2006 Cadillac CTS Loss of Acceleration, Steering and Brake

DRWMS9

MEMBER
2006 CADILLAC CTS

2006 Cadillac CTS Automatic 46,564 miles

I was entering I-75 from a side road. When I tried to accelerate to merge into traffic the engine did not respond, then the car started what felt like floating to the right. The steering did not respond nor did the brakes, but I cranked the steering wheel to the left and we started "floating" about 90 degrees to the left across three lanes of 70+ mph traffic. We had been experiencing light rain for over an hour but there was no puddling or standing water on the highway.

Do you have any idea what might have caused these problems with the vehicle?

Thanks in advance,
Russ Williams

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,645 POSTS

I don't know where you live, but is there any chance of black ice? Also, did the engine die at any point, spin the tires?

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Friday, January 1st, 2010 AT 11:23 PM

DRWMS9

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you for trying to help me.
I live in the Tampa, Florida area so Black Ice was not a problem. The engine did not die at any point and the tires did not spin.

Russ

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Saturday, January 2nd, 2010 AT 8:46 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,645 POSTS

Russ:
This is a strange situation and after 30 years in the business, I have to say, one I have never seen. First, I'm going to refer it to the owner of this site for suggestions. And I would like you to have the steering components checked. Also, I would like to know if the ABS light or engine light ever came on.

Let me know, and as I mentioned, I will forward this.

I wish you and your family a safe and happy 2010, and thanks for using 2carpros. Com.

Joe

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Saturday, January 2nd, 2010 AT 2:39 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,256 POSTS

Hi Russ, I have seen were if someone leaves the gas cap off after filling up it can leave fuel on the ground when in a corner. Diesel fuel has oil in it and can make the road very slippery. Has the car done it since?

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Saturday, January 2nd, 2010 AT 4:47 PM

DRWMS9

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I am sorry that you are not able to be of any help. The highway was not slippery and an open gas cap had nothing to do with our problem. Ater the accident our car was totaled, thank GOD we were hit in the right rear corner of the vehicle and are still alive. I was hoping you had heard of similar problems with other CTS's.

As it is, I think I am wasting your time and mine.

Regards,
Russ