Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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202 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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 0180.
M : This mode can be entered with
the shift lever in the D (Drive) position
by pressing the M (Manual Mode)
button on the top of the shift lever.
M (Manual Mode) allows the driver to
select gears appropriate for current
driving conditions. M (Manual Mode) can be exited with a second press of
the M (Manual Mode) button. See
Manual Mode
0202.
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 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 Sport
or Track Mode 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.
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204 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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
0 131. If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to avoid
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
Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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208 DRIVING AND OPERATING
To turn off only TCS, press and
release
Y. The traction off lighti
displays in the instrument cluster.
A DIC message may display.
To turn TCS on again, press and
release
Y. The traction off lighti
displayed in the instrument cluster
will turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
Y
is pressed, the system will not turn off
until the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak,
press and hold
Yuntil the traction
off light
iand StabiliTrak OFF light
gcome on and stay on in the
instrument cluster. A DIC message
may display.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak on again,
press and release
Y. The traction off
light
iand StabiliTrak OFF lightg
in the instrument cluster turn off.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle's performance. See Accessories
and Modifications 0254.
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 settings of various
sub-systems. Depending on the option
package, available features, and mode
selected, the suspension, steering, and
powertrain will change settings 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.
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-Sport and V-Series models only.
Press
yorzon 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-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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210 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Modes:TOUR
Default SPORT SNOW/ICE TRACK
Throttle Progression TourTour Snow/Ice Track
Transmission Shift Mode TourSport TourTrack
Steering (Assist Effort) TourSport TourTrack
Magnetic Ride Control (if equipped) TourSport TourTrack
Launch Control (V-Series Only) NANANAAvailable
Stability Control TourTourTourTrack
Performance Traction Management (if
equipped) (V-Series Only) NA
NANAAvailable
Engine Sound Management TourSport TourTrack
Driver Mode Selector Attributes
Affected
The Gauge Cluster Display is
configured for each mode when linked
(default):
Throttle Progression
Adjusts throttle sensitivity by
selecting how quick or slow the
throttle reacts to input. .
Snow/Ice - The accelerator pedal
will reduce engine torque at small
pedal inputs. This allows better
wheel control on slippery surfaces.
. Track - The accelerator pedal is
adjusted to give maximum control
during the highest level of spirited
driving. Transmission Shift Mode
Sport or Track
–Performance Mode
Lift Foot (PMLF) allows the
transmission to hold the current gear
after a quick release of a heavily
applied accelerator pedal. This
provides greater engine braking and
enhanced vehicle control without
using the paddles. Performance
Algorithm Shift (PAS) recognizes
aggressive cornering, heavy braking,
and high acceleration to select and
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 211
hold lower gears when not using
paddles. The shifts are also firmer to
increase the quickness of shifting.
Steering (Assist Effort)
Adjusts from a lighter steering feel in
Tour Mode to reduced assist in Sport
and Track Mode for more
steering feel.
Magnetic Ride Control (if equipped)
Adjusts the shock dampening
firmness from a comfort tune in Tour
Mode to an optimized responsiveness
tune in Sport and Track.
Launch Control (V-Series Only)
Available only in Track Mode for
maximum“off–the–line ”acceleration
when in Competitive or PTM Modes.
Stability Control
. Competitive Mode allows less
computer control to permit some
slide and drift and is selected with
the button –only available in
Track Mode.
. StabiliTrak can be turned off by
pressing and holding the button
for five seconds.Driver Mode Customization
The Engine Sound Management,
steering, and suspension drive modes
can be set to the driver’s preference.
See “Driving Mode ”under Vehicle
Personalization 0144.
When in the Track main vehicle mode,
you cannot overwrite the Steering or
Suspension settings. These settings
are designed to interact with the
advanced functions in the Track Mode
and cannot be overwritten.
The selections made in the Driving
Mode menu overwrite the main
vehicle mode selection via the buttons
or switch on the center console. In
order to customize and overwrite,
select one of the three settings by
touching the infotainment display.
When in the customization screen for
each system, select one of the
available options:
. Auto (Follows the MODE switch)
. Tour
. Sport
. Track The default will be to follow the
vehicle MODE switch settings, but the
main vehicle mode selection for the
currently selected system can be
overwritten using this menu. The
settings selected in this menu will set
the vehicle behavior in all selected
vehicle modes, and will be retained
over each ignition cycle. They do not
have to be reset each time the vehicle
is started.
Competitive Driving Mode
(V-Sport Only)
To select this optional handling mode,
press
Yquickly two times and the
DIC will display COMPETITIVE MODE
ON. While in the Competitive Driving
Mode, the traction off light
iand
StabiliTrak OFF light
gwill come on
in the instrument cluster. TCS does
not limit wheel spin, the Electronic
Limited-Slip Differential (eLSD) allows
increased vehicle agility, and more
effort is required to turn the steering
wheel. See “Limited-Slip Differential
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 213
.StabiliTrak is on and engine power
is slightly reduced.
PERFORMANCE TRACTION 3 –
SPORT ACTIVE HANDLING ON
. For use by drivers who are familiar
with the track.
. Dry conditions only.
. Requires more driving skill than
mode 2.
. StabiliTrak is on and more engine
power is available than in mode 2.
PERFORMANCE TRACTION 4 –
SPORT ACTIVE HANDLING OFF
. For use by drivers who are familiar
with the track.
. Dry conditions only.
. Requires more driving skill than
modes 2 or 3.
. StabiliTrak is off and available
engine power is the same as
mode 3.
PERFORMANCE TRACTION 5 –
RACE ACTIVE HANDLING OFF
. For use by experienced drivers
who are familiar with the track.
. Dry conditions only.
. Requires more driving skill than in
other modes.
. StabiliTrak is off and engine power
is available for maximum
cornering speed.
Press and release
Yto turn off PTM
and return to the traction control and
StabiliTrak systems. The traction off
light
iand StabiliTrak OFF lightg
will go out.
Launch Control (V-Series Only)
A Launch Control feature is available,
within Performance Traction
Management, to allow the driver to
achieve high levels of vehicle
acceleration in a straight line. Launch
Control is a form of traction control
that manages tire spin while
launching the vehicle. This feature is intended for use during closed course
race events where consistent zero to
60 and quarter mile times are
desirable.
Launch Control is only available when
the following criteria are met:
.
Performance Traction
Management modes are selected.
The TCS light comes on in the
instrument cluster and the
appropriate DIC message displays.
. The vehicle is not moving.
. The steering wheel is pointing
straight.
. The brake pedal must be firmly
pressed to the floor, equivalent to
a panic brake event.
. The accelerator pedal is rapidly
applied to wide open throttle. (If
the vehicle rolls due to wide open
throttle, release the throttle, press
the brake pedal more firmly, and
re-apply the accelerator to wide
open throttle.)
Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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214 DRIVING AND OPERATING
The Launch Control feature will
initially limit engine speed as the
driver rapidly applies the accelerator
pedal to wide open throttle. Allow the
engine rpm to stabilize. A smooth,
quick release of the brake pedal, while
maintaining the fully pressed
accelerator pedal, will manage
wheel slip.
After the vehicle is launched, the
system continues in Performance
Traction Management.
Competitive Driving Mode, PTM, and
Launch Control are systems designed
for a closed course race track and not
intended for use on public roads. The
systems are not intended to
compensate for lack of driver
experience or familiarity with the race
track.Limited-Slip Differential
If equipped, the Electronic
Limited-Slip Differential (eLSD) is
automatically activated. eLSD actively
monitors vehicle sensors and driver
inputs to determine the amount of
change for the conditions. With eLSD,
the vehicle has:
.Enhanced high-speed control.
. Improved traction through
corners, allowing more
acceleration.
. More precise steering.
. Increased vehicle agility.
. Integration with StabiliTrak.
For vehicles with eLSD, driven under
severe conditions, the rear axle fluid
should be changed. See Competitive
Driving Mode (V-Sport Only) 0211 and
Maintenance Schedule 0339.
Cruise Control
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at a
steady speed. Do not use cruise
control on winding roads or in
heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could
lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.
With cruise control, a speed of about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be
maintained without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. Cruise control does
not work at speeds below about
40 km/h (25 mph).
If the StabiliTrak
®system begins to
limit wheel spin while using cruise
control, the cruise control
automatically disengages. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 206. If a collision alert occurs when
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220 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Increasing Speed While ACC is at a
Set Speed
If ACC is already activated, do one of
the following:
.Use the accelerator to get to the
higher speed. Press SET– down.
Release the control and the
accelerator pedal. The vehicle will
now cruise at the higher speed.
When the accelerator pedal is
pressed, ACC will not brake
because it is overridden. The ACC
indicator will turn blue on the
instrument cluster and the
Head-Up Display (HUD) (if
equipped).
. Press and hold +RES up until the
desired set speed appears on the
display, then release it.
. To increase vehicle speed in small
increments, press +RES up to the
first detent. For each press, the
vehicle goes 1 km/h (1 mph)
faster.
. To increase vehicle speed in larger
increments, press +RES up to the
second detent. For each press, the vehicle speed increases to the next
5 km/h (5 mph) mark on the
speedometer.
When it is determined that there is no
vehicle ahead or the vehicle ahead is
beyond the selected following gap,
then the vehicle speed will increase to
the set speed.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster 0118.
The increment value used depends on
the units displayed.
Reducing Speed While ACC is at a
Set Speed
If ACC is already activated, do one of
the following:
. Use the brake to get to the desired
lower speed. Release the brake and
press SET–. The vehicle will now
cruise at the lower speed.
. Press and hold SET– down until
the desired lower speed is reached,
then release it. .
To decrease the vehicle speed in
smaller increments, press SET−
down to the first detent. For each
press, the vehicle goes about
1 km/h (1 mph) slower.
. To decrease the vehicle speed in
larger increments, press SET−
down to the second detent. For
each press, the vehicle speed
decreases to the next 5 km/h
(5 mph) mark on the speedometer.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster 0118.
The increment value used depends on
the units displayed.
Selecting the Follow Distance
When a slower moving vehicle is
detected ahead within the selected
following gap, ACC will adjust the
vehicle's speed and attempt to
maintain the follow distance gap
selected.
Press
[on the steering wheel to
adjust the following gap. Each press
cycles the gap button through three
settings: Far, Medium, or Near.