Grill Upgrade! | 2014-2019 CTS Grill Swap How-To

One of the most popular modifications for the 3rd gen Cadillac CTS is the grill update or upgrade. This how-to shows you how to update from the 2014 to the 2015+ grill and badge, or add the mesh grill to your CTS.
The first part of the video discusses what's necessary to change the 2014 grill and badging, as well as what you need to know about mesh grills.
Bookmarks:
Introduction: 00:00
Giveaway: 3:35
Tools Required: 4:35
Bumper Removal: 5:07
Grill Swap: 9:38
Hockey Stick Swap: 13:27
Bumper Install: 16:00
Conclusion: 20:48
If you have a 2016+ with front camera, check out this clip from Savage Cadillac's install video: • Savage Cadillac Grille...
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Tools Used in this Video:
PLEASE USE THESE LINKS TO SUPPORT THE CHANNEL!
Plastic Trim Tools: amzn.to/3hMOYjf
Quick Jacks for your CTS: amzn.to/3EJqpNm
Dewalt Impact Driver: amzn.to/3AmcbPG
Dewalt Impact Wrench: amzn.to/3EEUb5K
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GM Part Numbers and Links:
2015+ Regular Front Badge: 23444634
2015+ Adaptive Cruise Front Badge: 23444635
2015-2016 Grill: 23441802
2017-2019 Grill: 84180920
2015+ Satin Chrome Grill Surround: 84124873
2015+ Black Chrome Grill Surround: 84124872
2015+ Rear Appliqué: 23197402
2015+ Rear Badge: 23236084
Always confirm these part numbers before ordering, I'm not responsible for your wrong parts!
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GM OEM Parts:
www.404parts.com
www.worldpartsdirect.com
www.gmpartsdirect.com
Aftermarket Grills:
www.savagecadillac.com - lots of stuff for your CTS! Custom grills and badges too!
www.ebay.com
www.carid.com
Jet Fuel only is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

[@JetFuelOnly]

And the winner of the plate frame is….. Moneyshotsfired email me your info! [e-mail]

[@moneyshotsfired]

Thank you I appreciate it very much I have a 2014 Cadillac cts 3rd gen

[@JetFuelOnly]

Send me an email so I can ship it to you. ;)

[@AliciaNPrice]

My vehicle was “totaled” and I bought it back and did the front end myself. This video was posted 1 month afterwards and it would have been very helpful.

[@JetFuelOnly]

Sorry to hear that, good job fixing it though!

[@gigglesgaming131]

Just bought a 2014 Cadillac CTS (32k miles) . I've been binge watching your vids. So many tips and advice for how to customize/mod your vehicle. Even though I'm not gonna be doing as much as you have done with your Vsport. I greatly appreciate you showing the easy stuff such as splitters, skideskirts, grill replacements, lights, etc. The stuff that is fairly straight forward and don't need someone else to do it for you. All this has shown me all the cool stuff I can do

[@JetFuelOnly]

Awesome! Thanks for watching, enjoy your car!

[@jessenunez1349]

I’ve been waiting to change the front grill for the longest and I’ve been watching all your videos for Cadillac mods. I don’t know what I’d do without you for real 😭🙏🏽. The final part comes in Wednesday. I plan on installing everything this Sunday.

[@JetFuelOnly]

Congrats! Sorry it was a long time coming!

[@mohameddarweesh8988]

This man is the truest youruber, literally helped me find out the issue with my cadillac cts just when I asked him on Instagram. He took the time did a research and responded to. Much respect. Other people won't even open ur message for a question. Great guy right here straight Genuine

[@JetFuelOnly]

Thanks brother

[@bizerker21]

Wow, It just makes such a difference. Looks soooo sharp! Easily makes a person want to say "Show me your grill!"

[@RudyP18]

I don't even have a Cadillac but still enjoyed the video. Nice work!

[@JetFuelOnly]

Thanks for sitting through it!

[@dHAVOKb]

Great content and well produced video Danial! As much as I would love to swap my grill for a mesh, this looks like a lot and I don’t have the patience anymore. Think I’ll look into just getting the chrome inserts painted or wrapped. Keep up the great work and show me your grill!

[@JetFuelOnly]

Sorry I can’t just come over and knock it out for you!

[@adamhayden5152]

I swapped grills on my ats and it was super easy and only took about an hour. Cts and ats are both alpha chassis cars. Didn’t break anything and it looks so much better then the lame overlays.

[@dHAVOKb]

@@adamhayden5152 Totally agree. I ended up buying the mesh grille, surround, black bumper inserts and blacked out emblems from Savage then had a local body shop do the install for me. Price was reasonable and my car was ready same day. It came out sooooo nice. Glad I opted for the swap.

[@o2riginal]

SHOW ME YOUR GRILL , this video came out at the perfect time ! Best how-to's for sure !

[@gregorymiller9975]

Show me your grille! Great to see that you're still giving your V-Sport some love. Excellent video, as always! Best wishes!

[@aintaken]

Love your channel! Great place to get information on cts mods! Thanks!

[@Matty_ice429]

Honestly, love the way you shoot your content. Just happened to stumble upon it this evening. Very detailed and concise.

[@JetFuelOnly]

Thanks!

[@manicmechanic4915]

Show me your grill! Thank you for all of your great work in documenting the CORRECT process for maintenance and upgrades on the Cadillac.

[@screwedup_ant]

Didn’t replace the grill but had to remove bumper worked perfect 🤝

[@DESHUN1970]

In 2016, I bought my 2016 Cadillac CT6 Platinum 3.0tt AWD from a Cadillac dearship. I had the mesh grill put on and I started having trouble with my Night Vision and other road sensoring that's around the front grill area. Long story short, the dealership had my car for 3 months trying to reset the night vision camera when it was the grill that was throwing off the sensors due to sensors wasn't able to see thru the grill. Long story short, I had to get my orignal grill put back on for the road sensors to work . The following year, Cadillac moved the Cameras for the sensors to allow mesh grills to work for the CT6.

[@JetFuelOnly]

Good info! Sorry the dealer couldn't figure it out for so long. Sometimes I wonder what kind of training they actually have...

[@themann713281]

Nice video as always jet fuel 👍👍

[@iralewis5260]

I've been praying you would do this video! The one from Savage just moves so fast. Thanks Daniel. Also show me your grill.

[@JetFuelOnly]

Glad you liked it!

[@Moreducksthananything]

Danial, I've been waiting for a long time for you to make this how-to vid. Thanks for all your hard work for the CTS VSport community over the years. Now. "SHOW ME YOUR GRILL"😁

[@JetFuelOnly]

Thank you!

[@thomasthai4924]

This video came out at a perfect time as I also just bought the mesh grille and was waiting on shipping, good timing Danial! Show me your grill ;)

[@nicolelongneckergallery]

Great content and production as usual, Danial. I've been thinking of upgrading my 2014. Oh.... SHOW ME YOUR GRILL

[@luisbalderrama8145]

This is such a great upgrade. It looks a lot more sinister. I love it. Show me your grill! Srsly tho, keep up the great content! -Luis

[@dannystalcup1399]

Looks great but that was a big job and a lot of clips and screws. Great job explaining everything!

[@Mr00josh]

Show me your grill!! Because of you my Cts looks completely different. Thank you for all of the useful info and great videos!!

[@ChefBurgos]

Ty for the carbon plate I owe you a video of it and I did the same as did video I wish I had watched this before cuz I made few mistakes LOL but again ty for the amazing gift, it cheer me when I was doing my chemotherapy So much love and Ty

[@JetFuelOnly]

I looked for the video! Hang in there!

[@notthis5gen723]

Great video ! I’ll be replacing my headlights soon so this will be very helpful , if you have headlight recommendations that would be a plus!

[@JetFuelOnly]

For the whole headlight unit OEM is the only thing as far as I know. Also hard to find.

[@notthis5gen723]

@@JetFuelOnly I’ve seen aftermarket option online for about $500 but I’m worried about a mismatch in DRL color so you might be right on a OEM replacement it’s just super expensive

[@JetFuelOnly]

@notthis5gen723 do the aftermarket replacements have the controllers with them or do they have to be swapped out?

[@jerrodd8385]

Nicely done install. So many clips and bolts to get this bumper off! Show me your grill😬

[@KeithValko-ef4mj]

Thanks for the video, I plan to change mine soon. 18 VSport.

[@fernando-xu8oi]

Have a question, I have a 2017 CTS luxury, the question is this, are the 2017 CTSs not identical body wise from the front doors/windshield back? I know the V has a completely different front end from the fenders forward, but I want to replace the rear diffuser, and I could swear they all have the same rear bumper, except for the diffuser

[@JetFuelOnly]

2017 non-V rear bumper changed. Also CTS-V has different rocker panels check out my other video to see the difference. Savage Diffuser Install | Cadillac CTS kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZCXmJqppcaWnZI

[@jerryboy617]

Does the black chrome surround work for the 2015 front bumper? The part number for the black chrome surround says 2016+ on gmpartsdirect but your description says 2015+ so I wasnt sure, i have a 2015 cts vsport.

[@JetFuelOnly]

Yes it works. As long as it says “non-v” or you are sure you aren’t looking at V parts. :)

[@yannicali]

Grill Upgrade looks good!

[@PapawsDadillacOEMplus]

Best videos for cadillac how to's

[@javifuentes4792]

I recently cracked my front grill on my 2014 and need to replace it. I’m not sure if I should get the original grill for the 2014 or switch it to a mesh grill and upgrade the badge to look cleaner. Any suggestions and best place to buy a grill?

[@JetFuelOnly]

If savage doesn’t have any just buy from EBay. For the grill surround you have plenty of Gm parts suppliers to choose from.

[@danpickle7398]

2 questions. first how do I know if I have the adaptive cruise or not and second will the CTS-v grill fit on a CTS luxury?

[@JetFuelOnly]

Adaptive cruise follows the car in front and applies brakes to match the speed. You will have a smooth plastic front emblem with radar behind it. If not the emblem is a 3D textured emblem. Generally. CTS-V front end parts do not fit non V cars

[@pjimmbojimmbo1990]

I think the Mesh Grill actually looks Cheaper/Tackier. Driving slower when not on Pavement might reduce the Wear on that damn Bumper Cover

[@paytonbrown3994]

Hey man recently bought a 2014 CTS with only 55k miles and have been binge watching your videos! Thank you for the thorough videos they are all great! One quick question: how do I know if I have adaptive cruise or not?

[@JetFuelOnly]

Glad they have been helpful, thanks for warching! You will have a smooth glossy cadillac emblem up front. So the radar can see through it. If the center of the emblem is fully 3D you don’t have it. Also when you set your cruise control. - it will actually slow down and not hit the cars ahead.

[@paytonbrown3994]

@@JetFuelOnly perfect thank you!!

[@markdonahue-rw9dt]

Show me your grill, any grills or lighted grill emblem for 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV platinum AWD 6.2L ?

[@JetFuelOnly]

I haven’t seen any myself but I’m sure there are some custom shops that could do it for you.

[@baylorairbear]

Awesome video. Is this vehicle equipped with Active Grill Shutters, or did you perhaps do a delete? I didn't see them. I have to replace the AGS on my 2016 CTS, and the internet acts like that process doesn't exist 😂 Thanks a bunch, this vid will help either way 👌

[@JetFuelOnly]

On the CTS VSport there are no shutters. Not sure which aftermarket grills are compatible but I’m sure it’s just bolted in and has a connector for the wire harbess

[@baylorairbear]

@@JetFuelOnly thanks for that lightning fast reply!

[@oscarresendiz2613]

Nice ! Very helpful video 🔥

[@donjuan5678]

is the front sensor wiring and drl and side marker headlights all one wiring connected to that electrical connector?

[@JetFuelOnly]

yes, the entire bumper is powered by that connector, but it splits off to various components inside the bumper

[@alexsalinas2733]

Thanks for the awesome content!

[@lavatelo68]

Thanks for such a great, detailed video ! Do you know, are CTS cars the only one without lower grille ? I see them on 14' ATS and XTS. I dont like the open mouth look and want to install something to cover. Any ideas ?? thanks !

[@JetFuelOnly]

I’ve seen some lower grills. You might check on carid.com. But I think they were mostly chrome. A couple people have made things out of mesh they bought on eBay.

[@XeroHertz]

Hi Danial Thank you for your dedicated efforts in providing these helpful guidance videos. Your time and expertise are greatly appreciated!... I have a question regarding the emblem bracket from the mesh grille, I was on a road trip and while driving, the carbon fiber Emblem from (Savage cadillac) + bracket flew off.. The mesh grille alone looks cool, but I prefer the carbon fiber emblem there. I asked SavageCadillac if they sell the bracket separately. unfortunately they don't. Do you know where i can find these? Much appreciated! 🙏

[@JetFuelOnly]

Thank you for the kind words! I’m assuming the products sold by savage are produced by someone else in another country. Many of these products are sold on eBay, Alibaba, and Aliexpress. Look around there and you may be able to find something or someone who will sell it.

[@audriieol]

Hey I have a 2014 CTS and I’m looking for a 2015+ grille surround as part of upgrading the badging. Will the 2015+ grille surround fit the 2014?

[@JetFuelOnly]

Yes it fits the 2014 (3rd gen cars) but you have to change the grill too.

[@audriieol]

@@JetFuelOnlyGot it! Thanks for the help👍🏻

[@richardrose9538]

Do I need to use the adaptive cruise special emblem with the Savage Black Grille? I don't plan on using the cruise control

[@JetFuelOnly]

If you don’t have adaptive cruise, no need to adaptive emblem. If you have adaptive cruise you gotta use the adaptive emblem or no emblem at all

[@richardrose5776]

Show me your grille!!! Awesome video… Did you shine up any of the radiator inlet plastics while it was apart to get that deep, dark, new look when it’s assembled?

[@JetFuelOnly]

I didn’t but I should have!

[@mohameddarweesh8988]

I would love to send pictures of my cadillac cts4 wagon so u can advise me wheat would look good on it.

[@JetFuelOnly]

You can message me on IG or my Jet Fuel Only FB page

[@kevinfowler4852]

Show me your grill. Thanks for another great how to video. It’s much appreciated.

[@Crock72]

Enjoying the channel...plan on doing a mesh grill on my 2017 ct6. Can't fund any vids to show the disassemble. Do you think this might be a similar process 🤔

[@JetFuelOnly]

I’m sure it similar as it is like this on a lot of cars. But there will be differences.

[@uhShakey]

Show me your grille😍 thanks danial for all your knowledge and help with this platform

[@barisello]

Thanks for the video. How long is this supposed to take ? I’m getting different estimations from the mechanics :)

[@JetFuelOnly]

I would expect 2-3 hrs labor

[@cmtchoppa]

hey man great video i was thinking about doing this but didnt know how to go about it but thank you ! i gotta question though off topic to this video. i recently installed a new headlight on my 2014 cts v and the headlight beam is really high and blinds drivers at night. how can i adjust them ??

[@JetFuelOnly]

Do you have a second generation CTS or 3Rd gen? Both were made in 2014. On the 3rd gen there’s a little door on the plastic shroud under the hood. Each side. It opens for adjustment. However most cars have auto leveling based on a sensor under the car at the suspension. My car doesn’t have any adjustment otherwise from what I can tell.

[@cmtchoppa]

@@JetFuelOnly i have the 3rd gen and im looking under the hood but i cant find the door. i can see a mark though showing a headlight symbol with the number 1,0%. would it be under that ?

[@JetFuelOnly]

@cmtchoppa5424 yes. There isn’t a little access door right there?

[@cmtchoppa]

@@JetFuelOnly theres just a tab i can open that shows a serial number on the frame on both sides but nothing else. you think id have to remove the whole plastic cover off ?

[@JetFuelOnly]

@cmtchoppa5424 maybe but I’m. It sure why the door would be there otherwise. The maintenance manuals don’t have any procedure specific to the CTS for leveling

[@calilou65]

Can I send a pic of what I have and get a piece of advice or comment before I order the wrong part ?

[@JetFuelOnly]

Yes, send to JETFUELONLYchannel @ gmail or contact me on Instagram

[@screwedup_ant]

Do they make grille covers for the hockey stick

[@JetFuelOnly]

Not that I’ve seen

[@nicholaswilliamsart]

I did this and now the aero ducting is flipping up. Causing the car to overheat.Does anyone have any suggestions on how to fix this?

[@JetFuelOnly]

You’re talking about the flat rubber piece in the lower opening?

[@nicholaswilliamsart]

@@JetFuelOnly yes sir

[@JetFuelOnly]

Hmm that shouldn’t happen but it’s a pretty simple piece. Is it laying completely flat? If I remember correctly it can be slightly tucked around the perimeter

[@nicholaswilliamsart]

@@JetFuelOnly I'm doing a double take now to see what I screwed up on.

[@nicholaswilliamsart]

Found out it's torn in the back and I have to get a new o e

[@paulcondie2520]

Show me your grill! Your Cadillac is looking great!

[@WalkerS8]

Thanks

[@pghpick1]

Someone back in to my Ats after 3 days of owning it! Would you be interested in selling the grill your not using anymore?

[@JetFuelOnly]

Already given away! Sorry. Wouldn’t fit your ATS anyway

[@pghpick1]

@@JetFuelOnly 😢😤 if you come across another one by some chance please let me know

[@kiloDelta-wo6gm]

What color exterior is that?? It’s not phantom gray is it?

[@JetFuelOnly]

Yes it is.

[@BMQuattro]

Would this work with the Luxury edition?

[@JetFuelOnly]

Yes

[@Crock72]

Great vid. Can you customize the acc badge like the rear or will taking it apart ruin it? Is there a sensor in it?

[@JetFuelOnly]

You can separate the chrome part from the plastic emblem “decal” and then paint the chrome if you want. For the emblem your only choice is tint, vinyl or have a custom decal made to lay over it.

[@Crock72]

I see now.. The acc badge is like a 3D printout almost like a sticker

[@bartonreid6740]

Where would I get a headlight upgrade to legal led for 2013 ATS?

[@JetFuelOnly]

Not sure. I heard the D3S kit on Amazon is something that may work for the CTS but if you have adaptive beams they create an issue

[@bartonreid6740]

@@JetFuelOnly no adaptive beans

[@JetFuelOnly]

They might work for you. Make sure D3S is the kit for your car.

[@matador_xciii5968]

That’s awesome 👏

[@Gmorgan26]

Great vid!! Love your content 😊 Show me your grill! 😊

[@Kreaturee]

Would this work on a 2011 cts-4??

[@JetFuelOnly]

No, sorry all the body panels are completely different.

[@israelarredondo7159]

Does that vehicle not have a grille shutter ?

[@JetFuelOnly]

VSports don’t have shutters.

[@og_chapo_jr636]

Does anyone know if this also works with the 2013 ATS???

[@JetFuelOnly]

These parts are not interchangeable with the ATS

[@og_chapo_jr636]

@@JetFuelOnly oh well if I buy a 2015 ats grill and the bumper would it fit on my 2013 ats?

[@JetFuelOnly]

@@og_chapo_jr636 that I couldn’t tell you as I haven’t looked I to the ATS changes between years. It’s a good question for the forums and FB groups. I’m sure a search will reveal what you need to know

[@vmmusa1234]

is there an upgrade for a 2009 grill?

[@JetFuelOnly]

I’m sorry, I’m not involved in the previous generation stuff. But I’ve definitely seen upgrades. Visit carrid.com to get started with that search.

[@davidbayley5194]

Looks like you need a new expansion tank. That would clean up the engine Bay

[@JetFuelOnly]

I do? What’s wrong with mine?

[@kalebcostner8100]

Anyone have any idea what rims those are ?

[@JetFuelOnly]

Rohana RFX2

[@user-mo1nj7jl4c]

will this grill fit the cts coupe 2013

[@JetFuelOnly]

No sorry. Pretty much zero parts from the 3rd gen (2014-2019) will fit your car

[@user-mo1nj7jl4c]

@@JetFuelOnly i watched this video a few months ago and i didn’t even look at the year😭 too bad the 2013 front looks weird while the back looks better for some reason

[@smoothdrive3055]

Show me your grill caddy porshe and Audi!!!

[@johnschuman8910]

Love these vids. Show me your grill!

[@OctaneHaz3190]

What year and options will fit for lower grille?

[@JetFuelOnly]

There was no lower grill option. A couple companies may have made something but they don’t look great IMO. Search CARID.com

[@arturkasparyan2394]

hello i need genuine grill,where to find it out ?

[@JetFuelOnly]

Www.gmpartsdirect.com or eBay

[@brandonbarker2780]

What's the difference in the badges

[@JetFuelOnly]

ACC Vs non ACC or just old Vs new?

[@pjimmbojimmbo1990]

It was so much Easier with older Cars, just a few Screws holding the Grill to the Cars Nose and it could removed and replaced in a few Minutes, and you didn't have to take 1/2 the Effin Car apart.

[@dviewer247]

Anything on the ATS grill?

[@JetFuelOnly]

No sorry

[@BigTony777]

The biggest problem to to find it, i can't find grill with surround 😢

[@JetFuelOnly]

They don’t come together, are you having trouble finding one or both?

[@BigTony777]

@@JetFuelOnly i need both of them, the second trouble is- i need it in Europe 🥲

[@JetFuelOnly]

Have you checked with a GM dealer there? Do the parts sites deliver to Europe if the part is available? Like. Www.worldpartsdirect.com

[@GIL-rl7mz]

What are you going to do with your OEM grill

[@JetFuelOnly]

It’s spoken for

[@JetFuelOnly]

Someone is offering one up on Cadillac CTS VSPORT Facebook group

[@kaigemiller1577]

Can u do this on a 2011?

[@JetFuelOnly]

I believe I’ve seen it done. The procedure may be different though.

[@jmoccio]

You mentioned you blacked out the original grille. I'm going to do the same for my 18 CTS. Can the chrome pieces be popped off for vinyl wrap or do I need to wrap it while keeping the chrome pieces on the grille?

[@JetFuelOnly]

Wrap while on grill

[@christophersoprano2296]

Love the vid! Show me your grill!

[@kingcutlass901]

Will it work for a 13 ats

[@JetFuelOnly]

Different grill. Assembly is probably very similar

[@killerelite666]

SHOW ME YOUR GRILL! please, just waited 3 months for mine to come from GM . (hit a deer)

[@jadarealest]

SHOW ME YOUR GRILL I have a brushed aluminum license plate frame made on etsy that is very similar if any one is interested but this carbon fiber one is slick.

[@cryptoninja3245]

Cool Video! Show Me Your Grill!!!...

[@tramboyito3318]

Show me your grille!!

[@sebastiansoler8271]

show me your grill!🔥

[@Esssupp]

SHOW ME DAT GRILL G

[@dirty69impala]

SHOE ME YOUR GRILL

[@BigTony777]

Maybe someone have grill, i am ready to buy it

[@steveclarke7709]

Show me your grill !

[@benp764]

SHOW ME YOUR GRILL !!

[@allenspears5013]

Show me your grille....

[@Caddy_Daddy]

Show me your grill 😁

[@joselopez9167]

Whats up guys.. new subcriber here🫡from Phoenix az. I just picked up my Vsport over the weekend. Looking forward to see all your videos Danial and asking many questions SHOW ME YOUR GRILL..!!!

[@JetFuelOnly]

Thanks! Welcome!!

[@yerbabuena3]

Show me ur Grill👍

[@rudym891]

Show me your Grill

[@benmiessau4679]

Show me your grill

[@cpett10]

SHOW ME YOUR GRILL ❤