Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369806) - 2016 -
crc - 6/24/15
Introduction 3
M:Shown when the owner
manual has additional instructions
or information.
*: Shown when the service
manual has additional instructions
or information.
0: Shown when there is more
information on another page —
“see page.”
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the Index.
9: Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g: Audio Steering Wheel Controls
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I: Cruise Control
`:Do Not Puncture
^:Do Not Service
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
_: Flame/Fire Prohibited
.:Fuel Gauge
+: Fuses
3:Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
(: Heated Steering Wheel
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>: Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
d:Traction Control/StabiliTrak®
a:Under Pressure
M: Windshield Washer Fluid
Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369806) - 2016 -
crc - 6/24/15
142 Instruments and Controls
two-wheel-drive mode when this
message has been set. This could
be caused by:
.A vehicle or an AWD system
electronics problem.
. Various vehicle electrical issues.
. Worn out or overheated clutch
plates.
. Loss of fluids.
If this message appears, stop when
it is safe to do so and turn off the
ignition for 30 seconds. Restart the
vehicle and check for the message
on the DIC display. If the message
does not appear, it is not necessary
to take your vehicle to the dealer.
If the message still displays or
appears again when you begin
driving, the system needs service.
See your dealer.
SERVICE LEVELING SYSTEM
This message displays when there
is a problem with the automatic rear
level control. See Automatic Level
Control 0195. Have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
This message displays if there is a
problem with the StabiliTrak system.
See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0192.
SERVICE SUSPENSION
SYSTEM
This message displays when there
is a problem with the Magnetic Ride
Control system. See Magnetic Ride
Control 0194. Have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer.
SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL
This message displays when there
is a problem with the Traction
Control System (TCS). See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 192.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the
Traction Control System (TCS) has
been turned off. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 192.
TRACTION CONTROL ON
This message displays when the
Traction Control System (TCS) has
been turned on. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 192.
Airbag System Messages
SERVICE AIRBAG
This message displays if there is a
problem with the airbag system. See
your dealer for service.
Security Messages
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message displays if the vehicle
detects a tamper condition.
Service Vehicle Messages
SERVICE POWER STEERING
This message displays and a chime
may sound when there may be a
problem with the power steering
system. If this message displays
and a reduction in steering
Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369806) - 2016 -
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172 Driving and Operating
Braking
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is
about three-quarters of a second. In
that time, a vehicle moving at
100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m
(66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
.Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
. Avoid needless heavy braking.
. Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will be some
power brake assist but it will be
used when the brake is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the
brake pedal will be harder to push.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
If the vehicle has electric power
steering it does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance
is not required.
If power steering assist is lost due
to a system malfunction, the vehicle
can be steered, but may require
increased effort.
See your dealer if there is a
problem.
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is
held against that position for an
extended period of time, power
steering assist may be reduced.
If the steering assist is used for an
extended period of time, power
assist may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the
system cools down.See specific vehicle steering
messages under
Vehicle Messages
0 134.
Variable Effort Steering
Some vehicles have a steering
system that varies the amount of
effort required to steer the vehicle in
relation to the speed of the vehicle.
The amount of steering effort
required is less at slower speeds to
make the vehicle more
maneuverable and easier to park. At
faster speeds, the steering effort
increases to provide a sport-like feel
to the steering. This provides
maximum control and stability.
Hydraulic Power Steering
If the vehicle has hydraulic power
steering, it may require
maintenance. See Power Steering
Fluid (LFX with FWD) 0244 or
Power Steering Fluid (LF3 and LFX
with AWD) 0244.
If power steering assist is lost
because the engine stops or there is
a system malfunction, the vehicle
Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369806) - 2016 -
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Vehicle Care 227
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 228
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Engine Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 236
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 237
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 243
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Power Steering Fluid (LFX with FWD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Power Steering Fluid (LF3 and LFX with AWD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246 Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 249
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 249
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 250
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 251
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 252
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 253
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 254
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257 Rear Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Tire Pressure for High-SpeedOperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 273
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 280
Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369806) - 2016 -
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Vehicle Care 231
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0237.
2. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Under Engine Cover). See
Power Steering Fluid (LFX with
FWD) 0244 orPower Steering
Fluid (LF3 and LFX with AWD)
0 244.
3. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0234.
4. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See Engine Oil0234.
5. Engine Cover 0233.
6. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 239.
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes 0246.
8. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant 0240.
9. Battery 0248 (Battery Cover
not Shown).
10. Remote Positive (+) Terminal (Battery Cover not Shown).
SeeJump Starting 0281. 11.
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0254.
12. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Out of View). See Jump
Starting 0281.
13. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 245.
Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369806) - 2016 -
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Vehicle Care 233
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0237.
2. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Under Engine Cover). See
Power Steering Fluid (LFX with
FWD) 0244 orPower Steering
Fluid (LF3 and LFX with AWD)
0 244.
3. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil 0234.
4. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil 0234.
5. Engine Cover 0233.
6. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 239.
7. Charged Air Coolant Reservoir and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant 0240.
8. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes 0246.
9. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Engine
Coolant 0240.
10. Battery 0248 (Battery Cover
not Shown). 11. Remote Positive (+) Terminal
(Battery Cover not Shown).
SeeJump Starting 0281.
12. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0254.
13. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 245.
14. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Out of View). See Jump
Starting 0281.
Engine Cover
3.6L V6 Engine
1. Engine Oil Fill Cap 2. Engine Cover Bolt
3. Engine Cover
3.6L V6 Engine Twin Turbo
1. Engine Oil Fill Cap
2. Engine Cover Bolt
3. Engine Cover
To remove:
1. Remove the oil fill cap (1).
2. Remove the engine cover bolt (2).
3. Raise the engine cover (3) to release it from the retainers.
4. Lift and remove the engine cover.
Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369806) - 2016 -
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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 245
The power steering fluid reservoir is
under the engine cover on the
passenger side toward the rear of
the engine compartment. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0230.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
you suspect there is a leak in the
system or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
Check the level when the engine
is cool.
To check the power steering fluid:
1. Remove the engine cover. Refer to Engine Cover 0233.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Turn the cap counterclockwise and pull it straight up. 4. Wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
5. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
6. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the
dipstick.
The fluid level should be
between MIN and MAX on the
dipstick.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to
use, see Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0301. Always use the
proper fluid.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When adding windshield washer
fluid to the vehicle, be sure to read
the manufacturer instructions before
use. If you will be operating your
vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below freezing,
use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The appropriate message will
appear on the Driver Information
Center (DIC) when the fluid level is
low. See Washer Fluid Messages
0 144.
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0230 for
reservoir location.