2006-present DTS,any issues to look out for?

megatron · #1 (**permalink**) 04-29-09, 08:02 PM

I'm interested in a 2006-current DTS are these caddys known for any issues like the ones before them? I know the previous generation 2000-2005 had their share of problems but is this the case with the current model? Thanks for any help guys.

z06bigbird · #2 (**permalink**) 04-29-09, 09:23 PM

Some northstars (after 2000 or so) inherited an oil pan leak somewhere between 50k and 100k miles. About $1800. Ask local service mgr for info on this.

Superjim · #3 (**permalink**) 04-29-09, 11:41 PM

I had one 2006 that got destroyed in my garage fire.
It had 40,000 on it.
I bought another new 2006.
I now have almost 60,000 on it.
Thats 100,000 miles total.
A few minor issues with them when they were brand new. (all electrical)
All fixed under warranty.
Never anything major.
Everything works as designed.
Does not use oil.
Does not leak oil.
At least not yet.

Texas Jim

fmoeller · #4 (**permalink**) 04-30-09, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by megatron

I'm interested in a 2006-current DTS are these caddys known for any issues like the ones before them? I know the previous generation 2000-2005 had their share of problems but is this the case with the current model? Thanks for any help guys.

Ditto to TexasJim, except no fire. Minor correctable issues.

Here is an excellent site with some very interesting posts:

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.ef16f3b

From what I've read the oil pan leak was on pre 2006 models.

LOL

megatron · #5 (**permalink**) 04-30-09, 10:52 AM

I really like the DTS but all the issues I've read about the northstar engine is holding me back a bit. Have any of the northstars issues been corrected in these later models? If not what if any problem are/aren't covered under a warrenty? does anyone here know what the GM warrenty covers on these cars or where I can get a list of this? thanks

Superjim · #6 (**permalink**) 04-30-09, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fmoeller

Ditto to TexasJim, except no fire. Minor correctable issues.

Here is an excellent site with some very interesting posts:

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.ef16f3b

From what I've read the oil pan leak was on pre 2006 models.

LOL

fmoeller,
Did you get my PM about the nav update?

Texas Jim

fmoeller · #7 (**permalink**) 04-30-09, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superjim

fmoeller,
Did you get my PM about the nav update?

Texas Jim

Jim
Which one are you refering to?
I've read several posts on the NAV system.
The last I remember was regarding leaving the DVD in the system.
fmoeller

Superjim · #8 (**permalink**) 04-30-09, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fmoeller

Jim
Which one are you refering to?
I've read several posts on the NAV system.
The last I remember was regarding leaving the DVD in the system.
fmoeller

If you know anyone that has the new V4 disk...You can update your FIRMWARE with the V4 disk and STILL USE the V3 disk.

This will add the clock to the nav screen. I am not sure what else it adds.
I put my V3 disk back in for a few minutes...AFTER I updated to the V4. It seemed to work ok. I didn't go driving, but it booted ok and came up to the proper screen.

I will be updating my son's 2007 GMC Denali this weekend. I will know more then.

Texas Jim

Superjim · #9 (**permalink**) 04-30-09, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by megatron

I really like the DTS but all the issues I've read about the northstar engine is holding me back a bit. Have any of the northstars issues been corrected in these later models? If not what if any problem are/aren't covered under a warrenty? does anyone here know what the GM warrenty covers on these cars or where I can get a list of this? thanks

The headbolt/headgasket issue was corrected after the 2000 model.
I have not heard of any oil leaks in the newer ones.

As for the warranty...It should cover ANYTHING that goes wrong.
All the way from a minor check engine light, to a catastrophic engine failure to an electrical issue.

ANYTHING that goes wrong should be covered under the warranty.

I love the NorthStar engine.
Plenty of power, smooth operation, good fuel economy for a big heavy car.

As I said in an earlier post, I have put 100,000 miles on the 2 that I have owned, with "ZERO" engine issues.

On a recent trip from S. Carolina to Texas, I was running along with my Brother-in-law who was driving a mid size Hyundai.
Every time we stopped for fuel, the Cadillac used very little more fuel than his little car. He could hardly believe it. I thought it was funny.

Texas Jim

fmoeller · #10 (**permalink**) 04-30-09, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superjim

If you know anyone that has the new V4 disk...You can update your FIRMWARE with the V4 disk and STILL USE the V3 disk.

This will add the clock to the nav screen. I am not sure what else it adds.
I put my V3 disk back in for a few minutes...AFTER I updated to the V4. It seemed to work ok. I didn't go driving, but it booted ok and came up to the proper screen.

I will be updating my son's 2007 GMC Denali this weekend. I will know more then.

Texas Jim

Jim,

No I had not read your post on the NAV system.

That is an excellent idea and I’ll check it out. I am hoping that the dealer will assist me in getting the latest version as I have received all my free updates from the NAV center.

Thanks for the excellent suggestion.

c5 rv · #11 (**permalink**) 04-30-09, 11:01 PM

Drive a bunch of cars. Some cars built on this platform have a shimmy.

Superjim · #12 (**permalink**) 04-30-09, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c5 rv

Drive a bunch of cars. Some cars built on this platform have a shimmy.

GOOD POINT...
I had forgot about that.

z06bigbird · #13 (**permalink**) 05-01-09, 11:48 AM

Some comments here on the oil pan gasket on northstars. I need an update (on this topic) on pre-2006 and post-2006. I hope to visit my Cadillac mechanic next week; I will find out.

Lanzz · #14 (**permalink**) 05-01-09, 09:59 PM

I put 33,000 New York City miles on my 2006 - other than some wind noise from the sunroof when it was closed and one TPMS sensor that failed, nothing went wrong. Most reliable car I have owned. Cheap to maintain - it had one oil change and tire rotation about every 8 months, and needed a brake job at 27,000 miles. If GM was leasing anything right now, there would be another one in my garage. They are great cars, you will enjoy a DTS very much.

z06bigbird · #15 (**permalink**) 05-04-09, 11:21 AM

Learn to do brake jobs yourself. Very easy. Just a few regular tools. Just have an experienced mechanic look over your shoulder on the first one or two brake jobs. (I am assuming you maintain more than one car for family.) My wife is very well trained with bleeding the brakes.

Total cost of brake job for 2 wheels: perhaps $100 (including cost of C clamp and 2 or 3 wrenches). Brake pads are about $40 to $75, depending on flavor.

Time = 1.5 hrs for learner.

Whoops. You will also need a jack stand plus your regular jack. Safety, you know.