2018 CADILLAC ATS Maintenance

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
VEHICLE CARE 239
If equipped with remote vehicle start,
open the hood before performing any
service work to prevent remote
starting the vehicle accidentally. See
Remote Vehicle Start034.
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of
any service work performed. See
Maintenance Records 0335.
Caution
Even small amounts of
contamination can cause damage to
vehicle systems. Do not allow
contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
To open the hood:
1. Pull the hood release lever with
this symbol on it. It is inside the
vehicle on the lower side of the
instrument panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle tofind the secondary hood release
handle. The handle is under the
front edge of the hood near the
center. Push the handle to the
right and at the same time raise
the hood.
Before closing the hood, be sure all
the filler caps are on properly. Then
bring the hood from full open to
within 15 cm (6 in) from the closed
position, pause, then push the front
center of the hood with a swift, firm
motion to fully close the hood.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
248 VEHICLE CARE
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always use the correct automatic
transmission fluid. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0332.
See your dealer to have the fluid and
filter changed at the intervals listed in
the Maintenance Schedule 0322.
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 0240.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air cleaner/filter,
see Maintenance Schedule 0322.
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. To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:
3.6L V6 Engine
1. Remove the seven screws on top of the engine air cleaner/filter
housing.
2. Lift the air cleaner/filter cover housing away from the engine.
3. Pull out the filter.
4. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
5. Reverse Steps 1–3 to reinstall the filter cover housing.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
250 VEHICLE CARE
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the engine
to maintain the correct working
temperature.
3.6L V6 Engine
1. Electric Engine Cooling Fans(Out of View)
2. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
3.6L V6 Twin Turbo Engine
1. Electric Engine Cooling Fans(Out of View)
2. Charged Air Coolant (CAC) Bottle and Pressure Cap
3. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can start
up even when the engine is not
running and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator
hoses, or other engine parts. They
can be very hot and can burn you.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak; all coolant could leak out.
That could cause an engine fire and
can burn you. Fix any leak before
driving the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The engine and Charged Air Coolant
(CAC) cooling systems in the vehicle
are filled with DEX-COOL engine
coolant mixture.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0332 and Maintenance
Schedule 0322.
The following explains the cooling
systems and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating, see
Engine Overheating 0253.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
258 VEHICLE CARE
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You or
others could be burned, and the
vehicle could be damaged. Add
brake fluid only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning Light
0 133.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid at
the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0322.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3 brake
fluid from a clean, sealed container.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0332.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the paint
finish can be damaged. Immediately
wash off any painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the
cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview 0240
for battery location.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Batteries also contain other
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer. WASH
HANDS AFTER HANDLING. For
more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning
0 237 and the back cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode. You
can be badly hurt if you are not
careful. See Jump Starting - North
(Continued)

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
VEHICLE CARE 259
Warning (Continued)
America0306 for tips on working
around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery to
keep the battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery or
use a battery trickle charger.
All-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
Under normal driving conditions,
transfer case fluid does not require
maintenance unless there is a fluid
leak or unusual noise. If required,
have the transfer case serviced by
your dealer.
Starter Switch Check
{Warning
When you are doing this inspection,
the vehicle could move suddenly.
If the vehicle moves, you or others
could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular brake. See
Electric Parking Brake 0194.
Do not use the accelerator pedal,
and be ready to turn off the
engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle should start
only in P (Park) or N (Neutral).
If the vehicle starts in any other
position, contact your dealer for
service.
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control Function
Check
{Warning
When you are doing this inspection,
the vehicle could move suddenly.
If the vehicle moves, you or others
could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface.
2. Firmly apply the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake 0194.
Be ready to apply the regular
brake immediately if the vehicle
begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition on, but do not start the
engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the
shift lever out of P (Park) with

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
260 VEHICLE CARE
normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact
your dealer for service.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check, the
vehicle could begin to move. You or
others could be injured and
property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of the
vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be
ready to apply the regular brake at
once should the vehicle begin
to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the
vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your
foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
. To check the parking brake's
holding ability: With the engine
running and the transmission in
N (Neutral), slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
. To check the P (Park) mechanism's
holding ability: With the engine
running, shift to P (Park). Then
release the parking brake followed
by the regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is
required.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be
inspected for wear or cracking.
It is a good idea to clean the wiper
blade assembly on a regular basis.
When worn, or when cleaning is
ineffective, replace the wiper blade.
For proper windshield wiper blade
length and type, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts 0333.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch
the windshield when no wiper blade
is installed could damage the
windshield. Any damage that occurs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not allow the wiper
arm to touch the windshield.
To replace the wiper blade: 1. Pull the wiper assembly away from the windshield.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
VEHICLE CARE 261
2. Lift up on the latch in the middleof the wiper blade where the
wiper arm attaches.
3. With the latch open, pull the wiper blade down toward the
windshield far enough to release
it from the J-hooked end of the
wiper arm.
4. Remove the wiper blade.
5. Reverse Steps 1–3 for wiper blade replacement.
Windshield Replacement
HUD System
The windshield is part of the HUD
system. If the windshield must be
replaced, get one that is designed for
HUD or the HUD image may look out
of focus.
Driver Assistance Systems
If the windshield needs to be replaced
and the vehicle is equipped with a
front camera sensor for the Driver
Assistance Systems, a GM
replacement windshield is
recommended. The replacement windshield must be installed
according to GM specifications for
proper alignment. If it is not, these
systems may not work properly, they
may display messages, or they may
not work at all. See your dealer for
proper windshield replacement.
Acoustic Windshield
The vehicle is equipped with an
acoustic windshield. If the windshield
needs to be replaced, be sure to get an
acoustic windshield so you will
continue to have the benefits an
acoustic windshield can provide.
Gas Strut(s)
This vehicle is equipped with gas
strut(s) to provide assistance in lifting
and holding open the hood/trunk/
liftgate system in full open position.
{Warning
If the gas struts that hold open the
hood, trunk, and/or liftgate fail, you
or others could be seriously injured.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Take the vehicle to your dealer for
service immediately. Visually
inspect the gas struts for signs of
wear, cracks, or other damage
periodically. Check to make sure the
hood/trunk/liftgate is held open
with enough force. If struts are
failing to hold the hood/trunk/
liftgate, do not operate. Have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Do not apply tape or hang any
objects from gas struts. Also do not
push down or pull on gas struts.
This may cause damage to the
vehicle.
See Maintenance Schedule 0322.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
282 VEHICLE CARE
Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread
life, and may affect the vehicle's
handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire maintenance,
and it is the driver's responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if
under-inflation has not reached the
level to trigger illumination of the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped
with a TPMS malfunction indicator to
indicate when the system is not
operating properly. The TPMS
malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a
malfunction, the telltale will flash for
approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated. Thissequence will continue upon
subsequent vehicle start-ups as long
as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety
of reasons, including the installation
of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction
telltale after replacing one or more
tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or
alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function
properly.
See
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 282.
See Radio Frequency Statement 0349.
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS). The TPMS is
designed to warn the driver when a low tire pressure condition exists.
TPMS sensors are mounted onto each
tire and wheel assembly, excluding the
spare tire and wheel assembly. The
TPMS sensors monitor the air
pressure in the tires and transmit the
tire pressure readings to a receiver
located in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition is
detected, the TPMS illuminates the
low tire pressure warning light on the
instrument cluster. If the warning
light comes on, stop as soon as
possible and inflate the tires to the
recommended pressure shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label.
See
Vehicle Load Limits 0179.
A message to check the pressure in a
specific tire displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The low tire
pressure warning light and the DIC
warning message come on at each