CADILLAC CT5 2021 Owner's Manual

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
370 VEHICLE CARE
Caution (Continued)
by the vehicle warranty. Whenever
possible, turn off or unplug all
accessories on either vehicle when
jump starting.
4. Turn the ignition off. Turn off all lights and accessories in both
vehicles, except the hazard warning
flashers if needed.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running and
can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode. People
have been hurt doing this, and
some have been blinded. Use a
flashlight if you need more light.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Battery fluid contains acid that can
burn you. Do not get it on you.
If you accidentally get it in your
eyes or on your skin, flush the place
with water and get medical help
immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine parts
can injure you badly. Keep your
hands away from moving parts
once the engine is running.
5. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the remote
positive (+) terminal on the
discharged battery.
6. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the good battery.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the
negative (–) terminal of the good
battery. Do not let the other end touch
anything until the next step. The
other end of the negative (–) cable
does not go to the dead battery.
It goes to a heavy, unpainted metal
engine part.
8. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to the
negative (–) grounding point for the
discharged battery.
9. Start the engine in the vehicle with the good battery and run the
engine at idle speed for at least
four minutes.
10. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not start
after a few tries, it probably needs
service.
Caution
If the jumper cables are connected
or removed in the wrong order,
electrical shorting may occur and
damage the vehicle. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always connect and
remove the jumper cables in the
(Continued)

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
VEHICLE CARE 371
Caution (Continued)
correct order, making sure that the
cables do not touch each other or
other metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle and
removing the jumper cables, allow it
to idle for several minutes.
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not lash or
hook to suspension components.
Use the proper straps around the
tires to secure the vehicle. Do not
drag a locked wheel/tire. Use tire
skates or dollies under any locked
wheel/tire while loading the vehicle. (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
Do not use a sling type lift to tow
the vehicle. This could damage the
vehicle.
GM recommends a flatbed tow truck
to transport a disabled vehicle. Use
ramps to help reduce approach angles,
if necessary. A towed vehicle should
have its drive wheels off the ground.
Contact Roadside Service or a
professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed. See
Roadside Service 0405.
Tow Eye
Caution
Improper use of the tow eye can
damage the vehicle. If equipped, use
the tow eye to load a disabled
vehicle onto a flatbed tow truck
from a flat road surface, or to move
the vehicle a short distance. Use
caution and low speeds. The
transmission must be
in (N) Neutral when moving the
vehicle. If the vehicle is equipped with a tow
eye, only use the tow eye to pull the
vehicle onto a flatbed car carrier from
a flat road surface. Do not use the tow
eye to pull the vehicle from snow,
mud, or sand.
Front Tow Eye
Carefully open the cover in the fascia
by using the small notch that conceals
the tow eye socket.
Install the tow eye into the socket and
turn it until it is fully tightened. When
the tow eye is removed, reinstall the
cover with the notch in the original
position.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
372 VEHICLE CARE
Rear Tow Eye
If equipped, carefully open the cover
by using the small notch that conceals
the rear tow eye socket.
Install the tow eye into the socket and
turn it until it is fully tightened. When
the tow eye is removed, reinstall the
cover with the notch in the original
position.
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Caution
Dolly towing or dinghy towing the
vehicle may cause damage because
of reduced ground clearance.
Always put the vehicle on a flatbed
truck or trailer.
The vehicle was neither designed nor
intended to be towed with any of its
wheels on the ground. If the vehicle
must be towed, see Towing the Vehicle
0 371.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0392.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash
it often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they
can damage the vehicle's paint,
metal, or plastic parts. If damage
occurs, it would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Approved
cleaning products can be obtained
from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and appropriate
disposal of any vehicle care
product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes
closer than 30 cm (12 in) to the
surface of the vehicle. Use of power
washers exceeding 8 274 kPa
(1,200 psi) can result in damage or
removal of paint and decals.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
VEHICLE CARE 373
Caution
Some automatic car washes can
cause damage to the vehicle, wheels
and ground effects. Automatic car
washes are not recommended, due
to lack of clearance for the
undercarriage and/or wide rear tires
and wheels.
If using an automatic car wash, follow
the car wash instructions. The
windshield wiper and rear window
wiper, if equipped, must be off.
Remove any accessories that may be
damaged or interfere with the car
wash equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing
and after, to remove all cleaning
agents completely. If they are allowed
to dry on the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting. Cleaning Underhood ComponentsCaution
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this
e
symbol.
This could cause damage that
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Solvents or aggressive cleaners may
harm underhood components. The
usages of these chemicals should be
avoided.
Recommend water only.
A pressure washer may be used, but
care must be utilized. The following
criteria must be followed:
.Water pressure must be kept below
14 000 KPa (2,000 PSI).
.Water temperature must be below
80 °C (180 °F).
.Spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide
angle spray pattern or wider must
be used.
.Nozzle must be kept at least 30 cm
(1 ft) away from all surfaces.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat
sealant/wax materials is not
recommended. If painted surfaces are
damaged, see your dealer to have the
damage assessed and repaired. Foreign
materials such as calcium chloride
and other salts, ice melting agents,
road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial
chimneys, etc., can damage the
vehicle's finish if they remain on
painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as
soon as possible. If necessary, use
non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove
foreign matter.
Occasional hand waxing or mild
polishing should be done to remove
residue from the paint finish. See your
dealer for approved cleaning products.
Do not apply waxes or polishes to
uncoated plastic, vinyl, rubber, decals,
simulated wood, or flat paint as
damage can occur.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
374 VEHICLE CARE
Caution
Machine compounding or
aggressive polishing on a basecoat/
clearcoat paint finish may damage
it. Use only non-abrasive waxes and
polishes that are made for a
basecoat/clearcoat paint finish on
the vehicle.
To keep the paint finish looking new,
keep the vehicle garaged or covered
whenever possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal
Moldings
Caution
Failure to clean and protect the
bright metal moldings can result in
a hazy white finish or pitting. This
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
The bright metal moldings on the
vehicle are aluminum, chrome,
or stainless steel. To prevent damage,
always follow these cleaning
instructions:
.Be sure the molding is cool to the
touch before applying any cleaning
solution.
.Use only approved cleaning
solutions for aluminum, chrome,
or stainless steel. Some cleaners are
highly acidic or contain alkaline
substances and can damage the
moldings.
.Always dilute a concentrated
cleaner according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
.Do not use cleaners that are not
intended for automotive use.
.Use a nonabrasive wax on the
vehicle after washing to protect and
extend the molding finish.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses,
Emblems, Decals, and Stripes
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a
soft cloth, and a car washing soap to
clean exterior lamps, lenses, emblems,
decals, and stripes. Follow instructions
under "Washing the Vehicle"
previously in this section.
Lamp covers are made of plastic, and
some have a UV protective coating. Do
not clean or wipe them when dry. Do not use any of the following on
lamp covers:
.Abrasive or caustic agents.
.Washer fluids and other cleaning
agents in higher concentrations
than suggested by the manufacturer.
.Solvents, alcohols, fuels, or other
harsh cleaners.
.Ice scrapers or other hard items.
.Aftermarket appearance caps or
covers while the lamps are
illuminated, due to excessive heat
generated.
Caution
Failure to clean lamps properly can
cause damage to the lamp cover
that would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Caution
Using wax on low gloss black finish
stripes can increase the gloss level
and create a non-uniform finish.
Clean low gloss stripes with soap
and water only.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
VEHICLE CARE 375
Air Intakes
Clear debris from the air intakes
between the hood and windshield
when washing the vehicle.
Shutter System
The vehicle may have a shutter
system designed to help improve fuel
economy. Keep the shutter system
clear of debris, snow and ice. If the
check engine light is activated, please
check to see if the shutter system is
clear of debris, snow or ice.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
with glass cleaner.Clean rubber blades using a lint-free
cloth or paper towel soaked with
windshield washer fluid or a mild
detergent. Wash the windshield
thoroughly when cleaning the blades.
Bugs, road grime, sap, and a buildup
of vehicle wash/wax treatments may
cause wiper streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if they are
worn or damaged. Damage can be
caused by extreme dusty conditions,
sand, salt, heat, sun, snow, and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply weatherstrip lubricant on
weatherstrips to make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak. Lubricate weatherstrips at
least once a year. Hot, dry climates
may require more frequent
application. Black marks from rubber
material on painted surfaces can be
removed by rubbing with a clean
cloth. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0392.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on the vehicle may
damage the paint finish and/or
tires. When applying a tire dressing,
always wipe off any overspray from
all painted surfaces on the vehicle.
Wheels and Wheel Trim
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild soap
and water to clean the wheels. After
rinsing thoroughly with clean water,
dry with a soft, clean towel. A wax
may then be applied.
Caution
Chrome wheels and chrome wheel
trim may be damaged if the vehicle
is not washed after driving on roads
that have been sprayed with
magnesium chloride or calcium
chloride. These are used on roads
for conditions such as dust and ice.
Always wash the chrome with soap
and water after exposure.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
376 VEHICLE CARE
Caution
To avoid surface damage on wheels
and wheel trim, do not use strong
soaps, chemicals, abrasive polishes,
cleaners, or brushes. Use only GM
approved cleaners. Do not drive the
vehicle through an automatic car
wash that uses silicon carbide tire/
wheel cleaning brushes. Damage
could occur and the repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake
pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect brake linings/shoes
for wear or cracks. Inspect all other
brake parts.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering, suspension,
and chassis components for damaged,
loose, or missing parts or signs of
wear at least once a year.Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood
hinges, liftgate hinges, and the steel
fuel door hinges, unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips with a
clean cloth will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any corrosive
materials from the underbody. Take
care to thoroughly clean any areas
where mud and other debris can
collect.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water can
overcome the seals and contaminate
the fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer case
and/or axles and should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and requires
sheet metal repair or replacement,
make sure the body repair shop
applies anti-corrosion material to
parts repaired or replaced to restore
corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up materials
available from your dealer to avoid
corrosion. Larger areas of finish
damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted vehicle surfaces
causing blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
VEHICLE CARE 377
dark spots etched into the paint
surface. See“Finish Care”previously in
this section.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions,
regularly clean the vehicle's interior.
Immediately remove any soils.
Newspapers or dark garments can
transfer color to the vehicle’s interior.
Use a soft bristle brush to remove
dust from knobs and crevices on the
instrument cluster. Using a mild soap
solution, immediately remove hand
lotions, sunscreen, and insect
repellent from all interior surfaces or
permanent damage may result.
Use cleaners specifically designed for
the surfaces being cleaned to prevent
permanent damage. Apply all cleaners
directly to the cleaning cloth. Do not
spray cleaners on any switches or
controls. Remove cleaners quickly.
Before using cleaners, read and follow
all safety instructions on the label.
While cleaning the interior, open the
doors and windows to get proper
ventilation. To prevent damage, do not clean the
interior using the following cleaners
or techniques:
.Never use a razor or any other
sharp object to remove soil from
any interior surface.
.Never use a brush with stiff bristles.
.Never rub any surface aggressively
or with too much pressure.
.Do not use laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with degreasers.
For liquid cleaners, use
approximately 20 drops per 3.8 L
(1 gal) of water. A concentrated
soap solution will create streaks and
attract dirt. Do not use solutions
that contain strong or caustic soap.
.Do not heavily saturate the
upholstery when cleaning.
.Do not use solvents or cleaners
containing solvents.
Interior Glass
To clean, use a terry cloth fabric
dampened with water. Wipe droplets
left behind with a clean dry cloth.
If necessary, use a commercial glass
cleaner after cleaning with plain water.
Caution
To prevent scratching, never use
abrasive cleaners on automotive
glass. Abrasive cleaners or
aggressive cleaning may damage
the rear window defogger.
Cleaning the windshield with water
during the first three to six months of
ownership will reduce tendency to fog.
Speaker Covers
Vacuum around a speaker cover
gently, so that the speaker will not be
damaged. Clean spots with water and
mild soap.
Coated Moldings
Coated moldings should be cleaned.
.When lightly soiled, wipe with a
sponge or soft, lint-free cloth
dampened with water.
.When heavily soiled, use warm
soapy water.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
378 VEHICLE CARE
Fabric/Carpet/Suede
Start by vacuuming the surface using
a soft brush attachment. If a rotating
vacuum brush attachment is being
used, only use it on the floor carpet.
Before cleaning, gently remove as
much of the soil as possible:
.Gently blot liquids with a paper
towel. Continue blotting until no
more soil can be removed.
.For solid soils, remove as much as
possible prior to vacuuming.
To clean: 1. Saturate a clean, lint-free colorfast cloth with water. Microfiber cloth is
recommended to prevent lint
transfer to the fabric or carpet.
2. Remove excess moisture by gently wringing until water does not drip
from the cleaning cloth.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub toward the
center. Fold the cleaning cloth to a
clean area frequently to prevent
forcing the soil in to the fabric. 4. Continue gently rubbing the soiled
area until there is no longer any
color transfer from the soil to the
cleaning cloth.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild soap solution
followed only by plain water.
If the soil is not completely removed,
it may be necessary to use a
commercial upholstery cleaner or spot
lifter. Test a small hidden area for
colorfastness before using a
commercial upholstery cleaner or spot
lifter. If ring formation occurs, clean
the entire fabric or carpet.
After cleaning, use a paper towel to
blot excess moisture.
Cleaning High Gloss Surfaces
and Vehicle Information and
Radio Displays
Use a microfiber cloth on high gloss
surfaces or vehicle displays. First, use
a soft bristle brush to remove dirt that
can scratch the surface. Then gently
clean by rubbing with a microfiber
cloth. Never use window cleaners or
solvents. Periodically hand wash the
microfiber cloth separately, using mild soap. Do not use bleach or fabric
softener. Rinse thoroughly and air dry
before next use.
Caution
Do not attach a device with a
suction cup to the display. This may
cause damage and would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Instrument Panel, Leather, Vinyl,
Other Plastic Surfaces, Low
Gloss Paint Surfaces, and
Natural Open Pore Wood
Surfaces
Use a soft microfiber cloth dampened
with water to remove dust and loose
dirt. For a more thorough cleaning,
use a soft microfiber cloth dampened
with a mild soap solution.
Caution
Soaking or saturating leather,
especially perforated leather, as well
as other interior surfaces, may
cause permanent damage. Wipe
excess moisture from these surfaces
(Continued)

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14584312) -
2021 - CRC - 11/23/20
VEHICLE CARE 379
Caution (Continued)
after cleaning and allow them to
dry naturally. Never use heat,
steam, or spot removers. Do not use
cleaners that contain silicone or
wax-based products. Cleaners
containing these solvents can
permanently change the appearance
and feel of leather or soft trim, and
are not recommended.
Do not use cleaners that increase
gloss, especially on the instrument
panel. Reflected glare can decrease
visibility through the windshield
under certain conditions.
Caution
Use of air fresheners may cause
permanent damage to plastics and
painted surfaces. If an air freshener
comes in contact with any plastic
or painted surface in the vehicle,
blot immediately and clean with a
soft cloth dampened with a mild
soap solution. Damage caused by
air fresheners would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Cargo Cover and
Convenience Net
If equipped, wash with warm water
and mild detergent. Do not use
chlorine bleach. Rinse with cold water,
and then dry completely.
Care of Seat Belts
Keep belts clean and dry.
{Warning
Do not bleach or dye seat belt
webbing. It may severely weaken
the webbing. In a crash, they might
not be able to provide adequate
protection. Clean and rinse seat belt
webbing only with mild soap and
lukewarm water. Allow the webbing
to dry.
Floor Mats
{Warning
If a floor mat is the wrong size or is
not properly installed, it can
interfere with the pedals.
Interference with the pedals can (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
cause unintended acceleration and/
or increased stopping distance
which can cause a crash and injury.
Make sure the floor mat does not
interfere with the pedals.
Use the following guidelines for
proper floor mat usage.
.The original equipment floor mats
were designed for your vehicle.
If the floor mats need replacing, it
is recommended that GM certified
floor mats be purchased. Non-GM
floor mats may not fit properly and
may interfere with the pedals.
Always check that the floor mats do
not interfere with the pedals.
.Do not use a floor mat if the vehicle
is not equipped with a floor mat
retainer on the driver side floor.
.Use the floor mat with the correct
side up. Do not turn it over.
.Do not place anything on top of the
driver side floor mat.
.Use only a single floor mat on the
driver side.