Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/6/22
394 Vehicle Care
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the
vehicle is filled with
DEX-COOL engine coolant.
See Maintenance Schedule
0471 and
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0476.
The following explains the
cooling system and how to
check and add coolant when it
is low. If there is a problem
with engine overheating, see
Engine Overheating 0398.
What to Use
{Warning
Do not touch heater or
radiator hoses, or other
engine parts. They can be
very hot and can burn you.
Do not run the engine if
there is a leak; all coolant
could leak out. That could
cause an engine fire and can
burn you. Fix any leak before
driving the vehicle. Use a 50/50 mixture of clean
drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant. This
mixture:
.Gives freezing protection
down to
−37 °C (−34 °F),
outside temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up
to 129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
.Protects against rust and
corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum
parts.
.Helps keep the proper
engine temperature.
Caution
Do not use anything other
than a mix of DEX-COOL
coolant that meets GM
Standard GMW3420 and
clean, drinkable water.
Anything else can cause
damage to the engine
cooling system and the
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
vehicle, which would not be
covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Never dispose of engine
coolant by putting it in the
trash, pouring it on the
ground, or into sewers,
streams, or bodies of water.
Have the coolant changed by
an authorized service center,
familiar with legal
requirements regarding used
coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and
your health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the
coolant level.
It is normal to see coolant
moving in the upper coolant
hose return line when the
engine is running. It is also
normal to see bubbles
entering the surge tank
through the small hose.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/6/22
396 Vehicle Care
If no problem is found, check
to see if coolant is visible in
the coolant surge tank.
If coolant is visible but the
coolant level is not at or above
the indicated mark, add a
50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and
DEX-COOL coolant at the
coolant surge tank, but be
sure the cooling system,
including the coolant surge
tank pressure cap, is cool
before you do it.
2.0L L4 Engine
Automatic Coolant Service
Fill Instructions
The vehicle is equipped with a
service feature that assists
with filling and removing air
from the cooling system after
service of components or
when coolant is added after
being too low.To use the service feature:
1. With a cold system, add
coolant to the indicated
line on the surge tank.
2. Replace the pressure cap on the surge tank.
To activate the service
feature: 1. Connect the vehicle to a battery charger.
2. Turn the ignition on. See Ignition Positions 0267.
3. Turn off the air conditioning.
4. Set the parking brake. 5. At the same time, press
the accelerator and the
brake pedal for
two seconds, then release.
6. At the end of the cycle, check the coolant level in
the surge tank and add
coolant if it is below the
indicated line. Turn the
ignition off, allow the
Electronic Control Module
(ECM) to go to sleep, about
two minutes, and repeat
Steps 2–6.
Listen for pump activation and
movement of the control
valves while watching the level
of the coolant in the surge
tank. If the tank empties, turn
the ignition off, carefully
remove the pressure cap, refill
to the indicated line, replace
the pressure cap, and repeat
Steps 2–6.
The fill and air removal
process will run for
approximately 15 minutes.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/6/22
398 Vehicle Care
to the surge tank until the
level reaches the indicated
level mark.
5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.
6. Check the level in the surge tank after the engine
is shut off and the cooling
system has cooled down.
If the coolant is not at the
proper level, repeat
Steps 1–6. If the coolant
still is not at the proper
level when the system
cools down again, see your
dealer.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not
tightly installed, coolant loss
and engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is
properly and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an indicator to
warn of the engine
overheating. If the decision is made not to
lift the hood when this
warning appears, get service
help right away. See Roadside
Assistance Program
0489.
If the decision is made to lift
the hood, make sure the
vehicle is parked on a level
surface.
Then check to see if the
engine cooling fan is running.
If the engine is overheating,
the fan should be running. If it
is not, do not continue to run
the engine. Have the vehicle
serviced.
Caution
Do not run the engine if
there is a leak in the engine
cooling system. This can
cause a loss of all coolant
and can damage the system
and vehicle. Have any leaks
fixed right away.
If Steam Is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids
from a hot cooling system
are under pressure. Turning
the pressure cap, even a
little, can cause them to
come out at high speed and
you could be burned. Never
turn the cap when the
cooling system, including the
pressure cap, is hot. Wait for
the cooling system and
pressure cap to cool.
If No Steam Is Coming
from the Engine
Compartment
If an engine overheat warning
is displayed but no steam can
be seen or heard, the problem
may not be too serious.
Sometimes the engine can get
a little too hot when the
vehicle:
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/6/22
400 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
.Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the
solution to freeze and
damage the washer fluid
tank and other parts of
the washer system.
.When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions
for adding water.
.Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full
when it is very cold. This
allows for fluid expansion
if freezing occurs, which
could damage the tank if it
is completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake linings, except J57
V-Series Blackwing with
carbon ceramic brakes, have
built-in wear indicators that
make a high-pitched warning
sound when the brake linings
are worn and new linings areneeded. The sound can come
and go or can be heard all the
time when the vehicle is
moving, except when applying
the brake pedal firmly. The
V-Series Blackwing has
electronic pad wear sensors.
See Brake Pad Life System (If
Equipped)
0403
{Warning
The brake wear warning
sound means that soon the
brakes will not work well.
That could lead to a crash.
When the brake wear
warning sound is heard,
have the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with
worn-out brake linings could
result in costly brake repairs.
Properly torqued wheel nuts
are necessary to help prevent
brake pulsation. When tires
are rotated, inspect brake linings for wear and evenly
tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications. See Capacities
and Specifications
0482.
Brake linings should be
replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Squeal and
Brake Dust
Some driving conditions or
climates can cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are
first applied, clearing up
following several applies. This
does not mean something is
wrong with the brakes.
Vehicles equipped with high
performance brake systems
provide superior fade
resistance, but will produce
increased brake squeal and
brake dust on the wheels and
calipers as compared to
standard brake linings. This is
normal.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/6/22
Vehicle Care 401
To help reduce squeal, high
performance brake pads are
treated with an anti-squeal
paste that may need to be
reapplied periodically as part
of normal vehicle maintenance.
The anti-squeal paste will
dissipate over time. Also, the
use of wheel cleaners or
power washers directly on the
brake calipers may remove the
anti-squeal paste from the
brake pads. It may be
necessary to reapply the
anti-squeal paste if it is
removed during cleaning.
If brake squeal is excessive,
the anti-squeal paste should
be reapplied. The anti-squeal
paste should always be
reapplied whenever the brake
pads are removed or replaced.
See your dealer for service.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake
pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is arapid increase in pedal travel.
This could be a sign that brake
service may be required.
Replacing Brake System
Parts
Always replace brake system
parts with new, approved
replacement parts. If this is
not done, the brakes may not
work properly. The braking
performance can change in
many ways if the wrong brake
parts are installed or if parts
are improperly installed.
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.
High Performance Brake
Lining Car Wash and
Extended Parking Care
If equipped with high
performance brake
components, binding or
clunking may be noticeable
after extended parking or in
cold weather when the brakes
have been wet, such as when
driving in the rain or after a
car wash. The clunking is
normal for brakes with high
performance brake linings and
does not affect the operation
of the brakes. When driving,
normal braking will allow for
the brakes to feel smooth and
the clunking to go away. If the
vehicle is washed before
overnight parking or long term
storage, drive it and apply the
brakes several times to
thoroughly dry the brakes.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/6/22
402 Vehicle Care
Brake Rotor Wear
(V-Series Blackwing With
J57 Carbon Ceramic
Rotors)
The V-Series Blackwing with
J57 has carbon ceramic brake
rotors. The rotors should be
visually inspected whenever
the brake pads are replaced.
Carbon ceramic brake rotors
also need to be weighed
before brake pads are
replaced to confirm that the
rotor mass is greater than the
wear-out mass printed on the
rotor. The rotor can be reused
if the weight of the rotor is
above the mass limit. Carbon
ceramic brake rotors
inspection and weighing
methods can be found in the
service manual.
V-Series Blackwing Brake
Burnish Procedure for
Corrosion Cleanup
Corrosion spotting and
grooving on the brake rotor
surface may appear after the
vehicle sits for an extended
period of time, especially in
high humidity. This corrosion
may result in brake pulsation
and noise. To help restore
optimal braking performance
and reduce noise, complete
the following procedure:
Caution
Performing the brake
burnish procedure on a base
brake system can result in
brake damage.
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.
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 0265.
Caution
Brake fade can occur during
this burnish procedure and
can cause brake pedal travel
and force to increase. This
could extend stopping
distance until the brakes are
fully burnished.
Completing the following
procedure as instructed will
not damage the brakes. The
brake pads may 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.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/6/22
406 Vehicle Care
charger. If available, use the
AGM setting on the charger,
to limit charge voltage to
14.8 volts. Follow the charger
manufacturer's instructions.
For replacement of the
battery, see your dealer.
Stop/Start System
This vehicle has a Stop/Start
system to shut off the engine
to help conserve fuel. See
Stop/Start System0270.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals and related
accessories can expose you
to chemicals including lead
and lead compounds, which
are known to the State of
California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Wash
hands after handling. For
more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. See the warning on the back
cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can
burn you and gas that can
explode. You can be badly
hurt if you are not careful.
See Jump Starting - North
America
0452 for tips on
working around a battery
without getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from
the battery to keep the
battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove
the black, negative (−) cable
from the battery or use a
battery trickle charger.
All-Wheel Drive
If the vehicle is equipped with
All-Wheel-Drive (AWD), this is
an additional system that
needs lubrication.
Transfer Case
Under normal driving
conditions, transfer case fluid
does not require maintenance
unless there is a fluid leak or
unusual noise. If required, have
the transfer case serviced by
your dealer.
Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism
Check
{Warning
When you are doing this
check, the vehicle could
begin to move. You or
others could be injured and
property could be damaged.
Make sure there is room in
front of the vehicle in case it
begins to roll. Be ready to
apply the regular brake at
once should the vehicle
begin to move.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/6/22
Vehicle Care 407
Park on a fairly steep hill, with
the vehicle facing downhill.
Keeping your foot on the
regular brake, set the parking
brake.
.To check the parking brake's
holding ability: With the
engine running and the
transmission in N (Neutral),
slowly remove foot pressure
from the regular brake pedal.
Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking
brake only.
.Automatic transmission
vehicles only: To check the
P (Park) mechanism's holding
ability: With the engine
running, shift to P (Park).
Then release the parking
brake followed by the
regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service
is required.
Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades
should be inspected for wear
or cracking.
It is a good idea to clean or
replace the wiper blade
assembly on a regular basis or
when worn. For proper
windshield wiper blade length
and type, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0477.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to
touch the windshield when
no wiper blade is installed
could damage the
windshield. Any damage that
occurs would not be
covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not allow the
wiper arm to touch the
windshield.
To replace the wiper blade
assembly: 1. Pull the windshield wiper
assembly away from the
windshield. The passenger
side wiper arm has limited
travel.
2. Lift up on the latch in themiddle of the wiper blade
where the wiper arm
attaches.
3. With the latch open, pull the wiper blade down
toward the windshield far
enough to release it from
the J-hooked end of the
wiper arm.
4. Remove the wiper blade.