2016 CADILLAC CTS traction control

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369309) -
2016 - crc - 7/30/15
142 Instruments and Controls
SERVICE PARK ASSIST
This message displays if there is a
problem with the Parking Assist
system. Do not use this system to
help you park. See your dealer for
service.
SERVICE REAR AUTO BRAKE
AND PARK ASSIST
This message displays if there is a
problem with the parking and
backing features of the Driver
Assistance System. Do not use this
system to help park or back the
vehicle. See your dealer for service.
SERVICE SIDE DETECTION
SYSTEM
If this message remains on after
continued driving, the vehicle needs
service. Side Blind Zone Alert
(SBZA), Lane Change Alert (LCA),
and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
features will not work. Take the
vehicle to your dealer.
SIDE DETECTION SYSTEM
UNAVAILABLE
This message indicates that Side
Blind Zone Alert (SBZA), Lane
Change Alert (LCA), and Rear
Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) are
disabled either because the sensor
is blocked and cannot detect
vehicles in the blind zone, or the
vehicle is passing through an open
area, such as the desert, where
there is insufficient data for
operation. This message may also
activate during heavy rain or due to
road spray. The vehicle does not
need service. For cleaning, see
"Washing the Vehicle" under
Exterior Care0318.
TAKE STEERING
If LKA does not detect active driver
steering, an alert and chime may be
provided. Move the steering wheel
to dismiss. See Lane Keep Assist
(LKA) 0238.
Ride Control System
Messages
ALL WHEEL DRIVE OFF
If the vehicle has the
All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system, this
message displays when there is a
temporary condition making the
AWD system unavailable. The
vehicle will run in 2WD. This could
be caused by:
.
Loss of wheel or vehicle speed
. AWD system overheat
. Certain vehicle electrical
conditions
This message turns off when the
above conditions are no longer
present and the warning message is
reset.
See All-Wheel Drive 0203.
PERFORMANCE TRACTION 1 -
WET (V-Series Only)
This message displays when this
Performance Traction Management
(PTM) mode is selected. The TCS
and StabiliTrak OFF cluster lights
will also be on when this mode is

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369309) -
2016 - crc - 7/30/15
Instruments and Controls 143
selected. Launch Control is
available when this mode is
selected. In this mode, the Traction
Control and Active Handling System
are available but intended for use
on wet race track conditions. Adjust
your driving accordingly. See
“Performance Traction Management
(V-Series Only)”underCompetitive
Driving Mode (V-Series Only) 0211.
PERFORMANCE TRACTION 2 -
DRY (V-Series Only)
This message displays when this
Performance Traction Management
(PTM) mode is selected. The TCS
and StabiliTrak OFF cluster lights
will also be on when this mode is
selected. Launch Control is
available when this mode is
selected. In this mode, the Traction
Control and Active Handling System
are available but intended for use
on dry race track conditions. Adjust
your driving accordingly. See
“Performance Traction Management
(V-Series Only)” underCompetitive
Driving Mode (V-Series Only) 0211.
PERFORMANCE TRACTION 3 -
SPORT 1 (V-Series Only)
This message displays when this
Performance Traction Management
(PTM) mode is selected. The TCS
and StabiliTrak OFF cluster lights
will also be on when this mode is
selected. Launch Control is
available when this mode is
selected. In this mode, the Traction
Control and Active Handling System
are available but intended for use
on dry race track conditions. Adjust
your driving accordingly. See
“Performance Traction Management
(V-Series Only)” underCompetitive
Driving Mode (V-Series Only) 0211.
PERFORMANCE TRACTION 4 -
SPORT 2 (V-Series Only)
This message displays when this
Performance Traction Management
(PTM) mode is selected. The TCS
and StabiliTrak OFF cluster lights
will also be on when this mode is
selected. Launch Control is
available when this mode is
selected. In this mode, the Traction
Control is available but intended for
use on dry race track conditions. The Active Handling System is
disabled when this mode is
selected. This mode will require
more driver skill than modes 1–3.
Adjust your driving accordingly. See
“Performance Traction Management
(V-Series Only)”
underCompetitive
Driving Mode (V-Series Only) 0211.
PERFORMANCE TRACTION 5 -
RACE (V-Series Only)
This message displays when this
Performance Traction Management
(PTM) mode is selected. The TCS
and StabiliTrak OFF cluster lights
will also be on when this mode is
selected. Launch Control is
available when this mode is
selected. In this mode, the Traction
Control is available but intended for
use on dry race track conditions.
The Active Handling System is
disabled when this mode is
selected. This mode will require
more driver skill than modes 1–4.
Adjust your driving accordingly. See
“Performance Traction Management
(V-Series Only)” underCompetitive
Driving Mode (V-Series Only) 0211.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369309) -
2016 - crc - 7/30/15
144 Instruments and Controls
REAR AXLE OFF
When this message is displayed,
the vehicle’s handling capabilities
will be reduced during severe
maneuvers. StabiliTrak will be
affected. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0206.
SERVICE ALL WHEEL DRIVE
This message displays if a problem
occurs with the All-Wheel-Drive
(AWD) system. The vehicle will run
in 2WD. This could be caused by:
.
An electronics problem
. Worn out or overheated clutch
plates
. Various electrical issues
The system may need service. See
your dealer.
SERVICE REAR AXLE
If there is a problem detected with
the Electronic Limited-Slip Rear
Axle, this message displays. When
displayed, the system is not
operational and driving should be adjusted accordingly. Take the
vehicle to your dealer for service as
soon as possible.
When this message is displayed,
the vehicle’
s handling capabilities
will be reduced during severe
maneuvers. StabiliTrak will be
affected. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0206.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
This message displays if there is a
problem with the StabiliTrak system.
See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0206.
SERVICE SUSPENSION
SYSTEM
This message displays when there
is a problem with the Magnetic Ride
Control system. See Driver Mode
Control 0208. Have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer.
SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL
This message displays when there
is a problem with the Traction
Control System (TCS). See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 206.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message may display when the
Traction Control System (TCS) has
been turned off. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 206.
TRACTION CONTROL ON
This message may display when the
Traction Control System (TCS) has
been turned on. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 206.
Airbag System Messages
SERVICE AIRBAG
This message displays if there is a
problem with the airbag system. See
your dealer for service.

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
Driving and Operating 179
Driving Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Trailer Towing (Sedan L4 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Trailer Towing (Sedan V6 and
V-Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Towing Equipment (Sedan With L4 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Towing Equipment (Sedan V6 and V-Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Driving Information
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms
and can take your focus from the
task of driving. Exercise good
judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away
from the road. Many local
governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, always
keep your eyes on the road, hands
on the wheel, and mind on the drive.
. Do not use a phone in
demanding driving situations.
Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary
phone calls.
. Watch the road. Do not read,
take notes, or look up
information on phones or other
electronic devices.
. Designate a front seat
passenger to handle potential
distractions. .
Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio
stations and adjusting climate
control and seat settings.
Program all trip information into
any navigation device prior to
driving.
. Wait until the vehicle is parked
to retrieve items that have fallen
to the floor.
. Stop or park the vehicle to tend
to children.
. Keep pets in an appropriate
carrier or restraint.
. Avoid stressful conversations
while driving, whether with a
passenger or on a cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369309) -
2016 - crc - 7/30/15
182 Driving and Operating
3. Turn the steering wheel to gostraight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three
control systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not
rolling.
. Steering or Cornering Skid —
too much speed or steering in a
curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force.
. Acceleration Skid —too much
throttle causes the driving
wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids
by taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
. Ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and steer the
way you want the vehicle to go. The vehicle may straighten out.
Be ready for a second skid if it
occurs.
. Slow down and adjust your
driving according to weather
conditions. Stopping distance
can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to
recognize warning clues —such
as enough water, ice, or packed
snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface —and slow
down when you have any doubt.
. Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed
by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.
Track Events and
Competitive Driving
Track events and competitive
driving may affect the vehicle
warranty. See the warranty manual
before using the vehicle for
competitive driving.
Caution
If the vehicle is used for track
events and competitive driving,
the engine may use more oil than
it would with normal use. Low oil
levels can damage the engine.
Check the oil level often and
maintain the proper level. See
Engine Oil 0259.
Axle Fluid
Axles must have 885 km (500 mi)
before being used in track driving.
The front, if equipped with AWD,
and rear axle fluid temperatures
may be higher than when driving in
severe conditions. Drain and refill
with new fluid after the first racing or
competitive driving event, and then

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369309) -
2016 - crc - 7/30/15
186 Driving and Operating
Load Limit: Limit the vehicle to the
driver and one passenger, with no
additional cargo.
Tire Pressure Requirement: Inflate
tires to no less than 300 kPa
(44 psi) cold.
Tracks with Combined High-Speed
and High-Load Corners
(e.g., Nurburgring Nordschliefe, Spa
Francorchamps, or similar)
Load Limit: Limit the vehicle to the
driver and one passenger, with no
additional cargo.
Tire Pressure Requirement: Inflate
tires to no less than 260 kPa
(38 psi) cold and limit to 230 km/h
(143 mph) until 290 kPa (42 psi) is
reached.
Road/Street Courses
(e.g., Virginia International
Raceway, Road Atlanta, or similar)
Load Limit: Limit the vehicle to the
driver and one passenger, with no
additional cargo.Tire Pressure Recommendation:
Hot: Target hot tire pressures to
270-280 kPa (39-41 psi). This is the
stable tire pressure reached after
approximately 15 minutes of
operation at maximum driver effort.
Cold: This value will vary based on
driving style, track, temperature, and
weather conditions.
Return the tires to the
recommended cold tire inflation
pressure when high-speed driving
has ended. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0 189 andTire Pressure 0292.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce
vehicle traction and affect your
ability to stop and accelerate.
Always drive slower in these types
of driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles and
deep-standing or flowing water.
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes.
They might not work as well in a
quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could
lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large
puddle of water or a car/vehicle
wash, lightly apply the brake
pedal until the brakes work
normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates
strong forces. Driving through
flowing water could cause the
vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be
very cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
can build up under the vehicle's
tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369309) -
2016 - crc - 7/30/15
Driving and Operating 187
wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no
contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
. Pass with caution.
. Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
. Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
. Have good tires with proper
tread depth. See Tires0289.
. Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips include: .
Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
. Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
. Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
loss of steering. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
. Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, accident).
. Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when