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
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500442) -
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254 Driving and Operating
are clear. Avoid sudden
steering maneuvers and
braking while on ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
.Select All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Mode for vehicles equipped
with AWD. Select Snow/Ice
Mode for FWD only vehicles.
See Driver Mode Control
0292 and
All-Wheel Drive 0286.
Cold Weather Mode
In very low temperatures, a
cold weather message may
display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The
engine speed, transmission
shift patterns, and cabin fan
speed may operate differently
to enable the vehicle to warm
up quicker. You can manually
override the cabin fan speed in
cold weather mode.
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 Assistance. See
Roadside Assistance Program
0
487. 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.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.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.
.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
0 271.
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
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500442) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
262 Driving and Operating
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.
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
0287.
{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.
Accessory Mode (Amber
Indicator Light) :
This mode
allows the use of some
electrical accessories when
the engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing
the button once without the
brake pedal applied will place
the ignition system in
accessory mode.
The ignition will switch from
accessory mode 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
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500442) -
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268 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
It is dangerous to get out of
the vehicle if the shift lever
is not fully in P (Park) with
the parking brake firmly set.
The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle
when the engine is running.
If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or
others could be injured. To
be sure the vehicle will not
move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always
set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to
P (Park). See Shifting Into
Park (Mechanical Shifter)
0267 or
Shifting Into Park (Electronic
Shifter) 0268. If you are
towing a trailer, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0358. If you have to leave the vehicle
with the engine running, be
sure the vehicle is in P (Park)
and the parking brake is set
before you leave it. After you
have moved the shift lever
into P (Park), hold the regular
brake pedal down. Then, see if
you can move the shift lever
away from P (Park) without
first pressing the button.
If you can, it means that the
shift lever was not fully locked
in P (Park).
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the
weight of the vehicle puts too
much force on the parking
pawl in the transmission. This
happens when parking on a hill
and shifting the transmission
into P (Park) is not done
properly and then it is difficult
to shift out of P (Park). To
prevent torque lock, set the
parking brake and then shift
into P (Park). To find out how,
see
“Shifting Into Park” listed
previously. If torque lock does occur, your
vehicle may need to be pushed
uphill by another vehicle to
relieve the parking pawl
pressure, so you can shift out
of P (Park).
Shifting Into Park
(Electronic Shifter)
To shift into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake.
See Electric Parking Brake
0287.
2. Press the button on top of the shift lever to shift into
P (Park). See Automatic
Transmission (Mechanical
Shifter) 0272 or
Automatic Transmission
(Electronic Shifter) 0275.
3. The P indicator on the shift lever will turn red when the
vehicle is in P (Park).
If the vehicle is shifted into
P (Park) on a hill, the
Electric Parking Brake
(EPB) may apply
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500442) -
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Driving and Operating 269
automatically. You may not
be able to release the EPB
using the EPB switch.
It should automatically
release when the vehicle is
shifted out of P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle with
the Engine Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave
the vehicle with the engine
running. It could overheat
and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of
the vehicle if the vehicle is
not in P (Park) with the
parking brake set. The
vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle
when the engine is running.
If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or
others could be injured. To
be sure the vehicle will not(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always
set the parking brake and
shift to P (Park). See Shifting
Into Park (Mechanical
Shifter)0267 or
Shifting Into Park (Electronic
Shifter) 0268. If you are
towing a trailer, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0358.
If you have to leave the vehicle
with the engine running, be
sure the vehicle is in P (Park)
and the parking brake is set
before you leave it.
If you are towing a trailer and
parking on a hill, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0358.
Shifting out of Park
(Mechanical Shifter)
This vehicle is equipped with
an electronic shift lock release
system. The shift lock release
is designed to prevent
movement of the shift lever
out of P (Park), unless the
ignition is on and the brake
pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always
functional except in the case
of an uncharged or low
voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If the vehicle has an
uncharged battery or a
battery with low voltage, try
charging or jump starting the
battery. See Jump Starting -
North America 0447 for more
information.
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Release the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake
0287.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500442) -
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270 Driving and Operating
3. Press the shift leverbutton.
4. Move the shift lever.
If unable to shift out of
P (Park): 1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift
lever button again.
3. Move the shift lever.
If equipped, the Buckle to
Drive feature may prevent
shifting from P (Park). See
Buckle To Drive 050.
If the shift lever will not move
from P (Park), consult your
dealer or a professional
towing service.
Shifting out of Park
(Electronic Shifter)
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 equipped, the Buckle to
Drive feature may prevent
shifting from P (Park). See
Buckle To Drive 050. 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.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500442) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 271
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.
Extended Parking
It is best not to park with the
vehicle running. If the vehicle is
left running, be sure it will not
move and there is adequate
ventilation.
See Shifting Into Park
(Mechanical Shifter)0267 or
Shifting Into Park (Electronic
Shifter) 0268 and
Engine Exhaust 0271.
If the vehicle is left parked and
running with the remote key
outside the vehicle, it will
continue to run for up to
15 minutes. If the vehicle is left parked and
running with the remote key
inside the vehicle, it will
continue to run for up to
30 minutes.
The vehicle could turn off
sooner if it is parked on a hill,
due to lack of available fuel.
Automatic Transmission
The timer will reset if the
vehicle is taken out of P (Park)
while it is running.
Manual Transmission
The timer will reset if vehicle
speed exceeds 4
km/h (2.5 mph).
Engine Exhaust
{
Warning
Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO),
which cannot be seen or
smelled. Exposure to CO can
cause unconsciousness and
even death. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Exhaust may enter the
vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areas
with poor ventilation
(parking garages, tunnels,
deep snow that may block
underbody airflow or tail
pipes).
.The exhaust smells or
sounds strange or
different.
.The exhaust system leaks
due to corrosion or
damage.
.The vehicle exhaust
system has been modified,
damaged, or improperly
repaired.
.There are holes or
openings in the vehicle
body from damage or
aftermarket modifications
that are not completely
sealed.(Continued)
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272 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
If unusual fumes are
detected or if it is suspected
that exhaust is coming into
the vehicle:
.Drive it only with the
windows completely down.
.Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park the vehicle with
the engine running in an
enclosed area such as a
garage or a building that has
no fresh air ventilation.
Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with the
engine running. See Engine
Exhaust 0271.
If the vehicle is left with the
engine running, follow the
proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not move. See
Shifting Into Park (Mechanical
Shifter)
0267 or
Shifting Into Park (Electronic
Shifter) 0268 and
Electric Parking Brake 0287.
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
(Mechanical Shifter)
There are several different
positions for the shift lever.
P : This position locks the
drive wheels. Use P (Park)
when starting the vehicle to
ensure the vehicle does
not move.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of
the vehicle if the shift lever
is not fully in P (Park) with
the parking brake firmly set.
The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle
when the engine is running
unless you have to. If you
have left the engine running,
the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure
the vehicle will not move,
even when you are on fairly
level ground, always set the
parking brake and move the
(Continued)