Service VME - Condensation in the Rear Stop Lamp Assembly

When servicing the vehicle with the VIN you entered, the following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the described symptoms.

This message for 2003 Cadillac CTS concerns of water condensation, soap bubbles or dust being trapped around the perimeter of the rear appliqué at the CHMSL This condition is usually noted just after a carwash. The condition is normal, temporary and no repair attempt or part replacement should be pursued. The translucent surrounding edge of the appliqué allows the visibility of water or soap bubbles between the appliqué edge and the deck lid prior to evaporation. The appliqué itself is self contained and sealed from the environment. Some dealers have expressed the need to quickly dry this area rather than wait for the water to evaporate. Field product reports have passed on successful attempts using regulated compressed air as well as hairdryers or heat guns using a no heat setting. This is Dave King, Brand Quality Manager for Cadillac.

Please follow this diagnosis process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed. If these steps do not resolve the condition, please contact GM TAC for further diagnostic assistance. This diagnostic approach was developed for the vehicle with the VIN you entered and should not be automatically be used for other vehicles with similar symptoms.