2018 CADILLAC CT6 Owners Manual

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11292458) -
2018 - crc - 2/14/17
232 DRIVING AND OPERATING
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into
a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine running
at high speed may damage the
transmission. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Be sure the engine is not running at
high speed when shifting the
vehicle.
Caution
A transmission hot message may
display if the automatic
transmission fluid is too hot.
Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle
the engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message
clears when the transmission fluid
has cooled sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing,
press the accelerator pedal down.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding. See “Skidding”underLoss
of Control 0209.
M : This mode can be entered by
moving the shift lever from D (Drive)
to M (Manual Mode). M (Manual
Mode) allows the driver to select gears
appropriate for current driving
conditions. M (Manual Mode) can be
exited by returning the shift lever to
D (Drive). See Manual Mode (Gasoline
Only) 0233. For PLUG-IN vehicles, see
Regenerative
Braking (PLUG-IN Only) 0237.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 the vehicle is
stuck, do not spin the tires. When
stopping on a hill, use the brakes to
hold the vehicle in place.
While in Sport 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 (Gasoline Only)
0 241.

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11292458) -
2018 - crc - 2/14/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 233
Manual Mode
(Gasoline Only)
For PLUG-IN vehicles, seeRegenerative
Braking (PLUG-IN Only) 0237.
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.
If equipped, 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. Move the shift lever from D (Drive) to M (Manual Mode).
While in Tap Shift Mode, the M
on the PRNDM section of the
instrument cluster will become
highlighted, and the current gear
is indicated.
2. Tap the left control toward the driver to downshift, and the right
control toward the driver to
upshift. To shift to the lowest
available gear, press and hold the
left control.
3. To exit, move the shift lever back to D (Drive).
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. The vehicle exits
Temporary Tap Shift Mode after the
accelerator pedal is steady for six seconds. Temporary Tap Shift
Mode holds a gear longer without
exiting when coasting, to provide
powertrain braking. 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 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 downshift if the engine rpm is
too high in the next lower gear,
or upshift to the next higher gear
when the maximum engine rpm is
reached.

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11292458) -
2018 - crc - 2/14/17
234 DRIVING AND OPERATING
If shifting is prevented for any reason,
a SHIFT DENIED message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster.
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 an Antilock Brake
System (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 may be heard
while this test is going on, and it may
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. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 146.
If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to avoid

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11292458) -
2018 - crc - 2/14/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 235
a sudden obstacle, a computer senses
the wheels are slowing down. If one of
the wheels is about to stop rolling, the
computer will separately work the
brakes at each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure to
each wheel, as required, faster than
any driver could. This can help you
steer around the obstacle while
braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates on
wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the
time needed to get a foot up to the
brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close
to the vehicle in front of you, there
will not be enough time to apply the
brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows
or stops. Always leave enough room
up ahead to stop, even with ABS.Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the
brake pedal down firmly and let ABS
work. You may hear the ABS pump or
motor operating and feel the brake
pedal pulsate. This is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brake at
the same time. In many emergencies,
steering can help more than even the
very best braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The vehicle has an Electric Parking
Brake (EPB). The EPB can always be
activated, even if the ignition is off. To
prevent draining the battery, avoid
repeated cycles of the EPB system
when the engine is not running.
The system has a
Yor PARK
Electric Parking Brake light, and a
8
Service Parking Brake light.
See Electric Parking Brake Light 0145
and Service Electric Parking Brake Light
0 146.
Before leaving the vehicle, check for
the
Yor PARK light to ensure that
the parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The
Yor PARK light will flash and
then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the
Yor PARK light
flashes continuously, then the EPB is
only partially applied or there is a

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11292458) -
2018 - crc - 2/14/17
236 DRIVING AND OPERATING
problem with the EPB. A DIC message
will display. Release the EPB and try
to apply it again. If the light does not
come on, or keeps flashing, have the
vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the
Yor PARK light is
flashing. See your dealer. See Electric
Parking Brake Light 0145.
If the
8light is on, press the EPB
switch and hold it. Continue to hold
the switch until the
Yor PARK light
remains on. If the
8light remains on,
see your dealer.
If the EPB is applied while the vehicle
is moving, the vehicle will decelerate
as long as the switch is pressed. If the
switch is pressed until the vehicle
comes to a stop, the EPB will remain
applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply
the EPB in some situations when the
vehicle is not moving. This is normal,
and is done to periodically check the
correct operation of the EPB system.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the
Yor
PARK light is off.
If the
8light is on, release the EPB by
pressing and holding the EPB switch.
Continue to hold the switch until
the
Yor PARK light is off. If either
light stays on after release is
attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system and
cause premature wear or damage to
brake system parts. Make sure that
the parking brake is fully released
and the brake warning light is off
before driving.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if
the vehicle is running, placed into
gear, and an attempt is made to drive
away. Avoid rapid acceleration when
the EPB is applied, to preserve parking
brake lining life.
Brake Assist
This vehicle has a brake assist feature
designed to assist the driver in
stopping or decreasing vehicle speed
in emergency driving conditions. This
feature uses the stability system
hydraulic brake control module to
supplement the power brake system
under conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the vehicle
until the ABS activates. Minor brake
pedal pulsation or pedal movement
during this time is normal and the
driver should continue to apply the
brake pedal as the driving situation
dictates. The brake assist feature will

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11292458) -
2018 - crc - 2/14/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 237
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake pedal
pressure is quickly decreased.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Hill Start Assist (HSA) may
automatically activate when the
vehicle is stopped on a hill and
Automatic Vehicle Hold (AVH) is not
enabled. This feature is designed to
prevent the vehicle from rolling, either
forward or rearward, during vehicle
drive off. During the transition from
releasing the brake pedal to
accelerating to drive off on a hill, HSA
holds the braking pressure to prevent
rolling. HSA will not activate if the
vehicle is in a drive gear and facing
downhill or if the vehicle is facing
uphill and in R (Reverse).
Automatic Vehicle
Hold (AVH)
Automatic Vehicle Hold (AVH),
if equipped, can be turned on by
pressing AUTO HOLD with the driver
seat belt fastened, the driver door
closed, and the engine running. The
AVH indicator will come on.
This feature will activate when the
vehicle is stopped to prevent it from
moving. After the brake pedal has
been released and before the
accelerator pedal has been pressed,
AVH uses braking pressure to hold the
vehicle stationary. In addition, theABS pump motor may activate to
build brake pressure to maintain the
vehicle at a standstill if necessary.
If AVH is holding the vehicle, the AVH
indicator will change to green. Once
AVH is active it will hold the vehicle
for a defined time period then engage
the parking brake. While AVH is
holding the vehicle, the parking brake
will engage if the driver door is
opened or the driver seat belt is
unfastened. See
Automatic Vehicle Hold
(AVH) Light 0147.
Regenerative Braking
(PLUG-IN Only)
Regenerative braking takes some of
the energy from the moving vehicle
and turns it back into electrical
energy. This energy is then stored
back into the high voltage battery
system, contributing to increased
energy efficiency.
The hydraulic disc brakes work with
the regenerative braking to ensure
effective braking, such as when a high
braking demand is requested.

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11292458) -
2018 - crc - 2/14/17
238 DRIVING AND OPERATING
The braking system is computer
controlled and blends the regenerative
braking with the conventional
hydraulic disc brakes to meet any
requirements for deceleration. The
controller interprets the braking
request and uses regenerative braking,
conventional hydraulic braking, or a
combination of both as necessary.
Because the hydraulic braking system
uses an electronic booster for boost
assist on demand, under certain
conditions a motor noise may be
heard. This is normal operation.
SeeWarning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators 0126 and Driver Information
Center (DIC) 0162. In the event of a
controller problem, the brake pedal
may be harder to push and the
stopping distance may be longer.
Regen on Demand
Regen on Demand allows the user to
select increased coast deceleration by
pressing the steering wheel tap
controls. It is activated temporarily
while in D (Drive) and permanently
while in M (Manual Mode). Increased
coast deceleration will be felt while the accelerator pedal is fully released
and lessened when the accelerator
pedal is pressed.
The brake pedal must be applied at
low speed, because Regen on Demand
will not stop the car.
The brake lamps may come on when
this feature is activated.
To enter Permanent Regen on
Demand Mode:
1. Move the shift lever from D (Drive) to M (Manual Mode).
While in Permanent Regen on
Demand, the M of the PRNDM
section of the instrument cluster
will become highlighted, and the
current coast deceleration level is
indicated. Level 1 (M1) provides
the most coast deceleration.
Level 4 (M4) provides the least
coast deceleration and is
equivalent to the level found in
D (Drive).
2. Tap the left control on the backof the steering wheel toward the
driver to select more coast
deceleration. Tap the right
control toward the driver to
select less coast deceleration. To
select the most coast
deceleration, press and hold the
left control.
3. To exit, move the shift lever back to D (Drive).
With the shift lever in D (Drive) and
not in Permanent Regen on Demand
Mode, the Tap Shift controls will
activate Temporary Regen on
Demand. The vehicle exits Temporary
Regen on Demand after the

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11292458) -
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 239
accelerator pedal is applied for
15 seconds. Temporary Regen on
Demand can also be deactivated by
holding the right control briefly.
While using Regen on Demand, the
vehicle will have increased coast
deceleration. Use this to maximize
regenerative braking, for sport driving,
or when descending hills.Propulsion Creep Speed Feature
The PLUG-IN vehicle allows the
coasting speed to be selected when
the accelerator or brake pedal is not
held. When in either Temporary
Regen on Demand, or when the shift
lever is placed into M in Permanent
Regen on Demand, the creep speed
can be decreased from M4 (fastest) to
M1 (slowest).
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak, an
electronic stability control system.
These systems help limit wheel spin
and assist the driver in maintaining
control, especially on slippery road
conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of
the drive wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, TCS applies the brakes to the
spinning wheels and reduces engine
power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the
intended path and the direction the
vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak selectively applies braking
pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in
keeping the vehicle on the
intended path.