Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
300 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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 Overheating0322.
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 0380. 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.
Engine Cooling when Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See
Engine Overheating
0 322.
Trailer Towing (LSY 2.0L L4
Engine)
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To tow a trailer
correctly, follow the directions in
this section and see your dealer for
important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
320 VEHICLE CARE
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure cap,
even a little, can cause them to
come out at high speed and you
could be burned. Never turn the cap
when the cooling system, including
the pressure cap, is hot. Wait for
the cooling system and pressure
cap to cool.
Caution
Failure to follow the specific
coolant fill procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and could
cause system damage. If coolant is
not visible in the surge tank,
contact your dealer.If no problem is found, check to see if
coolant is visible in the coolant surge
tank. If coolant is visible but the
coolant level is not at or above the
indicated mark, add a 50/50 mixture
of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant at the coolant
surge tank, but be sure the cooling
system, including the coolant surge
tank pressure cap, is cool before you
do it.
2.0L L4 Engine
Automatic Coolant Service Fill
Instructions
The vehicle is equipped with a service
feature that assists with filling and
removing air from the cooling system
after service of components or when
coolant is added after being to low. To use this feature:
1. With a cold system, add coolant to
the indicated line on the
surge tank.
2. Replace the pressure cap on the surge tank.
3. Activate the service feature: 3.1. Connect the vehicle to a battery charger.
3.2. Turn the ignition to Service Mode. See Ignition Positions
0 219.
3.3. Turn off the air conditioning.
3.4. Set the parking brake.
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VEHICLE CARE 321
3.5. At the same time, press theaccelerator and the brake
pedal for two seconds, then
release.
3.6. At the end of the cycle, check the coolant level in the surge
tank and add coolant if it is
below the indicated line. Turn
the ignition off, allow the
Electronic Control Module
(ECM) to go to sleep, about
two minutes, and repeat
Steps 3.2 –3.6.
Listen for pump activation and
movement of the control valves while
watching the level of the coolant in
the surge tank. If the tank empties,
turn the ignition off, carefully remove
the pressure cap, refill to the indicated
line, replace the pressure cap, and
repeat steps 3.2 –3.6.
The fill and air removal process will
run for approximately 15 minutes.Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and engine
damage may occur. Be sure the cap
is properly and tightly secured.
2.7L L4 Engine
Automatic Coolant Service Fill
Instructions
The vehicle is equipped with a service
feature that assists with filling and
removing air from the cooling system
after service of components or when
coolant is added after being to low.
To use this feature: 1. With a cold system unscrew the cooling system air bleeder cap.
If coolant can be seen through the
bleeder move to Step 3.
2. Add coolant through the surge tank until it is visible through the air
bleeder.
3. Replace the cooling system air bleeder cap.
4. Add coolant to the indicated line on the surge tank. 5. Replace the pressure cap on the
surge tank.
6. Activate the service feature: 6.1. Connect the vehicle to a battery charger.
6.2. Turn the ignition to Service Mode. See Ignition Positions
0 219.
6.3. Turn off the air conditioning.
6.4. Set the parking brake.
6.5. At the same time, press the accelerator and the brake
pedal for two seconds, then
release.
6.6. At the end of the cycle, check the coolant level in the surge
tank and add coolant if it is
below the indicated line. Turn
the ignition off, carefully
remove the pressure cap, refill
to the indicated line, replace
the pressure cap, and repeat
steps 6.2 –6.6.
Listen for pump activation and
movement of the control valves while
watching the level of the coolant in
the surge tank. If the tank empties,
turn the ignition off, carefully remove
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
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VEHICLE CARE 327
Warning (Continued)
careful. SeeJump Starting - North
America 0366 for tips on working
around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery to
keep the battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery or
use a battery trickle charger.
All-Wheel Drive
If the vehicle is equipped with
All-Wheel-Drive (AWD), this is an
additional system that needs
lubrication.
Transfer Case
Under normal driving conditions,
transfer case fluid does not require
maintenance unless there is a fluid
leak or unusual noise. If required,
have the transfer case serviced by
your dealer.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check, the
vehicle could begin to move. You or
others could be injured and
property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of the
vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be
ready to apply the regular brake at
once should the vehicle begin
to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the
vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your
foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
.To check the parking brake's
holding ability: With the engine
running and the transmission in
N (Neutral), slowly remove foot
pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
.To check the P (Park) mechanism's
holding ability: With the engine
running, shift to P (Park). Then
release the parking brake followed
by the regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is
required.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be
inspected for wear and cracking. See
Maintenance Schedule 0380.
Replacement blades come in different
types and are removed in different
ways. For proper type and length, see
Maintenance Replacement Parts 0392.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch
the windshield when no wiper blade
is installed could damage the
windshield. Any damage that occurs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not allow the wiper
arm to touch the windshield.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
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VEHICLE CARE 351
message should go off after
successfully completing the sensor
matching process. See "TPMS
Sensor Matching Process" later in
this section.
.One or more TPMS sensors are
missing or damaged. The
malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off when the
TPMS sensors are installed and the
sensor matching process is
performed successfully. See your
dealer for service.
.Replacement tires or wheels do not
match the original equipment tires
or wheels. Tires and wheels other
than those recommended could
prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. SeeBuying New Tires
0 354.
.Operating electronic devices or
being near facilities using radio
wave frequencies similar to the
TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning
properly it cannot detect or signal a
low tire pressure condition. See your dealer for service if the TPMS
malfunction light and DIC message
come on and stay on.
Tire Fill Alert (If Equipped)
This feature provides visual and
audible alerts outside the vehicle to
help when inflating an underinflated
tire to the recommended cold tire
pressure.
When the low tire pressure warning
light comes on:
1. Park the vehicle in a safe, level place.
2. Set the parking brake firmly.
3. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
4. Add air to the tire that is underinflated. The turn signal lamp
will flash.
When the recommended pressure
is reached, the horn sounds once
and the turn signal lamp will stop
flashing and briefly turn solid.
Repeat these steps for all
underinflated tires that have
illuminated the low tire pressure
warning light.
{Warning
Overinflating a tire could cause the
tire to rupture and you or others
could be injured. Do not exceed the
maximum pressure listed on the
tire sidewall. See Tire Sidewall
Labeling 0342 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0214.
If the tire is overinflated by more than
35 kPa (5 psi), the horn will sound
multiple times and the turn signal
lamp will continue to flash for several
seconds after filling stops. To release
and correct the pressure, while the
turn signal lamp is still flashing,
briefly press the center of the valve
stem. When the recommended
pressure is reached, the horn
sounds once.
If the turn signal lamp does not flash
within 15 seconds after starting to
inflate the tire, the tire fill alert has
not been activated or is not working.
If the hazard warning flashers are on,
the tire fill alert visual feedback will
not work properly.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
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354 VEHICLE CARE
Treadwear indicators are one way to
tell when it is time for new tires.
Treadwear indicators appear when the
tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in) or
less of tread remaining. SeeTire
Inspection 0352 and
Tire Rotation 0352 for additional
information.
The rubber in tires ages over time.
This also applies to the spare tire,
if the vehicle has one, even if it is
never used. Multiple factors including
temperatures, loading conditions, and
inflation pressure maintenance affect
how fast aging takes place. GM
recommends that tires, including the
spare if equipped, be replaced after six years, regardless of tread wear. To
identify the age of a tire, use the tire
manufacture date, which is the last
four digits of the DOT Tire
Identification Number (TIN) molded
into one side of the tire sidewall. The
last four digits of the TIN indicate the
tire manufactured date. The first two
digits represent the week and the last
two digits, the year. For example, the
third week of the year 2020 would
have a 4-digit DOT date of 0320. Week
01 is the first full week (Sunday
through Saturday) of each year.
Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally
mounted on a parked vehicle. Park a
vehicle that will be stored for at least
a month in a cool, dry, clean area
away from direct sunlight to slow
aging. This area should be free of
grease, gasoline, or other substances
that can deteriorate rubber.
Parking for an extended period can
cause flat spots on the tires that may
result in vibrations while driving.
When storing a vehicle for at least a
month, remove the tires or raise the
vehicle to reduce the weight from the
tires.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specific tires for the vehicle. The
original equipment tires installed
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specification (TPC Spec) system
rating. When replacement tires are
needed, GM strongly recommends
buying tires with the same TPC
Spec rating.
GM's exclusive TPC Spec system
considers over a dozen critical
specifications that impact the
overall performance of the vehicle,
including brake system
performance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire pressure
monitoring performance. GM's
TPC Spec number is molded onto
the tire's sidewall near the tire
size. If the tires have an all-season
tread design, the TPC Spec
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2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
VEHICLE CARE 367
2.0L L4 Engine Shown, 2.7L L4 EngineSimilar
1. Discharged Battery Remote
Positive Terminal
2. Discharged Battery Negative Grounding Terminal
3. Good Battery Negative Terminal
4. Good Battery Positive Terminal
The jump start positive terminal (4)
and negative post (3) are on the
battery of the vehicle providing the
jump start. The jump start remote positive
terminal (1) and the remote negative
grounding terminal (2) for the
discharged battery are on the
passenger side of the vehicle.
The positive jump start connection for
the discharged battery is under a
cover. Lift the cover to expose the
terminal.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery with a
negative ground system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have a
12-volt system with a negative
ground, both vehicles can be
damaged. Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. Position the two vehicles so that they are not touching.
3. Set the parking brake firmly and put the shift lever in P (Park) with
an automatic transmission,
or Neutral with a manual
transmission.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump starting
procedure, they could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Whenever
possible, turn off or unplug all
accessories on either vehicle when
jump starting.
4. Turn the ignition off. Turn off all lights and accessories in both
vehicles, except the hazard warning
flashers if needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running and
can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
382 SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
.Visually inspect halfshafts and drive
shafts for excessive wear, lubricant
leaks, and/or damage including:
tube dents or cracks, constant
velocity joint or universal joint
looseness, cracked or missing boots,
loose or missing boot clamps, center
bearing excessive looseness, loose or
missing fasteners, and axle seal
leaks.
.Check restraint system components.
SeeSafety System Check 047.
.Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust system and
nearby heat shields for loose or
damaged parts.
.Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0370.
.Check parking brake and automatic
transmission park mechanism. See
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism
Check 0327.
.Check accelerator pedal for damage,
high effort, or binding. Replace if
needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut for signs
of wear, cracks, or other damage.
Check the hold open ability of the
strut. If the hold open is low,
service the gas strut. See Gas
Strut(s) 0328.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof028.