think they automatically would be

CTSJerry That was the picture of the CTS wheel used in the Saturn Vue

wwhite2

I have a photocopy of the TSB regarding how to seal the rear bezel according to GM . If you want I can fax you a copy so you can take it to your dealer and have them fix it the way GM recommends not the way some kid fresh out of a vocational school "thinks" it should be fixed .Either that or do a " technical service bulletin" search under "warranty and repairs"Edmunds town hall area and ask the person who monitors that room to email you the TSB. Its not as easy as replacing the part it still may leak . and GM specs out a specific sealant to use not just anything open at the time.

pat

Here is a link to the discussion wwhite2 references: Technical Service Bulletins

0patience is a dedicated TH member with access to TSBs through his business. He is very helpful to our community. He is not the "official monitor" of that discussion, he's just a regular member, but his posts are invaluable - check it out.

scoop79

As an FYI, my recently purchased CTS shows a build date of 04/03. It has a temp guage in place of the analog clock.

Up to 600 miles and loving it!

mannytranny

THANKS! pat-HOST for the link.

wwhite2- I checked out the last message on the link. It was your answer. I copied the list of sealants that were to be used. Is the actual TSB more specific then what is on the other site? If so, then I may need the complete copy of the TSB.

rsteph

Yes, those little singal bulbs in the lower corner of the headlights are more or less parking lights. If you manually turn your lights on to the 1st position, they come on. I think they also come on with the headlights.
You can also download the full owners manual from the MyGMLink vehicle page (for free). I've got it on my PC for "sitt'n back" reading enjoyment.

pat

wwhite2

I was referencing the TSB from that link.

ctsjerry

Hi sevenfeet0-
All the products you use on your CTS sound great. I've used Hot Rims & Endurance too. Good stuff, though I wouldn't want to leave the Hot Rims on the polished aluminum wheels too long. I think it has a low grade acid that can streak some wheels. Just wash it off asap and don't apply to hot wheels.

Thanks for the heads-up on the wipes and the steering wheel. My '77 Chevy truck still has a sticky feel to it after I used a Handi-Wipe from KFC to wipe it down 10 years ago! Yuck! Never use those things!

With 5 cars at home, three of which are vintage Show Cars, I have tried all sorts of glass cleaners. The best I've used thus far is Stoner's "Invisible Glass" which I find at Pep Boys Auto Parts. Is there a Pep Boys in Tennessee? Tons of them here in California. Another good glass cleaner is the GM "Mr. Goodwrench Glass Cleaner", that you can buy at the GM Dealer Parts Department. That was my favorite until I found Invisible Glass.

The Micro-Fiber cloths can also be found at good old Pep Boys. I believe they are sold under the Turtle Wax name. They are a light blue color. They sell other colors for polishing glass and applying wax. 3M also sells these cloths under their name. The 3M website has automotive supplies that you can order online, or you can visit your local professional auto paint store. They will have them too. These cloths are super soft and won't scratch your paint. If you show them your wife, she'll take them for herself, so be careful. Ha! -Jerry:>)

rsteph

Still no numbers available in my area (almost 3 weeks now) for personal calling, etc. I'm kind of limited in my choices since I want the number they give me to be a local call from my home. Yet, nothing, even though they're searching the Portland (Ore.) metro area. This is my free initial 30 minutes so I wonder if it'd be any different were I calling to add a large bundle of minutes? Oh well..........

batmanscts

Some interesting posts recently.

Okay folks... I finally found a blemish on my Sable Black CTS. On the left rear door... just behind the driver's door handle... there's a spot that looks like someone buffed out a surface scratch. It is only visible on the brightest sunny days and when the sun is shining directly on that side of the car. In fact, it is more visible from 20 or more feet from the car than it is up close.

It looks like someone hit it twice with an electric buffer and took off all the clear coat finish on a spot about twice the size of a buffer pad. I plan to take it back to the dealer on a bright day when it is visible. However, I'm a little concerned about them having the same "expert" try to fix it who hit it with the electric buffer in the first place.

Anyone have any experience with a good clear coat wax product that will blend in with the original coating?

On-Star folks called me to ask whether or not I was satisfied with my On-Star service. I told them that other than the activation call to them, I had only tried to use it once to call my home just to test the service. I got a message response saying that I was not authorized the On-Star service that I was attempting to use. I explained that I had been unable to use any of my thirty minutes of free time. The nice On-Star lady promised to extend my time by another month and another 30 minutes, but I still haven't received confirmation that they did it. Still can't make a call, but haven't had the time or opportunity to get them on the phone and go through the process while I'm in the car.

Reference rear end noise (forgive me if I posted this earlier): After reading about the clunking that some owners have experienced, I heard a series of clunks coming from the rear end when I stopped at an intersection. Heard it again at the next stop. Later heard it as I crossed railroad tracks. Decided to check the spare tire to see if it was secured. Opened the trunk and discovered my golf bag and clubs that I had temporarily moved from my SUV to haul some stuff. Had forgotten that they were in the CTS. Put the golf clubs back where they belong and the CTS clunking disappeared. (Just glad that my wife wasn't along... I'd have gotten all those comments about senior moments.)

wwhite2

It's amazing dealers will hire people off the streets and put a buffing machine in their hands . They ruin a perfectly good paint job .A really good paint application in the CTS's case

rsteph

When I was sitting through the final paperwork for the purchase (you know, this is the time they spring all the dandy extra things you can buy on you), my dealer offered a paint protection thing that was, if I recall right, somewhere in the $1200 range. It was explained as "we coat the car with a hard acrylic finish that makes it virtually impervious to rock dings (I suppose that depends on the size of the rock), key scratches, etc. My inner voice went "Ohhhhhh puhleeeeeeeeeeeez". I passed on this grand opportunity to make my car invulnerable. Of course, the first little rock ding and I'll be going "dang, shoulda got that coating!!" Haha.

sevenfeet0

Paint Protection Plan = ripoff! :-)

rsteph

I agree that the vast majority of this is plain and pure "rip-offs". At least (yet) it hasn't degenerated to "For $250, we'll fill your tires with filtered 'soft air' to give them that cushy ride feel." )

bingoman

How about if we sell tire refills of helium to reduce unsprung weight? lol.

fjk57702

Hydrogen would be even better.

ctsjerry

I noticed a buff thru spot last time I washed my black CTS, on my left rear door. It's very small, about the size of half an eraser head. I also noted early on that the right rear side of the car (door and quarter panel) has signs of buffing. In addition I noted a very small chunk of the rear window rubber seal torn off above the Onstar antenna. Wonder who did all this? I suspect the Dealer, or their detailer. My car went to a Dealer in the San Fernando Valley first, then was traded to my Dealer in the South Bay area of L.A. (about 30 miles apart). So who knows who did it. If you saw the CTS Factory video like I did, where they show every step of the car's manufacture, I doubt if it was done there. They have all sorts of QA inspections.

Onstar is tricky to set-up, but just read all the Manuals they gave you to figure it out. Your Adviser (push the Onstar button 24/7) can help you too. When I bought my CTS in November 2002, the dealer gave me a gift card good for 90 minutes of calls to be used in 12 months. When I called Onstar to set it up, they said the code number on the card was already used. Then the Onstar lady said, "I'll give you an even better deal of 130 free minutes to be used up in 12 months". I'm still using those minutes. You might want to contact your Dealer or Onstar about any freebies or Onstar promotions.

Be sure to set-up "Nametags". These "shortcuts" to your favorite 20 phone numbers makes it very easy to call people, with only a push of a button.

ctsjerry

The 2003 CTS and Escalade both have major parts in the upcoming movie MATRIX: RELOADED. The chase scenes look spectacular from the previews I've seen. You folks will get a kick out of it! -Jer:>)

tvdirec

My dealer tried to get me to buy the LoJack stolen vehicle service for $900. She told me it was too easy to "disconnect" OnStar service and their stolen vehicle detection. I told the OnStar service rep about this when he called and he told me you would need to chop the car into many pieces to not be detected by OnStar. I figured I was spending enough money for all the CTS extras that I didn't need LoJack. I only received 30 minutes of personal calling FREE when I bought my CTS. And, had to use it up in 30-60 days. It is a cool feature to have.

ctsjerry

Here is more info on the subject and some cool photos. http://caddyedge.com/CadForums/index.php?s=92de0f277816ab8a0aea5b8d744d374b&act=ST&f=3&t=182&st=0&

b4z

This thread started 2 years ago with a post from aintitcool.com. A spy had taken a pic on the set of the Matrix Reloaded of a preproduction CTS.

fjk57702

The "free" 30 minutes you get are good for 60 days, but they can be rolled over if you buy additional minutes before the expiration date. At least this was true when I bought my Seville. I don't use it much though, so I still have most of the first 30 minutes plus what I bought.

thebug

The month that I bought my CTS OnStar had package deals. One consisted of 250 units for $59, but they put it on a short fuse. If you pay $79, you get 12 months to use it. I chose the latter, and the free 30 units did roll over. It has been 7 months and I still have 140 units. I'm sure they have a variety of packages that should fit most anyone's needs.

I believe when it becomes more popular, they will develop and offer packages simular to those offered by the cell phone service providers. So far the 250 units for 1 year seems to be the best for my phone use. Combined with my cell phone, I think 250 units will last about a year, at an average cost of $6.60 per month.

thebug...

dindak

Actually, the first time I saw the CTS was in a Matrix shoot spy shot.

ctsjerry

I really love to use my Onstar to call my wifey to say "Hey Honey, I'm on my way home" or to ask her if there's anything she needs at the store, etc. It's also nice to call friends and family to let them know your on the road to their home. If you keep your calls short, they will last for a long time. The hands free/one button calling is very safe when on the road, compared to the cell phones you see abused every day. Here in L.A. it's an epidemic. Just the other day I drove up to a four way stop in a congested residential area, and two of the three cars at the stop were on the phone.

And as I've mentioned before, be sure to use the "Nametag" feature. Only drawback with Onstar: can't use Voice Mail systems requiring the use of "#" "*" buttons or numbers.

cu95

Actually you can use voicemail/etc. that requires keypad input, although (I personally haven't tried, only read about it in the instructions) it seems cumbersome. If you have the OnStar instruction booklet, it describes how you can do this (you basically put the call on hold with the "talk" button (on the steering wheel) and recite your numbers --and there are voice commands for # and *).

cu95

Hmmm, after posting my reply I jumped over to the myonstar site to see if I could a reference to what I was describing. Instead, the site says you can't do it. I swear I read that you could. I'll check my OnStar manual tonight to make sure I'm not going crazy.