
Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369806) - 2016 -
crc - 6/24/15
218 Driving and Operating
Fuel
Use the recommended fuel for
proper vehicle maintenance.
If the vehicle has the 3.6L V6 LFX
engine (VIN Code 3), use regular
unleaded gasoline with a posted
octane rating of 91 RON or higher,
otherwise an audible knocking noise
may be heard. If heavy knocking is
heard when using gasoline rated at
91 RON or higher, the engine needs
service.
If the vehicle has the 3.6L V6 LF3
twin turbo engine (VIN Code 8), use
premium unleaded gasoline with a
posted octane rating of 95 RON or
higher. If the octane is less than 95
RON, you could damage the engine
and may void the vehicle warranty.
If heavy knocking is heard when
using gasoline rated at 95 RON
octane or higher, the engine needs
service.
Use of Seasonal Fuels
Use summer and winter fuels in the
appropriate season. The fuels
industry automatically modifies the
fuel for the appropriate season.If fuel is left in the vehicle tank for
long periods of time, driving or
starting could be affected. Drive the
vehicle until the fuel is at one-half
tank or less, then refuel with the
current seasonal fuel.
Prohibited Fuels
Gasolines containing oxygenates
such as ethers and ethanol, as well
as reformulated gasolines, are
available in some cities. If these
gasolines comply with the
previously described specification,
then they are acceptable to use.
However, E85 (85% ethanol) and
other fuels containing more than
15% ethanol must be used only in
FlexFuel vehicles.
Caution
Do not use fuel containing
methanol. It can corrode metal
parts in the fuel system and also
damage plastic and rubber parts.
That damage would not be
covered under the vehicle
warranty.
Some gasolines, mainly high octane
racing gasolines, can contain an
octane-enhancing additive called
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT). Do not use
gasolines and/or fuel additives with
MMT as they can reduce spark plug
life and affect emission control
system performance. The
malfunction indicator lamp may turn
on. If this occurs, see your dealer
for service.
Fuel Additives
Gasoline should contain detergent
additives that help prevent engine
and fuel system deposits from
forming. Clean fuel injectors and
intake valves will allow the emission
control system to work properly.
Some gasoline does not contain
sufficient quantities of additive to
keep fuel injectors and intake valves
clean. To make up for this lack of
detergency, add Fuel System
Treatment PLUS to the fuel tank at
every engine oil change or every
15 000 km, whichever occurs first.
It is available at your dealer.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369806) - 2016 -
crc - 6/24/15
234 Vehicle Care
5. Reverse Steps 1–4 to reinstallthe engine cover.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.Always use engine oil approved
to the proper specification and of
the proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
. Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0236.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine
oil level at each fuel fill. In order to
get an accurate reading, the vehicle
must be on level ground. The
engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
0 230 for the location of the engine
oil dipstick.
1. If the engine has been running recently, turn off the engine and
allow several minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Checking the oil level too soon
after engine shutoff will not
provide an accurate oil level
reading.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
2. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and
check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
3.6L V6 Engine
3.6L V6 Twin Turbo Engine
If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick, add
1 L (1 qt) of the recommended oil
and then recheck the level. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil” in
this section for an explanation of
what kind of oil to use. For engine
oil crankcase capacity, see
Capacities and Specifications 0305.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369806) - 2016 -
crc - 6/24/15
236 Vehicle Care
Engine Oil Additives/Engine
Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the
dexos1 specification are all that is
needed for good performance and
engine protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause
engine damage not covered by the
vehicle warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your
own oil, be sure to drain all the oil
from the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in thetrash or pouring it on the ground,
into sewers, or into streams or
bodies of water. Recycle it by taking
it to a place that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based
on a combination of factors which
include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven.
Based on driving conditions, the
mileage at which an oil change is
indicated can vary considerably. For
the oil life system to work properly,
the system must be reset every time
the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated
that oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message comes on. See
Engine Oil Messages
0137.
Change the oil as soon as possible
within the next 1 000 km (600 mi).
It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life system might indicate that an oil
change is not necessary for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must
be changed at least once a year
and at this time the system must be
reset. Your dealer has trained
service people who will perform this
work and reset the system. It is also
important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain
interval and keep it at the proper
level.
If the system is ever reset
accidentally, the oil must be
changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil
Life System
Reset the system whenever the
engine oil is changed so that the
system can calculate the next
engine oil change. To reset the
system:
1. Using the DIC controls on the right side of the steering wheel,
display REMAINING OIL LIFE

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369806) - 2016 -
crc - 6/24/15
Vehicle Care 237
on the DIC. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) 0128.
When remaining oil life is low,
the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message will appear on
the display. See Engine Oil
Messages 0137.
2. Press SEL on the DIC controls and hold SEL down for a few
seconds to clear the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message
and reset the oil life at 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oil
life display accidentally at any
time other than after the oil is
changed. It cannot be reset
accurately until the next oil
change.
The oil life system can also be reset
as follows: 1. Turn the ignition on with the engine off.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times
within five seconds.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message is not on, the
system is reset. The system is reset when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message is off.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat
the procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to the
dealer and have it repaired as soon
as possible.
See your dealer to have the fluid
and filter changed at the intervals
listed in the
Maintenance Schedule
0 297.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the
engine compartment on the
passenger side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0230.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air cleaner/
filter, see Maintenance Schedule
0 297.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/
filter, make sure that the engine air
cleaner/filter housing and nearby
components are free of dirt and
debris. Remove the engine air
cleaner/filter. Lightly tap and shake
the engine air cleaner/filter (away
from the vehicle), to release dust
and dirt. Inspect the engine air
cleaner/filter for damage, and
replace if damaged. Do not clean
the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or
compressed air.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369806) - 2016 -
crc - 6/24/15
Vehicle Care 241
Caution
If improper coolant mixture,
inhibitors, or additives are used in
the vehicle cooling system, the
engine could overheat and be
damaged. Too much water in the
mixture can freeze and crack
engine cooling parts. The repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Use only the
proper mixture of engine coolant
for the cooling system. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0301.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on
the ground, or pouring into sewers,
streams, or bodies of water. Have
the coolant changed by an
authorized service center, familiar
with legal requirements regarding
used coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.
Checking Coolant
The vehicle must be on a level
surface when checking the coolant
level.
The engine coolant surge tank and
CAC bottle are in the engine
compartment on the driver side of
the vehicle. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0230.
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the surge tank and CAC bottle.
If the coolant inside the surge tank
is boiling, do not do anything else
until it cools down. If coolant is
visible but the coolant level is not at
or above the mark pointed to on the
surge tank or at the CAC bottle
COLD FILL mark, add a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Be sure the cooling system is cool
before this is done. If no coolant is visible in the coolant
surge tank or CAC bottle, add
coolant as follows:
How to Add Coolant to the
Surge Tank
{Warning
You can be burned if you spill
coolant on hot engine parts.
Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts
are hot enough. Do not spill
coolant on a hot engine.
Caution
This vehicle has a specific
coolant fill procedure. Failure to
follow this procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and be
severely damaged.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369806) - 2016 -
crc - 6/24/15
Service and Maintenance 297
At your dealer, you can be certain
that you will receive the highest
level of service available. Your
dealer has specially trained service
technicians, uses genuine
replacement parts, as well as,
up-to-date tools and equipment to
ensure fast and accurate
diagnostics.
The proper replacement parts,
fluids, and lubricants to use are
listed inRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0301 andMaintenance
Replacement Parts 0302. We
recommend the use of genuine
parts from your dealer.
Rotation of New Tires
Tire rotation is not recommended if
the vehicle has different size tires
on the front and rear wheels. If tire
rotation is recommended for the
vehicle, to maintain ride, handling,
and performance of the vehicle, it is
important that the first rotation
service for new tires be performed.
Tires should be rotated every
service. See Tire Rotation 0269.Maintenance
Schedule
When the Change Engine Oil
Soon Message Displays
Change engine oil and filter. See
Engine Oil 0234. An Emission
Control Service.
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, service is
required for the vehicle as soon as
possible, within the next 1 000 km/
600 miles. If driving under the best
conditions, the engine oil life system
may not indicate the need for
vehicle service for up to a year. The
engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and
the oil life system must be reset.
Your dealer has trained service
technicians who will perform this
work and reset the system. If the
engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 miles since
the last service. Reset the oil life
system whenever the oil is changed.
See Engine Oil Life System 0236.
Every Engine Oil Change
.
Change engine oil and filter.
Reset oil life system. See
Engine Oil 0234 and Engine Oil
Life System 0236. An Emission
Control Service.
. Engine coolant level check. See
Engine Coolant 0240.
. Engine cooling system
inspection. Visual inspection of
hoses, pipes, fittings, and
clamps and replacement,
if needed.
. Windshield washer fluid level
check. See Washer Fluid 0245.
. Windshield wiper blade
inspection for wear, cracking,
or contamination and windshield
and wiper blade cleaning,
if contaminated. See Exterior
Care 0287. Worn or damaged
wiper blade replacement. See
Wiper Blade Replacement
0 250.
. Tire inflation pressures check.
See Tire Pressure 0263.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369806) - 2016 -
crc - 6/24/15
Service and Maintenance 299
the hold open ability of the gas
strut. Contact your dealer if
service is required.
. Engine air cleaner filter
replacement or every 20 000 km/
12,500 Miles. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter 0237. If driving in
dusty conditions, inspect the
filter at each oil change or more
often as needed.
. Check automatic transmission
fluid level and condition.
Every 40 000 km/25,000 Miles
. Passenger compartment air filter
replacement (or every
24 months, whichever occurs
first). More frequent passenger
compartment air filter
replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy
traffic, poor air quality, high dust
levels, or environmental
allergens. Passenger
compartment air filter
replacement may also be
needed if there is reduced
airflow, window fogging, or odors. Your GM dealer can
help determine when to replace
the filter.
Every 72 000 km/45,000 Miles
. Replace brake fluid (or every
three years, whichever occurs
first).
Every 80 000 km/50,000 Miles
. Spark plug replacement and
spark plug wire inspection (LF3
Twin Turbo Engine). An
Emission Control Service.
. Evaporative control system
inspection. Check all fuel and
vapor lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, routing, and condition.
Every 160 000 km/100,000 Miles
. Spark plug replacement and
spark plug wire inspection (LFX
Engine). An Emission Control
Service. Every 240 000 km/150,000 Miles
.
Engine cooling system drain and
refill (or every five years,
whichever occurs first). See
Cooling System 0239. An
Emission Control Service.
. Engine drive belts inspection for
fraying, excessive cracks,
or obvious damage (or every
10 years, whichever occurs
first). Replace, if needed.
Severe Conditions Requiring
More Frequent Maintenance*
.Public service, military,
or commercial use vehicles to
include the following:
‐Ambulances, police cars and
emergency rescue vehicles.
‐ Civilian vehicles such as light
duty pick-up trucks, SUVs and
passenger cars that are used
in military applications.
‐ Recovery vehicles such as
tow trucks and flatbed single
vehicle carriers or any vehicle
that is consistently used in
towing trailers or other loads.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369806) - 2016 -
crc - 6/24/15
300 Service and Maintenance
‐High use commercial vehicles
such as courier delivery
vehicles, private security patrol
vehicles or any vehicles that
operate on a 24 hour basis.
‐ Any vehicle consistently
operated in a high sand or
dust environment such as
those used on oil pipelines
and similar applications.
. Vehicles that are regularly used
for short trips of 6 kilometers
or less
If your vehicle has an Oil Life
Indicator, the indicator will show
you when to change the oil and
filter. Under severe conditions
the indicator may come on
before 10 000 km/6,000 mi. The
indicator won't detect dust in the
oil, so if you drive in a dusty
area you may have to change
the oil and filter sooner than
every 10 000 km/6,000 mi.
Note: All vehicles with
rear-wheel drive —change
driveline axle oil every
30 000 km/19,000 mi if vehicle is
used for towing purposes. * Footnote: Under extreme
driving conditions listed above, it
may be necessary to replace
your spark plugs at more
frequent intervals. For further
assistance in determining the
most suitable service
maintenance intervals for your
vehicle, please contact your
authorized GM Dealer.
Additional Required Services
–
Severe Service
Every 72 000 km/45,000 mi
. Automatic transmission fluid
change. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid 0237.
. Change rear axle fluid.