Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 207
Track Events and
Competitive Driving
(V-Series Only)
{Danger
High-performance features are
intended for use only on closed
tracks by experienced and qualified
drivers and should not be used on
public roads. High-speed driving,
aggressive cornering, hard braking,
and other high-performance driving
can be dangerous. Improper driver
inputs for the conditions may result
in loss of control of the vehicle,
which could injure or kill you or
others. Always drive safely.
Track events and competitive driving
may affect the vehicle warranty. See
the warranty manual before using the
vehicle for competitive driving.
{Warning
Prior to each track event and again
before returning to public roads,
tighten the wheel nuts with a
torque wrench to the proper torque
specification. Wheel nuts that are
improperly or incorrectly tightened
can cause the wheels to become
loose or come off, resulting in a
crash. See Capacities and
Specifications 0396 for wheel nut
torque specifications.
Caution
Low oil levels can damage the
engine. If using the vehicle for
competitive driving, the engine may
use more oil than it would with
normal use. Check the oil level
often during competitive driving.
Competitive Driving Mode can be
selected. See Driver Mode Control
0 241.
Axle Fluid
Axles must have 2400 km (1500 mi)
before being used in track driving.
The rear axle fluid temperatures may
be higher than when driving in severe
conditions. Drain and refill with new
fluid after the first racing or
competitive driving event, and then
after every 24 hours of racing or
competitive driving. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0391.
Caution
During a first time track or racing
event, high axle temperatures can
occur. Damage could be caused to
the axle and would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do not
drive as long or as fast the first
time the vehicle is driven on the
track or raced.
.The axle lubricant should be
replaced with new lubricant.
.Additional cooling capacity is also
required for continuous competitive
driving.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 209
Caution (Continued)
performance or race track driving.
SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0391.
Brake Fade Warning Assist
The Brake Fade Warning Assist
system monitors the performance of
the brake system. If the system
detects brake fade, or if the brake
fluid is near the boiling point, the
driver will be alerted.
The Brake Fade Warning Assist
system is designed for use with the
factory-installed brake pads or
GM-approved replacement pads. If the
brake pads on the vehicle need to be
replaced, use GM-approved brake
pads. If this is not done, the brake
fade warning system may not function
properly.
Stage 1 : The Driver Information
Center (DIC) displays a “Reduce
Braking to Avoid Overheating”
message and brake pedal effort and
travel is increased. When the message
displays, the driver should decrease
brake pedal pressure. Stage 2 :
The Driver Information
Center (DIC) displays a “Brakes
Overheated Service Now ”message that
the brake fluid temperature is
excessive and is about to boil. The
system increases brake pedal effort
and travel, and will also limit vehicle
speed. The driver should immediately
start a cool down lap if on the track.
If this message displays, take the
vehicle to be serviced at your dealer.
Brake Burnishing
For vehicles equipped with front
Brembo brake systems:
Performance/racing brake pads are
required prior to racing or closed track
driving. Vehicles with option code JE2
have performance brake pads.
New brake pads must be burnished
before racing or other competitive
driving.
These procedures are specific to the
V-Series brake package. This
procedure should not be performed on
other models as damage may result.
Caution
Performing the brake burnish
procedure on a base brake system
can result in brake damage.
Caution
The new vehicle break-in period
should be completed before
performing the brake burnish
procedure, otherwise damage may
occur to the powertrain/engine. See
New Vehicle Break-In 0218.
Caution
Brake fade will occur during this
track burnish procedure and can
cause brake pedal travel and force
to increase. This could extend
stopping distance until the brakes
are fully burnished.
When this procedure is performed as
instructed, it will not damage the
brakes. The brake pads will smoke and
produce an odor. The braking force
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
218 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Follow these recommended guidelines
during the first 2 400 km (1,500 mi) of
driving this vehicle. Parts have a
break-in period and performance will
be better in the long run.
For the first 2 400 km (1,500 mi):
.Avoid full throttle starts and abrupt
stops.
.Do not exceed 4000 engine rpm.
.Avoid driving at any one constant
speed, fast or slow.
.Avoid downshifting to brake or slow
the vehicle when the engine speed
will exceed 4000 rpm.
.Do not let the engine labor. Never
lug the engine in high gear at low
speeds.
.Do not participate in track events,
sport driving schools, or similar
activities during this break-in
period.
.Check engine oil with every
refueling and add if necessary. Oil
and fuel consumption may be
higher than normal during the first
2 400 km (1,500 mi).
.To break in new tires, drive at
moderate speeds and avoid hard
cornering for the first
300 km (200 mi). New tires do not
have maximum traction and may
tend to slip.
.New brake linings also need a
break-in period. Avoid making hard
stops during the first
300 km (200 mi). This is
recommended every time brake
linings are replaced.
Composite Materials
This vehicle may be equipped with
parts containing carbon fiber,
sheet-molding compound, or other
composite materials. Dealer-installed
accessories may also contain
composite materials.
{Warning
Exposed edges of parts containing
carbon fiber and other composite
materials can be sharp. Contact
with these parts could result in
injury. Use caution to avoid
contacting these parts, including
when washing the vehicle. If the
parts are damaged, replace the
parts promptly with replacements
from your dealer.
{Warning
Rocker extensions may break under
pressure, resulting in property
damage or injury. Do not stand on
the rocker extension or use it as
a step.
{Warning
Rear end spoilers may break under
pressure, resulting in property
damage or injury. Do not push the
vehicle by the spoiler or use the
spoiler as a handle.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
220 DRIVING AND OPERATING
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the vehicle
off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,
and must be shut off while driving,
press and hold the ENGINE START/
STOP button for longer than
two seconds, or press twice in
five seconds.
ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber Indicator
Light) : This mode allows you to use
some electrical accessories when the
engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing the
button one time without the brake
pedal applied will place the ignition
system in ACC/ACCESSORY.
The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY to OFF after five minutes
to prevent battery rundown. ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator
Light) :
This mode is for driving and
starting. With the ignition off, and the
brake pedal applied, pressing the
button once will place the ignition
system in ON/RUN/START. Once
engine cranking begins, release the
button. Engine cranking will continue
until the engine starts. See Starting the
Engine 0220. The vehicle will then
remain on.
Service Mode
This power mode is available for
service and diagnostics, and to verify
the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may be
required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and the
brake pedal not applied, pressing and
holding the button for more than
five seconds will place the vehicle in
Service Mode. The instruments and
audio systems will operate as they do
in ON/RUN, but the vehicle will not be
able to be driven. The engine will not
start in Service Mode. Press the
button again to turn the vehicle off.
Starting the Engine
Place the transmission in the
proper gear
Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change the
way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. See
Add-On Electrical Equipment 0303.
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). To restart the vehicle
when it is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Starting the Vehicle 1. Press the brake pedal, then press ENGINE START/STOP on the
instrument panel.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
222 DRIVING AND OPERATING
To maintain vehicle performance,
other conditions may cause the engine
to automatically restart before the
brake pedal is released.
Auto Stops may not occur and/or Auto
Starts may occur because:
.The climate control settings require
the engine to be running to cool or
heat the vehicle interior.
.The vehicle battery needs to charge.
.The vehicle battery has recently
been disconnected.
.Minimum vehicle speed has not
been reached since the last
Auto Stop.
.The accelerator pedal is pressed.
.The engine or transmission is not at
the required operating temperature.
.The outside temperature is not in
the required operating range.
.The vehicle transmission is shifted
out of D (Drive) to any gear other
than P (Park).
.Certain driver modes have been
selected. SeeDriver Mode Control
0 241.
.The vehicle is on a steep hill or
grade.
.The driver door has been opened or
the driver seat belt has been
unbuckled.
.The hood has been opened.
.The Auto Stop has reached the
maximum allowed time.
Auto Stop Disable Switch
The automatic engine Stop/Start
feature can be disabled and enabled
by pressing the switch with the
h
symbol. Auto Stop is enabled each
time you start the vehicle.
When
his illuminated, the system is
enabled.
Engine Heater
Vehicles with the engine heater can
use this option in cold weather
conditions at or below −18 °C (0 °F) for
easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up. Plug
in the engine heater at least four
hours before starting your vehicle. An
internal thermostat in the plug-end of
the cord may exist which will prevent
engine heater operation at
temperatures above −18 °C (0 °F).
The engine heater cord requires the
front license plate mounting bracket
to be installed. See your dealer for
more information.
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The cord is clipped
to the diagonal brace on the
passenger side of the engine
compartment.
Check the heater cord for damage.
If it is damaged, do not use it. See
your dealer for a replacement.
Inspect the cord for damage yearly.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
234 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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.
Manual Mode (Mechanical
Shifter)
Tap ShiftCaution
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.
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
instrument cluster will become
highlighted, and the current gear is
indicated.
2. Tap the left control to downshift, and the right control 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. While in Temporary
Tap Shift Mode, the D on the
instrument cluster will be highlighted
and the current gear shown.
Automatic shifts return after no
manual shifts have been done for
seven to 10 seconds. 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 automatically shift to the next
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 235
lower gear if the engine rpm is too
high, nor to the next higher gear when
the maximum engine rpm is reached.
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.
Manual Mode (Electronic
Shifter)
Tap ShiftCaution
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.
Permanent Tap Shift Mode
To enter Permanent Tap Shift Mode:1. With the vehicle in D (Drive), pull back on the shift lever to activate
M (Manual Mode). The M in the
shift pattern will illuminate in red,
and the D will switch to white.
While in Permanent Tap Shift
Mode, the M on the instrument
cluster will be highlighted and the
current gear shown. 2. After releasing the shift lever, it
will return to the center position.
3. Pull the control toward you to shift. Pull the left control to
downshift, and the right control to
upshift. To shift to the lowest
available gear, pull and hold the
left control.
To exit Permanent Tap Shift Mode: 1. To exit M (Manual Mode) and return to D (Drive), pull back on
the shift lever. The D in the shift
pattern will illuminate in red, and
the M will switch to white.
2. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
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) prior to shifting back to
D (Drive).
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