2006 Cadillac CTS Loss of Acceleration, Steering, and Brake

2006 CADILLAC CTS
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DRWMS9
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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
Jan 1, 2010 at 5:37 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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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...?
Jan 1, 2010 at 11:23 PM
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DRWMS9
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[quote:6eea18494e="Jacobandnickolas"]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...?[/quote:6eea18494e]


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
Jan 2, 2010 at 8:46 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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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
Jan 2, 2010 at 2:39 PM
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STRAILER
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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?
Jan 2, 2010 at 4:47 PM
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DRWMS9
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[quote:e426e6fed4="2CarPro Ken"]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?[/quote:e426e6fed4]

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
Jan 2, 2010 at 9:44 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I didn't realize this eneded in an accident, and I am glad everyone is okay. I am sorry we can't come up with a better answer for you, between all of us we can figure just about anything out. My boss thought perhaps there was diesel fuel may have been spilled and mixed with the water.

Regardless, again we are sorry for not having a better answer for you and wish you and your family a safe new year.

Joe
Jan 2, 2010 at 10:01 PM