2016 CADILLAC XTS trailer

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369806) - 2016 -
crc - 6/24/15
222 Driving and Operating
vehicle itself. Get acquainted with
the handling and braking of the rig
before setting out for the open road.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch
parts and attachments, safety
chains, electrical connectors, lamps,
tires, and mirrors. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the
combination moving and then apply
the trailer brake controller by hand
to be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally
to be sure that the load is secure
and the lamps and any trailer
brakes still work.
Towing with a Stability Control
System
When towing, the sound of the
stability control system might be
heard. The system is reacting to the
vehicle movement caused by the
trailer, which mainly occurs during
cornering. This is normal when
towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid situations
that require heavy braking and
sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed
when towing a trailer. Because the
rig is longer, it is necessary to go
farther beyond the passed vehicle
before returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering
wheel with one hand. To move the
trailer to the left, move your hand to
the left. To move the trailer to the
right, move your hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal so the
trailer will not strike soft shoulders,
curbs, road signs, trees, or other
objects. Use the turn signal well in
advance and avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
The turn signal indicators on the
instrument cluster flash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change.
Properly hooked up, the trailer
lamps also flash, telling other
drivers the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes, or stopping.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369806) - 2016 -
crc - 6/24/15
Driving and Operating 223
When towing a trailer, the arrows on
the instrument cluster flash for turns
even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. Check occasionally to
be sure the trailer bulbs are still
working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower
gear before starting down a long or
steep downgrade. If the
transmission is not shifted down, the
brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no
longer work well.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Use a lower gear if the transmission
shifts too often.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, engine coolant
boils at a lower temperature than at
normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing
at high altitude on steep uphill
grades, the vehicle could show
signs similar to engine overheating.
To avoid this, let the engine run
while parked, preferably on level
ground, with the transmission in
P (Park) for a few minutes beforeturning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating
0243.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the brake pedal
until the chocks absorb
the load. 4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then
apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal while you:
.Start the engine.
. Shift into a gear.
. Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See the
Maintenance Schedule 0297.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369806) - 2016 -
crc - 6/24/15
224 Driving and Operating
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. Inspect these before
and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. SeeEngine Overheating
0 243.
Trailer Towing
Before pulling a trailer, there are
three important considerations that
have to do with weight:
.
The weight of the trailer.
. The weight of the trailer tongue.
. The total weight on your
vehicle's tires.
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than
454 kg (1,000 lb). But even that can
be too heavy. It depends on how the rig is used.
For example, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature, and
how much the vehicle is used to pull
a trailer are all important. It can
depend on any special equipment
on the vehicle, and the amount of
tongue weight the vehicle can carry.
See
“Weight of the Trailer Tongue”
later in this section.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming only the driver is in the
tow vehicle and it has all the
required trailering equipment. The
weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers, and cargo
in the tow vehicle must be
subtracted from the maximum trailer
weight.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or advice.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (1) of any trailer is
an important weight to measure
because it affects the total gross
weight of the vehicle. The Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the
curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo carried in it, and the people who will be riding in the vehicle.
If there are a lot of options,
equipment, passengers, or cargo in
the vehicle, it will reduce the tongue
weight the vehicle can carry, which
will also reduce the trailer weight the
vehicle can tow. If towing a trailer,
the tongue load must be added to
the GVW because the vehicle will
be carrying that weight, too. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0177.The trailer tongue (1) should weigh
10 to 15 percent of the total loaded
trailer weight (2).
After loading the trailer, weigh the
trailer and then the tongue,
separately, to see if the weights are

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369806) - 2016 -
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Driving and Operating 225
proper. If they are not, adjustments
might be made by moving some
items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's
Tires
Be sure the vehicle's tires are
inflated to the upper limit for cold
tires. These numbers can be found
on the Tire and Loading Information
label. SeeVehicle Load Limits
0 177. Make sure not to go over the
GVW limit for the vehicle, including
the weight of the trailer tongue.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Use the correct hitch equipment.
See your dealer or a hitch dealer for
assistance.
. The rear bumper on the vehicle
is not intended for hitches. Do
not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use
only a frame-mounted hitch that
does not attach to the bumper. .
Will any holes be made in the
body of the vehicle when the
trailer hitch is installed? If so,
seal the holes when the hitch is
removed. If the holes are not
sealed, dirt, water, and deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) from the
exhaust can get into the vehicle.
See Engine Exhaust 0186.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the tongue
from contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch.
Leave enough slack so the rig can
turn. Never allow safety chains to
drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does the trailer have its own
brakes? Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes
so they are installed, adjusted, and
maintained properly. Because the vehicle has antilock
brakes, do not tap into the vehicle's
brake system. If this is done, both
brake systems will not work well or
at all.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369806) - 2016 -
crc - 6/24/15
244 Vehicle Care
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
. Stops after high-speed driving.
. Idles for long periods in traffic.
. Tows a trailer.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the
highest fan speed. Open the
windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral), and let the
engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gauge is
no longer in the overheat zone or an
overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slow
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the car in front
of you. If the warning does not come back on, continue to drive normally
and have the cooling system
checked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down. Also, see
“Overheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode”
next in this section.
Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode
allows the vehicle to be driven to a
safe place in an emergency
situation. If an overheated engine
condition exists, an overheat
protection mode, which alternates
firing groups of cylinders, helps
prevent engine damage. In this
mode, there is significant loss in
power and engine performance. The engine coolant temperature
warning light comes on in the
instrument cluster, to indicate the
vehicle has entered overheated
engine protection operating mode.
The temperature gauge also
indicates an overheat condition
exists. Driving extended distances
and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be
avoided.
Power Steering Fluid
(LFX with FWD)
The vehicle has electric power
steering and does not use power
steering fluid.
Power Steering Fluid
(LF3 and LFX with AWD)

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369806) - 2016 -
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Vehicle Care 285
.Is the proper towing equipment
going to be used? See your
dealer or trailering professional
for additional advice and
equipment recommendations.
. Is the vehicle ready to be
towed? Just as preparing the
vehicle for a long trip, make sure
the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front
of the vehicle grille could restrict
airflow and cause damage to the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the
towing vehicle.
Dinghy Towing
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the
drivetrain components could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the
ground.
The vehicle was not designed to be
towed with all four wheels on the
ground. If the vehicle must be towed, a dolly should be used. See
the following information on dolly
towing.
Dolly Towing from the Front
(Front-Wheel Drive)
Vehicles with front-wheel drive can
be dolly towed from the front.
To dolly tow the vehicle from the
front:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly
manufacturer instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the dolly.

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
318 Index
StabiliTrakOFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Start Assist, Hills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Starting the Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Fluid, Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Heated Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Storage Areas Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Cargo ManagementSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . 98
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Sunshade Rear Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
System
Forward CollisionAlert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160, 309
Systems Driver Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . 40
Thigh Support Adjustment . . . . . . . 54
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Pressure Monitor Operation . . 266
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . 265
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269 Tires (cont'd)
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 273
When It Is Time for New
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Towing Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . 221
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 221
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 284
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Limited-Slip Rear Axle . . . . . . . . 194
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115