Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15283641) -
2022 - CRC - 10/12/21
228 DRIVING AND OPERATING
might need to be towed out. If the
vehicle does need to be towed out, see
Towing the Vehicle (Electronic Shifter)
0393 or
Towing the Vehicle (Mechanical Shifter)
0 395.
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.
Two labels on the vehicle may
show how much weight it may
properly carry: the Tire and
Loading Information label and the
Certification label.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or
rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
(GAWR). This can cause
systems to break and change
the way the vehicle handles.
This could cause loss of control
and a crash. Overloading can
also reduce stopping
performance, damage the tires,
and shorten the life of the
vehicle.
Tire and Loading Information
Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to the vehicle's center
pillar (B-pillar). The Tire and
Loading Information label shows
the number of occupant seating
positions (1), and the maximum
vehicle capacity weight (2) in
kilograms and pounds.
The Tire and Loading Information
label also shows the tire size of
the original equipment tires (3)
and the recommended cold tire
inflation pressures (4). For more
information on tires and inflation
see Tires 0363 and
Tire Pressure 0370.
There is also important loading
information on the Certification
label. It may show the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
and the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for the front and rear
axle. See “Certification Label” later
in this section.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15283641) -
2022 - CRC - 10/12/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 231
{Warning
Things inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a
sudden stop or turn, or in a
crash.
.Put things in the cargo area
of the vehicle. In the cargo
area, put them as far forward
as possible. Try to spread the
weight evenly.
.Never stack heavier things,
like suitcases, inside the
vehicle so that some of them
are above the tops of the
seats.
.Do not leave an unsecured
child restraint in the vehicle.
.Secure loose items in the
vehicle.
.Do not leave a seat folded
down unless needed.
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
Follow these recommended
guidelines during the first
2 414 km (1,500 mi) of driving this
vehicle. Parts have a break-in period
and performance will be better in
the long run.
.Avoid full throttle starts and
abrupt stops.
.Do not exceed 4000 engine rpm.
.Avoid driving at any one
constant speed, fast or slow.
.Do not drive above
129 km/h (80 mph).
.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. With a manual
transmission, shift to the next (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
lower gear. This rule applies at all
times, not just during the
break-in period.
.Do not participate in racing
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 2 414 km (1,500 mi).
.To break in new tires, drive at
moderate speeds and avoid hard
cornering for the first
322 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
322 km (200 mi). This is
recommended every time brake
linings are replaced.(Continued)
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15283641) -
2022 - CRC - 10/12/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 243
N :In this position, the engine does
not connect with the wheels. To
restart the engine when the vehicle is
already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into
a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine running
at high speed may damage the
transmission. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Be sure the engine is not running at
high speed when shifting the
vehicle.
Caution
A transmission hot message may
display if the automatic
transmission fluid is too hot.
Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle
the engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message
clears when the transmission fluid
has cooled sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing,
press the accelerator pedal down.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding. See “Skidding”underLoss
of Control 0212.
M : This mode can be entered by
moving the shift lever from D (Drive)
to M (Manual Mode). M (Manual
Mode) allows the driver to select gears
appropriate for current driving
conditions. M (Manual Mode) can be
exited by returning the shift lever to D (Drive). See
Manual Mode (Electronic
Shifter) 0249 or
Manual Mode (Mechanical Shifter)
0 248.
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.
While in Sport or Track Mode, the
vehicle monitors driving behavior, and
automatically enables Performance
Shift Features when spirited driving is
detected. These features maintain
lower transmission gears to increase
available engine braking and improve
acceleration response. The vehicle will
exit these features and return to Sport
or Track Mode normal operation after
a short period when no spirited
driving is detected. See Driver Mode
Control 0258.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15283641) -
2022 - CRC - 10/12/21
248 DRIVING AND OPERATING
To shift into D (Drive):1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. From the center position, move the shift lever back.
.If the vehicle is in P (Park) press
the shift lock release button
while pulling the shift
lever back.
.D will illuminate in red.
.After releasing the shift lever, it
will return to the center
position.
To shift out of D (Drive): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding. See “Skidding”underLoss
of Control 0212.
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 Shift
Caution
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.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15283641) -
2022 - CRC - 10/12/21
316 DRIVING AND OPERATING
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be turned
to alert or off when towing a trailer:
.Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert
(LCA), the LCA detection zones that
extend back from the side of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed. Use caution
while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic
Alert (RCTA), use caution while
backing up when towing a trailer, as
the RCTA detection zones that extend
out from the back of the vehicle do
not move further back when a trailer
is towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death
from carbon monoxide (CO), when
towing a trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on or
under the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control
system to a setting that brings in
only outside air. See “Climate
Control Systems” in the Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust
0 241.
Towing a trailer requires experience.
The combination of the vehicle and
trailer is longer and not as responsive
as the vehicle itself. Get used to the
handling and braking of the
combination by driving on a level road
surface before driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must be all be rated to carry
the intended cargo. Inadequate trailer equipment can cause the combination
to operate in an unexpected or unsafe
manner. Before driving, inspect all
trailer hitch parts and attachments,
safety chains, electrical connectors,
lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing
Equipment 0320. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the
trailer brake controller to check the
trailer brakes work. During the trip,
occasionally check that the cargo and
trailer are secure and that the lamps
and any trailer brakes are working.
Towing with a Stability Control
System
When towing, the stability control
system might be heard. The system
reacts to vehicle movement caused by
the trailer, which mainly occurs
during cornering. This is normal when
towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving without a trailer. This can help
to avoid heavy braking and sudden
turns.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15283641) -
2022 - CRC - 10/12/21
318 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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 0408. 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
0 342.
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.
Never tow a trailer with a V-Series or
V-Series Blackwing. These models are
not designed or intended to tow a
trailer.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity
for your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades,
outside temperature, dimensions of
the front of the trailer, and how
frequently the vehicle is used to tow a
trailer.
Before towing a trailer, always
separately weigh:
.the total weight on the vehicle's
tires.
.the trailer.
.the trailer tongue.
{Warning
You and others could be seriously
injured or killed if the trailer is too
heavy or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load. The vehicle
may be damaged, and the repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. (Continued)
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15283641) -
2022 - CRC - 10/12/21
320 DRIVING AND OPERATING
allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle or 227 kg (500 lb), whichever
is less.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or assistance.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Always use the correct hitch
equipment for your vehicle.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by, and
rough roads can affect the trailer and
the hitch.
Never attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches. Only use
frame-mounted hitches that do not
attach to the bumper.
Always seal any holes in your vehicle
if the trailer hitch removed. If not
sealed, dirt, water, and carbon
monoxide (CO) from the exhaust may
enter your vehicle. SeeEngine Exhaust
0 241.
Consider using mechanical sway
controls with any trailer. Ask a
trailering professional about sway controls or refer to the trailer
manufacturer's recommendations and
instructions.
Tires
.Do not tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire on the vehicle.
.Tires must be properly inflated to
support loads while towing a trailer.
See
Tires 0363 for instructions on
proper tire inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer, and attach the
chains to the holes on the trailer hitch
platform. Instructions about safety
chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer.
Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer to help prevent
the tongue from contacting the road if
it becomes separated from the hitch.
Always leave just enough slack so the
combination can turn. Never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Loaded trailers over 450 kg (1,000 lb)
must be equipped with brake systems
and with brakes for each axle. Trailer
braking equipment conforming to
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
requirement CAN3-D313, or its
equivalent, is recommended.
State or local regulations may require
trailers to have their own braking
system if the loaded weight of the
trailer exceeds certain minimums that
can vary from state to state. Read and
follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes so they are installed, adjusted,
and maintained properly. Never
attempt to tap into your vehicle's
hydraulic brake system. If you do,
both the vehicle anti-lock brakes and
the trailer brakes may not function,
which could result in a crash.
Trailer Lamps
Always check all trailer lamps are
working at the beginning of each trip,
and periodically on longer trips.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15283641) -
2022 - CRC - 10/12/21
322 VEHICLE CARE
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . . . 335
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . 335
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . 336
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344 Brake Pad Life System (If
Equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . 349
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . 350
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . 351
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . 352
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Front Turn Signal Lamps . . . . . . . . 353
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . 353
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . 355
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . 358
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Run-Flat Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Self-Sealing Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . 372
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 380
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383