CADILLAC CT5 2021 Owner's Manual

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
240 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Automatic Vehicle
Hold (AVH)
{Warning
Do not rely on this feature. It does
not replace the need to pay
attention and drive safely. You may
not hear or feel alerts or warnings
provided by this system. Failure to
use proper care when driving may
result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage.
When Automatic Vehicle Hold (AVH)
is turned on and the vehicle is braked
to a stop, AVH prevents the vehicle from moving during the transition
from brake pedal release to accelerator
pedal apply. The brakes release when
the accelerator pedal is applied. The
brakes may also release under other
conditions. Do not rely on AVH to
hold the vehicle.
If the accelerator pedal is not applied
within a few minutes, the Electric
Parking Brake will apply. The parking
brake will also apply if the driver door
is opened or the driver seat belt is
unfastened while AVH is holding the
vehicle.
AVH can be turned on by pressing
AUTO HOLD. The indicator light on
the switch will come on. The AVH
light on the instrument panel will
come on while AVH is actively holding
the vehicle. See
Automatic Vehicle Hold
(AVH) Light 0107.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining
control, especially on slippery road
conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of
the drive wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, the system brakes the
spinning wheel(s) and/or reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the
computer senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure at any one of the
vehicle's brakes to help steer the
vehicle in the intended direction.
If cruise control is being used and TCS
or StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit
wheel spin, cruise control will

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DRIVING AND OPERATING 241
disengage. Cruise control may be
turned back on when road conditions
allow.
Both systems come on automatically
when the vehicle is started and begins
to move. The systems may be heard or
felt while they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This is
normal and does not mean there is a
problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary to
turn TCS off if the vehicle gets stuck
in sand, mud, ice, or snow. SeeIf the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0219 and “Turning
the Systems Off and On ”later in this
section.
The indicator light for both systems is
in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is
activated.
.Turn on and stay on when either
system is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message may display in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on and stays on to indicate
that the system is inactive and is not
assisting the driver in maintaining
control. The vehicle is safe to drive,
but driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. if
dcomes on and
stays on, the vehicle may need more
time to diagnose the problem. If the
condition persists, see your dealer.
Turning the Systems Off and On
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is off.
The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and
release
g. The traction off lighti
displays in the instrument cluster.
A DIC message may display.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
242 DRIVING AND OPERATING
To turn TCS on again, press and
release
g. The traction off lighti
displayed in the instrument cluster
will turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
g
is pressed, the system will not turn off
until the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/
ESC, press and hold
guntil the
traction off light
iand StabiliTrak/
ESC OFF light
gcome on and stay on
in the instrument cluster. A DIC
message may display.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on
again, press and release
g. The
traction off light
iand StabiliTrak/
ESC OFF light
gin the instrument
cluster turn off.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle's performance. See Accessories
and Modifications 0310.
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control (DMC) allows the
driver to adjust the overall driving
experience to better suit driver
preference by adjusting vehicle
systems to fit specific driving needs.
Drive Mode availability and affected
vehicle systems are dependent on
vehicle trim level, region, and optional
features.
If the vehicle is in Tour Mode or My
Mode, it will stay in that mode
through future ignition cycles. If the
vehicle is in any other mode, it will
return to Tour Mode when the vehicle
is restarted. When a mode is selected,
an indicator will come on in the
instrument cluster.
Mode Activation
Driver Mode Control Switch
To activate, press the MODE switch on
the center console. Use the up and
down arrows to move through
the menu.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 243
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 0219.
See “Mode Selection Attributes ”later
in this section.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
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244 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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 0247.
See “Mode Selection Attributes ”later
in this section.
My Mode
My Mode is used to personalize
everyday driving. This mode is
designed to allow the driver to
configure vehicle systems to their own
preference for city or normal driving. Through the center stack, the
following vehicle systems may be
available for customization in
this mode.
.Engine Sound: Stealth, Tour
(Default), Sport, Track
.Steering: Tour (default), Sport,
Track
.Suspension: Tour (default), Sport,
Track
.Brake Response: Tour (default),
Sport, Track
For information on the range of
settings, see “Driver Mode
Customization ”.
V-Mode (V-Series Only)
V-Mode is used to personalize
dynamic driving. This mode is
designed to allow the driver to
configure vehicle sub-systems to their
own preference for maximum
handling. V-Mode further enhances the drivers experience by adding a
powertrain customization. Through
the center stack, the following vehicle
systems may be available for
customization in this mode.
.Engine Sound: Stealth, Tour, Sport
(default), Track
.Steering: Tour, Sport (default),
Track
.Suspension: Tour, Sport, (default),
Track
.Powertrain: Tour, Sport, (default),
Track, Snow/Ice
.PTM: OFF, WET, DRY, SPORT, RACE
1, RACE 2
.Brake Response: Tour, Sport, Track
For information on the range of
settings, see “Driver Mode
Customization ”.

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DRIVING AND OPERATING 245
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

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
246 DRIVING AND OPERATING
using the paddles. DPM recognizes
aggressive cornering, heavy braking,
and high acceleration to select and
hold lower gears when not using
paddles. The shifts are also firmer to
increase the quickness of shifting.
Engine Sound
Adjusts the volume of engine noise.
The sound level changes when the
variable exhaust valves open.
Steering (Assist Effort)
Adjusts from a lighter steering feel in
Tour Mode to reduced assist in Sport
and Track Mode for more
steering feel.
Magnetic Ride Control (If Equipped)
Adjusts the shock dampening
firmness from a comfort in Tour Mode
to an optimized responsiveness tune
in Sport and Track.
Stability Control
.Competitive Mode allows less
computer control to permit some
slide and drift and is selected with
the TCS/StabiliTrak button–only
available in Sport Mode.
.StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) can be turned off by
pressing and holding the TCS/
StabiliTrak button for five seconds.
Brake Response
Adjusts brake pedal sensitivity by
selecting how quick or slow the brakes
respond to input.
Driver Mode Customization
The following settings can be changed
using the Drive Mode Customization
Menu. See “Settings > Vehicle > Drive
Mode Customization ”in the center
stack to customize My Mode and/or
V-Mode.
Engine Sound
Engine sound adjusts the volume of
engine noise. The settings range from
quietest to loudest volume from
Stealth through Track.
–Stealth, Tour, Sport, Track Steering
Steering adjusts the effort required to
turn the steering wheel. The steering
wheel offers better feedback in the
Tour setting, but requires more effort
in the Sport and Track settings.
–Tour, Sport, Track
Suspension
Suspension adjusts the firmness of the
suspension in the vehicle. Suspension
adjusts the stiffness of the shocks and
/ or springs. The ride is more
comfortable at lower settings and is
stiffer at higher settings for better
control.
–Tour, Sport, Track
Powertrain
Powertrain adjusts the throttle
response, gear shifting and engine
performance. Throttle response
increases in the Sport, Track, and
Snow/Ice settings, and gear shifting is
more aggressive.
–Tour, Sport, Track, Snow/Ice

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DRIVING AND OPERATING 247
Brake Response
Brake Response adjusts the brake
pedal response. Settings range from a
slower response for more comfortable
driving to the quickest response for
quicker deceleration. Brake pedal
travel decreases and caliper pressure
increases in the Sport and Track
settings.
–Tour, Sport, Track
PTM (Performance Traction
Management)
PTM controls vehicle performance
systems for professional handling on
race tracks. Traction Control and
Stability Control are reduced as you
move through each of the settings.
Changing PTM settings may also
automatically change the other
subsystem settings. See“Performance
Traction Management ”in Competitive
Driving Mode 0247.
–Off, Wet, Dry, Sport, Race 1, Race 2
Competitive Driving Mode
To select this optional handling mode,
press
gquickly two times and the DIC
will display COMPETITIVE MODE ON. While in the Competitive Driving
Mode, the traction off light
iand
StabiliTrak/ESC OFF light
gwill come
on in the instrument cluster. TCS does
not limit wheel spin, the Electronic
Limited-Slip Differential (eLSD) allows
increased vehicle agility, and more
effort is required to turn the steering
wheel. See “Limited-Slip Differential
(V-Series Only)” later in this section.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
Press
gagain, or turn the ignition to
ACC/ACCESSORY and restart the
vehicle, to turn TCS back on. The
traction off light
iand StabiliTrak/
ESC OFF light
gwill go out in the
instrument cluster.
Caution
When traction control is turned off,
or Competitive Driving Mode is
active, it is possible to lose traction.
Performance Traction
Management (PTM)
PTM can be activated through V-Mode
customization or by pressing the ESC
button twice while in Track Mode. To activate PTM through V-Mode
customization, select the desired PTM
state in the center stack (Vehicle >
Settings > Drive Mode Customization
> V-Mode). Press the V-Mode button
once to activate V-Mode. When PTM
is configured on, a message will
appear in the Driver Information
Center (DIC)
“V-Mode Active - Press
Again for PTM On - ESC May be
Disabed”.
To confirm and enter PTM, press the
V-Mode button again. The PTM state
can now be modified using the mode
knob or changing the V-Mode PTM
settings in the center stack. Both the
V-Mode and PTM indicators will be
displayed. To exit PTM, press the ESC
button.
To cancel the PTM request message
and not enter PTM, press the center
dismiss button on the steering wheel
(V-Mode remains active).
Selecting PTM states may modify
other V-Mode customization options.
Off, Wet, Dry, Sport, Race 1, Race 2.
PTM 1 –WET
.Intended for all driver skill levels.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
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248 DRIVING AND OPERATING
.Wet or damp conditions only—not
intended for use in heavy rain or
standing water.
.StabiliTrak/ESC is on and engine
power is reduced based on
conditions.
PTM 2 –DRY
.For use by less experienced drivers
or while learning a new track.
.Dry conditions only.
.StabiliTrak/ESC is on and engine
power is slightly reduced.
PTM 3 –SPORT
.For use by drivers who are familiar
with the track.
.Dry conditions only.
.Requires more driving skill than
mode 2.
.StabiliTrak/ESC is on and more
engine power is available than in
mode 2.
PTM 4 –Race 1
.For use by drivers who are familiar
with the track.
.Dry conditions only.
.Requires more driving skill than
modes 2 or 3.
.StabiliTrak/ESC is off and available
engine power is the same as
mode 3.
PTM 5 –RACE 2
.For use by experienced drivers who
are familiar with the track.
.Dry conditions only.
.Requires more driving skill than in
other modes.
.StabiliTrak/ESC is off and engine
power is available for maximum
cornering speed.
Press and release
gto turn off PTM
and return to the TCS and StabiliTrak/
ESC systems. The traction off light
i
and StabiliTrak Off lightiwill
go out.
Launch Control
If equipped, Launch Control is
available within Competitive Driving
Mode and Performance Traction
Management (PTM) to allow high
levels of vehicle acceleration in a
straight line. Launch Control is a form
of traction control that manages tire
spin while launching the vehicle. This
feature is intended for use during closed course race events where
consistent zero to 60 and quarter mile
times are desirable.
Launch Control is only available when
the following criteria are met:
.Competitive Driving Mode is
selected or any of the Performance
Traction Management modes are
selected.
.The vehicle is not moving.
.The steering wheel is pointing
straight.
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

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DRIVING AND OPERATING 249
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 0247 and
Maintenance Schedule 0383.
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
0240. If a collision alert
occurs when cruise control is
activated, cruise control is disengaged.
See Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System 0285. When road conditions
allow cruise control to be safely used,
it can be turned back on.
Cruise control will disengage if either
TCS or StabiliTrak/ESC is turned off.
If the brakes are applied, cruise
control disengages.