2021 CADILLAC CT5 ABS

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 237
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). 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 heard
during 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. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 106.
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
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
Always leave enough room ahead to
stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the
brake pedal down firmly. Hearing and
feeling ABS operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the
same time. In many emergencies,
steering can help even more than
braking.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 239
If the amber service parking brake
warning light is on, release the EPB by
pressing and holding the EPB switch.
Continue to hold the switch until the
red parking brake status 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.
If you are towing a trailer and parking
on a hill, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0301.
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
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional
braking to activate the Antilock Brake
System (ABS) if the brake pedal is not
pushed hard enough to activate ABS
normally. Minor noise, brake pedal
pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue
to apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist
disengages when the brake pedal is
released.
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 0210. When the vehicle is stopped on a
grade, Hill Start Assist (HSA)
temporarily prevents the vehicle from
rolling in an unintended direction
during the transition from brake pedal
release to accelerator pedal apply. The
brakes release when the accelerator
pedal is applied or automatically
release after a few seconds. The brakes
may also release under other
conditions. Do not rely on HSA to
hold the vehicle.
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.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 303
necessary to go much farther beyond
the passed vehicle before returning to
the lane. Pass on level roadways.
Avoid passing on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel
with one hand. To move the trailer to
the left, move that hand to the left. To
move the trailer to the right, move
that hand to the right. Always back up
slowly and, if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make wider
arcs when towing a trailer to
prevent damage to your vehicle.
Making very sharp turns could
cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when
towing, so trailer will not go over soft
shoulders, over curbs, or strike road
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 Overheating 0326.
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.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
330 VEHICLE CARE
remove fluid, as necessary, only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You or
others could be burned, and the
vehicle could be damaged. Add
brake fluid only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning Light
0 105.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid at
the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0383.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake
fluid from a clean, sealed container.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0392.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the paint
finish can be damaged. Immediately
wash off any painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the
cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed.
The vehicle has an Absorbed Glass
Mat (AGM) 12-volt battery.
Installation of a standard 12-volt
battery will result in reduced 12-volt
battery life. When using a 12-volt battery charger
on the 12-volt AGM battery, some
chargers have an AGM battery setting
on the charger. If available, use the
AGM setting on the charger, to limit
charge voltage to 14.8 volts. Follow
the charger manufacturer's
instructions.
For replacement of the battery, see
your dealer.
Stop/Start System
This vehicle has a Stop/Start system
to shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. See
Stop/Start System
0 226.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Batteries also contain other
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer. WASH
HANDS AFTER HANDLING. For
(Continued)

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
338 VEHICLE CARE
To install the end cover, insert the
tabs on the back of the cover into the
slots in the instrument panel at the
points shown. Align the clips with the
slots in the instrument panel, and
press the cover into place.
The vehicle may not be equipped with
all of the fuses and relays shown.
FusesUsage
1 –
2 HVAC blower
3 –
4 –
5 Theft deterrent/ Universal garage door
opener/Overhead
console/Rain sensor Fuses
Usage
6 –
7 Air quality ionizer
8 Heated steering wheel
9 –
10 Electronic steering column lock 1
11 –
12 –

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
372 VEHICLE CARE
Rear Tow Eye
If equipped, carefully open the cover
by using the small notch that conceals
the rear tow eye socket.
Install the tow eye into the socket and
turn it until it is fully tightened. When
the tow eye is removed, reinstall the
cover with the notch in the original
position.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Caution
Dolly towing or dinghy towing the
vehicle may cause damage because
of reduced ground clearance.
Always put the vehicle on a flatbed
truck or trailer.
The vehicle was neither designed nor
intended to be towed with any of its
wheels on the ground. If the vehicle
must be towed, see Towing the Vehicle
0 371.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0392.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash
it often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they
can damage the vehicle's paint,
metal, or plastic parts. If damage
occurs, it would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Approved
cleaning products can be obtained
from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and appropriate
disposal of any vehicle care
product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes
closer than 30 cm (12 in) to the
surface of the vehicle. Use of power
washers exceeding 8 274 kPa
(1,200 psi) can result in damage or
removal of paint and decals.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
422 INDEX
IndexA
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . 310
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Active Fuel Management . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . 307
Additional InformationOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Thigh Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Agreements
Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . 192
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . 320
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . 58
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . 60
What Makes an AirbagInflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Airbag System (cont'd)
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Airbags
Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . 102
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Rear Pedestrian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . 291
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .237, 331
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Antenna
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . 237
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
INDEX 427
Heated and Ventilated FrontSeats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . 217
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . 47
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
I
If the System Needs Service . . . . . . . 169
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Indicator Pedestrian Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Vehicle Ahead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Infants and Young Children, Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Information Publication Ordering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94, 96 Instrument Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 140
J
Jump Starting - North America . . . . 368
K
Keyless Entry
Remote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Lamps Cornering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . 134
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . 134
Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . 293 Lane Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
LATCH System
Replacing Parts after a Crash . . . . . 78
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Light
Performance Shifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Automatic Vehicle Hold . . . . . . . . . . 107
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . 106