CADILLAC CT5 2021 Owner's Manual
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300 DRIVING AND OPERATING
1. Locate the capless funnel adapter.
2. Insert and latch the funnel into thecapless fuel system.
{Warning
Attempting to refuel from a
portable fuel container without
using the funnel adapter may cause
fuel spillage and damage the
capless fuel system. This could
cause a fire. You or others could be
badly burned and the vehicle could
be damaged.
3. Remove and clean the funnel adapter and return it to the storage
location.
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container
{Warning
Never fill a portable fuel container
while it is in the vehicle. Static
electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the fuel vapor.
You or others could be badly
burned and the vehicle could be
damaged. To help avoid injury to
you and others:
.Dispense fuel only into approved
containers.
.Do not fill a container while it is
inside a vehicle, in a vehicle's
trunk, in a pickup bed, or on any
surface other than the ground.
.Bring the fill nozzle in contact
with the inside of the fill opening
before operating the nozzle.
Maintain contact until filling is
complete.
.Keep sparks, flames, and
smoking materials away
from fuel.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Avoid using electronic devices
while pumping fuel.
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment that has
been designed for the vehicle. Contact
your dealer or trailering dealer for
assistance with preparing the vehicle
to tow a trailer. Read the entire
section before towing a trailer. To tow
a disabled vehicle, see Towing the
Vehicle 0371. To tow the vehicle
behind another vehicle such as a
motor home, see Recreational Vehicle
Towing 0372.
When towing with the 2.0L L4 engine,
only use unleaded gasoline with an
octane rating of 89 or higher. Using
gasoline with a lower octane rating
while towing may damage the engine
and may not be covered by the vehicle
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warranty. SeeRecommended Fuel (LSY
2.0L L4 Engine) 0297 or
Recommended Fuel (LGY 3.0L
V6 Engine) 0297.
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. Even if
not required, you should install
extended side view mirrors if your
visibility is limited or restricted
while towing.
.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.
.It is recommended to perform the
first oil change before heavy towing.
.During the first 800 km (500 mi) of
trailer towing, do not drive over
80 km/h (50 mph) and do not make
starts at full throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). If the
transmission downshifts too often, a
lower gear may be selected using
Manual Mode. See Manual Mode
0 236.
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be turned
off when towing a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
.Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be turned
to alert or off when towing a trailer:
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302 DRIVING AND OPERATING
.Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert
(LCA), the LCA detection zones that
extend back from the side of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed. Use caution
while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic
Alert (RCTA), use caution while
backing up when towing a trailer, as
the RCTA detection zones that extend
out from the back of the vehicle do
not move further back when a trailer
is towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death
from carbon monoxide (CO), when
towing a trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window open. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Fully open the air outlets on or
under the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control
system to a setting that brings in
only outside air. See“Climate
Control Systems” in the Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust
0 231.
Towing a trailer requires experience.
The combination of the vehicle and
trailer is longer and not as responsive
as the vehicle itself. Get used to the
handling and braking of the
combination by driving on a level road
surface before driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must be all be rated to carry
the intended cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the combination
to operate in an unexpected or unsafe
manner. Before driving, inspect all
trailer hitch parts and attachments,
safety chains, electrical connectors,
lamps, tires, and mirrors. See Towing
Equipment 0306. If the trailer has electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the
trailer brake controller to check the
trailer brakes work. During the trip,
occasionally check that the cargo and
trailer are secure and that the lamps
and any trailer brakes are working.
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
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 303
necessary to go much farther beyond
the passed vehicle before 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 TurnsCaution
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
transmission in P (Park) for a few
minutes before turning the engine off.
If the overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating 0326.
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.
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304 DRIVING AND OPERATING
.Shift into a 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 0383. 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
0 326.
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.
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, 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 Limits 0219. When calculating
the GVWR with a trailer attached, the
trailer tongue weight must be
included as part of the weight the
vehicle is carrying.
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 305
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 distribution are
appropriate for your vehicle. If the
trailer weight is too high, it may be
possible to transfer some of the cargointo 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.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or assistance.
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306 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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. SeeEngine Exhaust
0 231.
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 0342 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 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.
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 307
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0103.
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 (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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 064 and
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 064.
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308 VEHICLE CARE
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . 319
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . 320
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Brake Pad Life System (If Equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329 Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . 330
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . 331
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . 332
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . 333
Bulb Replacement
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . 334
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . 334
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . 337
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Run-Flat Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Self-Sealing Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . 345 Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Tire Terminology and
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . 351
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 359
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - NorthAmerica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
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VEHICLE CARE 309
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . 372
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit your
dealer. You will receive genuine GM
parts and GM-trained and supported
service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these
marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
{Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this
one, as well as many of its service
parts and fluids, contain and/or
emit chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Engine exhaust, many parts
and systems, many fluids, and
some component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these
chemicals. For more information go
to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0330 and
Jump Starting - North America 0368
and the back cover.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag initiators,
seat belt pretensioners, and lithium
batteries contained in electronic keys,