Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
224 DRIVING AND OPERATING
A message will display in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) when the
brake pads show excessive wear.
Brake Fluid
Replace existing brake fluid with a
qualified DOT 4 high performance
brake fluid from a sealed container.
Brake fluid with a dry boiling point
>310 °C (590 °F) is qualified. If high
performance brake fluid is used,
replace it with GM approved brake
fluid before driving on public roads.
If high performance brake fluid is in
the vehicle and the age of the brake
fluid is over a month old or unknown,
replace the brake fluid before track
events and competitive driving. Do
not use silicone or DOT 5 brake fluids.
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 can possibly
occur when a door is opened or the
remote key is present.Check the fluid level before each
competitive driving event.
Brake System Flushing & Bleeding
The J56 brake system requires specific
processes for bleeding and fluid
flushing. These can be found in the
service manual.
Properly bleeding the brake system is
required for proper operation of the
hydraulic brake system.
Brake Leak Detection
The hydraulic braking system has
advanced diagnostic capability to help
detect hydraulic leaks, trapped air,
and other performance issues. These
diagnostics are active when the
hydraulic system is powered. In order
to avoid inadvertently setting a leak
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC),
disconnect the battery before
servicing the brake system.
If the vehicle sets a DTC related to a
brake system leak, the Brake System
Warning Light will come on and
vehicle speed may be limited to 100
kph (62 mph). Any time a leak DTC is
set, the vehicle should be inspectedcarefully for evidence of a leak and
should be repaired immediately. See
your dealer.
Brake Fade Warning Assist
The Brake Fade Warning Assist
system monitors the performance of
the brake system. If the system
detects brake fade, or if the brake
fluid is near the boiling point, the
driver will be alerted.
The Brake Fade Warning Assist
system is designed for use with the
factory-installed brake pads or GM
approved replacement pads. If the
brake pads on the vehicle need to be
replaced, use GM approved brake
pads. If this is not done, the brake
fade warning system may not function
properly.
Stage 1 :
The DIC displays a “Reduce
Braking to Avoid Overheating”
message, a chime sounds and brake
pedal effort and travel is increased.
When the message displays, the driver
should back up braking points and
reduce brake usage in order to reduce
brake temperature. This will allow for
continued lapping with no speed
limitations.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 225
Stage 2 :The DIC displays a Brakes
Overheated Service Now message, a
chime sounds, and brake pedal effort
and travel is further increased. This
code indicates that the brake fluid
temperature is excessive and is about
to boil. The system limits vehicle
speed to 100 km/h (62 mph). The
driver should immediately start a cool
down lap if on the track. If this
message displays, the vehicle needs to
be serviced. The brake system needs
to cool down, and the brake fluid
must be immediately flushed with
DOT 4 for street use, or to a qualified
DOT 4 race fluid for track use. Boiled
brake fluid is compromised and must
be replaced.
Brake Burnishing
New brake pads must be burnished
before racing or other competitive
driving.Caution
These procedures are specific to the
V-Series with performance brake
linings package. This procedure
should not be run on other models
as damage may result.
Caution
The new vehicle break-in period
should be completed before
performing the brake burnishing
procedure or damage may occur to
the powertrain/engine. See New
Vehicle Break-In 0236.
Caution
Brake pedal fade will occur during
any track burnish procedure and
can cause brake pedal travel and
force to increase. This could extend
stopping distance until the brakes
are fully burnished.
When performed as instructed, these
procedures will not damage the
brakes. During the burnishing procedure, the brake pads will smoke
and produce an odor. The braking
force and pedal travel may increase.
After the procedure is complete, the
brake pads may appear white at the
rotor contact.
Perform these procedures in a safe
manner and in compliance with all
local and state ordinances/laws
regarding motor vehicle operation.
Perform the procedures only on dry
pavement.
As with all high performance brake
systems, some amount of brake squeal
is normal.
Street High Performance Brake
Burnishing Procedure
This section is for the V-Series
Blackwing with J57 carbon ceramic
brake rotors only.
This procedure should only be run on
a track or other non-public area, and
only on dry pavement.
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
232 DRIVING AND OPERATING
.Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control0258.
.Antilock Brake System (ABS)
improves vehicle stability during
hard stops, but the brakes should be
applied sooner than when on dry
pavement. See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 0255.
See Driver Mode Control 0259.
.Allow greater following distance and
watch for slippery spots. Icy patches
can occur on otherwise clear roads
in shaded areas. The surface of a
curve or an overpass can remain icy
when the surrounding roads are
clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
signal for help. Stay with the vehicle
unless there is help nearby. If possible,
use Roadside Service. See Roadside
Service 0435. To get help and keep
everyone in the vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may cause
exhaust gases to get inside. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide
(CO), which cannot be seen or
smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
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.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.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 0245.
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.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
2022 - CRC - 10/11/21
238 DRIVING AND OPERATING
{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.
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 tothe Keyless Access system. See
Remote
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) 0243.
If the vehicle has an automatic
transmission, and 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
turn OFF.
If the vehicle has a manual
transmission and is stationary, the
ignition will turn off, and Retained Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See
Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) 0243.
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.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15268585) -
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 239
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) with an automatic
transmission, or Neutral with a
manual transmission. Turn the
ignition off.
4. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0255.
{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 ENGINE START/STOP
for longer than two seconds, or press
twice within five seconds. ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber Indicator
Light) :
This mode allows the use of
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 0239. The ignition 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 ENGINE START/STOP 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
0326.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). To restart the vehicle
when it is already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
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.
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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.