Top 5 Problems Cadillac CTS Sedan 1st Generation 2003-07

Here are the top 5 problems with the 1st generation Cadillac CTS, which includes model years 2003 to 2007! Andy runs down the list of issues or problems that we have found with this vehicle, or what other mechanics or GM have reported. He offers suggestions and tips for resolving the trouble codes or other issues as well.

Check here for more on the 1st gen CTS!

0:00 Top Problems Cadillac CTS 1st Gen 2003-07
0:20 EVAP Purge Solenoid P0496/P0441/P0443
1:28 No Start
2:59 Timing Belts & Chains
3:57 Engine Misfires
5:04 Thermostat P0128

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While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[jackietaylor]

My 04 cts has 295, 000 miles n I've only changed the starter, alternator n evap purger. Love it .,

[leonabug]

I have a 2007 cts 2.8L and I have a love-hate relationship with it. After almost 6 years of fixing one thing after another I've come to learn a lot about this car. First problem was the ignition coils. I recommend replacing them all at once, save yourself the trouble. Last year I had to have the timing chains replaced, that alone cost me $1500 but had to do it to get it to pass smog test. It's been running great ever since. But now there is a clicking sound near the battery, and from what was shown as the first problem in this video I now know what it is. So 3 out of 5 for me. I always check my oil levels because it does burn through oil (needs valve covers replaced) but I also change the oil every 3k miles now since the mileage is 152k. You just have to take care of this car, and have money put away to fix whatever needs to be replaced. My car is almost 14 yes old, parts don't last forever.

[papalinguine]

Reason why I bought a 3rd party warranty! 2 Years of ownership, only issue I had was the starter kept going in and out go it replaced and she runs like a dream!

[OriginalSoul]

I had the '03 CTS with the 3.2 engine. One day, at 65 MPH on the freeway I heard a loud clunk, followed by hard shifting. Then the check engine light came on. Then it stalled. Got the "crank no start" issue that was mentioned in the video and multiple fault codes, I cant even remember them all it was so many. Took it to the dealer several times over the course of a month, and they determined that the ECM/PCM was losing connection. They fixed that and no more issues...until the valve cover gaskets kept going bad and dropping oil everywhere, every single year. That thing was a money pit on wheels.

[gabrielapuente]

I lost compression when the car sat for over 2 months. The local car shop said it was a head job. 6 months later (car sat again for a couple of months), I had the same issue. The care cranks, but no compression. It acted as if the starter solenoid was not engaging the flywheel (but it was). I sent the car back to the same shop, where they sprayed lubricant into the cylinder heads via spark plug ports and car started right up. 6 months later, I had same issue, this time I sprayed lubrican in the cylinder heads and car started right up. I changed oil and started using the OEM recomended lubricant Mobile 5W-20 and haven't had any issues since.

[donaldhollums]

I always say, "Automotive engineers should be required to work on everything they design into their vehicles."

[robr]

I had an 07 CTS. Got her pretty cheap at 60k miles. Went through the heating sensor, stater, replaced the wiper fluid systems and coolant hoses after the plastic rotted, and also replaced the cylanders after a misfire bent one. Engine blew the head gasket at 108k miles. Gave up on her after that.
Really fun, cheap, and comfortable car. However, they require a large amount of maintainence.

[pinkmark]

Throttle Body / Throttle Position sensor issues are rampant with this model.

And as everyone else is mentioning, ECM as well.

[jaimeorr]

2 other common issues :
6) Transmission cooler lines quick disconnect to radiator blow out
7) Torque Converter (Magnetic clutch)
I've got a 05 CTS 3.6 and have had several of the common issues. a) No start - bad ECM b) former owner had had thermostat/water pump c) PVC holes too small and create positive crank case pressure (Neg and NO is ok.)

[mojizzlemusic]

The ecm also it will get your key stuck in the ignition, quick fix, turn key to on position (don’t crank the car just put it in the on position) leave the driver door open, pull the ecm fuse make sure it’s not blown, put it back in, take it back out 2 times, crank the car up and it will release your key and clear the security light and traction control light.

[Hillary]

Literally have all of these issues but the timing chain . Only thing I need to change now is the cam shaft sensor . Fixed everything else

[dougmatteo]

Thank you I had three of those problems since I bought car with 60, 000 miles, now 4 years later 100, 000. The thermostat is a major pain in butt to change but doable.

[CTSV.-G]

I actually own both base model 3.6 and the LS6 but yeah for base model i had the purge valve problem and No start problem ECM but so far so good im at 179, xxx still running strong

[loganwork]

Top 5 problems I've had:
1) diffriential went bed
2) catalytic converters want to come lose
3) if everything isn't perfect it probably won't start
4) slow oil and break fluid leak
5) dealing with cadillac reps

[secondopinion]

I appreciate it. I just brought an 07' CTS! 3.6 Liter

[hkwall]

I've got a 03 3.6 l where the timing belt I bought the car with 97, 000 on it at the timing belt replaced the technician did not set the tension the right it jumped one tooth on the exhaust and one tooth on the intake and Below 1500 RPM 1 3 and 5 misfire constantly I took it back apart redid the belt and adjusted the tensioner in the car runs fine

[brandonthompson]

159K on 2005 3.6 just changed PCM- I caught it in time. Car read misfire on cylinder 5 checked spark plug it’s clean. The electricity would flick on and off in cabin as well as headlights. $360 for pcm $100 to install also you need to reprogram keys after replacing PCM. Good video thanks for the info

[dominickast]

I drive a 2005 cadillac cts, I recently had to change the Rear Trans mount. I was never able to find a video on youtube to find the problem but if anyone has that really bad vibration coming from the center council check that trans mount.

[raymondgoriah]

My third brake light went on my 2006 Cadillac cts 2.8lt but it is worth it this car is great.