tow CADILLAC CTS 2018 Owner's Guide

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 189
The Tire and Loading Information
label also shows the tire size of
the original equipment tires (3)
and the recommended cold tire
inflation pressures (4). For more
information on tires and inflation
seeTires 0294 and Tire Pressure
0 301.
There is also important loading
information on the Certification
label. It may show the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
and the Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for the front and rear
axle. See “Certification Label” later
in this section.
“Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit–
1.Locate the statement "The
combined weight of
occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs." on your vehicle’s
placard.
2.Determine the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding
in your vehicle.
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 to determine how
this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.”
See Trailer Towing (V6 Twin Turbo)
0 250 orTrailer Towing (V6 Engine,
Non Twin Turbo) 0249 for
important information on towing
a trailer, towing safety rules, and
trailering tips.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 197
Warning (Continued)
function. An ungrounded
outlet could cause an electric
shock.
. Use a weatherproof,
heavy-duty, 15 amp-rated
extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the
recommended extension cord
in good operating condition,
or using a damaged heater or
extension cord, could make it
overheat and cause a fire,
property damage, electric
shock, and injury.
. Do not operate the vehicle
with the heater cord
permanently attached to the
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
vehicle. Possible heater cord
and thermostat damage could
occur.
. While in use, do not let the
heater cord touch vehicle
parts or sharp edges. Never
close the hood on the
heater cord.
. Before starting the vehicle,
unplug the cord, reattach the
cover to the plug, and
securely fasten the cord. Keep
the cord away from any
moving parts.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord
as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you
do not, it could be damaged.
Contact your dealer for information
on how long to use the heater in your
particular area.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
Some vehicle accessories may be used
after the ignition is turned off.
The power windows and sunroof,
if equipped, will continue to work for
up to 10 minutes or until any door is
opened.
The infotainment system will continue
to work for 10 minutes, until the
driver door is opened, or until the
ignition is turned on or placed in
ACC/ACCESSORY.
Shifting Into Park
To shift into P (Park): 1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake.
See Electric Parking Brake 0204.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by holding in the button on the
shift lever and pushing the lever
all the way toward the front of
the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition off.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
198 DRIVING AND OPERATING
4. Take the Remote Keyless Entry(RKE) transmitter with you.
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 shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly 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 move the
shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting
Into Park 0197. If you are towing a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0246. If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, the vehicle must
be in P (Park) and the parking brake
set. After shifting into P (Park), try to
move the shift lever out without first
pushing the button on the shift lever.
If you can, the shift lever was not
fully locked into P (Park).
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of the
vehicle puts too much force on the
parking pawl in the transmission. This
happens when parking on a hill and
shifting the transmission into P (Park)
is not done properly and then it is
difficult to shift out of P (Park). To
prevent torque lock, set the parking
brake and then shift into P (Park). To
find out how, see "Shifting Into Park"
listed previously.
If torque lock does occur, the vehicle
may need to be pushed uphill by
another vehicle to relieve the parking
pawl pressure, so you can shift out of
P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an
electronic shift lock release system.
The shift lock release is designed to
prevent movement of the shift lever
out of P (Park), unless the ignition is
on and the brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less than
9 volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. See
Jump Starting - North
America 0323 for more information.
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Release the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake 0204.
3. Press the shift lever button.
4. Move the shift lever.
If unable to shift out of P (Park):
1. Fully release the shift lever button.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 199
2. While holding down the brakepedal, press the shift lever
button again.
3. Move the shift lever.
If the shift lever will not move from
P (Park), consult your dealer or a
professional towing service.
Parking over Things
That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the vehicle
and ignite. Do not park over papers,
leaves, dry grass, or other things
that can burn.
Extended Parking
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left running,
be sure it will not move and there is
adequate ventilation.
See Shifting Into Park 0197 and Engine
Exhaust 0199.
If the vehicle is left parked and
running with the RKE transmitter
outside the vehicle, it will turn off
after one hour.
If the vehicle is left parked and
running with the RKE transmitter
inside the vehicle, it will turn off after
two hours.
The vehicle could turn off sooner if it
is parked on a hill, due to lack of
available fuel.
The timer will reset if the vehicle is
taken out of P (Park) while it is
running.
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
airflow 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.
(Continued)

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
200 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Warning (Continued)
.There are holes or openings
in the vehicle body from
damage or aftermarket
modifications that are not
completely sealed.
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
It is better not to park with the engine
running.
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 0197 and Engine
Exhaust 0199.
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0246.
Automatic Transmission
There are several different positions
for the shift lever.
P : This position locks the drive
wheels. Use P (Park) when starting the
engine because the vehicle cannot
move easily.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 201
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running unless you have
to. 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 move the shift
lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park 0197. If you are pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0246.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in
P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an electronic shift
lock release system. Fully apply the
regular brakes first and then press the
shift lever button before shifting from
P (Park) when the ignition is on. If you
cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever and push
the shift lever all the way into P (Park)
as you maintain brake application.
Then press the shift lever button and
move the shift lever into another gear.
See
Shifting out of Park 0198.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is
stopped.
R : Use this gear to back up.
At low vehicle speeds, R (Reverse) can
be used to rock the vehicle back and
forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand
without damaging the transmission.
See If the Vehicle Is Stuck 0187.
N : In this position, the engine does
not connect with the wheels. To
restart the engine when the vehicle is
already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into
a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine running
at high speed may damage the
transmission. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Be sure the engine is not running at
high speed when shifting the
vehicle.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
224 DRIVING AND OPERATING
When following a vehicle and entering
a curve, ACC may not detect the
vehicle ahead and accelerate to the set
speed. When this happens the vehicle
ahead indicator will not appear.
ACC may detect a vehicle that is not
in your lane and apply the brakes.ACC may occasionally provide an alert
and/or braking that is considered
unnecessary. It could respond to
vehicles in different lanes, signs,
guardrails, and other stationary
objects when entering or exiting a
curve. This is normal operation. The
vehicle does not need service.
Other Vehicle Lane Changes
ACC will not detect a vehicle ahead
until it is completely in the lane. The
brake may need to be manually
applied.
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. The driver will
often need to take over acceleration
and braking on steep hills, especially
when towing a trailer. If the brakes are
applied, the ACC disengages.
Ending ACC
There are three ways to
disengage ACC:
.
Step lightly on the brake pedal.
. Press
*.
. Press
J.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
230 DRIVING AND OPERATING
{Warning
RAB may not avoid many types of
backing crashes. Do not wait for the
automatic braking to apply. This
system is not designed to replace
driver braking and only works in
R (Reverse) when an object is
detected directly behind the vehicle.
It may not brake or stop in time to
avoid a crash. It will not brake for
objects when the vehicle is moving
at very low speeds. It does not
detect children, pedestrians,
bicyclists, animals, or objects below
the bumper or that are too close or
too far from the vehicle. To prevent
injury, death, or vehicle damage,
even with RAB, always check the
area around the vehicle before and
while backing.
Pressing the brake pedal after the
vehicle comes to a stop will release
the Reverse Automatic Braking. If the
brake pedal is not pressed soon after
the stop, the electric parking brake
may be set. When it is safe, press the accelerator pedal firmly at any time to
override the Reverse Automatic
Braking.
{Warning
There may be instances where
unexpected or undesired automatic
braking occurs. If this happens,
either press the brake pedal or
firmly press the accelerator pedal to
release the brakes from the RAB
system. Before releasing the brakes,
check the RVC and check the area
around the vehicle to make sure it
is safe to proceed.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
If equipped, RCTA displays a red
warning triangle with a left or right
pointing arrow on the infotainment
display to warn of traffic coming from
the left or right. This system detects
objects coming from up to 20 m (65 ft)
from the left or right side of the
vehicle. When an object is detected,
either three beeps sound from the left
or right or three Safety Alert Seat pulses occur on the left or right side,
depending on the direction of the
detected vehicle.
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.
Turning the Features On or Off
TheXbutton on the center stack is
used to turn on or off the Front and
Rear Parking Assist, Rear Cross Traffic
Alert, Backing Warning, and Reverse
Automatic Braking system at the same
time. The indicator light next to the
button comes on when the features
are on and turns off when the features
have been disabled.
Turn off parking assist and Reverse
Automatic Braking when towing a
trailer.

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
236 DRIVING AND OPERATING
FAB may slow the vehicle to a
complete stop to try to avoid a
potential crash. If this happens, FAB
may engage the Electric Parking Brake
(EPB) to hold the vehicle at a stop. To
release automatic braking, release the
EPB or firmly press the accelerator
pedal.
{Warning
FAB may automatically brake the
vehicle suddenly in situations
where it is unexpected and
undesired. It could respond to a
turning vehicle ahead, guardrails,
signs, and other non-moving
objects. To override FAB, firmly
press the accelerator pedal, if it is
safe to do so.
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
IBA may activate when the brake
pedal is applied quickly by providing a
boost to braking based on the speed
of approach and distance to a vehicle
ahead.Minor brake pedal pulsations or pedal
movement during this time is normal
and the brake pedal should continue
to be applied as needed. IBA will
automatically disengage only when
the brake pedal is released.
{Warning
IBA may increase vehicle braking in
situations when it may not be
necessary. You could block the flow
of traffic. If this occurs, take your
foot off the brake pedal and then
apply the brakes as needed.
FAB and IBA can be disabled through
vehicle personalization. See “Collision/
Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0144.
{Warning
Using FAB or IBA while towing a
trailer could cause you to lose
control of the vehicle and crash.
Turn the system to Off when
towing a trailer.
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA)
If equipped, the SBZA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists drivers
with avoiding crashes that occur with
moving vehicles in the side blind zone
(or spot) areas. When the vehicle is in
a forward gear, the left or right side
mirror display will light up if a moving
vehicle is detected in that blind zone.
If the turn signal is activated and a
vehicle is also detected on the same
side, the display will flash as an extra
warning not to change lanes. Since
this system is part of the Lane Change
Alert (LCA) system, read the entire
LCA section before using this feature.
Lane Change Alert (LCA)
If equipped, the LCA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists drivers
with avoiding lane change crashes
that occur with moving vehicles in the
side blind zone (or spot) areas or with
vehicles rapidly approaching these
areas from behind. The LCA warning

Cadillac CTS/CTS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349156) - 2018 - CRC - 9/29/17
238 DRIVING AND OPERATING
signal is activated in the same
direction as a detected vehicle, this
display will flash as an extra warning
not to change lanes.
LCA can be disabled through vehicle
personalization. See“Collision/
Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0144. If LCA is
disabled by the driver, the LCA mirror
displays will not light up.
When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
The LCA system requires some driving
for the system to calibrate to
maximum performance. This
calibration may occur more quickly if
the vehicle is driven on a straight
highway road with traffic and roadside
objects (e.g., guardrails, barriers).
During a trip, the LCA system is not
operational until the vehicle first
reaches a speed of 24 km/h (15 mph).
LCA displays may not come on when
passing a vehicle quickly, for a
stopped vehicle, or when towing a
trailer. 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. LCA may alert to objects
attached to the vehicle, such as a
trailer, bicycle, or object extending out
to either side of the vehicle. Attached
objects may also interfere with the
detection of vehicles. This is normal
system operation; the vehicle does not
need service.
LCA may not always alert the driver to
vehicles in the next lane over,
especially in wet conditions or when
driving on sharp curves. The system
does not need to be serviced. The
system may light up due to guardrails,
signs, trees, shrubs, and other
non-moving objects. This is normal
system operation; the vehicle does not
need service.
LCA may not operate when the LCA
sensors in the left or right corners of
the rear bumper are covered with
mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush, or in
heavy rainstorms. For cleaning
instructions, see "Washing the
Vehicle" under
Exterior Care0329.
If the DIC still displays the system
unavailable message after cleaning both sides of the vehicle toward the
rear corners of the vehicle, see your
dealer.
If the LCA displays do not light up
when moving vehicles are in the side
blind zone or rapidly approaching this
zone and the system is clean, the
system may need service. Take the
vehicle to your dealer.
When LCA is disabled for any reason
other than the driver turning it off,
the Lane Change Alert On option will
not be available on the
personalization menu.
Radio Frequency Information
See
Radio Frequency Statement 0367.
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW)
If equipped, LDW may help avoid
crashes due to unintentional lane
departures. It may provide a warning
if the vehicle is crossing a detected
lane marking without using a turn
signal in the lane departure direction.
Since this system is part of the Lane