Common Cadillac DTS Problems: 1st Generation (2006 to 2011)

The 1st and only generation of the Cadillac DTS debuted for the 2006 model year after it replaced the Cadillac DeVille. While it is known as a luxury sedan, it, like any car, is still prone to failure. This post covers the most common Cadillac DTS problems for model years 2006 to 2011.

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Top 5 Issues with the 1st Gen Cadillac DTS (2006 to 2011)

1. Water Pump Failure

Symptoms of a Bad Water Pump

  • Low coolant level
  • Heat not working
  • Overheating engine

How to Fix a Bad Water Pump

The water pump is not easy to access. It is located on the backside of the engine and there is a separate belt that drives it. You may need a special tool to remove the cover from the water pump for earlier models. Later models will have the cover bolted on but it is still a detailed job to replace the water pump.

2. Engine Oil Leaks

Area of the engine above the oil pan that also tends to leak
Area of the engine above the oil pan that also tends to leak oil

Symptoms of Engine Oil Leaks

  • Oil underneath the car or dripping from the oil pan or engine

Causes of Engine Oil Leak Problems on the 2006 to 2011 Cadillac DTS

Oil often won’t just be leaking from the oil pan but also the engine. The engine is designed with a top and lower half—not just the heads and the oil pan—and oil can leak from here.

How to Fix Engine Oil Leaks

  • If the engine is leaking oil, the engine needs to be removed to replace the seals.
  • If the oil pan is leaking, remove the oil pan and replace the gasket.

3. Transmission Cooler Line Leaks

Transmission cooler line that tends to leak on the 1st gen Cadillac DTS
1st gen Cadillac DTS transmission cooler line

Symptoms of Leaking Transmission Cooler Lines

  • Transmission fluid leak underneath the vehicle
  • Transmission fluid leaking from the transmission lines

Causes of Leaky Transmission Cooler Lines

Two cooler lines that travel from the transmission to the radiator tend to leak in the fitting where the rubber meets.

How to Fix the Transmission Cooler Lines

With the vehicle cool, disconnect the line and replace the fitting.

4. Door Lock Actuator

Symptoms of a Bad Door Lock Actuator

  • Door doesn’t lock or unlock

Causes of a Bad Door Lock Actuator on the 1st Gen Cadillac DTS

The door latch actuator may fail on the 2006 to 2011 Cadillac DTS.

How to Fix a Bad Door Lock Actuator

The actuator is attached to the door latch. It’s possible to buy and replace the actuator separately from the door latch.

5. Steering Wheel Position Sensor

Symptoms of a Bad Steering Wheel Position Sensor

  • Service stability light is on

Causes of a Bad Steering Wheel Position Sensor

If the service stability light is on, the steering wheel position sensor is faulty.

How to Fix a Bad Steering Wheel Position Sensor

The steering wheel position sensor is at the base of the steering column. To remove it, sometimes the steering column needs to be removed and sometimes it can be replaced from inside the car.

Double check the wiring for breaking, tearing, or fraying and check the electrical connector for corrosion and rust. Usually it’s just the position sensor that needs to be replaced.

1st Generation Cadillac DTS Model Years

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Summary
Common Cadillac DTS Problems | 1st Generation (2006 to 2011)
Article Name
Common Cadillac DTS Problems | 1st Generation (2006 to 2011)
Description
This post covers common 1st gen Cadillac DTS problems for model years 2006 to 2011 and their causes, symptoms, and fixes, such as a engine oil and transmission cooler line leaks.
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1A Auto
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