Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 209
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Recommended Fuel (LSY 2.0L L4Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Recommended Fuel (LGY 3.0L V6 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . 298
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . 300
Driving Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Trailer Towing (LSY 2.0L L4 and
LGY 3.0L V6 Engines Only) . . . . 304
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 307
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.
.Watch the road. Do not read, take
notes, or look up information on
phones or other electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat passenger to
handle potential distractions.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
216 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Racing/Track Brake Burnishing
Procedure
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.
1. Apply the brakes 25 times starting at 100 km/h (60 mph) to 50 km/h
(30 mph) while decelerating at
0.4 g. This is a medium brake
application. Drive for at least 1 km
(0.6 mi) between applying the
brakes. This first step may be
skipped if there are more than
320 km (200 mi) on the brake pads.
2. Apply the brakes 25 times starting at 100 km/h (60 mph) to 25 km/h
(15 mph) while decelerating at
0.8 g. This is a hard brake
application, without activating the
Antilock Brake System (ABS). Drive
for at least 1 km (0.6 mi) between
applications. 3. Cool down: Drive at 100 km/h
(60 mph) for approximately 15 km
(10 mi) without using the brakes.
4. Apply the brakes 25 times from 100 km/h (60 mph) to 50 km/h
(30 mph) while decelerating at
0.4 g. This is a medium brake
application. Drive for at least 1 km
(0.6 mi) between applications.
As with all high performance brake
systems, some amount of brake squeal
is normal.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment suggested specs for
track use:
.Front: -2.0 deg camber, 0.2 deg
total toe
.Rear: -1.7 deg camber, 0.2 deg
total toe
Vehicles Equipped with the
Original Equipment Tires
Follow the requirements and
recommendations for tire inflation
pressures while driving on various
types of tracks/courses. This helps to
achieve a well-balanced vehicle and
enhance tire traction performance. Use good judgment to determine the
appropriate tire inflation pressure and
speeds for the track/course
configuration and environmental
conditions. Contact the tire
manufacturer if further assistance is
needed.
Tire Inflation Pressure
Guidelines
Tire inflation pressures affect vehicle
handling and tire life, and should be
adjusted for various types of tracks/
courses.
Inspect the tires prior to every track/
course session. Track/course driving
will reduce the tire tread life.
Driving and Operating
{Warning
Operating the vehicle at high speeds
can be dangerous. Improper tire
inflation pressure can put
additional strain on the tires and
can cause a sudden failure. Make
sure the tires are in excellent
(Continued)
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 219
Warning (Continued)
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking
the exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in)
on the vehicle side that is away
from the wind, to bring in
fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or
under the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control
system to circulate the air inside
the vehicle and set the fan speed
to the highest setting. See
“Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0231.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then
shut the engine off and partially close
the window. Moving about to keep
warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than the idle speed.
This keeps the battery charged to
restart the vehicle and to signal for
help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels
to free the vehicle when stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. See
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0240.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you or
others could be injured. The vehicle
can overheat, causing an engine
compartment fire or other damage.
Spin the wheels as little as possible
and avoid going above 56 km/h
(35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right
to clear the area around the front
wheels. Turn off any traction system.
Shift back and forth between
R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as
possible. To prevent transmission
wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears. Release
the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator
pedal when the transmission is in
gear. Slowly spinning the wheels in
the forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get
the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the
vehicle does need to be towed out, see
Towing the Vehicle 0371.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how
much weight the vehicle can carry.
This weight is called the vehicle
capacity weight and includes the
weight of all occupants, cargo, and
all nonfactory-installed options.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 223
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 CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
224 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Ignition Positions
The vehicle has an electronic keyless
ignition with pushbutton start.
The remote key must be in the vehicle
for the system to operate. If the
pushbutton start is not working, the
vehicle may be near a strong radio
antenna signal causing interference to
the Keyless Access system. SeeRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
0 7.
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle
must be on, and the brake pedal must
be applied. Stopping the Engine/OFF (No
Indicator Lights) :
When the vehicle
is stopped, press ENGINE START/
STOP once to turn the engine off.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the
ignition will turn off, and Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) 0229.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the
ignition will return to ACC/
ACCESSORY and display a message in
the Driver Information Center (DIC).
When the vehicle is shifted into
P (Park), the ignition system will
switch to OFF.
The vehicle may have an electric
steering column lock. The lock is
activated when the vehicle is switched
to OFF and the driver door is opened.
A sound may be heard as the lock
actuates or releases. The steering
column lock may not release with the
wheels turned off center. If this
happens, the vehicle may not start.
Move the steering wheel from left to
right while attempting to start the
vehicle. If this does not work, the
vehicle needs service. Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake and
steering systems and disable the
airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes
repeatedly. This may deplete power
assist, requiring increased brake
pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the vehicle
is moving. After shifting to
N (Neutral), firmly apply the brakes
and steer the vehicle to a safe
location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the ignition to
OFF. On vehicles with an automatic
transmission, the shift lever must
be in P (Park) to turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position.
4. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0238.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 225
{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 0225. 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 0307.
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 CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
226 DRIVING AND OPERATING
If the remote key is not in the
vehicle, if there is interference, or if
the remote key battery is low, a
Driver Information Center (DIC)
message will display. SeeRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by pressing
ENGINE START/STOP immediately
after cranking has ended, can
overheat and damage the cranking
motor, and drain the battery. Wait
at least 15 seconds between each
try, to let the cranking motor
cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in
very cold weather (below −18 °C or
0 °F), it could be flooded with too
much gasoline. Try pushing the
accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and hold it there, then press
ENGINE START/STOP for up to a
maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at
least 15 seconds between each try,
to allow the cranking motor to cool down. When the engine starts, let
go of the button and the
accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the
same thing. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine. Do not
race the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Stopping the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) and
press and hold ENGINE START/STOP
on the instrument panel, until the
engine shuts off. If the shift lever is
not in P (Park), the engine shuts off
and the ignition goes to ACC/
ACCESSORY. The DIC displays SHIFT
TO PARK. Once the shift lever is
moved to P (Park), the vehicle
turns off.
If the remote key is not detected
inside the vehicle when it is turned off
the DIC displays a message.
Stop/Start System
This vehicle has a Stop/Start system
to shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. It has components
designed for the increased number of
starts.
{Warning
The automatic engine Stop/Start
feature causes the engine to shut
off while the vehicle is still on. Do
not exit the vehicle before shifting
to P (Park). The vehicle may restart
and move unexpectedly. Always
shift to P (Park), and then turn the
ignition off before exiting the
vehicle.
Auto Engine Stop/Start
When the brakes are applied and the
vehicle is at a complete stop, the
engine may turn off. When stopped,
the tachometer displays AUTO STOP.
See Tachometer 099. When the brake
pedal is released or the accelerator
pedal is pressed, the engine will
restart.
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 227
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 is shifted out of D
(Drive) to any gear other than
P (Park).
.Certain driver modes have been
selected. SeeDriver Mode Control
0 242.
.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).
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
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.