2018 CADILLAC ATS trailer

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
DRIVING AND OPERATING 233
Caution
Pulling a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer
correctly, follow the advice in this
section and see your dealer for
important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Before pulling a trailer, three
important considerations have to do
with weight:
. Weight of the trailer.
. Weight of the trailer tongue.
. 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, the dimensions
of the front of the trailer, 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
”
following.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming the tow vehicle has the
driver, a front seat passenger, all the
required tow equipment, 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, or write us at
our Customer Assistance Offices. See
Customer Assistance Offices 0341.
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 0179.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
234 DRIVING AND OPERATING
In general, whether a weight-carrying
hitch or a weight distributing hitch is
being used, the trailer tongue
weight (1) should be 10-15 % of the
loaded trailer weight (2). Some specific
trailer types (especially boat trailers)
fall outside of this range. In this case,
the recommended tongue weight in
the trailer owner’s manual should be
observed. In all cases, the maximum
loads for the vehicle series and hitch
type should not be exceeded.
After loading the trailer, weigh the
trailer and then the tongue,
separately, to see if the weights are
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 0179. 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 0190.
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?
State and local regulations may
require the trailer to have its own
braking system if loaded above a
certain threshold. Trailer brake
requirements vary from state to state.
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-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
254 VEHICLE CARE
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak in the engine cooling system.
This can cause a loss of all coolant
and can damage the system and
vehicle. Have any leaks fixed
right away.
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure cap,
even a little, can cause them to
come out at high speed and you
could be burned. Never turn the cap
when the cooling system, including
the pressure cap, is hot. Wait for
the cooling system and pressure
cap to cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen or
heard, the problem may not be 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

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
VEHICLE CARE 255
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
(LF3 and LFX with AWD)
The power steering fluid reservoir is
under the engine cover on the
passenger side toward the rear of the
engine compartment. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0240.
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 toEngine Cover 0243.
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 0332. Always use the
proper fluid.
Power Steering Fluid (LFX
with FWD)
The vehicle has electric power steering
and does not use power steering fluid.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
310 VEHICLE CARE
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle such as a motor home. The
two most common types of
recreational vehicle towing are known
as dinghy towing and dolly towing.
Dinghy towing is towing the vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground.
Dolly towing is towing the vehicle
with two wheels on the ground and
two wheels up on a device known as a
dolly.
Here are some important things to
consider before recreational vehicle
towing:
.Before towing the vehicle, become
familiar with the local laws that
apply to recreational vehicle
towing. These laws may vary by
region.
. What is the towing capacity of the
towing vehicle? Be sure to read the
tow vehicle manufacturer's
recommendations. .
What is the distance that will be
traveled? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.
. 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.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
322 SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy, and
reduces vehicle emissions.
Because of the way people use
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
There may need to be more frequent
checks and services. The Additional
Required Services - Normal are for
vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo within
recommended limits on the Tire
and Loading Information label. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0179.
. Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving limits.
. Use the recommended fuel.
See Recommended Fuel (LFX 3.6L
V6 Engine) 0226 orRecommended
Fuel (LF3 3.6L Twin Turbo
V6 Engine) 0226.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Normal chart. The Additional Required Services -
Severe are for vehicles that are:
.
Mainly driven in heavy city traffic
in hot weather
. Mainly driven in hilly or
mountainous terrain
. Frequently towing a trailer
. Used for high speed or competitive
driving
. Used for taxi, police, or delivery
service
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous and can cause serious
injury. Perform maintenance work
only if the required information,
proper tools, and equipment are
available. If they are not, see your
dealer to have a trained technician
do the work. See Doing Your Own
Service Work 0238.
Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.
Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0244.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0279.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire
Inspection 0285.
. Check the windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0256.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
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
trained dealer technician can perform
this work. If the engine oil life system

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
INDEX 373
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
SunshadeRear Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System Forward Collision Alert (FCA) . . . . 217
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162, 351
Systems Driver Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . 341
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Thigh Support Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . 59
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272 All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Full-Size Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285 Tires (cont'd)
Low Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279, 281
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 282
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . 281
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . 293
Sealant and Compressor Kit,
Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Terminology and Definitions . . . . 277
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . 289
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Towing Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309 Traction
Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . 136
Limited-Slip Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . 158
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . 289
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . . 151 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
V
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2