Traction CADILLAC CT6 2018 1.G User Guide

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11292458) -
2018 - crc - 2/14/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 211
.Have good tires with proper tread
depth. See Tires0340.
. Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving on
flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
. Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
. Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the vehicle
on a long downhill slope can cause
brake overheating, can reduce brake
performance, and could result in a
loss of braking. Shift the
transmission to a lower gear to let
the engine assist the brakes on a
steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or
with the ignition off is dangerous.
This can cause overheating of the
brakes and loss of steering. Always
have the engine running and the
vehicle in gear.
. Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills; something
could be in your lane (e.g., stalled
car, accident).
. Pay attention to special road signs
(e.g., falling rocks area, winding
roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take
appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and the
road creates less traction or grip, so
drive carefully. Wet ice can occur at
about 0 °C (32 °F) when freezing rain
begins to fall. Avoid driving on wet ice
or in freezing rain until roads can be
treated.
For slippery road driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating too
quickly causes the wheels to spin
and makes the surface under the
tires slick.
. Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0239.
. Antilock Brake System (ABS)
improves vehicle stability during
hard stops, but the brakes should
be applied sooner than when on
dry pavement. See Antilock Brake
System (ABS) 0234.
See Driver Mode Control (Gasoline
Only) 0241

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11292458) -
2018 - crc - 2/14/17
212 DRIVING AND OPERATING
.Allow greater following distance
and watch for slippery spots. Icy
patches can occur on otherwise
clear roads in shaded areas. The
surface of a curve or an overpass
can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid
sudden steering maneuvers and
braking while on ice.
. Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
signal for help. Stay with the vehicle
unless there is help nearby. If possible,
use Roadside Service. See Roadside
Service 0411. To get help and keep
everyone in the vehicle safe:
. Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
. Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may cause
exhaust gases to get inside. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide
(CO), which cannot be seen or
smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
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.”
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust0230.
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 0239.

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11292458) -
2018 - crc - 2/14/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 213
{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, itmight need to be towed out. If the
vehicle does need to be towed out, see
Towing the Vehicle
0376.
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.
Two labels on the vehicle may
show how much weight it may
properly carry: the Tire and
Loading Information label and the
Certification label.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or
rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR). This can cause
systems to break and change
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the way the vehicle handles.
This could cause loss of control
and a crash. Overloading can
also reduce stopping distance,
damage the tires, and shorten
the life of the vehicle.
Tire and Loading Information
Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to the vehicle's center

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11292458) -
2018 - crc - 2/14/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 217
.Check engine oil with every
refueling and add if necessary. Oil
and fuel consumption may be
higher than normal during the
first 2 400 km (1,500 mi).
. To break in new tires, drive at
moderate speeds and avoid hard
cornering for the first
300 km (200 mi). New tires do not
have maximum traction and may
tend to slip.
. New brake linings also need a
break–in period. Avoid making
hard stops during the first
300 km (200 mi). This is
recommended every time brake
linings are replaced.Ignition Positions
The vehicle has an electronic keyless
ignition with pushbutton start.
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter must be in the vehicle for
the system to operate. If the
pushbutton start is not working, the
vehicle may be near a strong radio
antenna signal causing interference to
the Keyless Access system. See Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
0 35.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition
must be on or in ACC/ACCESSORY,
and the brake pedal must be applied. Stopping the Engine/OFF (No
Indicator Lights) :
When the vehicle
is stopped, press ENGINE START/
STOP once to turn the engine off.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the
ignition will turn off, and Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) 0224.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the
ignition will return to ACC/
ACCESSORY and display a message in
the Driver Information Center (DIC).
When the vehicle is shifted into
P (Park), the ignition will turn off.
Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake and
steering systems and disable the
airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency: 1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11292458) -
2018 - crc - 2/14/17
234 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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.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
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced electronic
braking system that helps prevent a
braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself. A momentary
motor or clicking noise may be heard
while this test is going on, and it may
even be noticed that the brake pedal
moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 146.
If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to avoid

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11292458) -
2018 - crc - 2/14/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 239
accelerator pedal is applied for
15 seconds. Temporary Regen on
Demand can also be deactivated by
holding the right control briefly.
While using Regen on Demand, the
vehicle will have increased coast
deceleration. Use this to maximize
regenerative braking, for sport driving,
or when descending hills.Propulsion Creep Speed Feature
The PLUG-IN vehicle allows the
coasting speed to be selected when
the accelerator or brake pedal is not
held. When in either Temporary
Regen on Demand, or when the shift
lever is placed into M in Permanent
Regen on Demand, the creep speed
can be decreased from M4 (fastest) to
M1 (slowest).
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak, an
electronic stability control system.
These systems help limit wheel spin
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, TCS applies the brakes to the
spinning wheels and reduces engine
power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the
intended path and the direction the
vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak selectively applies braking
pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in
keeping the vehicle on the
intended path.

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11292458) -
2018 - crc - 2/14/17
240 DRIVING AND OPERATING
If cruise control is being used and
traction control or StabiliTrak begins
to limit wheel spin, cruise control will
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 0212 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 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 displays 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.
4. 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.

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11292458) -
2018 - crc - 2/14/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 241
To turn off only TCS, press and
release
Y. The Traction Off lighti
displays in the instrument cluster and
the appropriate DIC message displays.
To turn TCS on again, press and
release
Y. The Traction Off lighti
displayed in the instrument cluster
will turn off.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak,
press and hold
Yuntil the Traction
Off light
iand StabiliTrak OFF
light
gcome on and stay on in the
instrument cluster. The appropriate
DIC message displays.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak on again,
press and release
Y. The Traction Off
light
iand StabiliTrak OFF lightg
in the instrument cluster turn off.
Adding accessories can affect vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications 0298.
Driver Mode Control
(Gasoline Only)
For PLUG-IN vehicles, see Driver
Selected Operating Modes (PLUG-IN
Only) 0226.
Driver Mode Control attempts to add
a sportier feel, provide a more
comfortable ride, or assist in different
weather conditions or terrain. This
system simultaneously changes the
software calibration of various
sub-systems. Depending on the option
package, available features, and mode
selected, the suspension, steering, and
powertrain will change calibrations to
achieve the desired mode
characteristics.
Press and release MODE to activate
the mode menu in the instrument
cluster. The first press of the button
will show the current mode.
Subsequent presses will scroll through
the available modes. Select a new
setting whenever driving conditions
change. The following modes are
available:
Tour Mode
Use for normal city and highway
driving to provide a smooth, soft ride.
If the vehicle is equipped with AWD,
the Tour Mode is in between the Sport
and the Snow/Ice Modes for a more
balanced feel.

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11292458) -
2018 - crc - 2/14/17
242 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Sport Mode
Use where road conditions or personal
preference demand a more controlled
response.
When selected, the Sport Mode
indicator light will display in the
instrument cluster.
When in Sport Mode, the vehicle will
shift automatically but may hold a
lower gear longer than it would in the
normal driving mode based on
braking, throttle input, and vehicle
lateral acceleration. SeeAutomatic
Transmission 0231. The steering,
including Active Rear Steer (if
equipped), will change to provide
more precise control.
If the vehicle is equipped with AWD,
Sport Mode sends more torque to the
rear wheels.
Snow/Ice Mode
Use when more traction is needed
during slippery conditions. Snow/Ice
Mode will use a different accelerator
pedal map in order to optimize
traction on slippery surfaces.
When selected, the Snow/Ice Mode
indicator light will display in the
instrument cluster.
This feature is not intended for use
when the vehicle is stuck in sand,
mud, ice, snow, or gravel. If the
vehicle becomes stuck, see If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0212.
If the vehicle is equipped with AWD,
Snow/Ice Mode will provide more
torque to the front wheels.
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/electronic
stability control system begins to limit
wheel spin while using cruise control,
the cruise control automatically
disengages. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0239. If a

Cadillac CT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11292458) -
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 245
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise
control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
. Press
*.
. Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
. Press
J.
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
If equipped with Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC), it allows for selecting
the cruise control set speed and
following gap. Read this entire section
before using this system. ACC uses a
camera and radar sensors to detect
other vehicles. See Radio Frequency
Statement 0417. The following gap is
the following time (or distance)
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.
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
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 electronic stability control
system is disabled.
{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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 0207.
{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 may not detect a
vehicle ahead. Keep the entire
front of the vehicle clean.
(Continued)