CADILLAC CT4 2021 Owner's Manual

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
220 DRIVING AND OPERATING
{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 the ENGINE START/
STOP button for longer than
two seconds, or press twice in
five seconds.
ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber Indicator
Light) : This mode allows you to use
some electrical accessories when the
engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing the
button one time without the brake
pedal applied will place the ignition
system in ACC/ACCESSORY.
The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY 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 begins, release the
button. Engine cranking will continue
until the engine starts. See Starting the
Engine 0220. The vehicle 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 the button 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 0303.
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 the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Starting the Vehicle 1. Press the brake pedal, then press ENGINE START/STOP on the
instrument panel.

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 221
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. SeeRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07.
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
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 ACC/
ACCESSORY. The DIC displays SHIFT
TO PARK. Once the shift lever is
moved to P (Park), the vehicle
turns off.
If the remote key is not detected
inside the vehicle when it is turned off
the DIC displays a message.
Stop/Start System
The Stop/Start system will shut off
the engine to help conserve fuel.
It has components designed for the
increased number of starts.
{Warning
The automatic engine Stop/Start
feature causes the engine to shut
off while the vehicle is still on. Do
not exit the vehicle before shifting
to P (Park). The vehicle may restart
and move unexpectedly. Always
shift to P (Park), and then turn the
ignition off before exiting the
vehicle.
Auto Engine Stop/Start
When the brakes are applied and the
vehicle is at a complete stop, the
engine may turn off. When stopped,
the tachometer displays AUTO STOP.
See Tachometer 093. When the brake
pedal is released or the accelerator
pedal is pressed, the engine will
restart.

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
222 DRIVING AND OPERATING
To maintain vehicle performance,
other conditions may cause the engine
to automatically restart before the
brake pedal is released.
Auto Stops may not occur and/or Auto
Starts may occur because:
.The climate control settings require
the engine to be running to cool or
heat the vehicle interior.
.The vehicle battery needs to charge.
.The vehicle battery has recently
been disconnected.
.Minimum vehicle speed has not
been reached since the last
Auto Stop.
.The accelerator pedal is pressed.
.The engine or transmission is not at
the required operating temperature.
.The outside temperature is not in
the required operating range.
.The vehicle transmission is shifted
out of D (Drive) to any gear other
than P (Park).
.Certain driver modes have been
selected. SeeDriver Mode Control
0 241.
.The vehicle is on a steep hill or
grade.
.The driver door has been opened or
the driver seat belt has been
unbuckled.
.The hood has been opened.
.The Auto Stop has reached the
maximum allowed time.
Auto Stop Disable Switch
The automatic engine Stop/Start
feature can be disabled and enabled
by pressing the switch with the
h
symbol. Auto Stop is enabled each
time you start the vehicle.
When
his illuminated, the system is
enabled.
Engine Heater
Vehicles with the engine heater can
use this option in cold weather
conditions at or below −18 °C (0 °F) for
easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up. Plug
in the engine heater at least four
hours before starting your vehicle. An
internal thermostat in the plug-end of
the cord may exist which will prevent
engine heater operation at
temperatures above −18 °C (0 °F).
The engine heater cord requires the
front license plate mounting bracket
to be installed. See your dealer for
more information.
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord. The cord is clipped
to the diagonal brace on the
passenger side of the engine
compartment.
Check the heater cord for damage.
If it is damaged, do not use it. See
your dealer for a replacement.
Inspect the cord for damage yearly.

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 223
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord or
an extension cord can damage the
cord and may result in overheating
and fire.
.Plug the cord into a three-prong
electrical utility receptacle that is
protected by a ground fault
detection function. An
ungrounded outlet could cause
an electric shock.
.Use a weatherproof, heavy-duty,
15 amp-rated extension cord if
needed. Failure to use the
recommended extension cord in
good operating condition,
or using a damaged heater or
extension cord, could make it
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
overheat and cause a fire,
property damage, electric shock,
and injury.
.Do not operate the vehicle with
the heater cord permanently
attached to the vehicle. Possible
heater cord and thermostat
damage could occur.
.While in use, do not let the
heater cord touch vehicle parts
or sharp edges. Never close the
hood on the heater cord.
.Before starting the vehicle,
unplug the cord, reattach the
cover to the plug, and securely
fasten the cord. Keep the cord
away from any moving parts.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord as it
was before to keep it away from
moving engine parts. If you do not,
it could be damaged.
Contact your dealer for information
on how long to use the heater in your
particular area.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
When the ignition is turned from on
to off, the following features (if
equipped) will continue to function
for up to 10 minutes, or until the
driver door is opened. These features
will also work when the ignition is in
RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY:
.Infotainment System
.Power Windows (during RAP this
functionality will be lost when any
door is opened)
.Sunroof (during RAP this
functionality will be lost when any
door is opened)
.Auxiliary Power Outlet
.Audio System
.OnStar System
Shifting Into Park
(Mechanical Shifter)
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0237.

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
224 DRIVING AND OPERATING
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park)by holding in the button on the
shift lever and pushing the shift
lever all the way toward the front
of the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition off.
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 shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly 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 move the (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting
Into Park (Mechanical Shifter) 0223
or
Shifting Into Park (Electronic Shifter)
0 224. If you are towing a trailer,
see Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0297.
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. After
you have moved the shift lever into
P (Park), hold the regular brake pedal
down. Then, see if you can move the
shift lever away from P (Park) without
first pressing the button.
If you can, it means that the shift
lever was not fully locked in P (Park).
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of the
vehicle puts too much force on the
parking pawl in the transmission. This
happens when parking on a hill and
shifting the transmission into P (Park)
is not done properly and then it is difficult to shift out of P (Park). To
prevent torque lock, set the parking
brake and then shift into P (Park). To
find out how, see
“Shifting Into Park”
listed previously.
If torque lock does occur, your vehicle
may need to be pushed uphill by
another vehicle to relieve the parking
pawl pressure, so you can shift out of
P (Park).
Shifting Into Park
(Electronic Shifter)
To shift into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0237.
2. Press the button on top of the shift lever to shift into P (Park). See
Automatic Transmission (Mechanical
Shifter) 0227 or
Automatic Transmission (Electronic
Shifter) 0229.
3. The P indicator on the shift lever will turn red when the vehicle is in
P (Park).

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 225
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 shift to
P (Park). SeeShifting Into Park
(Mechanical Shifter) 0223 or
Shifting Into Park (Electronic Shifter)
0 224. If you are towing a trailer,
see Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0297. 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 0297.
Shifting out of Park
(Mechanical Shifter)
This vehicle is equipped with an
electronic shift lock release system.
The shift lock release is designed to
prevent movement of the shift lever
out of P (Park), unless the ignition is
on and the brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less than
9 volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. See Jump Starting - North
America 0366 for more information. To shift out of P (Park):
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Release the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake 0237.
3. Press the shift lever button.
4. Move the shift lever.
If unable to shift out of P (Park): 1. Fully release the shift lever button.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift lever button
again.
3. Move the shift lever.
If the shift lever will not move from
P (Park), consult your dealer or a
professional towing service.
Shifting out of Park
(Electronic Shifter)
This vehicle is equipped with an
electronic transmission. The shift lock
release button is designed to prevent
inadvertent shifting out of P (Park).

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
226 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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 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 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.
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 (Mechanical
Shifter) 0223 or
Shifting Into Park (Electronic Shifter)
0 224 and
Engine Exhaust 0226.
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. 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.
The timer will reset if the vehicle is
taken out of P (Park) while it is
running.Engine Exhaust
{
Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areas with
poor ventilation (parking garages,
tunnels, deep snow that may
block underbody airf low or tail
pipes). (Continued)

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 227
Warning (Continued)
.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.
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
It is better not to park with the engine
running. See Engine Exhaust 0226.
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 (Mechanical Shifter)
0 223 or
Shifting Into Park (Electronic Shifter)
0 224 and
Electric Parking Brake 0237.
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission
(Mechanical Shifter)
There are several different positions
for the shift lever.
P : This position locks the drive
wheels. Use P (Park) when starting the
vehicle to ensure the vehicle does
not move.

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
228 DRIVING AND OPERATING
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running unless you have
to. 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 move the shift
lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park (Mechanical Shifter) 0223 or
Shifting Into Park (Electronic Shifter)
0 224. If you are pulling a trailer,
see Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0297.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an electronic shift
lock release system. Fully apply the
regular brakes first and then press the
shift lever button before shifting from
P (Park) when the ignition is on. If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease
pressure on the shift lever and push
the shift lever all the way into P (Park)
as you maintain brake application.
Then press the shift lever button and
move the shift lever into another gear.
See
Shifting out of Park (Mechanical
Shifter) 0225 or
Shifting out of Park (Electronic Shifter)
0 225.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is
stopped.
R : Use this gear to back up.
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 0214. 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 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.

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 229
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.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding. See “Skidding”underLoss
of Control 0206.
M : This mode can be entered by
moving the shift lever from D (Drive)
to M (Manual Mode). M (Manual
Mode) allows the driver to select gears
appropriate for current driving
conditions. M (Manual Mode) can be
exited by returning the shift lever to D (Drive). See
Manual Mode (Electronic
Shifter) 0235 or
Manual Mode (Mechanical Shifter)
0 234.
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.
While in Sport or Track Mode, the
vehicle monitors driving behavior, and
automatically enables Performance
Shift Features when spirited driving is
detected. These features maintain
lower transmission gears to increase
available engine braking and improve
acceleration response. The vehicle will
exit these features and return to Sport
or Track Mode normal operation after
a short period when no spirited
driving is detected. See Driver Mode
Control 0241. Engine speeds may be increased while
driving at highway speeds while the
engine is still warming up.
Automatic Transmission
(Electronic Shifter)
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.