transmission CADILLAC CT4 2021 Owner's Guide

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 235
lower gear if the engine rpm is too
high, nor to the next higher gear when
the maximum engine rpm is reached.
If shifting is prevented for any reason,
a SHIFT DENIED message will be
displayed in the instrument cluster.
When accelerating the vehicle from a
stop in snowy and icy conditions, it is
suggested to shift into second gear.
A higher gear allows the vehicle to
gain more traction on slippery
surfaces.
Manual Mode (Electronic
Shifter)
Tap ShiftCaution
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.
To exit Permanent Tap Shift Mode: 1. To exit M (Manual Mode) and return to D (Drive), pull back on
the shift lever. The D in the shift
pattern will illuminate in red, and
the M will switch to white.
2. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
M (Manual Mode) can be exited to
return to D (Drive) at any speed by
pulling the lever rearward from the
center position. It is not necessary to
stop the vehicle or shift to N (Neutral)
or P (Park) prior to shifting back to
D (Drive).

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
236 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Temporary Tap Shift Mode
To enter Temporary Tap Shift Mode:1. With the transmission in D (Drive) and not in Permanent Tap Shift
Mode, the Tap Shift controls will
activate a Temporary Tap Shift
Mode, allowing the transmission to
be manually shifted. While in
Temporary Tap Shift Mode, the D
on the instrument cluster will be
highlighted and the current gear
shown.
2. To shift to the lowest available gear, press and hold the left
control.
3. To deactivate, hold the right control briefly. Automatic shifts
return after no manual shifts have
been done for seven to 10 seconds.
While using Tap Shift, the vehicle will
have firmer, quicker shifting. This can
be used for sport driving or when
climbing or descending hills, to stay in
gear longer, or to downshift for more
power or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow
shifting into gears appropriate for the
vehicle speed and engine revolutions per minute (rpm). If shifting is
prevented for any reason, the M or D
will flash in the instrument cluster.
The transmission will not
automatically shift to the next higher
gear if the engine rpm is too high.
It will only automatically shift to the
next lower gear if the engine rpm is
much too low.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature always send
engine power to all four wheels. It is
fully automatic, and adjusts itself as
needed for road conditions.
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake
boost have hydraulic brake circuits
that are electronically controlled when
the brake pedal is applied during
normal operation. The system
performs routine tests and turns off
within a few minutes after the vehicle
is turned off. Noise may be heardduring this time. If the brake pedal is
pressed during the tests or when the
electric brake boost system is off, a
noticeable change in pedal force and
travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
helps prevent a braking skid and
maintain steering while braking hard.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See
Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 100.
ABS does not change the time needed
to get a foot on the brake pedal and
does not always decrease stopping
distance. If you get too close to the
vehicle ahead, there will not be
enough time to apply the brakes if

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
242 DRIVING AND OPERATING
V-Mode Button
To activate V-Mode, press the V-Mode
button on the steering wheel. To
deactivate, select a different mode
using the DMC switch, or press the
V-Mode button on the steering wheel.
When V-Mode is deactivated by the
V-Mode button, DMC returns to
Tour Mode.
Mode Description
Tour Mode
Use for normal city and highway
driving to provide a smooth, soft ride.
This mode provides a balance between
comfort and handling. This is the
standard mode. See “Mode Selection Attributes”
later in this section. When
Tour Mode is selected, no indicator
will display.
Sport Mode
Use this mode where road conditions
or personal preference demand a more
controlled response. When this mode
is selected, the vehicle immediately
downshifts. The vehicle also monitors
driving behaviors 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 this feature and return to normal
operation after a short period when
spirited driving is no longer detected.
The steering changes to provide more
precise control. If the vehicle has
Magnetic Ride Control, the suspension
changes to provide better cornering
performance.
See “Mode Selection Attributes ”later
in this section. Snow/Ice Mode
Use this mode for slippery surfaces to
help control wheel speed. This mode
can compromise the acceleration on
dry asphalt.
This feature is not intended for use
when the vehicle is stuck in sand,
mud, or gravel. If the vehicle is stuck,
see
If the Vehicle Is Stuck 0214.
See “Mode Selection Attributes ”later
in this section.
Track Mode (V-Series Only)
When in Track Mode, the automatic
transmission and steering function
similar to Sport Mode. The accelerator
pedal is adjusted to give maximum
control during the highest level of
spirited driving. The Magnetic Ride
Control will be set to the optimum
level for vehicle responsiveness.
Performance Traction Management
(PTM) can be accessed through this
mode. See “Performance Traction
Management ”in Competitive Driving
Mode 0246.
See “Mode Selection Attributes ”later
in this section.

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
244 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Mode Selection Attributes
Modes:TOUR
Default SPORT TRACK SNOW/ICE
Powertrain TourTourTrack Snow/Ice
Throttle Progression TourTourTrack Snow/Ice
Transmission Shift Mode TourSport Track Tour
Engine Sound TourSport Track Tour
Steering TourSport Track Tour
Suspension (if equipped with Magnetic Ride
Control) Tour
Sport Track Tour
Traction and Stability Control TourTourTrack Tour
Competitive Driving Mode (if equipped) Not Available Available Not Available Not Available
Performance Traction Mode (if equipped) Not Available Not Available Available Not Available
Brake Response TourSport Track Tour
Throttle Progression
Adjusts throttle sensitivity by
selecting how quick or slow the
throttle reacts to input.
.Snow/Ice - The accelerator pedal
reduces engine torque at small
pedal inputs. This allows better
wheel control on slippery surfaces.
.Track - The accelerator pedal
adjusts to give maximum control
during the highest level of spirited
driving.
Transmission Shift Mode
Sport or Track –Dynamic
Performance Mode (DPM) allows the
transmission to hold the current gear after a quick release of a heavily
applied accelerator pedal. This
provides greater engine braking and
enhanced vehicle control without
using the paddles. DPM recognizes
aggressive cornering, heavy braking,
and high acceleration to select and

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
248 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Automatic Transmissions
.The brake pedal is firmly pressed to
the floor, equivalent to a panic
brake event.
.The accelerator pedal is rapidly
applied to wide open throttle. If the
vehicle rolls due to wide open
throttle, release the throttle, press
the brake pedal more firmly, and
re-apply the accelerator to wide
open throttle.
Launch Control will initially limit
engine speed as you rapidly apply the
accelerator pedal to wide open
throttle. Allow the engine rpm to
stabilize. A smooth, quick release of
the brake pedal, while maintaining the
fully pressed accelerator pedal, will
manage wheel slip.
After the vehicle is launched, the
system continues in Competitive
Driving Mode or PTM.
Competitive Driving Mode, PTM, and
Launch Control are systems designed
for a closed course race track and not
intended for public roads. The systems are not intended to compensate for
lack of driver experience or familiarity
with the race track.Limited-Slip Differential
If equipped, the Electronic
Limited-Slip Differential (eLSD) is
automatically activated. eLSD actively
monitors vehicle sensors and driver
inputs to determine the amount of
change for the conditions. With eLSD,
the vehicle has:
.Enhanced high-speed control.
.Improved traction through corners,
allowing more acceleration.
.More precise steering.
.Increased vehicle agility.
.Integration with StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
For vehicles with eLSD, driven under
severe conditions, the rear axle fluid
should be changed. See Competitive
Driving Mode 0246 and
Maintenance Schedule 0380.
Cruise Control
{
Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at a
steady speed. Do not use cruise
control on winding roads or in
heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could
lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.
With cruise control, a speed of about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be
maintained without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. Cruise control does
not work at speeds below about
40 km/h (25 mph).
If the Traction Control/StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
system begins to limit wheel spin
while using cruise control, the cruise
control automatically disengages. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0239. If a collision alert

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 251
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise
control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
.PressJ.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased
from memory if
Jis pressed or if the
ignition is turned off.
Adaptive Cruise Control
(Advanced)
If equipped, Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) allows the cruise control set
speed and following gap to be
selected. Read this entire section
before using this system. The
following gap is the following time
between your vehicle and a vehicle
detected directly ahead in your path,
moving in the same direction. If no
vehicle is detected in your path, ACC works like regular cruise control. ACC
uses camera and radar sensors. See
Radio Frequency Statement
0409.
If a vehicle is detected in your path,
ACC can speed up the vehicle or apply
limited, moderate braking to maintain
the selected following gap. To
disengage ACC, apply the brake. If the
Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) system activates while ACC is
engaged, ACC may automatically
disengage. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0239. When
road conditions allow ACC to be safely
used, ACC can be turned back on. ACC
will not engage if the TCS or
StabiliTrak/ESC electronic stability
control system is disabled.
ACC can reduce the need for you to
frequently brake and accelerate,
especially when used on expressways,
freeways, and interstate highways.
When used on other roads, you may
need to take over the control of
braking or acceleration more often.
{Warning
ACC has limited braking ability and
may not have time to slow the
vehicle down enough to avoid a
collision with another vehicle you
are following. This can occur when
vehicles suddenly slow or stop
ahead, or enter your lane. Also see
“Alerting the Driver” in this section.
Complete attention is always
required while driving and you
should be ready to take action and
apply the brakes. See Defensive
Driving 0204.
{Warning
ACC will not detect or brake for
children, pedestrians, animals,
or other objects.
Do not use ACC when:
.On winding and hilly roads or
when the sensors are blocked by
snow, ice, or dirt. The system
(Continued)

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
298 DRIVING AND OPERATING
.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. SeeManual Mode
(Electronic Shifter) 0235 or
Manual Mode (Mechanical Shifter)
0 234.
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:
.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.
.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
0 226.
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.

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 299
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. SeeTowing
Equipment 0302. 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
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 Turns
Caution
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.

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 12/4/20
300 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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 Overheating0322.
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 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 0380. 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
0 322.
Trailer Towing (LSY 2.0L L4
Engine)
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.

Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584335) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
304 VEHICLE CARE
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . 315
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . 316
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323 Brake Pad Life System (If
Equipped) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . 326
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . 327
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . 328
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . 329
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Front Turn Signal Lamps . . . . . . . . 330
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . 330
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . 331
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . 334
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Run-Flat Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Self-Sealing Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . 348
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 356
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357