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
266 Driving and Operating
Caution (Continued)
.Check engine oil with
every refueling and add if
necessary. Oil and fuel
consumption may be
higher than normal during
the first
2 414 km (1,500 mi).
.To break in new tires,
drive at moderate speeds
and avoid hard cornering
for the first
322 km (200 mi). New tires
do not have maximum
traction and may tend
to slip.
.New brake linings also
need a break-in period.
Avoid making hard stops
during the first
322 km (200 mi). This is
recommended every time
brake linings are replaced.
.Should the vehicle be used
for racing or competitive
driving (after break-in), the
rear axle lubricant must be
replaced beforehand.See Track Events and
Competitive Driving (V-Series
and V-Series Blackwing)
0246.
On new vehicles, the various
mechanical and electrical
systems experience a
“break-in” period during the
first 6,400 km (4,000 miles) of
routine driving. As the vehicle
is driven, the mechanical
systems adjust to provide
optimal fuel economy and
transmission shift
performance.
Electrical systems will adapt
and calibrate during the
break-in period. A one-time
occurrence of clicks and
similar vehicle noises is normal
during this process.
Normal driving charges the
vehicle’s battery to achieve
the best operation of the
vehicle, including fuel
economy.
Composite Materials
This vehicle may be equipped
with parts containing carbon
fiber, sheet-molding
compound, or other composite
materials. Dealer-installed
accessories may also contain
composite materials.
{Warning
Exposed edges of parts
containing carbon fiber and
other composite materials
can be sharp. Contact with
these parts could result in
injury. Use caution to avoid
contacting these parts,
including when washing the
vehicle. If the parts are
damaged, replace the parts
promptly with replacements
from your dealer.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 267
{Warning
Rocker extensions may
break under pressure,
resulting in property damage
or injury. Do not stand on
the rocker extension or use
it as a step.
{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 to the Keyless
Access system. See Remote
Key Operation09.
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) 0273.
If the vehicle has an automatic
transmission, and is not in
P (Park), the ignition will return
to accessory mode 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) 0273.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
270 Driving and Operating
If the remote key is not in
the vehicle, if there is
interference, or if the
remote key battery is low,
a Driver Information
Center (DIC) message will
display. See Remote Key
Operation09.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by pressing
ENGINE START/STOP
immediately after cranking
has ended, can overheat and
damage the cranking motor,
and drain the battery. Wait
at least 15 seconds between
each try, to let the cranking
motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds,
especially in very cold
weather (below −18 °C or
0 °F), it could be flooded
with too much gasoline.
Try pushing the
accelerator pedal all the
way to the floor and hold it there, then press ENGINE
START/STOP for up to a
maximum of 15 seconds.
Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool
down. When the engine
starts, let go of the button
and the accelerator. If the
vehicle starts briefly but
then stops again, do the
same thing. This clears the
extra gasoline from the
engine. Do not race the
engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission
gently until the oil warms
up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Stopping the Engine
If the vehicle has an automatic
transmission, move the shift
lever to P (Park) and press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP on
the instrument panel, until the
engine shuts off. If the shift
lever is not in P (Park), the
engine shuts off and the
ignition goes to accessory
mode. The DIC displays SHIFT
TO PARK. Once the shift lever
is moved to P (Park), the
vehicle turns off.
If the vehicle has a manual
transmission, before getting
out of the vehicle, shift to
1 (First) or R (Reverse) and
apply the parking brake. Then
turn off the ignition off by
pressing ENGINE START/
STOP and release the clutch
pedal when the engine has
stopped.
If the remote key is not
detected inside the vehicle
when it is turned off the DIC
displays a message.
Stop/Start System
If equipped, the Stop/Start
system will shut off the engine
to help conserve fuel. It has
components designed for the
increased number of starts.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
362 Driving and Operating
Fuel Additives
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
is highly recommended for use
with your vehicle. If your
country does not have TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline, add
ACDelco Fuel System
Treatment Plus−Gasoline to
the vehicle’s gasoline fuel tank
at every oil change or
15 000 km (9,000 mi),
whichever occurs first. TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline and
ACDelco Fuel System
Treatment Plus−Gasoline will
help keep your vehicle’s
engine fuel deposit free and
performing optimally.
Filling the Tank
An arrow on the fuel gauge
indicates which side of the
vehicle the fuel door is on. See
Fuel Gauge0120.
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires
burn violently and can cause
injury or death.
Follow these guidelines to
help avoid injuries to you
and others:
.Read and follow all the
instructions on the fuel
pump island.
.Turn off the engine when
refueling.
.Keep sparks, flames, and
smoking materials away
from fuel.
.Do not leave the fuel
pump unattended.
.Avoid using electronic
devices while refueling.
.Do not re-enter the
vehicle while pumping fuel.
.Keep children away from
the fuel pump and never
let children pump fuel.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Before touching the fill
nozzle, touch a metallic
object to discharge static
electricity from your body.
.Fuel can spray out if the
fill nozzle is inserted too
quickly. This spray can
happen if the tank is
nearly full, and is more
likely in hot weather. Insert
the fill nozzle slowly and
wait for any hiss noise to
stop before beginning to
flow fuel.
If equipped, the fuel door
unlocks when the vehicle
doors are unlocked. See
Remote Key Operation 09.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 365
Driving
Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when
towing a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven
properly. For example, if the
trailer is too heavy or the
trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load, the
vehicle may not stop as
expected. You and others
could be seriously injured.
The vehicle may also be
damaged, and the repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Pull a
trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been
followed. Ask your dealer for
advice and information
about towing a trailer with
the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just
driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking,
durability, and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and
it has to be used properly.
The following information has
many time-tested, important
trailering tips and safety rules.
Many of these are important
for your safety and that of
your passengers. Read this
section carefully before pulling
a trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with, and
follow all state and local laws
that apply to trailer towing.
These requirements vary
from state to state.
.State laws may require the
use of extended side view
mirrors. If your visibility is
limited or restricted whiletowing, install extended side
view mirrors on your vehicle,
even if not required.
.Do not tow a trailer during
the first 800 km (500 mi) of
vehicle use to prevent
damage to the engine, axle,
or other parts.
.Perform the first oil change
before heavy towing.
.Do not drive over 800 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make
starts at full throttle during
the first 800 km (500 mi) of
trailer towing.
.Tow in D (Drive). If the
transmission downshifts too
often, a lower gear may be
selected using Manual Mode.
See Manual Mode
0282.
If equipped, the following
driver assistance features
should be turned off when
towing a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Park Assist
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 367
Towing with a Stability
Control System
When towing, the stability
control system might be
heard. The system reacts to
vehicle movement caused by
the trailer, which mainly occurs
during cornering. This is
normal when towing heavier
trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far
behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving
without a trailer. This can help
to avoid heavy braking and
sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is
needed when towing a trailer.
The combination of the vehicle
and trailer will not accelerate
as quickly and is much longer
than the vehicle alone. It is
necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehiclebefore returning to the lane.
Pass on level roadways. Avoid
passing on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand.
To move the trailer to the left,
move that hand to the left. To
move the trailer to the right,
move that hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Turn more slowly and make
wider arcs when towing a
trailer to prevent damage to
your vehicle. Making very
sharp turns could cause the
trailer to contact the vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal
when towing, so trailer will not
go over soft shoulders, over
curbs, or strike road signs,
trees, or other objects. Always signal turns well in advance.
Do not steer or brake
suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a
lower gear before starting
down a long or steep downhill
grade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes
may overheat and result in
reduced braking efficiency.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
Shift the transmission to a
lower gear if the transmission
shifts too often under heavy
loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher
altitudes, engine coolant will
boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the
engine is turned off
immediately after towing at
high altitude on steep uphill
grades, the vehicle could show
signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let
the engine run, preferably on
level ground, with the
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
368 Driving and Operating
transmission in P (Park) for a
few minutes before turning
the engine off. If the overheat
warning comes on, see Engine
Overheating0398.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or
death, always park your
vehicle and trailer on a level
surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and
your trailer on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park)
yet. Turn the wheels into
the curb if facing downhill
or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer
wheels. 3. When the wheel chocks
are in place, gradually
release the brake pedal to
allow the chocks to absorb
the load of the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking
brake and shift into
P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on
a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into the
desired gear.
.Release the parking
brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the
chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service
more often when used to tow
trailers. See Maintenance
Schedule 0471. It is especially
important to check the
automatic transmission fluid,
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system, and brake
system before and during
each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts
and bolts on the trailer hitch
are tight.
Engine Cooling when
Trailer Towing
The cooling system may
temporarily overheat during
severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating
0 398.