Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
250 Driving and Operating
3. Front Brake Cooling Duct
Brake Pad Wear Sensors
If equipped, the brake pad
wear sensors need to be
removed from the brake
calipers prior to any track or
racing event. The original
sensors can be reinstalled if
significant brake pad wear is
not observed. Refer to Brake
Pad Life System (If Equipped)
0 403. If the sensors are not
reinstalled after the track
event, install brake pad wear
sensor plugs. See your dealer. The V-Series Blackwing is
equipped with brake pad wear
sensors which are track
capable and should not be
disabled for track and racing.
A message will display in the
Driver Information Center
(DIC) when the brake pads
show excessive wear.
Brake Fluid
Replace existing brake fluid
with a qualified DOT 4 high
performance brake fluid from
a sealed container. Brake fluid
with a dry boiling point >310 °C
(590 °F) is qualified. If high
performance brake fluid is
used, replace it with GM
approved brake fluid before
driving on public roads. If high
performance brake fluid is in
the vehicle and the age of the
brake fluid is over a month old
or unknown, replace the brake
fluid before track events and
competitive driving. Do not use
silicone or DOT 5 brake fluids.
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 self diagnostic
tests that can possibly occur
when a door is opened or the
remote key is present.
Check the fluid level before
each competitive driving
event.
Brake System Flushing &
Bleeding
The J56 brake system
requires specific processes
for bleeding and fluid flushing.
These can be found in the
service manual.
Properly bleeding the brake
system is required for proper
operation of the hydraulic
brake system.
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
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.
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
268 Driving and Operating
The vehicle may have an
electric steering column lock.
The lock is activated when the
vehicle is switched to OFF and
the driver door is opened.
A sound may be heard as the
lock actuates or releases. The
steering column lock may not
release with the wheels
turned off center. If this
happens, the vehicle may not
start. Move the steering wheel
from left to right while
attempting to start the
vehicle. If this does not work,
the vehicle needs service.
Do not turn the engine off
when the vehicle is moving.
This will cause a loss of power
assist in the brake and
steering systems and disable
the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off
in an emergency:1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not
pump the brakes
repeatedly. This may deplete power assist,
requiring increased brake
pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be
done while the vehicle is
moving. After shifting to
N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the
vehicle to a safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop. Shift to P (Park) with an
automatic transmission,
or Neutral with a manual
transmission. Turn the
ignition off.
4. Set the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake
0288.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of
power assist in the brake
and steering systems and
disable the airbags. While
driving, only shut the vehicle
off in an emergency. If the vehicle cannot be pulled
over, and must be shut off
while driving, press and hold
ENGINE START/STOP for
longer than two seconds,
or press twice within
five seconds.
Accessory Mode (Amber
Indicator Light) :
This mode
allows the use of some
electrical accessories when
the engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing
the button once without the
brake pedal applied will place
the ignition system in
accessory mode.
The ignition will switch from
accessory mode to OFF after
five minutes to prevent
battery rundown.
ON/RUN/START (Green
Indicator Light) : This mode is
for driving and starting. With
the ignition off, and the brake
pedal applied, pressing the
button once will place the
ignition system in ON/RUN/
START. Once engine cranking
Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 269
begins, release the button.
Engine cranking will continue
until the engine starts. See
Starting the Engine0269. The
ignition will then remain on.
Service Mode
This power mode is available
for service and diagnostics,
and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction
indicator lamp as may be
required for emission
inspection purposes. With the
vehicle off, and the brake
pedal not applied, pressing
and holding ENGINE START/
STOP for more than
five seconds will place the
vehicle in Service Mode. The
instruments and audio
systems will operate as they
do in ON/RUN, but the vehicle
will not be able to be driven.
The engine will not start in
Service Mode. Press the
button again to turn the
vehicle off.Starting the Engine
Place the transmission in the
proper gear
Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could
change the way the engine
operates. Any resulting
damage would not be
covered by the vehicle
warranty. See Add-On
Electrical Equipment 0372.
Automatic Transmission
Move the shift lever to
P (Park) or N (Neutral). To
restart the vehicle when it is
already moving, use
N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park)
if the vehicle is moving.
If you do, you could damage (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
the transmission. Shift to
P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in
Neutral and the parking brake
engaged. Hold the clutch pedal
down to the floor, press the
brake pedal, and start the
engine.
Starting the Vehicle 1. For vehicles with an automatic transmission,
press the brake pedal, then
press ENGINE START/
STOP on the instrument
panel. For a manual
transmission, place the
shift lever in Neutral with
the parking brake engaged.
Hold the clutch pedal down
to the floor, press the
brake pedal, then press
ENGINE START/STOP.
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
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
286 Driving and Operating
No Lift-Shift
The vehicle can be shifted up
a gear when the accelerator
pedal is pressed to the floor
without being released. This
allows for less power
interruption and will improve
acceleration times. This
feature is available in all
vehicle modes and is only
active when the engine speed
is greater than 5000 rpm.
Active Rev Match
Vehicles equipped with a
manual transmission have
Active Rev Match (ARM). ARM
aids in smoother shifting by
matching the engine speed to
the next selected gear. By
monitoring shift lever and
clutch operation, ARM adjusts
engine speed to match a
calibrated value based on gear
selection. On upshifts and
downshifts, engine speed will
be increased and decreased to
match vehicle road speed and
transmission gear position.ARM is maintained while the
clutch pedal is pressed, but
will deactivate if the shift lever
is left in the Neutral position.
The system is activated and
deactivated by pressing the
ARM switch on the center
console. The system must be
activated with each new
ignition cycle. If ARM is
deactivated, the system will
still perform rev matching for
upshifts.
A gear indicator in the
instrument cluster displays the
current gear selected. ARM is
also shown in the
Performance View of the HUD:
.When ARM is activated, the
gear number is amber.
.When ARM is deactivated,
the gear number is white.
.If no gear number is
displayed while the shift
lever is in gear, service is
required. All rev matching will
be disabled, and the
malfunction indicator lamp
will be on. See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light)
0125. The
clutch and manual
transmission will continue to
operate normally.
ARM will also:
.Be active above 28 km/h
(18 mph).
.Match engine speed up to
5400 rpm.
.Not operate when the
accelerator pedal is applied.