
Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369309) -
2016 - crc - 7/30/15
178 Driving and Operating
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Track Events and CompetitiveDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 186
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 187
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 189
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 193
Carbon Fiber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Running the Vehicle WhileParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 200
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . 204
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . 208
Competitive Driving Mode (V-Series Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Limited-Slip Differential (Except V-Series) . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Limited-Slip Differential (V-Series Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . 217
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . 224
Assistance Systems forParking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . 225
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Front Automatic Braking (FAB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . 236
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . 238
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369309) -
2016 - crc - 7/30/15
194 Driving and Operating
The vehicle has an electronic
keyless ignition with pushbutton
start.
Pressing the button cycles it through
three modes: ACC/ACCESSORY,
ON/RUN/START, and Stopping the
Engine/OFF.
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter must be in the vehicle for
the system to operate. If the
pushbutton start is not working, the
vehicle may be near a strong radio
antenna signal causing interference
to the Keyless Access system. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation029.
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle
must be in ACC/ACCESSORY or
ON/RUN, and the brake pedal must
be applied.
Stopping the Engine/OFF (No
Indicator Lights) : When the
vehicle is stopped, press the
ENGINE START/STOP button once
to turn the engine off. If the vehicle is in P (Park), the
ignition will turn off, and Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0197.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the
ignition will return to ACC/
ACCESSORY and display a
message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC). See Transmission
Messages 0146. When the vehicle
is shifted into P (Park), the ignition
system will switch to OFF.
Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to
a safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the
ignition to OFF. On vehicles
with an automatic transmission,
the shift lever must be in
P (Park) to turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position.
4. Set the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake 0204.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,
and must be shut off while driving,
press and hold the ENGINE START/
STOP button for longer than
two seconds, or press twice in
five seconds.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369309) -
2016 - crc - 7/30/15
200 Driving and Operating
If the vehicle is left with the engine
running, follow the proper steps to
be sure the vehicle will not move.
SeeShifting Into Park 0197 and
Engine Exhaust 0199.
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0243.Automatic
Transmission
There are several different positions
for the shift lever.
P : This position locks the rear
wheels. Use this position when
starting the engine because the
vehicle cannot move easily.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running unless you
have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
See Shifting Into Park 0197.
If you are pulling a trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0243.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an electronic shift
lock release system. Fully apply the
regular brakes first and then press
the shift lever button before shifting
from P (Park) when the ignition is in

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369309) -
2016 - crc - 7/30/15
202 Driving and Operating
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission.
The repair will not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. If you are
stuck, do not spin the tires. When
stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
While in Sport or Track Mode, the
vehicle monitors driving behavior,
and automatically enables
Performance Shift Features when
spirited driving is detected. These
features maintain lower
transmission gears to increase
available engine braking and
improve acceleration response. The
vehicle will exit these features and
return to normal operation after a
short period when no spirited driving
is detected. See Driver Mode
Control 0208.
Manual Mode
Tap Shift
Caution
Driving with the engine at a high
rpm without upshifting while using
Tap Shift, could damage the
vehicle. Always upshift when
necessary while using Tap Shift.
Vehicles with Tap Shift have
controls on the back of the steering
wheel to manually shift the
automatic transmission.
To enter Permanent Tap Shift Mode: 1. With the shift lever in D (Drive), press the M (Manual Mode)
button on the top of the shift
lever. While in Tap Shift Mode,
the M of the PRNDM section of
the instrument cluster will
become highlighted, and the
current gear is indicated.
2. Tap the left control to downshift, and the right control
to upshift.
3. To exit, press the M (Manual Mode) button a second time.
With the shift lever in D (Drive) and
not in Permanent Tap Shift Mode,
the tap shift controls will activate a
temporary tap manual shift mode,
allowing the transmission to be
manually shifted. Automatic shifts
return after no manual shifts have
been done for seven to 10 seconds.
The Temporary Tap Shift Mode can
also be deactivated by holding the
right upshift control briefly.
While using Tap Shift, the vehicle
will have firmer, quicker shifting. You
can use this for sport driving or

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369309) -
2016 - crc - 7/30/15
Driving and Operating 203
when climbing or descending hills,
to stay in gear longer, or to
downshift for more power or engine
braking.
The transmission will only allow you
to shift into gears appropriate for the
vehicle speed and engine
revolutions per minute (rpm). The
transmission will not automatically
shift to the next lower gear if the
engine rpm is too high, nor to the
next higher gear when the maximum
engine rpm is reached.
If shifting is prevented for any
reason, a SHIFT DENIED message
will be displayed in the instrument
cluster. SeeTransmission
Messages 0146.
When accelerating the vehicle from
a stop in snowy and icy conditions,
it is suggested to shift into second
gear. A higher gear allows the
vehicle to gain more traction on
slippery surfaces.Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature always
send engine power to all four
wheels. It is fully automatic, and
adjusts itself as needed for road
conditions.
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has ABS, an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
might be heard while this test is
going on, and it might even be
noticed that the brake pedal moves
a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 124.
If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369309) -
2016 - crc - 7/30/15
208 Driving and Operating
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak on
again, press and release the
Y
button. The traction off lightiand
StabiliTrak OFF light
gin the
instrument cluster turn off.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle's performance. See
Accessories and Modifications
0 250.
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control attempts to add
a sportier feel, provide a more
comfortable ride, or assist in
different weather conditions or
terrain. This system simultaneously
changes the software calibration of
various sub-systems. Depending on
the option package, available
features, and mode selected, the
suspension, steering, and
powertrain will change calibrations
to achieve the desired mode
characteristics. If the vehicle is
equipped with Magnetic Ride
Control, selecting the various Driver
Modes adjusts the ride of the vehicle to enhance the ride
performance for the road conditions
and the selected mode.
While in the Sport and/or Track
Modes, the vehicle monitors driving
behavior and automatically enables
Performance Shift Features when
spirited driving is detected. These
features maintain lower
transmission gears to increase
available engine braking and
improve acceleration response. The
vehicle will exit these features and
return to normal operation after a
short period when no spirited driving
is detected.Driver Mode Control Switch
The Driver Mode Control has three
or four modes: Tour, Sport, Snow/
Ice, and Track. The Track Mode is
for V-Series models only. Press
«
orzon the MODE switch on the
center console to make a mode
selection. The first press of the
switch will show the current mode.
Subsequent presses will scroll
though the available modes. The
Tour and Sport Modes will feel
similar on a smooth road. Select a
new setting whenever driving
conditions change.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369309) -
2016 - crc - 7/30/15
Driving and Operating 209
Tour Mode
Use for normal city and highway
driving to provide a smooth,
soft ride.
Sport Mode
Use where road conditions or
personal preference demand a more
controlled response.
When selected, the Sport Mode
indicator will display in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
Competitive Driving Mode can be
accessed through this mode.
Snow/Ice Mode
Use when more traction is needed
during slippery conditions.
When selected, the Snow/Ice Mode
indicator will display in the DIC.
This feature is not intended for use
when the vehicle is stuck in sand,
mud, ice, snow, or gravel. If the
vehicle becomes stuck, seeIf the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0189.
Track Mode (V-Series Only)
Use when maximum vehicle
handling is desired.
When selected, the Track Mode
indicator will display in the DIC.
When in Track Mode, the automatic
transmission and steering will
function similar to Sport Mode. The
accelerator pedal is adjusted to give
maximum control during the highest
level of spirited driving. The
Magnetic Ride Control will be set to
the optimum level for vehicle
responsiveness. Competitive Driving
Mode or PTM can be accessed
through this mode.
There are seven attributes that vary
by mode shown below. Not all
vehicles have all features,
depending on the vehicle options.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369309) -
2016 - crc - 7/30/15
Driving and Operating 217
Also, you may have to brake or shift
to a lower gear to keep the vehicle
speed down. If the brake pedal is
applied, cruise control disengages.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise
control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
. Press
*.
. Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
. Press
J.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is
erased from memory if
Jis
pressed or if the ignition is
turned off.
Adaptive Cruise Control
If equipped with Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC), it allows the driver to
select the cruise control set speed
and following gap. Read this entire
section before using this system.
The following gap is the following time between your vehicle and a
vehicle detected directly ahead in
your path moving in the same
direction. If no vehicle is detected in
your path, ACC works like regular
cruise control. ACC uses camera
and radar sensors.
If a vehicle is detected in your path,
ACC can apply acceleration or
limited, moderate braking to
maintain the selected following gap.
To disengage ACC, apply the brake.
If ACC is controlling your vehicle
speed when the Traction Control
System (TCS) or electronic stability
control system activates, the ACC
may automatically disengage. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control
0206. When road
conditions allow ACC to be safely
used, the ACC can be turned
back on.
ACC will not engage if the TCS or
electronic stability control system is
disabled.
{Warning
ACC has limited braking ability
and may not have time to slow
the vehicle down enough to avoid
a collision with another vehicle
you are following. This can occur
when vehicles suddenly slow or
stop ahead, or enter your lane.
Also see “Alerting the Driver” in
this section. Complete attention is
always required while driving and
you should be ready to take
action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving 0180.
{Warning
ACC will not detect or brake for
children, pedestrians, animals,
or other objects.
Do not use ACC when:
. On winding and hilly roads
or when the sensors are
blocked by snow, ice, or dirt.
The system may not detect
(Continued)