2019 CADILLAC CT6 Owner's Manual

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12533370) -
2019 - crc - 1/23/19
216 DRIVING AND OPERATING
M (Manual Mode) can be exited to
return to D (Drive) at any speed by
pulling the lever rearward from the
center position. It is not necessary to
stop the vehicle or shift to N (Neutral)
or P (Park) before shifting back to
D (Drive).
Temporary Tap Manual Shift Mode
To enter Temporary Tap Shift Mode:1. With the transmission 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.
2. To shift to the lowest available gear, press and hold the left
control.
3. To deactivate, hold the right control briefly. Automatic shifts
return after no manual shifts
have been done for seven to
10 seconds. While using Tap Shift, the vehicle will
have firmer, quicker shifting. This can
be used 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
shifting into gears appropriate for the
vehicle speed and engine revolutions
per minute (rpm). If shifting is
prevented for any reason, a SHIFT
DENIED message will be displayed in
the instrument cluster. The
transmission will not automatically
shift to the next higher gear if the
engine rpm is too high. It will only
automatically shift to the next lower
gear if the engine rpm is much
too low.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.

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12533370) -
2019 - crc - 1/23/19
DRIVING AND OPERATING 217
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
0 143. 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.
When ABS is active, it may be an
indication that road surfaces are
slippery. Braking sooner may be
required for driving conditions.
If equipped with electric brake boost,
the TCS/StabiliTrak/ESC light will
flash when ABS is active.
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.

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12533370) -
2019 - crc - 1/23/19
218 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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 0143 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light
0 143. 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
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 0143.
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.

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12533370) -
2019 - crc - 1/23/19
DRIVING AND OPERATING 219
If the8light 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
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake pedal
pressure is quickly decreased.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature.
HSA does not replace the need to
pay attention and drive safely. You
may not hear or feel alerts or
warnings provided by this system.
Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. See Defensive
Driving 0191.
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).

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12533370) -
2019 - crc - 1/23/19
220 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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, the
ABS 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 0144.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
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/ESC activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the
vehicle wheel brakes to assist the
driver in keeping the vehicle on the
intended path.

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12533370) -
2019 - crc - 1/23/19
DRIVING AND OPERATING 221
If cruise control is being used and
traction control or StabiliTrak/ESC
begins to limit wheel spin, cruise
control will disengage. Cruise control
may be turned back on when road
conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically
when the vehicle is started and begins
to move. The systems may be heard or
felt while they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This is
normal and does not mean there is a
problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary to
turn TCS off if the vehicle gets stuck
in sand, mud, ice, or snow. SeeIf the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0196 and “Turning
the Systems Off and On ”later in this
section.
The indicator light for both systems is
in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
. Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin.
. Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is
activated.
. Turn on and stay on when either
system is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on and stays on to indicate
that the system is inactive and is not
assisting the driver in maintaining
control. The vehicle is safe to drive,
but driving should be adjusted
accordingly. If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
4. Drive the vehicle.
If
dcomes on and stays on, the
vehicle may need more time to
diagnose the problem. If the condition
persists, see your dealer.

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12533370) -
2019 - crc - 1/23/19
222 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Turning the Systems Off and On
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is off.
The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.To turn off only TCS, press and
release
Y. The Traction Off lighti
displays in the instrument cluster and
the appropriate DIC message displays.
To turn TCS on again, press and
release
Y. The Traction Off lighti
displayed in the instrument cluster
will turn off.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/
ESC, press and hold
Yuntil the
Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak/
ESC OFF light
gcome on and stay on
in the instrument cluster. The
appropriate DIC message displays.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on
again, press and release
Y. The
Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak/
ESC OFF light
gin the instrument
cluster turn off.
Adding accessories can affect vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications 0290.
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control attempts to add
a sportier feel, provide a more
comfortable ride, or assists in different
weather conditions or terrain. This
system simultaneously changes the
software settings of various
sub-systems to optimize driving
performance. Depending on the option
package, available features, and mode
selection; the Exhaust, Suspension,
Steering, Brakes, 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.

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12533370) -
2019 - crc - 1/23/19
DRIVING AND OPERATING 223
The Driver Mode Control has multiple
modes: Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and
Track. The Track Mode is available for
V-Series models only. All modes have
preset vehicle settings for use in
different driving conditions. For
further detail see“Mode Description ”.
To activate a mode, press
yorzon
the MODE switch to make a mode
selection in the instrument cluster.
Every press will scroll to the next
available mode. When a mode is
selected, a unique and persistent
indicator will display in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
Mode Description
The following describes the modes
that can be selected in further detail.
Tour Mode
Use for normal city and highway
driving to provide a smooth, soft ride.
This setting provides a balanced
setting between comfort and handling.
This is the standard mode. For further
details on Tour Mode, see “Driver
Mode Selector Attributes Affected ”.
Sport Mode
Use where road conditions or personal
preference demand a more controlled
response.
When selected, the Sport Mode
indicator light will display in the
instrument cluster. In this mode, the vehicle monitors
driving behaviors 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.
The steering including Active Rear
Steer (if equipped), will change to
provide more precise control. If the
vehicle has Magnetic Ride Control, the
suspension will change to provide
better cornering performance. If the
vehicle is equipped with AWD, Sport
Mode sends more torque to the rear
wheels.
For further details on Sport Mode, see
“Driver Mode Selector Attributes
Affected”.