I have no idea if this will work, but if it were mine:

• cloth over dent (or end of steamer)
• gentle repeated application of heat/steam from clothes steamer

 

Hi Jay, thank you for the advise. I don’t have a steamer but I can run up to the store tomorrow to get one. I can’t believe this darn thing left such an indent.

 

Also, some have solved that by gently heating with a hair dryer, or just having the car sit in the heat of the sun. Use mild heat and not too close.

 

Thank you. So maybe low warm heat from a dryer? I can park the car in the sun tomorrow to see if that works too. Looks like I have a few options to try here. I hope one works!

 

Question: is this JUST an indent or is there an adhesive left as well? Can you post a photo? Do you have a GOOD detailer near you?

 

It looked liked just an indent. I don’t use any adhesive with the mount. I can get a picture this morning and post it. I don’t have a detailed but I know there are many in the area. Even if I had to take it somewhere outside my area I would do that.

 

The dash is soft touch, correct? The steamer, hair dryer has worked for others, BUT it has to be done GENTLY and SLOWLY, always checking after about a minute. DON'T over do it. As for a Detailer, they have to be good at what they do...there are many who are just hacks.

 

Yes, soft touch, which now I know.....
I’m going to let it sit in the sun today and see if that helps. If not, then I will go to the dryer and steamer. I am afraid of ruining it and make it worse. I will call the Cadillac dealer I got the car from and see if they can recommend me to a good detailer.

 

Maybe check the Detailer first before you attempt the steamer/hairdryer, Sun is okay to do. The thing with the hairdryer or steamer is to have it on low, don't go to close, but if too far away it won't be effective. Move over the area with moderate speed, checking results often such as every 30-60 seconds. Anything like this takes patience. I didn't ask - is the 'ring' a lighter or darker colour, if yes and once the indentation is taken out, a good detailing product over the entire dash may even out the colour. These things are hard to access over the internet. Best of luck to you!

 

The dealer just said to make an appt for them to look at. I might just do that. I don’t see a change in color just an indent. The dash is black. Of course it’s cloudy and cold today so I don’t think I’ll see any change in the appearance today. I really don’t want to make it worse so I may just wait until it can sit in the sun for a day. If that doesn’t work I’ll bring it to the dealer. I can see myself getting overly obsessed with trying to fix it myself and I am afraid the dryer or steamer will cause more damage due to my own error. Thanks for al of your help. I really appreciate it!

 

Looks like that is toast and you will need to replace the dash. Happens in many models. Some of the dashes had inadequate stuffing from the very beginning.

Tom in Dallas

 

You're right, I'd be pi&&ed. I wish you luck getting that out. Please keep us posted.

 

Thank you. I can’t even look at it. It’s making me sick. I will definitely keep you posted.

 

I really wouldn't take it to a dealer. They will "stab" you and quite honestly they usually subcontract this work out. Get on a local social media and ask around about a good detailer if this is something you don't want to tackle yourself.

By the way, welcome. You have what appears to be a Gen II CTS. You need to post up with the Gen II folks here: Gen II CTS Forum

 

I really wouldn't take it to a dealer. They will "stab" you and quite honestly they usually subcontract this work out. Get on a local social media and ask around about a good detailer if this is something you don't want to tackle yourself.

By the way, welcome. You have what appears to be a Gen II CTS. You need to post up with the Gen II folks here: Gen II CTS Forum

Thank you. I

What kind of car do you have, PattiMc? Sedan, Coupe, Wagon? Engine? What year? Inquiring minds want to know. Having that in your Avatar also helps everyone when you post.

Hi, it’s a 2013 CTS Sedan 3.0 AWD.

 

What kind of car do you have, PattiMc? Sedan, Coupe, Wagon? Engine? What year? Inquiring minds want to know. Having that in your Avatar also helps everyone when you post.

 

That's crazy a suction cup mount caused that!
Looks like someone put a beer...err, I mean, soda on the dash on a hot day.

Hope you get it squared away. Welcome to the forums, PattiMc.

 

Right??? I never would have thought that would have happened. Hoping a day in the sun with help correct it.

 

I would give it some time to relax in the sun for a couple of days. Do you live in the frozen tundra or the sunny south? Makes a difference. In the future, the grain on our dashboards will not work with a suction cup.

 

Thank you. I hope it fixes it. I’m in the NE, so for me it’s like living in the tuner - lol. This week is in the low to mid 30’s but by Saturday it should be sunny and in the mid 50’s. I wish I knew before I used this stupid device. I could kick myself.

 

Gotta move to Florida. 85 here in Jacksonville today.

 

That sounds wonderful!! I love the heat.

It's not discoloured which to me is a good sign that it's not chemical related. Those would most likely not bounce back. To me, this is a weight issue. The holder was on the surface for a period of time and compressed the foam underneath...same as a piece of furniture on a carpet which when moved leaves an indent in the foam underlay where the leg was. It should come back with time, but heat will accelerate the process.

That makes sense. I hope it will bounce back on its own. If not I’ll try to find a detailer that might be able to apply heat. I’m just aftraid I’m going to try to over correct it and ruin it to a point where it can’t be fixed.

 

This is why I put the suction cup on the windshield.

 

Yeah I see that now but I don’t anything that blocks my view. This was just a big mistake.

 

Complain to whomever you purchased it. Give them a 1 star Google review, but talk to them first. See if they will take it back, freight prepaid.

 

Great idea. I will definitely write a review. I I’ll try to return it. I bought it at a store but I threw away the receipt and box already.

 

That sucks about the indent.

I don't have technical skills around removing the damage, but for your next one I recommend a holder that goes into the CD slot ... I do not listen to CDs anymore so there is no use for it. The trick is buying one with a handle that goes up enough so it does not interfere with the shifter. Otherwise it may not let you shift into park.

 

That sucks about the indent.

I don't have technical skills around removing the damage, but for your next one I recommend a holder that goes into the CD slot ... I do not listen to CDs anymore so there is no use for it. The trick is buying one with a handle that goes up enough so it does not interfere with the shifter. Otherwise it may not let you shift into park.

Wow, o didn’t know they make one like this. This sounds like a great option. Thank you!

 

It's at a point where (my opinion) nothing much else you can do without spending some good money. Wait for that summer heat and hope for the best.

 

Yeah, I think your right.... we’ll see what the summer brings.

 

I believe the dash covering material is leather...have you tried a non shiny leather conditioner over the whole dash pad and then the heat of the Sun...perhaps it will be better with time...

good luck,

Bill

 

Thanks Bill. Is it leather? I saw another thread that said vinyl so I haven’t used anything on it at all.

 

I still suggest steamer before other heat methods.

 

I see a steamer being the recommended method for porous surfaces.

 

Bill, the dash has to be plastic, not leather. GM is too cheap to use actual leather. Yes, I could be wrong....

 

I’m going to chime in with probably plastic, particularly on the 2013 Base Model. My elbow melted the door trim like a Twix bar from driving home one day a few summers ago 😑

 

Dashboard leather

Does anyone know, definitively, if the dash is covered in vinyl or leather on the V?

www.cadillacforums.com

And post #12 here. SRX of similar vintage...

Top leather dash. What treatment or not?

Hello i was just wondering what treatment people will be using on the top of the dashboard? Treat it like your leather seats or not?

www.cadillacforums.com

 

Well now, that was much ado about nothing. I want that five minutes back in my life, lol.

I don't care what anyone calls it, let's just say it's not leather. Agree? Disagree? Don't give a damn? Or is it "bi" or "non binary"?

 

It looks tons better than before.

 

Yes, definitely improved.

 

For that year, I would bet it's not leather, but even if it is...heat will still work, so will steam...heat is what is most needed to expand the foam underneath the top material so that it is no longer dented.

 

if it is a man made leather (protein vinyl???) it is the nicest I have ever seen in a car...it is much nicer than the easier to tell vinyl looking leather on the dashboard of my 2015 SS sedan...

PattiMc...I have uses both Zaino Leather conditioner and Lexol on it (admittedly this should also work on vinyl) and it has worked just fine for me in the last 5 plus years without any issues...

the stitching looks real to me as well (some in the links claimed it was fake sticking) and appears the same as the "French sticking" used on the leather seats...

good luck with your cars...

Bill

 

Holy shit, dude. Do you have a titanium elbow?

Lol, just flesh blood and bone as far as I know. My dismay was more than palpable when I pulled my arm back and saw what had transpired underneath. I’ve been in many cars in my life. This is the only one I’ve literally MELTED.