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.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 369
Trailer Towing (LSY
2.0L L4 and LGY 3.0L
V6 Engines Only)
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly
can damage the vehicle and
result in costly repairs not
covered by the vehicle
warranty. To tow a trailer
correctly, follow the
directions in this section and
see your dealer for
important information about
towing a trailer with the
vehicle.
Never tow a trailer with a
V-Series or V-Series
Blackwing. These models are
not designed or intended to
tow a trailer.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing
capacity for your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires
monitoring the weight, speed,
altitude, road grades, outside
temperature, dimensions of
the front of the trailer, and
how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer.
Before towing a trailer, always
separately weigh:
.the total weight on the
vehicle's tires.
.the trailer.
.the trailer tongue.
{Warning
You and others could be
seriously injured or killed if
the trailer is too heavy or
the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load. The
vehicle may be damaged, (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Only tow a trailer if all the
steps in this section have
been followed. Ask your
dealer for advice and
information about towing a
trailer.
Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR)
For information about the
vehicle's maximum load
capacity, see Vehicle Load
Limits0261. When calculating
the GVWR with a trailer
attached, the trailer tongue
weight must be included as
part of the weight the vehicle
is carrying.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
370 Driving and Operating
Maximum Trailer Weight
The trailer should never weigh
more than 454 kg (1,000 lb).
The maximum allowable
weight of the trailer may be
lower based on the weight of
the passengers and cargo in
your trailer.
The maximum trailer weight
rating is calculated assuming
only the driver is in the tow
vehicle and it has all the
required trailering equipment.
The weight of additional
optional equipment,
passengers, and cargo in the
tow vehicle must be
subtracted from the maximum
trailer weight.
Trailer Load Balance
The correct trailer load
balance must be maintained to
ensure trailer stability.
Incorrect load balance is a
leading cause of trailer sway.
The trailer tongue weight (1)
should be 10–15% of the
loaded trailer weight (2). Some
specific trailer types, such as
boat trailers, fall outside of
this range. Always refer to the
trailer owner’s manual for the
recommended trailer tongue
weight for each trailer. Never
exceed the maximum loads for
your vehicle, hitch, and trailer.
After loading the trailer,
separately weigh the trailer
and then the trailer tongue
and calculate the trailer load
balance percentage to see if
the weights and distributionare appropriate for your
vehicle. If the trailer weight is
too high, it may be possible to
transfer some of the cargo
into your vehicle. If the trailer
tongue weight is too high or
too low, it may be possible to
rearrange some of the cargo
inside of the trailer.
Do not exceed the maximum
allowable tongue weight for
your vehicle. Use the shortest
hitch extension available to
position the hitch ball closer to
your vehicle. This will help
reduce the effect of the trailer
tongue weight on the trailer
hitch and the rear axle.
If a cargo carrier is used in the
trailer hitch receiver, choose a
carrier that positions the load
as close to the vehicle as
possible. Make sure the total
weight, including the carrier, is
no more than half of the
maximum allowable tongue
weight for the vehicle or
227 kg (500 lb), whichever
is less.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 371
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or assistance.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Always use the correct hitch
equipment for your vehicle.
Crosswinds, large trucks going
by, and rough roads can affect
the trailer and the hitch.
Never attach rental hitches or
other bumper-type hitches.
Only use frame-mounted
hitches that do not attach to
the bumper.
Always seal any holes in your
vehicle if the trailer hitch
removed. If not sealed, dirt,
water, and carbon monoxide
(CO) from the exhaust may
enter your vehicle. See Engine
Exhaust0276.
Consider using mechanical
sway controls with any trailer.
Ask a trailering professional
about sway controls or refer to the trailer manufacturer's
recommendations and
instructions.
Tires
.Do not tow a trailer while
using a compact spare tire
on the vehicle.
.Tires must be properly
inflated to support loads
while towing a trailer. See
Tires
0418 for instructions
on proper tire inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between
the vehicle and the trailer, and
attach the chains to the holes
on the trailer hitch platform.
Instructions about safety
chains may be provided by the
hitch manufacturer or by the
trailer manufacturer.
Cross the safety chains under
the tongue of the trailer to
help prevent the tongue from
contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the
hitch. Always leave just
enough slack so the combination can turn. Never
allow safety chains to drag on
the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Loaded trailers over 450 kg
(1,000 lb) must be equipped
with brake systems and with
brakes for each axle. Trailer
braking equipment conforming
to Canadian Standards
Association (CSA) requirement
CAN3-D313, or its equivalent,
is recommended.
State or local regulations may
require trailers to have their
own braking system if the
loaded weight of the trailer
exceeds certain minimums
that can vary from state to
state. Read and follow the
instructions for the trailer
brakes so they are installed,
adjusted, and maintained
properly. Never attempt to tap
into your vehicle's hydraulic
brake system. If you do, both
the vehicle anti-lock brakes
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
372 Driving and Operating
and the trailer brakes may not
function, which could result in
a crash.
Turn Signals When
Towing a Trailer
When properly connected, the
trailer turn signals will
illuminate to indicate the
vehicle is turning, changing
lanes, or stopping. When
towing a trailer, the arrows on
the instrument cluster will
illuminate even if the trailer is
not properly connected or the
bulbs are burned out.
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector
(DLC) is used for vehicle
service and Emission
Inspection/Maintenance
testing. See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light)0125. A device
connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet
or driver-behavior tracking
device —may interfere with
vehicle systems. This could
affect vehicle operation and
cause a crash. Such devices
may also access information
stored in the vehicle’s
systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment
can damage the vehicle or
cause components to not
work and would not be
covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always check with
your dealer before adding
electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain
the vehicle's 12-volt battery,
even if the vehicle is not
operating.
The vehicle has an airbag
system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to the
vehicle, see Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 077
and
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 077.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/6/22
Vehicle Care 457
Install the tow eye into the
socket and turn it until it is
fully tightened. When the tow
eye is removed, reinstall the
cover with the notch in the
original position.
Rear Tow Eye
If equipped, carefully open the
cover by using the small notch
that conceals the rear tow eye
socket. Install the tow eye into
the socket and turn it until it is
fully tightened. When the tow
eye is removed, reinstall the
cover with the notch in the
original position.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Caution
Dolly towing or dinghy
towing the vehicle may
cause damage because of
reduced ground clearance.
Always put the vehicle on a
flatbed truck or trailer.
The vehicle was neither
designed nor intended to be
towed with any of its wheels
on the ground. If the vehicle
must be towed, see
Transporting a Disabled
Vehicle 0455.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the
factory. Use a de-icing agent
only when necessary, and have the locks greased after
using. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants
0476.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
Caution
Do not use
petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents
as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal,
or plastic parts. If damage
occurs, it would not be
covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained
from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions
regarding correct product
usage, necessary safety
precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/6/22
470 Service and Maintenance
Caution (Continued)
on the vehicle. The use of
flushes, solvents, cleaners,
or lubricants that are not
approved by GM could
damage the vehicle,
requiring expensive repairs
that are not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
The Tire Rotation and
Required Services are the
responsibility of the vehicle
owner. It is recommended to
have your dealer perform
these services every
12 000 km/7,500 mi. Proper
vehicle maintenance helps to
keep the vehicle in good
working condition, improves
fuel economy, and reduces
vehicle emissions.
Because of the way people
use vehicles, maintenance
needs vary. There may need to
be more frequent checks and
services. The Additional
Required Services - Normal
are for vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo
within recommended limits
on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0261.
.Are driven on reasonable
road surfaces within legal
driving limits.
.Use the recommended fuel.
See Recommended Fuel
(LSY 2.0L L4 Engine) 0360
or
Recommended Fuel (LGY
3.0L V6 and LT4 6.2L
V8 Engines) 0361.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services -
Normal Service.
The Additional Required
Services - Severe are for
vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city
traffic in hot weather.
.Mainly driven in hilly or
mountainous terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed or
competitive driving.
.Used for taxi, police,
or delivery service.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services -
Severe Service.
{Warning
Performing maintenance
work can be dangerous and
can cause serious injury.
Perform maintenance work
only if the required
information, proper tools,
and equipment are available.
If they are not, see your
dealer to have a trained
technician do the work. See
Doing Your Own Service
Work 0375.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/6/22
Service and Maintenance 473
.Drain and fill engine cooling
system. Or every six years,
whichever comes first. See
Cooling System0392.
Severe Conditions
Requiring More Frequent
Maintenance*
.Public service, military,
or commercial use vehicles
to include the following:
‐ Ambulances, police cars,
and emergency rescue
vehicles.
‐ Civilian vehicles such as
light duty pick-up trucks,
SUVs, and passenger cars
that are used in military
applications.
‐ Recovery vehicles such as
tow trucks and flatbed
single vehicle carriers or
any vehicle that is
consistently used in towing
trailers or other loads.
‐ High use commercial
vehicles such as courier
delivery vehicles, private
security patrol vehicles, or any vehicles that
operate on a 24–hour
basis.
‐ Any vehicle consistently
operated in a high sand or
dust environment such as
those used on oil pipelines
and similar applications..Vehicles that are regularly
used for short trips of 6 km
(4 mi) or less.
The oil life indicator will show
you when to change the oil
and filter. Under severe
conditions the indicator may
come on before 12 000 km
(7,500 mi).
* Footnote: Under extreme
driving conditions listed
above, it may be necessary
to replace your spark plugs
at more frequent intervals.
For further assistance in
determining the most
suitable service maintenance
intervals for your vehicle,
please contact your
authorized GM Dealer. Extreme service is for
vehicles mainly driven
off-road in four-wheel drive
or used in farming, mining,
forestry, or snow plowing.
Additional Required
Services
—Severe Service
Every 72 000 km (45,000 mi)
.Change automatic
transmission fluid and filter.
.Change manual transmission
fluid. (If equipped)
.Change transfer case fluid,
if equipped with AWD. Do
not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/
rear axle output seals. High
pressure water can
overcome the seals and
contaminate the transfer
case fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of
the transfer case and/or
axles and should be
replaced.