I just purchased yesterday a 03 CTS, my first Cadillac. Would be interested in any advice some of you knowledgeable CTS owners would like to share. Any good sources for Service Manuals? Anyone have any suggestions on remote starters that are better suited for this make/model? Thanks.

I just purchased yesterday a 03 CTS, my first Cadillac. Would be interested in any advice some of you knowledgeable CTS owners would like to share. Any good sources for Service Manuals? Anyone have any suggestions on remote starters that are better suited for this make/model? Thanks.well the good news is the car is great IMO as for the service manuals Ebay and not sure about the starter
heres you list
1. volant intake
2. rims
3. different gill (v is my fav)
4. exhaust
5. dvd navigation
6. tint

those are necessities

7. clear sts fogs
8. vbumper
9. floormats
10. carputer
11. springs, shocks, sways
12. dorr sills
13. your turn think of somthing :alchi:

I just purchased yesterday a 03 CTS, my first Cadillac. Would be interested in any advice some of you knowledgeable CTS owners would like to share. Any good sources for Service Manuals? Anyone have any suggestions on remote starters that are better suited for this make/model? Thanks.

:welcome: to the forum, the CTS and the board!!! :)

Do you have the old rear bezel still on your car? If so make sure to get the color matched one if you are still under warranty.... that would be first!!! (the gray one on our 03's had a leak in it, make sure you check)

Headlamps peeling on top, try getting them replaced as well if still under warranty (they also might re-finish them).

Lots of great info on this site, use the search tool to find anything you like about the car, or ask - since you're new I'm pretty sure people will go easy on ya!!! :)

Pics of your car would be nice, and oh, yeah..... luv is right as well, so get out the wallat and start spending..... :alchi:

The best service manual if you work on the car yourself is the factory Helm service manual. It runs around $100.

http://www.helminc.com/helm/Result.asp?Style=&Mfg=GMC&Make=CAD&Model=CTS&Year=2003&Category=1&Keyword=&Module=&mscsid=XAPHPSFHA1759J7K9BMXJFRRMKH4E9GB

Do you have the old rear bezel still on your car? If so make sure to get the color matched one if you are still under warranty.... that would be first!!! (the gray one on our 03's had a leak in it, make sure you check)

Headlamps peeling on top, try getting them replaced as well if still under warranty (they also might re-finish them).



As for other warranty things, you might be able to replace the clock for a temp gauge. Oh ya, Welcome to the world of Cadillac.

The modding virus is everywhere here. There is no cure, will power will be destroyed..........and we enjoy every damn minute of it. Welcome fellow member,and may we suggest a firm grip on the wallet! :thumbsup:

I have these (unused) if you like them. PM me for price. I sold the CTS we had.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v638/didntsettle98/CTScarpet002.jpg

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and the good information. This appears to be a good forum for information. I do not know which version the bezel is, will have to take a closer look at that. Thanks.

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and the good information. This appears to be a good forum for information. I do not know which version the bezel is, will have to take a closer look at that. Thanks.

If it's color matched to your car, your are good to go. If not, then take it in to get it changed or purchase the E&G model.

I always start with tint and wheels, then intake and exhaust. Springs and sways, then go wild from there.

1) Rear Bezel swap (from the ugly translucent grey kind to the body colour kind)
2) Engine computer update, for rough idle

Both should be under warranty, so no costs!

Oh and check your Cabin Air Filter, it's probably dirty.
Instructions here: http://www.micronair.us/assets/pdfs/54.pdf

onephatguy, I like those pictures, Very Nice Ride! Thanks for the info on the bezel, appears my cts still has the old style.

B0000rt, Thanks for the info on the cabin air filter, my previous vehicle was still really nice but the main reason that got me to thinking about getting a later model vehicle in the first place was because newer vehcles have the cabin air filters and the pollen up here in New England gets pretty bad at times. Think I'll go pick up a spare filter or two right away now that you gave me the instructions for replacing.

Before you install the new filter, spray a bacteria and mold killing spray through the filter hole with the a/c on low speed. This should take care of any that is present in the vents and should help it small alittle better when the unit is on. Some will spray a little febreeze on their filters too. Depends on your preference.

That sounds like an excellent idea, thanks.

1) Rear Bezel swap (from the ugly translucent grey kind to the body colour kind)

Are you referring to the bezel on the trunk lid that holds the license plate ? I bought my 03 last saturday. A beautiful DRY day... It has rained since and I noticed some condensation in that bezel...

grrrrrrrrrrr

:want:

Are you referring to the bezel on the trunk lid that holds the license plate ? I bought my 03 last saturday. A beautiful DRY day... It has rained since and I noticed some condensation in that bezel...

grrrrrrrrrrr

:want:

Yes, replace it under warranty!!!

Are you referring to the bezel on the trunk lid that holds the license plate ? I bought my 03 last saturday. A beautiful DRY day... It has rained since and I noticed some condensation in that bezel...

grrrrrrrrrrr

:want:
Wait until you wash your car, it'll fill up w/ water! :thepan:

Wait until you wash your car, it'll fill up w/ water! :thepan:

Great.. I have an appt to get a couple other minor items taken care of this week. Guess they will take care of a few more :)

Thank you fellas ...

Be aware of the AC-pump, the power steering pump sensors...

...of what you buy at e-bay. You can get lot's of info here!

Also, you should check if there is any water present in the trunk, left side... where in mine there was a leak, and I have read someone else had it as well.... they RESELED BODY SEEMS AT LEFT TAIL LAMP to fix that!! You can make sure by taking off the spear tire cover and lifting up the left side of the carpet on the side to see if there is any water there.... if you just feel on top of the carpet it might not be noticable....

I have a problem with a neighborhood animal getting on my CTS at night and leaving fur and claw marks on it, do not mind the fur as much as the scratches. Was thinking about waxing it up with the most slippery wax that there is in the hopes that when it jumps on the CTS it will slide off. Anyone have any suggestions on the best wax out there for the job ?

By the way, just picked up the Sirius One Satellite Radio Receiver at Best Buy for $29.95 and works great, took less than 5 minutes to take it out of the box, plug it in and activate it.

welcome to the forum. As far as the cat goes, sprinkle some cayane pepper on your trunk lid and roof. The cat will smell around and never come back to your car again. It is a human way to rid the problem.

03 bezel, tell your dealer it leaks and they will take care of it. Same with headlights, and rough idel.

Have fun, this site is addicting

PS, try ading the bright white lights. They look great !!!:bouncy:

sbuscha,
Thank you for the info to deal with the animal.
What exactly is the the change to bright white lights. I have not had a chance to take a look at the headlight bulbs yet, only had the CTS a week and a half, are these a something like a standard 2007 or 2006 halogen that it is posisble to just replace the buld on or does the entire headlamp assembly have to change?

I was talking about changing out your interior lights with the super white lights from superlumination.com. I really looks god once it is done. The headlight are a different ball of wax all together. You have to drop the bumber in order to change the headlights on the CTS.

I had the rear bezel changed to match the body, just had it tinted, changed out the lights and now I am getting ready to get the BT Nvious wheels next week...

This site is addicting.