Proud New CTS Owner! Few questions though...

xrionx · #1 (**permalink**) 09-08-08, 09:31 PM

I just purchased a 2006 CTS, Black Raven w/ Cashmere Int., Navigation, Sunroof, etc., and I love it. I have a few questions though that you guys might be able to help with.

1. When I am slowing down by just taking my foot off the gas, sometimes the car feel like it downshifts, like engine braking. It's not really bad, just not something I've noticed on other automatic cars before. Is this normal? If not, what would it be? It has 52K miles.

2. My drivers side mirror is a little loose. I'm talking about the mirror itself. When driving on the highway it moves a little bit with the wind. Is there some way to tighten that?

3. I have the wonderful problem of the navigation buttons' paint rubbing off. I have read I can get them for $12 a piece, but before I spend the $100+ I wanted to know if anyone has had the same problems with the replacements. The car is only 1.5 years old, I don't want to have to buy new buttons every couple years. Also has anyone been able to paint them to look good? Or when buying new ones cover them with a clear coat to prevent futre chipping?

That's about it for now, thanks for your help. I am so happy to finally get this car!

Kohmonster · #2 (**permalink**) 09-08-08, 09:55 PM

I'm also suffering with your Item 1 in my '06 and also trying to find out if this is normal.

No Sir...I don't like it.

stacykathryn · #3 (**permalink**) 09-08-08, 10:55 PM

As far as the transmission downshifts, I've noticed it on my 06 3.6 sport as well, AND on a friends 06 3.6 base... I think it's normal... It may be a RWD thing too, if you aren't used to driving RWD cars.. I have always had FWD. I've been a long time GM guy and this trans definitely doesn't "feel" very GM like, but I don't have a problem with it. The car is quick, the shifts are crisp and I don't have an issue with it.

Navigation buttons... Delphi cannot make a decent radio button to save their lives. Ever since about 2000 when the new "RDS" radios came out, they now use a flat black "paint" or coating that is literally just sprayed onto the white plastic button and it wears off so easily. Just garbage. The radios are great, the buttons are horrid. You can order new buttons from Lindsay Cadillac, or from Specmo Enterprises (google them)... they are not too hard to change but it's a Saturday project between pulling the radio out, taking the face off, unbolting the circuit board.. etc.

My advice? Change the buttons, and then go -easy- on them. Some people like to fuss around too much always changing stations and the oil on your fingers, plus friction, wears that coating off. Or just pick one radio station you really like and then leave it on that station permanantly. :-P

xrionx · #4 (**permalink**) 09-09-08, 11:45 AM

Well in response to the "downshifting" I can tell you that it's not a RWD thing. I previously has an Infiniti J30, which is RWD, and it did not have that issue. However it is good to hear I'm not the only one.

The button issue is just irritating, one would think that someone would come up with a better solution. I wonder if any company makes spray on protectant. Like a clear coat, but with a matte finish, that you can spray on to new buttons to protect the paint. Because the "pick one station" solution does not sound very good...

Thanks for the feedback!

***Lord Cadillac*** · #5 (**permalink**) 09-09-08, 01:20 PM

Welcome aboard! Thank you for signing up and congratulations on your Cadillac CTS!

z06bigbird · #6 (**permalink**) 09-09-08, 05:27 PM

That downshift feeling is simply the "engine braking." CTS was designed in Germany after the BMW. BMW does that all the time.

Kohmonster · #7 (**permalink**) 09-09-08, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by z06bigbird

That downshift feeling is simply the "engine braking." CTS was designed in Germany after the BMW. BMW does that all the time.

I notice frequently the RPMs increase slightly during this "Engine Braking"; would that not be a downshift?

xrionx · #8 (**permalink**) 09-09-08, 05:55 PM

I think you are both talking about the same thing, and thank you for verifying I am not the only one that is experiences this.

Anyone have any comments on my other two questions from my first post?

Thanks again!

Coma · #9 (**permalink**) 09-09-08, 06:03 PM

I'm going to try fixing my chipping buttons with some paint. If it comes down to it, I'll just buy new ones and go really easy on them, like I do now. (I got my nav used and previous owner was probably not that easy on the button mashing..)

My 2.8L downshifts and I actually like the feeling. It's what cars do. Some cars. >.<

TotalEclipse31 · #10 (**permalink**) 09-10-08, 11:02 AM

I need to replace my buttons as well. Anyone know if I can buy the "Driver 1 Driver 2" button on the door as well?

OCpokerplyr · #11 (**permalink**) 09-11-08, 12:32 AM

i just bought my 2nd cts the downshifting is normal as for the buttons get used to it however they will replace your whole nav free of charge under the warrenty it is a pain the paint chips off very quickly

xrionx · #12 (**permalink**) 09-11-08, 11:56 AM

Unfortunately my car is just over 50K miles so I am no longer under warranty. I think I will try buying new buttons and maybe spray them with a clear coat to possibly extend the life of the paint... I don't know yet. Just so irritating, because my CTS's interior is immaculate except for those damn buttons.