So, i've been a member here for a little while, but i think this may be my first post. I've had my car for almost 2 years, 2003 cts. Since i've had it, the winter mode doesnt work. The light doesn't come on when I push the button, and it doesnt change anything on the car (thought maybe bulb was burnt). This last winter I got stuck soooo many times due to tire spin and t/c. The dealer doesnt seem to wanna offer any help to this issue. I need some direction to go off of and I can't find any info online to this problem (maybe Im not looking in the right spot). Winter is fast approaching and I dont wanna be stuck anymore. Ive checked the manual 3 times for fuses, relays, and other stuff... no luck please help!! -Matt

 

when you press the snow button, there's no snowflake icon displaying on your cluster? If the answer is no, check and see if the car starts in third gear. If so, maybe the bulb is burned. If not, maybe a re-programing is due.

If the answer is yes and when you turn off the car and restarting it again or later and the snowflake icon is not there, its normal. It goes back in normal driving mode every time you start the car.





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"The light (on the cluster{the snowflake}) doesn't come on when I push the button, and it doesnt change anything on the car {such as starting in third gear, even though no snowflake light is coming on} (thought maybe bulb was burnt)."


"the dealer doesn't seem to wanna help me either" as far as programming.


so my first post answered those questions already

 

It may be the switch itself. Especially if it is located in the flat area of the center console. Switches in that area are prone to getting coffee/soda/Jack Daniels spilled on them quite often. They will eventually fail. Sometimes, a good cleaning will correct the problem, but sometimes, replacement is the only option.
I would start with checking the switch for voltage in, and out. If there is voltage going to the proper terminal on the switch, but none coming out when you press it, the switch is bad.

Are you sure your car has a "Winter" mode? The only thing I can find is a "Sport/Economy" button/setting in my diagnostics....

 

uhm.. for the guy who commented above the 2003-2005 CTS comes with three modes. Winter, Normal and Sport.
now my question. does your Sport button still work? if it doesn't illuminate, press the button ONCE anyways, and put it to the floor. LISTEN TO THE GEAR CHANGES. then press the button again, repeat the same step, and listen to see if the gear shifting is slower. if so, you've only got a burnt out bulb. but if not, the transmission might be a little messed up. let me know!

 

oh yea!! sport mode works good, lights up fine... i searched and searched last week and found one post on the e-class benz forum about dudes winter mode not working due to bad switch.. wanted to slap myself, thats probably the problem.. but i was busy all weekend putting new mid travel front end on my dune buggy.

yea there is winter mode, snowflake button. i will definitely check for a bad switch!!! thanks guys!! btw- how do you get the shifter boot and assembly off, didnt see any screw bosses or anything.. thanks!!

 

took apart everything to test switch and found that the switch is a curcuit integration not a regula push button switch.. there was some nice corrosion on the board from where someone spilled something at some point.. seems i need to find a new board now.. good luck right?

 

well... i cannot find another PRNDL unit.. on ebay or anywhere.. where can i get one other than the dealer?

 

SOLVED>.......

after calling dealer, and other 3rd party cadillac parts suppliers.. I found everyone wanted an arm and leg for this little cell phone sized plastic unit.. FINALLY i started messaging people on ebay selling cts parts.. and someone had one. 25$ shipped.. once i recieved it i had to clean coffee out of it, but the board wasnt corroded like on mine.. installed it, and winter mode now functions!!! yee haw, because last winter sucked!!!

 

I have a 2005 CTS 3.6L and my winter mode nor sport mode is working. Never have since i bought the car. I was trying to check to see if it could be a relay or blown fuse but all my fuses under the hood are in proper working matter. can someone help?

hell you can even text me the info if you want


919-346-3589....Desperate need lol