Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
248 Driving and Operating
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 0383.
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 0383.
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
0361.
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
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 249
self diagnostic tests that may
occur when a door is opened
or the remote key is present.
{Warning
To avoid personal injury and/
or vehicle damage, always
disconnect the battery
before performing service
work on the hydraulic brake
system. Bleeding the brake
system with the battery
connected can lead to
excessive pressurization of
the system during automatic
diagnostic tests or diagnosis
of a leak or air in the braking
system. A Diagnostic
Trouble Code (DTC) may set
and vehicle speed may be
limited.Brake Cooling (V-Series
Blackwing)
Prior to any track event, high
speed driving event,
or competitive driving,
complete the following:
1. Ensure all the brake cooling parts are correctly
secured and installed.
2. Inspect and replace any deflectors that have
damage.
3. Inspect for blockage in the front brake cooling duct
prior to every event.
4. Remove front tire deflector (if equipped).
If improved brake cooling is
desired on vehicles with
cast-iron brakes (RPO JGH),
install the ball joint protector
front shields, remove both
upper and lower rear rotor
shields, and install the rear
lower control arm cooling
deflectors, per the
instructions included with the
brake cooling kit. These parts are for track use only. After
track events, reinstall the
original front and rear rotor
shields and remove the rear
lower control arm cooling
deflectors.
Right Side Front Shown, Left
Side Front Similar
1. Front Lower Control Arm Deflector
2. Remove –Front Tire
Deflector
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 251
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 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.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
252 Driving and Operating
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-In0265.
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.
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).
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 253
2. Using the G-Force Gaugein 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.
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.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment suggested
specs for track use:
Road Course (V-Series)
.Front: -2.0 deg camber,
0.2 deg total toe
.Rear: -1.7 deg camber,
0.2 deg total toe
Road Course (V-Series
Blackwing)
.Front: -2.5 deg camber,
0.1 deg total toe
.Rear: -1.5 deg camber,
0.1 deg total toe
Tire Inflation Pressure
Guidelines
Tire inflation pressures affect
vehicle handling and tire life,
and should be adjusted for
various types of tracks/
courses.
Inspect the tires prior to every
track/course session. Track/
course driving will reduce the
tire tread life.
To maximize tire life, drive
800 km (500 mi) prior to
racetrack driving or complete
the minimum track running
that will increase the tire
pressures by 35 kPa (5 psi).
After this, immediately let the
tires cool to cold pressures.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
256 Driving and Operating
.Auto Trans: Firmly press
and hold the brake pedal
to activate Launch
Control.
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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
area around all sides of the
vehicle. Be ready to apply
the brakes immediately if the
vehicle begins to move. Do
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 CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 257
1. Using the DIC buttons onthe right side of the
steering wheel, navigate to
the Line Lock menu within
Launch Control. See Driver
Information Center (DIC)
(Base Level) 0136 or
Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Uplevel) 0139.
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.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
258 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause
crashes. They might not
work as well in a quick stop
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
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
0418.
.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.