
Black plate (1,1)Cadillac XTS Owner Manual - 2013 - 1st - 4/13/12
In Brief 1-1
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel Overview . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Heated and Ventilated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . 1-8
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Passenger Sensing System . . . 1-9
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9 Steering Wheel
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 1-12
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15Vehicle Features
Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-16
Bluetooth
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-17
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19 Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 1-19
Active Emergency Braking
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Universal Remote System . . . 1-20
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
StabiliTrak
®System . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-22
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-23
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Roadside Service . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

Black plate (3,1)Cadillac XTS Owner Manual - 2013 - 1st - 4/13/12
In Brief 1-3
1.Air Vents on page 8‑11.
2. Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑6.
Head-Up Display (HUD) on
page 5‑30 (If Equipped).
3. Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1.
Turn and Lane-Change Lever.
See Turn and Lane-Change
Signals on page 6‑5.
4. Instrument Cluster on page 5‑9.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
Display. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑27.
5. Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑3.
6. Hazard Warning Flashers on
page 6‑5.
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
on page 9‑53.
Traction Control System (TCS)
on page 9‑28.
StabiliTrak
®System on
page 9‑29. 7. Infotainment Display.
Infotainment System. See the
infotainment manual.
8. Glove Box Button. See Glove
Box on page 4‑2.
Parking Assist Button. See
Driver Assistance Systems on
page 9‑42.
9. Electric Parking Brake on
page 9‑26.
Instrument Panel Storage on
page 4‑1.
10. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 5‑18.
11. Cruise Control on page 9‑31.
Adaptive Cruise Control on
page 9‑34 (If Equipped).
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System on page 9‑47 (If
Equipped).
Phone Button. See Steering
Wheel Controls on page 5‑2. 12.
Steering Wheel Adjustment on
page 5‑2.
13. Horn on page 5‑3.
14. Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑2.
15. Start/Stop Button. See Ignition
Positions on page 9‑15.
16. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission on page 9‑22.
17. Instrument Panel Storage on
page 4‑1.
18. Dual Automatic Climate Control
System (Uplevel) on page 8‑1
orDual Automatic Climate
Control System (Base) on
page 8‑6.
Heated and Ventilated Seats
on page 1‑8.

Black plate (19,1)Cadillac XTS Owner Manual - 2013 - 1st - 4/13/12
In Brief 1-19
SEL:Press the center to open a
menu or select a menu item. Press
and hold to reset values on certain
screens.
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 5‑27.
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System
FCA is intended to help avoid or
reduce the harm caused by
front-end crashes. FCA provides a
flashing visual alert and pulses the
driver seat, or beeps when
approaching a vehicle directly
ahead too quickly. FCA also
provides a visual alert if following
another vehicle much too closely.
See Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System on page 9‑47.
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW)
LDW is intended to help avoid
unintentional lane departures at
speeds of 56 km/h (35 mph) or
greater. LDW uses a camera sensor
to detect the lane markings. The
LDW indicator,
@, appears green if
a lane marking is detected and may
provide a warning by changing to
amber and flashing. In addition, the
driver seat will pulse or beeps will
sound.
See Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
on page 9‑53.
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA)
If available, SBZA will alert the
driver to vehicles in the vehicle's
side blind zone. When the system
detects a vehicle in the side blind
zone, the SBZA display will light up
in the corresponding outside side
mirror and will flash if the turn signal
is on. See
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
on page 9‑51.
Rear Vision
Camera (RVC)
RVC displays a view of the area
behind the vehicle, on the center
stack display, when the vehicle is
shifted into R (Reverse).
See Assistance Systems for Parking
or Backing on page 9‑43.
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
URPA uses sensors on the rear
bumper to assist with parking and
avoiding objects while in
R (Reverse). It operates at speeds
less than 8 km/h (5 mph). URPA
displays a warning triangle on the
Rear Vision Camera screen and a
graphic on the instrument cluster to
provide the object distance. In
addition, multiple beeps or pulses
may occur if very close to an object.

Black plate (23,1)Cadillac XTS Owner Manual - 2013 - 1st - 4/13/12
Instruments and Controls 5-23
the vehicle is leaving its lane
without using the turn signal, this
light will change to amber and flash.
SeeLane Departure Warning (LDW)
on page 9‑53.
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) Warning Light
For vehicles with the Forward
Collision Alert system, this light in
the Driver Information Center (DIC)
of the base cluster displays green
when a vehicle is detected ahead.
This light will display amber when
you are following a vehicle ahead
much too closely.
See Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System on page 9‑47.
Traction Off Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the engine. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer. If the system is working
normally, the indicator light then
turns off. For vehicles with a
reconfigurable cluster, this light is
located in the display area and it
may not come on when the ignition
is turned on.
The traction off light comes on when
the Traction Control System (TCS)
has been turned off by pressing and
releasing the TCS/StabiliTrak
button.
This light and the StabiliTrak OFF
light come on when StabiliTrak is
turned off. If the TCS is off, wheel spin is not
limited. Adjust driving accordingly.
See
Traction Control System (TCS)
on page 9‑28 andStabiliTrak
®
System on page 9‑29.
StabiliTrak®OFF Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the engine. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer.
This light comes on when the
StabiliTrak system is turned off.
If StabiliTrak is off, the Traction
Control System (TCS) is also off.
If the TCS is off, the system does
not assist in controlling the vehicle.
Turn on the TCS and the StabiliTrak
systems and the warning light
turns off.

Black plate (40,1)Cadillac XTS Owner Manual - 2013 - 1st - 4/13/12
5-40 Instruments and Controls
when it is temporarily unavailable.
The LDW system does not need
service.
This message could be due to the
camera being blocked. Cleaning the
outside of the windshield behind the
rearview mirror may correct the
issue.
PARK ASSIST OFF
This message displays when the
Parking Assist system has been
turned off or when there is a
temporary condition causing the
system to be disabled.
REAR AUTO BRAKE AND
PARK ASSIST UNAVAILABLE
This message displays when
attempting to activate the parking
and backing features of the Driver
Assistance System when they are
temporarily unavailable. The system
does not need service.This can occur under the following
conditions:
.The radar is not clean. Keep the
radar sensors free of mud, dirt,
snow, ice, and slush. Clean the
entire front and/or rear of the
vehicle. For cleaning
instructions, see
Exterior Care
on page 10‑76.
.Heavy rain or snow is interfering
with the radar object detection or
camera performance.
See Driver Assistance Systems on
page 9‑42.
SERVICE AUTOMATIC
COLLISION PREP
If this message displays, take the
vehicle to your dealer to repair the
system.
SERVICE DRIVER ASSIST
SYSTEM
If this message displays, take the
vehicle to your dealer to repair the
system. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC),
Forward Collision Alert (FCA),
Active Emergency Braking System,
Assistance Systems for Parking or
Backing, and/or Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) system may not
work. Do not use these systems
until the vehicle has been repaired.
SERVICE FRONT CAMERA
If this message remains on after
continued driving, the vehicle needs
service. Do not use the Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) and
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
features. Take the vehicle to your
dealer.
SERVICE PARK ASSIST
This message displays if there is a
problem with the Parking Assist
system. Do not use this system to
help you park. See your dealer for
service.

Black plate (46,1)Cadillac XTS Owner Manual - 2013 - 1st - 4/13/12
5-46 Instruments and Controls
.Go Notifier
.Side Blind Zone Alert
Alert Type
This feature will set crash alerts to
beeps or seat vibrations. This
setting affects all crash alerts
including Forward Collision, Lane
Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise
Control, Parking Assist, and
Backing Warning alerts.
Press Alert Type. Press to select
Beeps or Safety Alert Seat. Press
0
to go back to the last menu.
Auto Collision Preparation
This feature will turn on or off the
Forward Collision Alert feature as
well as the Automatic Braking
capability of the Auto Collision
Preparation feature. With the "Alert
and Brake" setting, both Forward
Collision Alert as well as the
Automatic Braking capability of the
Auto Collision Preparation feature
are available. The "Alert" setting
disables most automatic braking
functions of the Auto Collision Preparation feature. Some
last-second automatic braking
capability is still provided with the
"Alert" setting, but it is much less
likely to be triggered by most driving
conditions. Off disables all Forward
Collision Alert and Automatic
Braking capabilities of the Auto
Collision Preparation feature. See
Active Emergency Braking System
on page 9‑49.
Press Auto Collision Preparation.
Press to select Off, Alert & Brake,
or Alert. Press0to go back to the
last menu.
Go Notifier
This feature will give a reminder that
Adaptive Cruise Control provides
when it has brought the vehicle to a
complete stop behind another
stopping vehicle, and then that
vehicle drives on.
Press Go Notifier. Press to select
Off or On. Press
0to go back to the
last menu. Side Blind Zone Alert
This allows the Side Blind Zone
Alert feature to be turned on or off.
Press Side Blind Zone Alert. Press
to select Off or On. Press
0to go
back to the last menu.
Comfort and Convenience
Select the Comfort and
Convenience menu and the
following will be displayed:
.Auto Memory Recall
.Easy Exit Options
.Chime Volume
.Reverse Tilt Mirror
.Personalization by Driver
Auto Memory Recall
This allows the Auto Memory Recall
feature to be turned on or off.
Press Auto Memory Recall. Press to
select Off, On, On - Driver Door
Open, or On - At Ignition On. See
Memory Seats on page 3‑7 or press
0to go back to the last menu.

Black plate (1,1)Cadillac XTS Owner Manual - 2013 - 1st - 4/13/12
Driving and Operating 9-1
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 9-7
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 9-9
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . 9-10
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . 9-14
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 9-17
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-18
Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19 Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-19
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Running the Vehicle WhileParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-22
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . 9-26
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . 9-28
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
StabiliTrak
®System . . . . . . . . . 9-29
Magnetic Ride Control . . . . . . . 9-30
Automatic Level Control . . . . . 9-31
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . 9-34
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . 9-43
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-46
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-47
Active Emergency Braking System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-49
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-51
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-55
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . 9-55
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . 9-56
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-56
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 9-56

Black plate (7,1)Cadillac XTS Owner Manual - 2013 - 1st - 4/13/12
Driving and Operating 9-7
.Keep your eyes moving—scan
the road ahead and to the sides.
.Check the rearview mirror and
vehicle instruments often.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for
driving in these conditions 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
If you do not shift down, the
brakes could get so hot that they
would not work well. You would
then have poor braking or even
(Continued)
WARNING (CONTINUED)
none going down a hill. You could
crash. Shift down 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. The brakes will have
to do all the work of slowing down
and they could get so hot that
they would not work well. You
would then have poor braking or
even none going down a hill. You
could crash. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle in
gear when going downhill.
.Stay in your own lane. Do not
swing wide or cut across the
center of the road. Drive at
speeds that let you stay in your
own lane.
.Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(stalled car, accident).
.Pay attention to special road
signs (falling rocks area, winding
roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take
appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow
or ice between the tires and the
road, creating less traction or grip.
Wet ice can occur at about 0°C (32°
F) when freezing rain begins to fall,
resulting in even less traction. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated with salt
or sand.