2021 CADILLAC CT5 Owner's Manual

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
328 VEHICLE CARE
Caution (Continued)
expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank if
it is completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake linings have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake linings
are worn and new linings are needed.
The sound can come and go or can be
heard all the time when the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will not
work well. That could lead to a
crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake linings could result in costly
brake repairs.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied, clearing up
following several applications. This
does not mean something is wrong
with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake linings for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications 0397.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does
not return to normal height, or if
there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign that brake
service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement parts.
If this is not done, the brakes may not
work properly. The braking
performance can change in many
ways if the wrong brake parts are
installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Pad Life System (If
Equipped)
When to Change Brake Pads
This vehicle has a system that
estimates the remaining life of the
front and rear brake pads. Brake pad
life is displayed in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), along with
a percentage for each axle. The system
must be reset every time the brake
pads are changed.
When the system has determined that
the brake pads need to be replaced, a
message will display, which may
include mileage remaining.
Brake pads should always be replaced
as complete axle sets.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
VEHICLE CARE 329
How to Reset the Brake Pad Life
System
The system will automatically detect
when significantly worn brake pads
and sensors are replaced. When the
ignition is turned on after new pads
and sensors are installed, a message
will display. Follow the prompts to
reset the system.
The brake pad life system can also be
manually reset:1. Display Brake Pad Life on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0113 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0116.
2. Press the thumbwheel. Select front or rear pads as appropriate.
3. Select YES on the confirmation message. Repeat for pads on the
other axle if they were also
replaced.
How to Disable the Brake Pad
Life System
The brake pad life system can be
turned off. This may be necessary if
aftermarket brake pads without wear sensors are installed. When the
system is turned off, the front and
rear brake pad life percentages will
not display. However, the built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn can still determine when the
pads should be replaced. See
Brakes
0 328.
To turn off the brake pad life system: 1. Display Brake Pad Life on the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0113 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0116.
2. Select DISABLE.
To turn the brake pad life system back
on, follow the above steps but select
ENABLE in Step 2.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is
filled with GM approved DOT 4 brake
fluid as indicated on the reservoir cap.
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 313 for the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum
marks on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the fluid
level goes back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic
system. Have the brake hydraulic
system fixed. With a leak, the
brakes will not work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir
cap and the area around the cap
before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding
fluid does not correct a leak. If fluid is
added when the linings are worn,
there will be too much fluid when
new brake linings are installed. Add or

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
VEHICLE CARE 331
Warning (Continued)
more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning
0 309 and the back cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode. You
can be badly hurt if you are not
careful. See Jump Starting - North
America 0368 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 or cracking.
It is a good idea to clean or replace
the wiper blade assembly on a regular
basis or when worn. For proper
windshield wiper blade length and
type, see Maintenance Replacement
Parts 0393.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
332 VEHICLE CARE
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.
To replace the wiper blade assembly: 1. Pull the windshield wiper assembly away from the windshield. The
passenger side wiper arm has
limited travel.
2. Lift up on the latch in the middleof the wiper blade where the wiper
arm attaches.
3. With the latch open, pull the wiper blade down toward the windshield
far enough to release it from the
J-hooked end of the wiper arm.
4. Remove the wiper blade.
5. Reverse Steps 1–3 for wiper blade replacement.
Windshield Replacement
HUD System
The windshield is part of the HUD
system. If the windshield needs to be
replaced, a GM replacement
windshield is recommended. The
replacement windshield must be
installed according to GM
specifications for proper alignment.
If it is not, the HUD image may look
out of focus.
Driver Assistance Systems
If the windshield needs to be replaced
and the vehicle is equipped with a
front camera sensor for the Driver
Assistance Systems, a GM replacement windshield is
recommended. The replacement
windshield must be installed
according to GM specifications for
proper alignment. If it is not, these
systems may not work properly, they
may display messages, or they may
not work at all. See your dealer for
proper windshield replacement.
Acoustic Windshield
The vehicle is equipped with an
acoustic windshield. If the windshield
needs to be replaced be sure to get an
acoustic windshield so you will
continue to have the benefits an
acoustic windshield can provide.
Gas Strut(s)
This vehicle is equipped with gas
strut(s) to provide assistance in lifting
and holding open the hood/trunk/
liftgate system in full open position.
{Warning
If the gas struts that hold open the
hood, trunk, and/or liftgate fail, you
or others could be seriously injured.
(Continued)

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
VEHICLE CARE 333
Warning (Continued)
Take the vehicle to your dealer for
service immediately. Visually
inspect the gas struts for signs of
wear, cracks, or other damage
periodically. Check to make sure the
hood/trunk/liftgate is held open
with enough force. If struts are
failing to hold the hood/trunk/
liftgate, do not operate. Have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Do not apply tape or hang any
objects from gas struts. Also do not
push down or pull on gas struts.
This may cause damage to the
vehicle.
See Maintenance Schedule 0383.
Hood
Trunk
Liftgate
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp aim has been preset and
should need no further adjustment.
If the vehicle is damaged in a crash,
the headlamp aim may be affected.
If adjustment to the headlamps is
necessary, see your dealer.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
334 VEHICLE CARE
Bulb Replacement
LED Lighting
This vehicle has LED lamps. For
replacement of any LED lighting
assembly, contact your dealer.
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload
The vehicle has fuses and circuit
breakers to protect against an
electrical system overload.
When the electrical load is too heavy
a circuit breaker opens, protecting the
circuit until overcurrent condition is
removed. This greatly reduces the
chance of circuit overload and fire
caused by electrical problems.
Fuses and circuit breakers protect
electrical devices in the vehicle.Replace a blown or open fuse with a
new one of the identical size and
rating.
If there is a problem on the road and
a fuse needs to be replaced, the
same amperage fuse can be borrowed.
Choose some feature of the vehicle
that is not needed to use and replace
it as soon as possible.
Headlamp Wiring
An electrical overload may cause the
lamps to go on and off, or in some
cases to remain off. Have the
headlamp wiring checked right away if
the lamps go on and off or remain off.
Windshield Wipers
If the wiper motor overheats due to
heavy snow or ice, the windshield
wipers will stop. Wiper function is
available immediately after the wiper
switch is set to off, and back to on.To protect the wiper motor from
overheating, the wipers may slow
down when the windshield is dry for a
long period of time. If a period of dry
operation, or little moisture, exceeds
10 minutes, the wipers may switch to
intermittent operation, and remain
there. When moisture is again
detected on the windshield, wiper
operation will return to the operator
selected speed.
Although the circuit is protected from
electrical overload, overload due to
heavy snow or ice may cause wiper
linkage damage. Always clear ice and
heavy snow from the windshield
before using the windshield wipers.
If the overload is caused by an
electrical problem and not snow or
ice, be sure to get it fixed.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in the vehicle are
protected from short circuits by a
combination of fuses and circuit
breakers. This greatly reduces the
chance of damage caused by electrical
problems.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
VEHICLE CARE 335
{Danger
Fuses and circuit breakers are
marked with their ampere rating.
Do not exceed the
specified amperage rating when
replacing fuses and circuit breakers.
Use of an oversized fuse or circuit
breaker can result in a vehicle fire.
You and others could be seriously
injured or killed.
{Warning
Installation or use of fuses that do
not meet GM’s original fuse
specifications is dangerous. The
fuses could fail, and result in a fire.
You or others could be injured or
killed, and the vehicle could be
damaged.See
Accessories and Modifications
0 310 and
General Information 0309.
To check a fuse, look at the
silver-colored band inside the fuse.
If the band is broken or melted,
replace the fuse. Be sure to replace a
bad fuse with a new one of the
identical size and rating.
Fuses of the same amperage can be
temporarily borrowed from another
fuse location, if a fuse goes out.
Replace the fuse as soon as possible.
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block
The engine compartment fuse block is
on the driver side of the engine
compartment.
Lift the fuse block cover to access the
fuses.
The vehicle may not be equipped with
all of the fuses and relays shown.
Caution
Spilling liquid on any electrical
component on the vehicle may
damage it. Always keep the covers
on any electrical component.