Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 221
{Warning
Some of the adjustments and
procedures specified in this section
may require specialized skill,
training, and equipment. Failure to
perform these procedures properly
could cause malfunction,
potentially resulting in death,
personal injury, or damage to the
vehicle or property. Do not attempt
to perform these adjustments or
procedures unless properly
qualified.
{Warning
Prior to each track event and again
before returning to public roads,
tighten the wheel nuts with a
torque wrench to the proper torque
specification. Wheel nuts that are
improperly or incorrectly tightened
can cause the wheels to become
loose or come off, resulting in a
crash. SeeCapacities and
Specifications 0426 for wheel nut
torque specifications.
Caution
If the vehicle is used for track
events and competitive driving, the
engine may use more oil than it
would with normal use. Low oil
levels can damage the engine.
Check the oil level often and
maintain the proper level. See
Engine Oil 0336.
Competitive Driving Mode can be
selected. See Driver Mode Control
0 259.
Seat Belts
Lap-Shoulder Belt
If equipped, the driver seat belt has an
Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR).
This feature is useful in performance
driving scenarios where the driver
wants to be held in the seat more
tightly to take advantage of the
aggressive bolstering of the seat.
1. Move the seat 8-10 cm (3-4 in) rearward from the normal driving
position. 2. Pull the driver shoulder belt out as
far as it will go, until it stops, to set
the lock. While holding the
shoulder belt in this position,
buckle the belt.
When the shoulder belt is released,
the retractor will make a ratchet
sound when it retracts. When the
retractor lock is set, the belt can be
tightened but not pulled out of the
retractor.
3. Adjust the belt, and then move the seat forward 8-10 cm (3-4 in) to
the desired driving position. This
will secure the belt. The belt fit
should be tight, but not
uncomfortable.
To unlatch the belt, press the
button on the buckle. The belt
should return to its stowed
position.
Axle Fluid
Axles must have 2 400 km (1,500 mi)
before being used in track driving.
The front, if equipped with AWD, and
rear axle fluid temperatures may be
higher than when driving in severe
conditions. Drain and refill with new
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
222 DRIVING AND OPERATING
fluid after the first racing or
competitive driving event, and then
after every 24 hours of racing or
competitive driving. See your dealer
for the correct fluid.
Caution
During a first time track or racing
event, high axle temperatures can
occur. Damage could be caused to
the axle and would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do not
drive as long or as fast the first
time the vehicle is driven on the
track or raced.
.The axle lubricant should be
replaced with new lubricant.
.On vehicles without a differential
cooler, additional cooling capacity is
required for continuous competitive
driving. The V-Series Blackwing has
a differential cooler, so no
additional cooling capacity is
necessary.
Engine OilCaution
If the vehicle is used for track
events and competitive driving, the
engine may use more oil than it
would with normal use. Low oil
levels can damage the engine.
Check the oil level often and
maintain the proper level. See
Engine Oil 0336.
Check the oil level often during track
events and competitive driving, and
keep the oil level at or near the upper
mark. See “Checking the Engine Oil" in
Engine Oil 0336.
Fuel
Use premium unleaded gasoline with
a posted octane rating of 93 at a track
event. Unleaded gasoline with a
posted octane rating of 91 may be
used, but performance will be
degraded. See Prohibited Fuels 0317.
Automatic or Manual
Transmission Fluid
Have the transmission fluid set to the
track specific oil level prior to track
usage. Transmission fluid should be
changed after every 15 hours of track
usage. Any transmission level set or
change should be performed at the
dealer.
Brakes
Battery Disconnect
Disconnect the battery before
servicing the hydraulic brake system.
It is critical to disconnect the battery
before bleeding the system, replacing
the pads, or any other work. The
battery must be disconnected to
prevent the brake master cylinder
from pressurizing the hydraulic
system during its automated self
diagnostic tests that may occur when
a door is opened or the remote key is
present.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 231
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.Keep windshield wiping equipment
in good shape.
.Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
.Have good tires with proper tread
depth. SeeTires0367.
.Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving on
flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
.Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the vehicle
on a long downhill slope can cause
brake overheating, can reduce brake
performance, and could result in a
loss of braking. Shift the
transmission to a lower gear to let
the engine assist the brakes on a
steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or
with the ignition off is dangerous.
This can cause overheating of the
brakes and loss of steering assist.
Always have the engine running
and the vehicle in gear.
.Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the center line.
.Be alert on top of hills; something
could be in your lane (e.g., stalled
car, crash).
.Pay attention to special road signs
(e.g., falling rocks area, winding
roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take
appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Caution
To avoid damage to the wheels and
brake components, always clear
snow and ice from inside the
wheels and underneath the vehicle
before driving.
Snow or ice between the tires and the
road creates less traction or grip, so
drive carefully. Wet ice can occur at
about 0 °C (32 °F) when freezing rain
begins to fall. Avoid driving on wet ice
or in freezing rain until roads can be
treated.
For slippery road driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating too
quickly causes the wheels to spin
and makes the surface under the
tires slick.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 237
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)
Caution (Continued)
.Should the vehicle be used for
racing or competitive driving
(after break-in), the rear axle
lubricant must be replaced
beforehand.
See Track Events and Competitive
Driving (V-Series and V-Series
Blackwing) 0220.
On new vehicles, the various
mechanical and electrical systems
experience a “break-in”period during
the first 6,400 km (4,000 miles) of
routine driving. As the vehicle is
driven, the mechanical systems adjust
to provide optimal fuel economy and
transmission shift performance.
Electrical systems will adapt and
calibrate during the break-in period.
A one-time occurrence of clicks and
similar vehicle noises is normal during
this process.
Normal driving charges the vehicle’s
battery to achieve the best operation
of the vehicle, including fuel economy.
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.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
242 DRIVING AND OPERATING
If equipped, the automatic engine
Stop/Start feature can be disabled and
enabled by pressing
h. Auto Stop/
Start is enabled each time you start
the vehicle.
When the
hindicator is 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.
2. Plug the heater cord into theconnector in the front license plate
bracket.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord or
an extension cord can damage the
cord and may result in overheating
and fire.
.Plug the cord into a three-prong
electrical utility receptacle that is
protected by a ground fault
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
detection function. An
ungrounded outlet could cause
an electric shock.
.Use a weatherproof, heavy-duty,
15 amp-rated extension cord if
needed. Failure to use the
recommended extension cord in
good operating condition,
or using a damaged heater or
extension cord, could make it
overheat and cause a fire,
property damage, electric shock,
and injury.
.Do not operate the vehicle with
the heater cord permanently
attached to the vehicle. Possible
heater cord and thermostat
damage could occur.
.While in use, do not let the
heater cord touch vehicle parts
or sharp edges. Never close the
hood on the heater cord.(Continued)
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
244 DRIVING AND OPERATING
If you are towing a trailer and parking
on a hill, seeDriving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0320.
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an
electronic transmission. The shift lock
release button is designed to prevent
inadvertent shifting out of P (Park).
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Ensure the engine is running.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Press and hold the shift lock release button on the shift lever.
4. Move the shift lever to the desired position. For N (Neutral) hold the
lever in the N (Neutral) position
until the N indicator
illuminates red.
5. The P indicator will turn white and the gear indicator will turn red
when the vehicle is no longer in
P (Park).
6. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position. If the vehicle cannot shift from
P (Park), a Driver Information Center
(DIC) message may be displayed.
Check that the ignition is on, the
engine is running, the brake pedal is
applied, and the shift lock release
button is pressed when you are
attempting to shift out of P (Park).
If all of these are met but the vehicle
will not shift out of P (Park), see your
dealer for service.
Parking (Manual
Transmission)
{Warning
If the vehicle has a manual
transmission, never get out of the
vehicle without first moving the
shift lever into 1st or R (Reverse),
setting the parking brake and
turning the ignition off. The vehicle
can roll, which could cause serious
injury or death.
Parking over Things
That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the vehicle
and ignite. Do not park over papers,
leaves, dry grass, or other things
that can burn.
Active Fuel Management
This vehicle's engine may be equipped
with Active Fuel Management, which
allows the engine to operate on either
all of its cylinders, or in reduced
cylinder operation mode, depending
on the driving conditions.
When less power is required, such as
cruising at a constant vehicle speed,
the system will operate in reduced
cylinder operation mode, allowing the
vehicle to achieve better fuel economy.
When greater power demands are
required, such as accelerating from a
stop, passing, or merging onto a
freeway, the system will maintain
full-cylinder operation.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 247
Warning (Continued)
will not move, even when on fairly
level ground, always set the parking
brake and place the transmission
into P (Park). SeeShifting Into Park
0 243 and
Electric Parking Brake 0255.
This vehicle is equipped with an
electronically controlled transmission.
The shift lock release button is
designed to prevent inadvertent
shifting out of P (Park) unless the
ignition is on, the brake pedal is
applied, and the shift lock release
button is pressed. When the vehicle is stopped, press
ENGINE START/STOP to turn off the
vehicle. The transmission will shift to
P (Park) automatically unless the
vehicle is in N (Neutral), See
“Car
Wash Mode ”following.
The vehicle will not shift into P (Park)
if it is moving too fast. Stop the
vehicle and shift into P (Park).
To shift in and out of P (Park), see
Shifting Into Park 0243 and
Shifting out of Park 0244.
Service Shift Lever Message
If the message SERVICE SHIFTER SEE
OWNER’S MANUAL appears in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), the
shift lever needs service. Have the
vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
If the vehicle is automatically shifting
into P (Park), check to see if the
P (Park) button on top of the shift
lever is stuck. To operate the vehicle,
hold the shift lever in the desired gear,
R (Reverse) or D (Drive), until vehicle
speed exceeds 15 km/h (10 mph), then
release the shift lever.
R : Use this gear to back up. If the vehicle is shifted from either
R (Reverse) to D (Drive) or M (Manual
Mode), or M (Manual Mode) or
D (Drive) to R (Reverse) while the
speed is too high, the vehicle will shift
to N (Neutral). Reduce the vehicle
speed and try the shift again.
To shift into R (Reverse):
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Press and hold shift lock release button on the side of the shift
lever.
3. From the center position, move the shift lever forward through the first
detent to the end of travel. R is
illuminated in red.
4. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
To shift out of R (Reverse): 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.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
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254 DRIVING AND OPERATING
engine speed will be increased and
decreased to match vehicle road speed
and transmission gear position. ARM
is maintained while the clutch pedal is
pressed, but will deactivate if the shift
lever is left in the Neutral position.
The system is activated and
deactivated by pressing the ARM
switch on the center console. The
system must be activated with each
new ignition cycle. If ARM is
deactivated, the system will still
perform rev matching for upshifts.
A gear indicator in the instrument
cluster displays the current gear
selected. ARM is also shown in the
Performance View of the HUD:
.When ARM is activated, the gear
number is amber.
.When ARM is deactivated, the gear
number is white.
.If no gear number is displayed while
the shift lever is in gear, service is
required. All rev matching will be
disabled, and the malfunction
indicator lamp will be on. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light)0106. The clutch and
manual transmission will continue
to operate normally.
ARM will also:
.Be active above 28 km/h (18 mph).
.Match engine speed up to
5400 rpm.
.Not operate when the accelerator
pedal is applied.
.Be disabled when the coolant
temperature is below 0 °C (32 °F).
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.