Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500442) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
240 Driving and Operating
Axle Fluid
Axles must have 2 400 km
(1,500 mi) before being used in
track driving.
The rear axle fluid
temperatures may be higher
than when driving in severe
conditions. Drain and refill with
new 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 0378.
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 0378.
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 0355.
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
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500442) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 243
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 inspected carefully
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.
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
For vehicles equipped with
front Brembo brake systems:
Performance/racing brake
pads are required prior to
racing or closed track driving.
Vehicles with option code JE2
have performance brake pads.
This procedure should not be
performed on other models as
damage may result.
New brake pads must be
burnished before racing or
other competitive driving.
Caution
Performing the brake
burnish procedure on a base
brake system can result in
brake damage.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500442) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
244 Driving and Operating
Caution
The new vehicle break-in
period should be completed
before performing the brake
burnish procedure,
otherwise damage may
occur to the powertrain/
engine. See New Vehicle
Break-In0259.
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.
When this procedure is
performed as instructed, it will
not damage the brakes. The
brake pads will smoke and
produce an odor. The braking
force and pedal travel may
increase. After the procedure,
the brake pads may appear
white at the rotor contact. Perform this procedure only
on dry pavement, in a safe
manner, and in compliance
with all local and state
ordinances/laws regarding
motor vehicle operation.
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.
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. From a stop, accelerate as
rapidly as possible without
activating traction control
to a speed of 100 km/h
(60 mph).
2. Using the G-Force Gauge in the HUD display, use
enough pedal force to
completely stop the vehicle
in four to five seconds.
(~0.7g Decel level to stop
the vehicle in a straight
line). If ABS activates,
braking is too hard.
3. Repeat the first two steps 20 consecutive times, this
should take about
five minutes.
4. After completing the 20 stops, cool the brakes by
driving for 8 km (5 mi) at
100 km/h (60 mph).
Alternative Closed Course
Brake Burnishing Procedure
This brake burnish procedure
should only be run on vehicles
with a factory equipped brake
system.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500442) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 245
This procedure should only be
run on a track and only on dry
pavement. Brake pedal 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. Start track lapping at lower speeds and lower
braking efforts for
three minutes of driving.
Allow for increased braking
distances due to reduced
brake output.
2. After Step 1, increase speed and braking effort
for the next six minutes of
lapping, gradually ending
up at 90% effort. Continue
to allow for increased
braking distance due to
reduced brake output.
3. Cool the brakes by lapping with minimal light braking
for six minutes. As with all high performance
brake systems, some amount
of brake squeal is normal.
Suspension
Track Prep
—Camber Set
To achieve the maximum
camber setting for track use,
follow this procedure prior to
the final track alignment.
1. Remove the Upper Radiator Baffle and both
front shock tower braces.
2. Remove the strutrebound stop.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500442) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
250 Driving and Operating
6. Auto Trans Only - Quicklyapply full throttle. Release
the brake pedal to launch
the vehicle.
Line Lock (If Equipped)
{Warning
The vehicle may move
unexpectedly when using
Line Lock, which could cause
injury to persons or property
located nearby. Only use
Line Lock on a closed track
where there is a large clear
area around all sides of the
vehicle. Be ready to apply
the brakes immediately if the
vehicle begins to move. Do
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
not use Line Lock in an area
that is accessible to the
public or where people or
property are located near
the vehicle.
Caution
Attempting to shift when
the drive wheels are
spinning and do not have
traction may cause damage
to the transmission. Damage
caused by misuse of the
vehicle is not covered by the
vehicle warranty. Do not
attempt to shift when the
drive wheels do not have
traction.
Line Lock allows for locking
the front brakes
independently of the rear
brakes. This allows the rear
tires to spin when the throttle
is applied. To enter Line Lock, all of
these conditions must be met:
.The vehicle must be in
Track Mode.
.Performance Traction
Management (PTM) Mode
must be enabled.
.The steering wheel must be
straight.
.The driver door must be
closed.
.The vehicle must be in D
(Drive) for an automatic
transmission or 1 (First) gear
for a manual transmission.
.The parking brake must not
be engaged.
.The vehicle must be stopped
on level ground. The
accelerator pedal must not
be applied.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500442) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 251
1. Using the DriverInformation Center (DIC)
buttons on the right side
of the steering wheel,
navigate to the Line Lock
menu within Launch
Control. See Driver
Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0129 or
Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Uplevel) 0132.
2. Press the brake pedal
firmly to move the bar
graph to 100%.
3. Release the brake pedal.
4. There are 15 seconds to complete the burnout
and exit.
5. To release the brakes and
roll out, press
*and SEL
at the same time. If the burnout is not
completed in 15 seconds,
torque will be reduced to idle,
the parking brake will be
applied, Line Lock releases,
and Custom Launch Control
will be disabled.
Ensure the parking brake is
disengaged to re-enter
Launch Control.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can
reduce vehicle traction and
affect your ability to stop and
accelerate. Always drive
slower in these types of
driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles
and deep-standing or flowing
water.
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause
crashes. They might not
work as well in a quick stop
(Continued)
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500442) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
252 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
and could cause pulling to
one side. You could lose
control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large
puddle of water or a car/
vehicle wash, lightly apply
the brake pedal until the
brakes work normally.
Flowing or rushing water
creates strong forces.
Driving through flowing
water could cause the
vehicle to be carried away.
If this happens, you and
other vehicle occupants
could drown. Do not ignore
police warnings and be very
cautious about trying to
drive through flowing water.
Caution
Driving through deep
puddles or standing water
can cause water to come in(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
through the engine air intake
and damage the engine.
If deep puddles or standing
water cannot be avoided,
proceed with caution and do
not exceed 8 km/h (5 mph).
Do not drive through water
that may come close to or
cover the vehicle’s
underbody.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous.
Water can build up under the
vehicle's tires so they actually
ride on the water. This can
happen if the road is wet
enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no
contact with the road.
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. See Tires 0413.
.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, and cooling
system.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500442) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 253
.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 IceCaution
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.
.Turn on Traction Control.
See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control
0
290.
.The 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) 0286.
.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