Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
CLIMATE CONTROLS 169
Q:Touch to lock or unlock control of
the rear climate control system from
the rear seat passengers. When locked,
the rear climate controls can only be
adjusted from the front seat.
Automatic Operation
AUTO : Press to turn on or off. The
air delivery is controlled
automatically. The Auto indicator
appears on the display. If the MODE
setting is manually adjusted, this
cancels full automatic operation.
Manual Operation
i h: Press or press and hold the front
climate control buttons or display to
increase or decrease the rear climate
airf low.
RQ: Press or press and hold the rear
temperature control buttons or display
to adjust the rear passenger
temperature. Press
Qfor warmer air
and press
Rfor cooler air.
Y/[/\: Touch the desired mode
button on the display or the MODE
button on the rear climate controls to
change the direction of the airf low in
the rear seating area.
MorL: If equipped, pressMorLto heat the left or right outboard seat
cushion and seatback. See Heated Rear
Seats 067.
Air Vents
Adjustable air vents are in the center
and on the side of the instrument
panel.
1. Thumbwheel
2. Slider Knob
Use the thumbwheels (1) near the air
vents to open or close off the airflow.
Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
172 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 177
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . 191
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . 194
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/ElectronicStability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Magnetic Ride Control . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Limited-Slip Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Automatic Level Control . . . . . . . . . 199
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . 202
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . 209
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Forward Automatic Braking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . 221
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . 221
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . 224
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Recommended Fuel (LFX 3.6L V6 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Recommended Fuel (LF3 3.6L Twin Turbo V6 Engine) . . . . . . . . 226
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . 227
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . 230
Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
176 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off
the edge of a road onto the shoulder
while driving. Follow these tips:1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way,
steer the vehicle so that it
straddles the edge of the
pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the
right front tire contacts the
pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three
control systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not
rolling.
. Steering or Cornering Skid —too
much speed or steering in a curve
causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force.
. Acceleration Skid —too much
throttle causes the driving wheels
to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by
taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
. Ease your foot off the accelerator
pedal and steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. The vehicle may
straighten out. Be ready for a
second skid if it occurs. .
Slow down and adjust your driving
according to weather conditions.
Stopping distance can be longer
and vehicle control can be affected
when traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other material
on the road. Learn to recognize
warning clues —such as enough
water, ice, or packed snow on the
road to make a mirrored surface
— and slow down when you have
any doubt.
. Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking, including
reducing vehicle speed by shifting
to a lower gear. Any sudden
changes could cause the tires to
slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid
only the braking skid.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle
traction and affect your ability to stop
and accelerate. Always drive slower in
these types of driving conditions and
avoid driving through large puddles
and deep-standing or flowing water.
Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
194 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced electronic
braking system that helps prevent a
braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself. A momentary
motor or clicking noise may be heard
while this test is going on, and it may
even be noticed that the brake pedal
moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 134. If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to avoid
a sudden obstacle, a computer senses
the wheels are slowing down. If one of
the wheels is about to stop rolling, the
computer will separately work the
brakes at each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure to
each wheel, as required, faster than
any driver could. This can help you
steer around the obstacle while
braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates on
wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the
time needed to get a foot up to the
brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close
to the vehicle in front of you, there
will not be enough time to apply the
brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows
or stops. Always leave enough room
up ahead to stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the
brake pedal down firmly and let ABS
work. You may hear the ABS pump or
motor operating and feel the brake
pedal pulsate. This is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brake at
the same time. In many emergencies,
steering can help more than even the
very best braking.
Electric Parking Brake
Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
198 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is off.
The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and
release
g. The Traction Off Lighti
displays in the instrument cluster and
a DIC message may display. To turn
TCS on again, press and release
g.
The Traction Off Light
idisplayed in
the instrument cluster will turn off
and a DIC message may display.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
g
is pressed, the system will not turn off
until the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/
ESC, press and hold
guntil the
Traction Off Light
iand StabiliTrak/
ESC Off Light
gcome on and stay on
in the instrument cluster. A DIC
message may display. To turn TCS and
StabiliTrak/ESC on again, press and
release
g. The Traction Off Lighti
and StabiliTrak/ESC Off Lightgin the
instrument cluster turn off and a DIC
message may display.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See Accessories
and Modifications 0238.
Magnetic Ride Control
If equipped, the Magnetic Ride Control
monitors the suspension system.
Based on road conditions, steering
wheel angle, and vehicle speed, the
system automatically adjusts to
provide the best handling while
providing a smooth ride. The Tour and
Sport Modes will feel similar on a
smooth road.
Tour : Use for normal city and
highway driving. This setting provides
a smooth, soft ride.
Sport : Use where road conditions or
personal preference demand more
control. This setting provides more
“feel,” or response to road conditions. The vehicle is normally in Tour Mode.
Sport Mode is engaged when the shift
lever is placed in M (Manual Mode).
When the shift lever is placed in D
(Drive) the system will revert back to
Tour Mode.
The Driver Information Center (DIC)
may briefly display a message on
vehicle startup or when a new mode is
selected.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Vehicles with a limited-slip rear axle
can give more traction on snow, mud,
ice, sand or gravel. When traction is
low, this feature allows the drive
wheel with the most traction to move
the vehicle. The limited-slip rear axle
also gives the driver enhanced control
when cornering hard or completing a
maneuver, such as a lane change.
Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
DRIVING AND OPERATING 199
Automatic Level Control
If equipped, the automatic level
control rear suspension provides a
better leveled riding position as well
as better handling under a variety of
passenger and loading conditions. It is
fully automatic. An air compressor
connected to the rear air springs will
raise or lower the rear of the vehicle
to maintain proper vehicle height. The
system is activated when the engine is
running and will automatically adjust
vehicle height thereafter. If passengers
get out or if cargo is removed from
the vehicle after the vehicle is shut
off, the system may lower the vehicle
height for up to 10 minutes after the
engine has been turned off. You may
hear the air compressor operating
when the height is being adjusted; this
is normal. This noise will only happen
when the engine is running. The
system will lower the vehicle with the
engine off, but will not raise the
vehicle until the engine is started.If the compressor runs often for
longer than one minute within the
same trip and the vehicle remains low
in the rear, see your dealer for service.
If the vehicle is not used for several
weeks, or if there is a large
temperature drop while the vehicle is
parked and shut off, the rear of the
vehicle may look low. When the
engine is started, the vehicle will
return to the proper height.
If a weight-distributing hitch is being
used, it is recommended to allow the
air springs to inflate, thereby leveling
the vehicle prior to adjusting the
hitch.
Cruise Control
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at a
steady speed. Do not use cruise
control on winding roads or in
heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could
lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.
With cruise control, a speed of about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be
maintained without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. Cruise control does
not work at speeds below about
40 km/h (25 mph).
If the Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control system begins to
limit wheel spin while using cruise
control, the cruise control
Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
202 DRIVING AND OPERATING
.PressJ.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased
from memory if
Jis pressed or if
the ignition is turned off.
Adaptive Cruise Control
If equipped with Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC), it allows for selecting
the cruise control set speed and
following gap. Read this entire section
before using this system. ACC uses a
camera and radar sensors to detect
other vehicles. See Radio Frequency
Statement 0349. The following gap is
the following time (or distance)
between your vehicle and a vehicle
detected directly ahead in your path,
moving in the same direction. If no
vehicle is detected in your path, ACC
works like regular cruise control.
If a vehicle is detected in your path,
ACC can speed up the vehicle or apply
limited, moderate braking to maintain
the selected following gap. To
disengage ACC, apply the brake. If the
Traction Control System (TCS) or StabiliTrak electronic stability control
system activates while ACC is
engaged, ACC may automatically
disengage. See
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0196. When
road conditions allow ACC to be safely
used, ACC can be turned back on. ACC
will not engage if the TCS or
StabiliTrak electronic stability control
system is disabled.
{Warning
ACC has limited braking ability and
may not have time to slow the
vehicle down enough to avoid a
collision with another vehicle you
are following. This can occur when
vehicles suddenly slow or stop
ahead, or enter your lane. Also see
“Alerting the Driver” in this section.
Complete attention is always
required while driving and you
should be ready to take action and
apply the brakes. See Defensive
Driving 0174.
{Warning
ACC will not detect or brake for
children, pedestrians, animals,
or other objects.
Do not use ACC when:
. On winding and hilly roads or
when the sensors are blocked
by snow, ice, or dirt. The
system may not detect a
vehicle ahead. Keep the entire
front of the vehicle clean.
. Visibility is low, such as in
fog, rain, or snow conditions.
ACC performance is limited
under these conditions.
. On slippery roads where fast
changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip.
Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
DRIVING AND OPERATING 205
.Press and hold SET– down until
the desired lower speed is reached,
then release it.
. To decrease the vehicle speed in
smaller increments, press SET–
down to the first detent. For each
press, the vehicle goes about
1 km/h (1 mph) slower.
. To decrease the vehicle speed in
larger increments, press SET–
down to the second detent. For
each press, the vehicle speed
decreases to the next 5 km/h
(5 mph) mark on the speedometer.
Selecting the Follow Distance Gap
When a slower moving vehicle is
detected ahead within the selected
following gap, ACC will adjust the
vehicle's speed and attempt to
maintain the follow distance gap
selected.
Press
[on the steering wheel to
adjust the following gap. Each press
cycles the gap button through three
settings: Far, Medium, or Near. When pressed, the current gap setting
displays briefly on the instrument
cluster and HUD. The gap setting will
be maintained until it is changed.
Since each gap setting corresponds to
a following time (Far, Medium,
or Near), the following distance will
vary based on vehicle speed. The
faster the vehicle speed, the further
back your vehicle will follow a vehicle
detected ahead. Consider traffic and
weather conditions when selecting the
following gap. The range of selectable
gaps may not be appropriate for all
drivers and driving conditions.
Changing the gap setting
automatically changes the alert timing
sensitivity (Far, Medium, or Near) for
the Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
feature. See
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System 0217. Alerting the Driver
If ACC is engaged, driver action may
be required when ACC cannot apply
sufficient braking because of
approaching a vehicle too rapidly.
When this condition occurs, the
collision alert symbol on the HUD will
flash on the windshield. Either eight
beeps will sound from the front,
or both sides of the Safety Alert Seat
will pulse five times. See
“Collision/
Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0147.
See Defensive Driving 0174.