The 2025 Cadillac Celestiq, with its ultra-luxury features and electric powertrain, has recently been at the center of a heated discussion on Reddit regarding its 12-volt battery system. The controversy stems from claims that jump-starting the vehicle requires a contortionist-like maneuver through the cabin after manually opening the trunk. However, this isn’t entirely accurate.
The Actual Procedure
According to Cadillac’s official owner’s manual, jump-starting the 12-volt battery is a relatively straightforward process. First, you need to manually open the rear hatch using the emergency release hidden under the rear license plate surround. Once inside the cargo area, you can access the positive battery lead and grounding point by removing the rear cargo cover and storage bin on the left side. This allows you to connect jumper cables without having to climb through the cabin.
Even if the 12-volt battery is completely dead, providing power to these leads should be enough to activate the electric passenger doors, allowing manual access to the hood release. Cadillac also offers 24-hour roadside assistance, including battery jumps and lockout service, providing an additional layer of support for its luxury customers.
Lessons from the Celestiq’s Challenge
This situation highlights the complexities that can arise with modern electric vehicles, particularly those with innovative features like power-operated doors. The Cadillac Celestiq, priced at $340,000 for its base model, is not alone in facing such issues. Ford’s Mustang Mach-E has also encountered problems with its pushbutton door releases failing when the 12-volt battery dies. In extreme cases, this has led to situations where occupants were trapped inside the vehicle.
One potential solution to such problems is the incorporation of mechanical door handles that don’t rely on electrical power. This design approach could mitigate the risk of being trapped in the vehicle due to a dead 12-volt battery. The Celestiq’s situation serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding a vehicle’s specific features and procedures, such as consulting the owner’s manual, to avoid unnecessary complications.
