Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13060105) -
2020 - CRC - 2/14/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 149
Recommended Fuel (LSY 2.0L L4Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Recommended Fuel (LGY 3.0L V6 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . 227
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . 230
Driving Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 236
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage.
Here are some driving tips to get the
best fuel economy possible:
. Set the climate controls to the
desired temperature after the
engine is started, or turn them off
when not required.
. Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
. Brake gradually and avoid abrupt
stops.
. Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
. When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control.
. Always follow posted speed limits
or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
. Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated. .
Combine several trips into a
single trip.
. Replace the vehicle's tires with the
same TPC Spec number molded
into the tire's sidewall near
the size.
. Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
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, keep your
eyes on the road, keep your hands on
the steering wheel, and focus your
attention on driving.
.Do not use a phone in demanding
driving situations. Use a
hands-free method to place or
receive necessary phone calls.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13060105) -
2020 - CRC - 2/14/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 151
Braking
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is about
three-quarters of a second. In that
time, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h
(60 mph) travels 20 m (66 ft), which
could be a lot of distance in an
emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
.Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
. Avoid needless heavy braking.
. Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops or a brake
fault occurs, the brakes may lose
power assist. More effort will be
required to stop the vehicle and it can
take longer to stop.
Steering
Caution
To avoid damage to the steering
system, do not drive over curbs,
parking barriers, or similar objects
at speeds greater than 3 km/h
(1 mph). Use care when driving over
other objects such as lane dividers
and speed bumps. Damage caused
by misuse of the vehicle is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Variable Effort Steering
The vehicle has a steering system that
varies the amount of effort required to
steer the vehicle in relation to the
speed of the vehicle.
The amount of steering effort required
is less at slower speeds to make the
vehicle more maneuverable and easier
to park. At faster speeds, the steering
effort increases to provide a sport-like
feel to the steering. This provides
maximum control and stability.
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power
steering. It does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance is
not required.
If power steering assist is lost due to a
system malfunction, the vehicle can
be steered, but may require increased
effort.
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is
held against that position for an
extended period of time, power
steering assist may be reduced.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13060105) -
2020 - CRC - 2/14/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 193
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/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
For vehicles with eLSD, driven under
severe conditions, the rear axle fluid
should be changed. See Competitive
Driving Mode 0191 and
Maintenance Schedule 0308.
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 Traction Control/StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system begins to limit wheel spin
while using cruise control, the cruise control automatically disengages. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control
0183. If a collision alert
occurs when cruise control is
activated, cruise control is disengaged.
See Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System 0214. When road conditions
allow cruise control to be safely used,
it can be turned back on.
Cruise control will disengage if either
TCS or StabiliTrak/ESC is turned off.
If the brakes are applied, cruise
control disengages.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13060105) -
2020 - CRC - 2/14/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 233
signs, trees, or other objects. Always
signal turns well in advance. Do not
steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes may
overheat and result in reduced braking
efficiency.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes,
engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at lower altitudes.
If the engine is turned off immediately
after towing at high altitude on steep
uphill grades, the vehicle could show
signs similar to engine overheating. To
avoid this, let the engine run,
preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few
minutes before turning the engine off.
If the overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating0256.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer
on a level surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and your
trailer on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the
wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake
pedal to allow the chocks to
absorb the load of the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal. .Start the engine.
. Shift into a gear.
. Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more often
when used to tow trailers. See
Maintenance Schedule 0308. It is
especially important to check the
automatic transmission fluid, engine
oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before and
during each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13060105) -
2020 - CRC - 2/14/20
236 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Tires
.Do not tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire on the vehicle.
. Tires must be properly inflated to
support loads while towing a
trailer. See Tires0272 for
instructions on proper tire
inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer, and attach the
chains to the holes on the trailer hitch
platform. Instructions about safety
chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer.
Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer to help prevent
the tongue from contacting the road if
it becomes separated from the hitch.
Always leave just enough slack so the
combination can turn. Never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Loaded trailers over 450 kg (1,000 lb)
must be equipped with brake systems
and with brakes for each axle. Trailer braking equipment conforming to
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
requirement CAN3-D313, or its
equivalent, is recommended.
State or local regulations may require
trailers to have their own braking
system if the loaded weight of the
trailer exceeds certain minimums that
can vary from state to state. Read and
follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes so they are installed, adjusted,
and maintained properly. Never
attempt to tap into your vehicle's
hydraulic brake system. If you do,
both the vehicle anti-lock brakes and
the trailer brakes may not function,
which could result in a crash.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer
turn signals will illuminate to indicate
the vehicle is turning, changing lanes,
or stopping. When towing a trailer,
the arrows on the instrument cluster
will illuminate even if the trailer is not
properly connected or the bulbs are
burned out.
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. See
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0108.
A device connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle systems.
This could affect vehicle operation
and cause a crash. Such devices
may also access information stored
in the vehicle’s systems.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13060105) -
2020 - CRC - 2/14/20
VEHICLE CARE 241
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, seeServicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 068.
If equipped with remote vehicle start,
open the hood before performing any
service work to prevent remote
starting the vehicle accidentally. See
Remote Vehicle Start 015.
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of
any service work performed. See
Maintenance Records 0319.
Caution
Even small amounts of
contamination can cause damage to
vehicle systems. Do not allow
contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
{Warning
For vehicles with auto engine stop/
start, turn the vehicle off before
opening the hood. If the vehicle is
on, the engine will start when the
hood is opened. You or others could
be injured.
{Warning
Components under the hood can
get hot from running the engine. To
help avoid the risk of burning
unprotected skin, never touch these
components until they have cooled,
and always use a glove or towel to
avoid direct skin contact.
Clear any snow from the hood before
opening. To open the hood:1. Pull the hood release lever with
the
isymbol. It is on the
lower left side of the instrument
panel.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13060105) -
2020 - CRC - 2/14/20
250 VEHICLE CARE
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always use the correct automatic
transmission fluid. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0317.
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed in Maintenance
Schedule 0308, and be sure to use the
fluid listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0317.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the
engine compartment on the passenger
side of the vehicle for the 2.0L L4
engine and in the center of the engine
compartment for the 3.0L V6 engine.
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 243.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on inspecting and
replacing the engine air cleaner/filter,
see Maintenance Schedule 0308.
How to Inspect/Replace the
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/filter,
make sure that the engine air cleaner/
filter housing and nearby components
are free of dirt and debris. Do not
clean the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or
compressed air.
To inspect or replace the air cleaner/
filter:
2.0L L4 Engine
1. Remove the five screws on top of the air cleaner/filter cover.
2. Lift the air/cleaner/filter cover away from the air cleaner/filter
housing.
3. Pull out the air cleaner/filter.
4. Inspect or replace the air cleaner/filter.
5. Reverse Steps 1–3 to reinstall the air cleaner/filter cover.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-13060105) -
2020 - CRC - 2/14/20
252 VEHICLE CARE
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Outof View)
3.0L V6 Engine
1. Engine Coolant Surge Tankand Pressure Cap
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can start
up even when the engine is not
running and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator
hoses, or other engine parts. They
can be very hot and can burn you.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak; all coolant could leak out.
That could cause an engine fire and
can burn you. Fix any leak before
driving the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine coolant.
See Maintenance Schedule 0308 and
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0 317.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating, see
Engine Overheating 0256.
What to Use
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator
hoses, or other engine parts. They
can be very hot and can burn you.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak; all coolant could leak out.
That could cause an engine fire and
can burn you. Fix any leak before
driving the vehicle.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down to
−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature.
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion.
. Will not damage aluminum parts.
. Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.