Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
274 Driving and Operating
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
move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always
set the parking brake and(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
shift to P (Park). See Shifting
Into Park0273. If you are
towing a trailer, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0365.
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 0365.
Shifting out of Park
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 056.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 275
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.
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.
Active Fuel
Management
This vehicle's engine may be
equipped with Active Fuel
Management, which allows the
engine to operate on either all
of its cylinders, or in reduced
cylinder operation mode,
depending on the driving
conditions.
When less power is required,
such as cruising at a constant
vehicle speed, the system will
operate in reduced cylinder
operation mode, allowing the
vehicle to achieve better fueleconomy. When greater
power demands are required,
such as accelerating from a
stop, passing, or merging onto
a freeway, the system will
maintain full-cylinder
operation.
If the vehicle has an Active
Fuel Management indicator,
see Driver Information Center
(DIC) for more information on
using this display.
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
0273
and
Engine Exhaust 0276.
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.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
276 Driving and Operating
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)
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
The vehicle should not be left
running while parked.
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 0273 and
Engine Exhaust 0276.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 277
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing
Tips0365.
Automatic
Transmission
The shift pattern is displayed
in the top of the shift lever.
The selected gear position will
illuminate red on the shift
lever, while all others will be
displayed in white. If the shift
is not immediate, as in very cold conditions, the indicator
on the shift lever may flash
until it is fully engaged.
The shift lever always starts
from a center position,
represented by an up/down
arrow on the shift pattern.
After releasing the shift lever,
it will return to the center
position.
The transmission does not
operate when the vehicle
is off.
If the vehicle is in accessory
mode, the transmission can be
shifted into P (Park).
If the vehicle is turned off
while at a relatively high
vehicle speed, the
transmission will automatically
shift to N (Neutral). Once the
vehicle is stopped, it can be
shifted into P (Park).
P :
This position locks the
drive wheels. Use P (Park)
when starting the engine to
prevent the vehicle from
moving easily.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of
the vehicle if the
transmission is not in
P (Park) with the parking
brake set. The vehicle
can roll.
(Continued)
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
278 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
Do not leave the vehicle
when the engine is running.
If the engine has been left
running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or
others could be injured. To
be sure the vehicle will not
move, even when on fairly
level ground, always set the
parking brake and place the
transmission into P (Park).
See Shifting Into Park0273
and
Electric Parking Brake 0288.
This vehicle is equipped with
an electronically controlled
transmission. The shift lock
release button is designed to
prevent inadvertent shifting
out of P (Park) unless the
ignition is on, the brake pedal
is applied, and the shift lock
release button is pressed.
When the vehicle is stopped,
press ENGINE START/STOP
to turn off the vehicle. The
transmission will shift to
P (Park) automatically unless
the vehicle is in N (Neutral),
See “Car Wash Mode”
following. The vehicle will not shift into
P (Park) if it is moving too fast.
Stop the vehicle and shift into
P (Park).
To shift in and out of P (Park),
see Shifting Into Park
0273
and
Shifting out of Park 0274.
Service Shift Lever Message
If the message SERVICE
SHIFTER SEE OWNER’S
MANUAL appears in the
Driver Information
Center (DIC), the shift lever
needs service. Have the
vehicle serviced as soon as
possible. If the vehicle is
automatically shifting into
P (Park), check to see if the
P (Park) button on top of the
shift lever is stuck. To operate
the vehicle, hold the shift lever
in the desired gear,
R (Reverse) or D (Drive), until
vehicle speed exceeds
15 km/h (10 mph), then release
the shift lever.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 279
R :Use this gear to back up.
If the vehicle is shifted from
either R (Reverse) to D (Drive)
or M (Manual Mode),
or M (Manual Mode) or
D (Drive) to R (Reverse) while
the speed is too high, the
vehicle will shift to N (Neutral).
Reduce the vehicle speed and
try the shift again.
To shift into R (Reverse): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Press and hold shift lock release button on the side
of the shift lever.
3. From the center position, move the shift lever
forward through the first
detent to the end of travel.
R is illuminated in red.
4. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the
center position.
To shift out of R (Reverse): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. 2. Shift to the desired gear.
3. After releasing the shift
lever, it will return to the
center position.
At low vehicle speeds,
R (Reverse) can be used to
rock the vehicle back and forth
to get out of snow, ice, or sand
without damaging the
transmission. See If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0261.
N : In this position, the engine
does not connect with the
wheels. To restart the engine
when the vehicle is already
moving, use N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear
while the engine is running
at high speed is dangerous.
Unless your foot is firmly on
the brake pedal, the vehicle
could move very rapidly. You
could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
shift into a drive gear while
the engine is running at high
speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle
warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the
vehicle.
The vehicle is not designed to
stay in N (Neutral) for more
than five minutes. It may
automatically shift into
P (Park). N (Neutral) is not
intended for towing. If the
vehicle needs to be towed, see
Transporting a Disabled
Vehicle 0455.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 281
Car Wash Mode (Engine On–
Driver in Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in
N (Neutral) with the engine on
and the vehicle occupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift to N (Neutral).
4. Release the brake pedal. The vehicle is now ready
for the car wash.
Car Wash Mode (Engine On –
Driver out of Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in
N (Neutral) with the engine on
and the vehicle unoccupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Open the door.
4. Shift to N (Neutral), then release the brake pedal. 5. The indicator should
continue to show N. If it
does not, repeat
Steps 2–4.
6. Exit the vehicle and close the door. The vehicle is
now ready for the
car wash.
7. The vehicle may automatically shift to
P (Park) upon re-entry.
Caution
A transmission hot message
may display if the automatic
transmission fluid is too hot.
Driving under this condition
can damage the vehicle.
Stop and idle the engine to
cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This
message clears when the
transmission fluid has cooled
sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal
driving. If more power is
needed for passing, press the
accelerator pedal down. To shift into D (Drive):
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. From the center position, move the shift lever back.
.If the vehicle is in
P (Park), press the shift
lock release button while
pulling the shift
lever back.
.D will illuminate in red.
.After releasing the shift
lever, it will return to the
center position.
To shift out of D (Drive): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the
center position.
Downshifting the transmission
in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding. See
“Skidding” under Loss of
Control 0245.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
282 Driving and Operating
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding
the vehicle in one place on a
hill using only the
accelerator pedal may
damage the transmission.
The repair will not be
covered by the vehicle
warranty. If the vehicle is
stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use
the brakes to hold the
vehicle in place.
If equipped with the 2.0L L4
engine, engine speeds may be
increased while driving at
highway speeds while the
engine is still warming up.
Manual Mode
Tap Shift Caution
Driving with the engine at a
high rpm without upshifting
while using Tap Shift, could
damage the vehicle. Always
upshift when necessary
while using Tap Shift.
If equipped, vehicles with Tap
Shift have controls on the
back of the steering wheel to
manually shift the automatic
transmission. Permanent Tap Shift Mode
To enter Permanent Tap
Shift Mode:
1. With the vehicle in D (Drive), pull back on the
shift lever to activate
M (Manual Mode). The M in
the shift pattern will
illuminate in red, and the D
will switch to white. While
in Permanent Tap Shift
Mode, the M on the
instrument cluster will be
highlighted and the current
gear shown.
2. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the
center position.
3. Pull the control toward you to shift. Pull the left
control to downshift, and
the right control to upshift.
To shift to the lowest
available gear, pull and hold
the left control.