Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
236 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Temporary Tap 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 Shift
Mode, allowing the transmission to
be manually shifted. While in
Temporary Tap Shift Mode, the D
on the instrument cluster will be
highlighted and the current gear
shown.
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, the M or D
will flash 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.
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake
boost have hydraulic brake circuits
that are electronically controlled when
the brake pedal is applied during
normal operation. The system
performs routine tests and turns off
within a few minutes after the vehicle
is turned off. Noise may be heardduring this time. If the brake pedal is
pressed during the tests or when the
electric brake boost system is off, a
noticeable change in pedal force and
travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
helps prevent a braking skid and
maintain steering while braking hard.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See
Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 100.
ABS does not change the time needed
to get a foot on the brake pedal and
does not always decrease stopping
distance. If you get too close to the
vehicle ahead, there will not be
enough time to apply the brakes if
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 239
HSA is available when the vehicle is
facing uphill in a forward gear,
or when facing downhill in
R (Reverse). The vehicle must come to
a complete stop on a grade for HSA to
activate.
Automatic Vehicle
Hold (AVH)
{Warning
Do not rely on this feature. It does
not replace the need to pay
attention and drive safely. You may
not hear or feel alerts or warnings(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
provided by this system. Failure to
use proper care when driving may
result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage.
When Automatic Vehicle Hold (AVH)
is turned on and the vehicle is braked
to a stop, AVH prevents the vehicle
from moving during the transition
from brake pedal release to accelerator
pedal apply. The brakes release when
the accelerator pedal is applied. The
brakes may also release under other
conditions. Do not rely on AVH to
hold the vehicle.
If the accelerator pedal is not applied
within a few minutes, the Electric
Parking Brake will apply. The parking
brake will also apply if the driver door
is opened or the driver seat belt is
unfastened while AVH is holding the
vehicle.
AVH can be turned on by pressing
AUTO HOLD. The indicator light on
the switch will come on. The AVH
light on the instrument panel will come on while AVH is actively holding
the vehicle. See
Automatic Vehicle Hold
(AVH) Light 0101.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
These systems help limit wheel slip
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, the system brakes the
spinning wheel(s) and/or reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the
computer senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
240 DRIVING AND OPERATING
braking pressure at any one of the
vehicle's brakes to help steer the
vehicle in the intended direction.
If cruise control is being used and TCS
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 0214 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 may display 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.
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.
Turning the Systems Off and On
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is off.
The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
242 DRIVING AND OPERATING
V-Mode Button
To activate V-Mode, press the V-Mode
button on the steering wheel. To
deactivate, select a different mode
using the DMC switch, or press the
V-Mode button on the steering wheel.
When V-Mode is deactivated by the
V-Mode button, DMC returns to
Tour Mode.
Mode Description
Tour Mode
Use for normal city and highway
driving to provide a smooth, soft ride.
This mode provides a balance between
comfort and handling. This is the
standard mode. See “Mode Selection Attributes”
later in this section. When
Tour Mode is selected, no indicator
will display.
Sport Mode
Use this mode where road conditions
or personal preference demand a more
controlled response. When this mode
is selected, the vehicle immediately
downshifts. The vehicle also 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 this feature and return to normal
operation after a short period when
spirited driving is no longer detected.
The steering changes to provide more
precise control. If the vehicle has
Magnetic Ride Control, the suspension
changes to provide better cornering
performance.
See “Mode Selection Attributes ”later
in this section. Snow/Ice Mode
Use this mode for slippery surfaces to
help control wheel speed. This mode
can compromise the acceleration on
dry asphalt.
This feature is not intended for use
when the vehicle is stuck in sand,
mud, or gravel. If the vehicle is stuck,
see
If the Vehicle Is Stuck 0214.
See “Mode Selection Attributes ”later
in this section.
Track Mode (V-Series Only)
When in Track Mode, the automatic
transmission and steering function
similar to Sport Mode. The accelerator
pedal is adjusted to give maximum
control during the highest level of
spirited driving. The Magnetic Ride
Control will be set to the optimum
level for vehicle responsiveness.
Performance Traction Management
(PTM) can be accessed through this
mode. See “Performance Traction
Management ”in Competitive Driving
Mode 0246.
See “Mode Selection Attributes ”later
in this section.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 243
My Mode
My Mode is used to personalize
everyday driving. This mode is
designed to allow the driver to
configure vehicle systems to their own
preference for city or normal driving.
Through the center stack, the
following vehicle systems may be
available for customization in
this mode.
.Engine Sound: Stealth, Tour
(Default), Sport, Track
.Steering: Tour (default), Sport,
Track
.Suspension: Tour (default), Sport,
Track
.Brake Response: Tour (default),
Sport, Track
For information on the range of
settings, see “Driver Mode
Customization ”. V-Mode (V-Series Only)
V-Mode is used to personalize
dynamic driving. This mode is
designed to allow the driver to
configure vehicle sub-systems to their
own preference for maximum
handling. V-Mode further enhances
the drivers experience by adding a
powertrain customization. Through
the center stack, the following vehicle
systems may be available for
customization in this mode.
.Engine Sound: Stealth, Tour, Sport
(default), Track
.Steering: Tour, Sport (default),
Track
.Suspension: Tour, Sport, (default),
Track
.Powertrain: Tour, Sport, (default),
Track, Snow/Ice
.PTM: OFF, WET, DRY, SPORT, RACE
1, RACE 2
.Brake Response: Tour, Sport, Track
For information on the range of
settings, see “Driver Mode
Customization ”.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
244 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Mode Selection Attributes
Modes:TOUR
Default SPORT TRACK SNOW/ICE
Powertrain TourTourTrack Snow/Ice
Throttle Progression TourTourTrack Snow/Ice
Transmission Shift Mode TourSport Track Tour
Engine Sound TourSport Track Tour
Steering TourSport Track Tour
Suspension (if equipped with Magnetic Ride
Control) Tour
Sport Track Tour
Traction and Stability Control TourTourTrack Tour
Competitive Driving Mode (if equipped) Not Available Available Not Available Not Available
Performance Traction Mode (if equipped) Not Available Not Available Available Not Available
Brake Response TourSport Track Tour
Throttle Progression
Adjusts throttle sensitivity by
selecting how quick or slow the
throttle reacts to input.
.Snow/Ice - The accelerator pedal
reduces engine torque at small
pedal inputs. This allows better
wheel control on slippery surfaces.
.Track - The accelerator pedal
adjusts to give maximum control
during the highest level of spirited
driving.
Transmission Shift Mode
Sport or Track –Dynamic
Performance Mode (DPM) 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. DPM recognizes
aggressive cornering, heavy braking,
and high acceleration to select and
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 245
hold lower gears when not using
paddles. The shifts are also firmer to
increase the quickness of shifting.
Engine Sound
Adjusts the volume of engine noise.
The sound level changes when the
variable exhaust valves open.
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 in Tour Mode
to an optimized responsiveness tune
in Sport and Track.
Stability Control
.Competitive Mode allows less
computer control to permit some
slide and drift and is selected with
the TCS/StabiliTrak button–only
available in Sport Mode.
.StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) can be turned off by
pressing and holding the TCS/
StabiliTrak button for five seconds.
Brake Response
Adjusts brake pedal sensitivity by
selecting how quick or slow the brakes
respond to input.
Driver Mode Customization
The following settings can be changed
using the Driver Mode Customization
Menu. See “Settings>Vehicle>Drive
Mode Customization ”in the center
stack to customize My Mode or
V-Mode.
Engine Sound
Engine sound adjusts the volume of
engine noise. The settings range from
quietest to loudest volume from
Stealth through Track.
–Stealth, Tour, Sport, Track Steering
Steering adjusts the effort required to
turn the steering wheel. The steering
wheel offers better feedback in the
Tour setting, but requires more effort
in the Sport and Track settings.
–Tour, Sport, Track
Suspension
Suspension adjusts the firmness of the
suspension in the vehicle. Suspension
adjusts the stiffness of the shocks and
/ or springs. The ride is more
comfortable at lower settings and is
stiffer at higher settings for better
control.
–Tour, Sport, Track
Powertrain
Powertrain adjusts the throttle
response, gear shifting and engine
performance. Throttle response
increases in the Sport, Track, and
Snow/Ice settings, and gear shifting is
more aggressive.
–Tour, Sport, Track, Snow/Ice
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 247
Selecting PTM states may modify
other V-Mode customization options.
Off, Wet, Dry, Sport, Race 1, Race 2.
PTM 1–WET
.Intended for all driver skill levels.
.Wet or damp conditions only —not
intended for use in heavy rain or
standing water.
.StabiliTrak/ESC is on and engine
power is reduced based on
conditions.
PTM 2 –DRY
.For use by less experienced drivers
or while learning a new track.
.Dry conditions only.
.StabiliTrak/ESC is on and engine
power is slightly reduced.
PTM 3 –SPORT
.For use by drivers who are familiar
with the track.
.Dry conditions only.
.Requires more driving skill than
mode 2.
.StabiliTrak/ESC is on and more
engine power is available than in
mode 2. PTM 4
–RACE 1
.For use by drivers who are familiar
with the track.
.Dry conditions only.
.Requires more driving skill than
modes 2 or 3.
.StabiliTrak/ESC is off and available
engine power is the same as
mode 3.
PTM 5 –RACE 2
.For use by experienced drivers who
are familiar with the track.
.Dry conditions only.
.Requires more driving skill than in
other modes.
.StabiliTrak/ESC is off and engine
power is available for maximum
cornering speed.
Press and release
gto turn off PTM
and return to the TCS and StabiliTrak/
ESC systems. The traction off light
i
and StabiliTrak Off lightiwill
go out.
Launch Control
If equipped, Launch Control is
available within Competitive Driving
Mode and Performance Traction
Management (PTM) to allow 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:
.Competitive Driving Mode is
selected or any of the Performance
Traction Management modes are
selected. The traction off light
comes on in the instrument cluster
and the appropriate Driver
Information Center (DIC) message
displays.
.The vehicle is not moving.
.The steering wheel is pointing
straight.