trailer CADILLAC CT5 2023 Owner's Manual

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
364 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
others could be badly
burned and the vehicle could
be damaged.
3. Remove and clean the funnel adapter and return
it to the storage location.
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container
{Warning
Never fill a portable fuel
container while it is in the
vehicle. Static electricity
discharge from the
container can ignite the fuel
vapor. You or others could
be badly burned and the
vehicle could be damaged.
To help avoid injury to you
and others:
.Dispense fuel only into
approved containers.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Do not fill a container
while it is inside a vehicle,
in a vehicle's trunk, in a
pickup bed, or on any
surface other than the
ground.
.Bring the fill nozzle in
contact with the inside of
the fill opening before
operating the nozzle.
Maintain contact until
filling is complete.
.Keep sparks, flames, and
smoking materials away
from fuel.
.Avoid using electronic
devices while
pumping fuel.
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment
that has been designed for the
vehicle. Contact your dealer or trailering dealer for assistance
with preparing the vehicle to
tow a trailer. Read the entire
section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, see
Transporting a Disabled
Vehicle
0455. To tow the
vehicle behind another vehicle
such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing
0 457.
When towing with the 2.0L L4
engine, only use unleaded
gasoline with an octane rating
of 89 or higher. Using gasoline
with a lower octane rating
while towing may damage the
engine and may not be
covered by the vehicle
warranty. See Recommended
Fuel (LSY 2.0L L4 Engine)
0 360 or
Recommended Fuel (LGY 3.0L
V6 and LT4 6.2L V8 Engines)
0 361.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 365
Driving
Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when
towing a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven
properly. For example, if the
trailer is too heavy or the
trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load, the
vehicle may not stop as
expected. You and others
could be seriously injured.
The vehicle may also be
damaged, and the repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Pull a
trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been
followed. Ask your dealer for
advice and information
about towing a trailer with
the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just
driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking,
durability, and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and
it has to be used properly.
The following information has
many time-tested, important
trailering tips and safety rules.
Many of these are important
for your safety and that of
your passengers. Read this
section carefully before pulling
a trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with, and
follow all state and local laws
that apply to trailer towing.
These requirements vary
from state to state.
.State laws may require the
use of extended side view
mirrors. If your visibility is
limited or restricted whiletowing, install extended side
view mirrors on your vehicle,
even if not required.
.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.
.Perform the first oil change
before heavy towing.
.Do not drive over 800 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make
starts at full throttle during
the first 800 km (500 mi) of
trailer towing.
.Tow in D (Drive). If the
transmission downshifts too
often, a lower gear may be
selected using Manual Mode.
See Manual Mode
0282.
If equipped, the following
driver assistance features
should be turned off when
towing a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Park Assist

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
366 Driving and Operating
.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 0276.
Towing a trailer requires
experience. The combination
of the vehicle and trailer is
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle itself. Become
familiar with handling and
braking by driving on a level
road surface before driving on
public roads.
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. See Towing
Equipment
0371. 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.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 367
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 vehiclebefore 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.
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

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
368 Driving and Operating
transmission in P (Park) for a
few minutes before turning
the engine off. If the overheat
warning comes on, see Engine
Overheating0398.
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 the
desired 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 0471. 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
0 398.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 369
Trailer Towing (LSY
2.0L L4 and LGY 3.0L
V6 Engines Only)
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.
Never tow a trailer with a
V-Series or V-Series
Blackwing. These models are
not designed or intended to
tow a trailer.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing
capacity for your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires
monitoring the weight, speed,
altitude, road grades, outside
temperature, dimensions of
the front of the trailer, and
how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer.
Before towing a trailer, always
separately weigh:
.the total weight on the
vehicle's tires.
.the trailer.
.the trailer tongue.
{Warning
You and others could be
seriously injured or killed if
the trailer is too heavy or
the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load. The
vehicle may be damaged, (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Only tow a trailer if all the
steps in this section have
been followed. Ask your
dealer for advice and
information about towing a
trailer.
Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR)
For information about the
vehicle's maximum load
capacity, see Vehicle Load
Limits0261. When calculating
the GVWR with a trailer
attached, the trailer tongue
weight must be included as
part of the weight the vehicle
is carrying.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
370 Driving and Operating
Maximum Trailer Weight
The trailer should never weigh
more than 454 kg (1,000 lb).
The maximum allowable
weight of the trailer may be
lower based on the weight of
the passengers and cargo in
your trailer.
The maximum trailer weight
rating is calculated assuming
only the driver is in the tow
vehicle and it has all the
required trailering equipment.
The weight of additional
optional equipment,
passengers, and cargo in the
tow vehicle must be
subtracted from the maximum
trailer weight.
Trailer Load Balance
The correct trailer load
balance must be maintained to
ensure trailer stability.
Incorrect load balance is a
leading cause of trailer sway.
The trailer tongue weight (1)
should be 10–15% of the
loaded trailer weight (2). Some
specific trailer types, such as
boat trailers, fall outside of
this range. Always refer to the
trailer owner’s manual for the
recommended trailer tongue
weight for each trailer. Never
exceed the maximum loads for
your vehicle, hitch, and trailer.
After loading the trailer,
separately weigh the trailer
and then the trailer tongue
and calculate the trailer load
balance percentage to see if
the weights and distributionare appropriate for your
vehicle. If the trailer weight is
too high, it may be possible to
transfer some of the cargo
into your vehicle. If the trailer
tongue weight is too high or
too low, it may be possible to
rearrange some of the cargo
inside of the trailer.
Do not exceed the maximum
allowable tongue weight for
your vehicle. Use the shortest
hitch extension available to
position the hitch ball closer to
your vehicle. This will help
reduce the effect of the trailer
tongue weight on the trailer
hitch and the rear axle.
If a cargo carrier is used in the
trailer hitch receiver, choose a
carrier that positions the load
as close to the vehicle as
possible. Make sure the total
weight, including the carrier, is
no more than half of the
maximum allowable tongue
weight for the vehicle or
227 kg (500 lb), whichever
is less.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
Driving and Operating 371
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or assistance.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Always use the correct hitch
equipment for your vehicle.
Crosswinds, large trucks going
by, and rough roads can affect
the trailer and the hitch.
Never attach rental hitches or
other bumper-type hitches.
Only use frame-mounted
hitches that do not attach to
the bumper.
Always seal any holes in your
vehicle if the trailer hitch
removed. If not sealed, dirt,
water, and carbon monoxide
(CO) from the exhaust may
enter your vehicle. See Engine
Exhaust0276.
Consider using mechanical
sway controls with any trailer.
Ask a trailering professional
about sway controls or refer to the trailer manufacturer's
recommendations and
instructions.
Tires
.Do not tow a trailer while
using a compact spare tire
on the vehicle.
.Tires must be properly
inflated to support loads
while towing a trailer. See
Tires
0418 for instructions
on proper tire inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between
the vehicle and the trailer, and
attach the chains to the holes
on the trailer hitch platform.
Instructions about safety
chains may be provided by the
hitch manufacturer or by the
trailer manufacturer.
Cross the safety chains under
the tongue of the trailer to
help prevent the tongue from
contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the
hitch. Always leave just
enough slack so the combination can turn. Never
allow safety chains to drag on
the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Loaded trailers over 450 kg
(1,000 lb) must be equipped
with brake systems and with
brakes for each axle. Trailer
braking equipment conforming
to Canadian Standards
Association (CSA) requirement
CAN3-D313, or its equivalent,
is recommended.
State or local regulations may
require trailers to have their
own braking system if the
loaded weight of the trailer
exceeds certain minimums
that can vary from state to
state. Read and follow the
instructions for the trailer
brakes so they are installed,
adjusted, and maintained
properly. Never attempt to tap
into your vehicle's hydraulic
brake system. If you do, both
the vehicle anti-lock brakes

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/10/22
372 Driving and Operating
and the trailer brakes may not
function, which could result in
a crash.
Turn Signals When
Towing a Trailer
When properly connected, the
trailer turn signals will
illuminate to indicate the
vehicle is turning, changing
lanes, or stopping. When
towing a trailer, the arrows on
the instrument cluster will
illuminate even if the trailer is
not properly connected or the
bulbs are burned out.
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector
(DLC) is used for vehicle
service and Emission
Inspection/Maintenance
testing. See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light)0125. A device
connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet
or driver-behavior tracking
device —may interfere with
vehicle systems. This could
affect vehicle operation and
cause a crash. Such devices
may also access information
stored in the vehicle’s
systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment
can damage the vehicle or
cause components to not
work and would not be
covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always check with
your dealer before adding
electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain
the vehicle's 12-volt battery,
even if the vehicle is not
operating.
The vehicle has an airbag
system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to the
vehicle, see Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 077
and
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 077.

Cadillac CT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16500419) -
2023 - CRC - 5/6/22
Vehicle Care 457
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.
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
Transporting a Disabled
Vehicle 0455.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the
factory. Use a de-icing agent
only when necessary, and have the locks greased after
using. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants
0476.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle 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.