tow CADILLAC CT5 2021 Owner's Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: CADILLAC, Model Year: 2021, Model line: CT5, Model: CADILLAC CT5 2021Pages: 435, PDF Size: 8.9 MB
Page 220 of 435

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 219
Warning (Continued)
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking
the exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in)
on the vehicle side that is away
from the wind, to bring in
fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or
under the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control
system to circulate the air inside
the vehicle and set the fan speed
to the highest setting. See
“Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0231.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then
shut the engine off and partially close
the window. Moving about to keep
warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than the idle speed.
This keeps the battery charged to
restart the vehicle and to signal for
help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels
to free the vehicle when stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. See
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0240.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you or
others could be injured. The vehicle
can overheat, causing an engine
compartment fire or other damage.
Spin the wheels as little as possible
and avoid going above 56 km/h
(35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right
to clear the area around the front
wheels. Turn off any traction system.
Shift back and forth between
R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as
possible. To prevent transmission
wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears. Release
the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator
pedal when the transmission is in
gear. Slowly spinning the wheels in
the forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get
the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the
vehicle does need to be towed out, see
Towing the Vehicle 0371.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how
much weight the vehicle can carry.
This weight is called the vehicle
capacity weight and includes the
weight of all occupants, cargo, and
all nonfactory-installed options. 
Page 222 of 435

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 221
3.Subtract the combined weight
of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
example, if the "XXX" amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
5.Determine the combined weight
of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed
the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer
will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual todetermine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.”
See Trailer Towing (LSY 2.0L L4 and
LGY 3.0L V6 Engines Only) 0304
for important information on
towing a trailer, towing safety
rules, and trailering tips.
Example 1
1.Vehicle Capacity Weight for
Example 1 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
2.Subtract Occupant Weight @
68 kg (150 lbs) × 2 = 136 kg
(300 lbs).
3.Available Occupant and Cargo
Weight = 317 kg (700 lbs).
Example 2
1.Vehicle Capacity Weight for
Example 2 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
2.Subtract Occupant Weight @
68 kg (150 lbs) × 5 = 340 kg
(750 lbs).
3.Available Cargo Weight =
113 kg (250 lbs). 
Page 230 of 435

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 229
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
To shift into P (Park):1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0238. 2. Press the button on top of the shift
lever to shift into P (Park). See
Automatic Transmission 0231.
3. The P indicator on the shift lever will turn red when the vehicle is in
P (Park).
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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
shift to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park 0229. If you are towing a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0301.
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 0301.
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an
electronic transmission. The shift lock
release button is designed to prevent
inadvertent shifting out of P (Park).
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. 
Page 232 of 435

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 231
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).
.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. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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
The vehicle should not be left running
while parked.
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 0229 and
Engine Exhaust 0231.
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0301.
Automatic Transmission
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.
The shift lever always starts from a
center position, represented by an up/
down arrow on the shift pattern. After
releasing the shift lever, it will return
to the center position.
The transmission does not operate
when the vehicle is off. 
Page 235 of 435

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
234 DRIVING AND OPERATING
intended for towing. If the vehicle
needs to be towed, seeTowing the
Vehicle 0371.
To shift into N (Neutral): 1. Move the shift lever forward to the first detent from the center
position.
.If the vehicle is in P (Park),
apply the brake pedal and press
the shift lock release button
while moving the shift lever
forward.
.N will illuminate in red.
2. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
To shift out of N (Neutral): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear. If shifting from N (Neutral) to R (Reverse),
press the shift lock release button.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
Car Wash Mode
This vehicle includes a Car Wash
Mode that allows the vehicle to
remain in N (Neutral) for use in
automatic car washes.
Car Wash Mode (Engine Off –Driver
in Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral)
with the engine off and the vehicle
occupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift to N (Neutral).
4. Turn off the engine and release the brake pedal.
5. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, repeat
Steps 2–4.
6. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
Car Wash Mode (Engine Off –Driver
out of Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral)
with the engine off and the vehicle
unoccupied: 1. Drive to the entrance of the
car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Open the door.
4. Shift to N (Neutral).
5. Turn off the engine and release the brake pedal.
6. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, repeat
Steps 2–5.
7. Exit the vehicle and close the door. The vehicle is now ready for the
car wash.
8. The vehicle may automatically shift to P (Park) upon re-entry.
Car Wash Mode (Engine On –Driver
in Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral)
with the engine on and the vehicle
occupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift to N (Neutral). 
Page 237 of 435

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
236 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Manual Mode
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).
Temporary Tap Manual 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 Manual
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. 
Page 240 of 435

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 239
If the amber service parking brake
warning light is on, release the EPB by
pressing and holding the EPB switch.
Continue to hold the switch until the
red parking brake status light is off.
If either light stays on after release is
attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system and
cause premature wear or damage to
brake system parts. Make sure that
the parking brake is fully released
and the brake warning light is off
before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and parking
on a hill, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0301.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if
the vehicle is running, placed into
gear, and an attempt is made to drive
away. Avoid rapid acceleration when
the EPB is applied, to preserve parking
brake lining life.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional
braking to activate the Antilock Brake
System (ABS) if the brake pedal is not
pushed hard enough to activate ABS
normally. Minor noise, brake pedal
pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue
to apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist
disengages when the brake pedal is
released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature.
HSA 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. See Defensive
Driving 0210. When the vehicle is stopped on a
grade, Hill Start Assist (HSA)
temporarily prevents the vehicle from
rolling in an unintended direction
during the transition from brake pedal
release to accelerator pedal apply. The
brakes release when the accelerator
pedal is applied or automatically
release after a few seconds. The brakes
may also release under other
conditions. Do not rely on HSA to
hold the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is
facing uphill in a forward gear,
or when facing downhill in
R (Reverse). The vehicle must come to
a complete stop on a grade for HSA to
activate. 
Page 261 of 435

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
260 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Driving in Narrow Lanes
Vehicles in adjacent traffic lanes or
roadside objects may be incorrectly
detected when located along the
roadway.
Do Not Use ACC on Hills and When
Towing a Trailer
Do not use ACC when driving on steep
hills or when towing a trailer. ACC will
not detect a vehicle in the lane while
driving on steep hills. If the brakes are
applied, ACC disengages.
Disengaging ACC
There are three ways to
disengage ACC:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.PressJ.Erasing Speed Memory
The ACC set speed is erased from
memory if
Jis pressed or if the
ignition is turned off.
Weather Conditions Affecting ACC
System operation may be limited
under snow, heavy rain, or road spray
conditions.
Accessory Installations and Vehicle
Modifications
Do not install or place any object
around the front camera windshield
area that would obstruct the front
camera view.
Do not install objects on top of the
vehicle that overhang and obstruct the
front camera, such as a canoe, kayak,
or other items.
Do not modify the hood, headlamps,
or fog lamps, as this may limit the
camera’s ability to detect an object.
Cleaning the Sensing System
The camera sensor on the windshield
behind the rearview mirror and the
radar sensors on the front of the
vehicle can become blocked by snow, ice, dirt, or mud. These areas need to
be cleaned for ACC to operate
properly.
If ACC will not operate, regular Cruise
Control may be available. See
“Switching Between ACC and Regular
Cruise Control
”previously in this
section. Always consider driving
conditions before using either cruise
control system.
For cleaning instructions, see
“Washing the Vehicle ”under Exterior
Care 0372.
System operation may also be limited
under snow, heavy rain, or road spray
conditions.
Super Cruise
If equipped, Super Cruise can steer to
maintain lane position under certain
conditions on Super Cruise-enabled
roads that are separated from
opposing traffic.
Super Cruise can also steer to perform
a lane change under certain
conditions on Super Cruise-enabled
roads when a lane change is initiated
by the driver using the turn signal 
Page 264 of 435

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 263
Warning (Continued)
.Not during heavy or emergency
braking.
.Not on surface streets.
.Not on a road shoulder, service
drive, or under an elevated
freeway.
.Not in tunnels.
.Not when towing a trailer.
.Not in a highway exit lane.
When Super Cruise is Available
Super Cruise Indicator
Super Cruise is designed to operate
only when:
.ACC is on. See Adaptive Cruise
Control (Advanced) 0251.
.Teen Driver is not active.
.The GPS detects the vehicle is on a
compatible highway.
.Both the camera and the radar
sensors are functioning and not
covered, obstructed, or damaged.
.The Driver Attention System (DAS)
detects the driver's head and eyes
are directed toward the road.
.The lane markings are clearly visible
and able to be detected by the
system.
Poor Conditions
Poor Conditions Using Super Cruise
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death:
.Always check that Super Cruise
is available
^before
pressing
].
.Only remove your hands from
the steering wheel if the steering
wheel light bar,
^, and\are
green. Super Cruise may not
begin steering immediately, even
when Super Cruise is available
and
]has been pressed. 
Page 267 of 435

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
266 DRIVING AND OPERATING
.The Driver Attention System (DAS)
does not detect that the driver's
head and eyes are directed toward
the road.
.ACC is canceled.
.The vehicle is on a tight curve,
or the lanes are too wide, or the
vehicle goes into a curve too fast.
.The compatible road ends.
.The vehicle is approaching an
intersection controlled by a traffic
light, stop sign, or other traffic
control device.
.A Super Cruise system fault occurs.
Attention to the Road
{Warning
Super Cruise is a driver assistance
system and cannot accurately
detect or predict all situations.
Super Cruise is not a crash
avoidance system. To prevent
serious injury or death, you must
supervise the driving task and
monitor the road conditions. You
may need to respond to traffic
events by steering, braking, (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
or accelerating. SeeDefensive
Driving 0210. Super Cruise also
cannot determine whether you are
awake, asleep, impaired, or properly
focused on safe driving. The vehicle
could crash into other vehicles,
drive out of the lane, or drive off
the road. Complete attention is
always required while driving, even
while using Super Cruise. Be
prepared to take over steering or
apply the brakes at any time.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
be alert and pay special attention
when passing highway exits,
entrances, and crossings with Super
Cruise, and be ready to take control
of the vehicle when necessary.
Changes in lane markings around
exits and entrances can
momentarily cause Super Cruise to
not detect the correct lane. If this
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
occurs, Super Cruise may attempt
steering inputs to bring the vehicle
back into the correct lane and, in
rare circumstances, could
over-correct and cause the vehicle
to momentarily cross into a lane
next to your vehicle unless you
manually steer to maintain your
lane position.
The Driver Attention System (DAS) on
the steering column continually
monitors driver head and eye position
to estimate driver attention to the
road. The camera does not record or
share pictures, audio, or video.
Sunglasses, hats, or other types of
clothing that change the shape of the
head may interfere with camera
performance. To improve camera
performance, raise or lower the
steering wheel, or change the seat
position.
Pay close attention to the road ahead
to avoid these three increasing alerts: