
Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
2018 - crc - 11/16/17
166 CLIMATE CONTROLS
Rear Control Lockout :Press to lock
or unlock control of the rear climate
control system from the rear seat
passengers. When locked, the rear
climate control can only be adjusted
from the front seat.
Automatic Operation
Rear 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
S A T:Press or press and hold the
front climate control buttons or
display to increase or decrease the
rear climate airf low.
+/− :Press or press and hold the rear
temperature control buttons or display
to adjust the rear passenger
temperature. Press + for warmer air
and press −for cooler air.
Y/[/\:Press 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-11354412) -
2018 - crc - 11/16/17
CLIMATE CONTROLS 167
Move the slider knobs (2) to change
the direction of the airf low.
Additional air vents are beneath the
windshield and the driver and
passenger side door windows. These
are fixed and cannot be adjusted.Operation Tips
.
Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves
from air inlets at the base of the
windshield that could block the
flow of air into the vehicle.
. Clear snow off the hood to
improve visibility and help
decrease moisture drawn into the
vehicle.
. Keep the path under the front
seats clear of objects to help
circulate the air inside of the
vehicle more effectively.
. Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect the
performance of the system. Check
with your dealer before adding
equipment to the outside of the
vehicle.
. Do not attach any devices to the
air vent slats. This restricts airflow
and may cause damage to the air
vents.
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The filter reduces dust, pollen, and
other airborne irritants from outside
air that is pulled into the vehicle. The
filter should be replaced as part of
routine scheduled maintenance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0317.
See your dealer regarding replacement
of the filter.
Service
This vehicle may have the new
environmentally friendly refrigerant,
R1234yf. This refrigerant has a
significantly reduced global warming
impact on the environment, compared
to the traditional automotive
refrigerant, R-134a. All vehicles have a
label underhood that identifies the
refrigerant used in the vehicle.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
2018 - crc - 11/16/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 169
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 174
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . 188
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . 191
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/ElectronicStability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Magnetic Ride Control . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Limited-Slip Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Automatic Level Control . . . . . . . . . 195
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . 198
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . 206
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Forward Automatic Braking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . 217
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . 217
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . 220
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
California Fuel Requirements . . . . 223
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . 223
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . 226
Driving Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
2018 - crc - 11/16/17
172 DRIVING AND OPERATING
If power steering assist is lost due to a
system malfunction, the vehicle can
be steered, but may require increased
effort.
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 while the
vehicle is not moving, power assist
may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the system
cools down.
See your dealer if there is a problem.
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 steeringeffort 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) 0250 orPower Steering Fluid
(LF3 and LFX with AWD) 0250.
If power steering assist is lost because
the engine stops or there is a system
malfunction, the vehicle can be
steered but may require increased
effort. See your dealer if there is a
problem.
Caution
If the steering wheel is turned until
it reaches the end of its travel, and
is held in that position for more
than 15 seconds, damage may occur
to the power steering system and
there may be loss of power steering
assist.
Curve Tips
. Take curves at a reasonable speed.
. Reduce speed before entering a
curve.
. Maintain a reasonable, steady
speed through the curve.
. Wait until the vehicle is out of the
curve before accelerating gently
into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when
steering around a problem may be
more effective than braking.
. Holding both sides of the steering
wheel allows you to turn
180 degrees without removing
a hand.
. Antilock Brake System (ABS)
allows steering while braking.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
2018 - crc - 11/16/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 173
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-11354412) -
2018 - crc - 11/16/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 175
.Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills; something
could be in your lane (e.g., stalled
car, accident).
. Pay attention to special road signs
(e.g., falling rocks area, winding
roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take
appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and the
road creates less traction or grip, so
drive carefully. Wet ice can occur at
about 0 °C (32 °F) when freezing rain
begins to fall. Avoid driving on wet ice
or in freezing rain until roads can be
treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating too
quickly causes the wheels to spin
and makes the surface under the
tires slick. .
Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0193.
. Antilock Brake System (ABS)
improves vehicle stability during
hard stops, but the brakes should
be applied sooner than when on
dry pavement. See Antilock Brake
System (ABS) 0191.
. Allow greater following distance
and watch for slippery spots. Icy
patches can occur on otherwise
clear roads in shaded areas. The
surface of a curve or an overpass
can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid
sudden steering maneuvers and
braking while on ice.
. Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stay with the vehicle unless there is
help nearby. If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside Service 0338.
To get help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
. Turn on the hazard warning
flashers. .
Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may cause
exhaust gases to get inside. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide
(CO), which cannot be seen or
smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
. Clear snow from the base of
the vehicle, especially any
blocking the exhaust pipe.
. Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the vehicle side that
is away from the wind, to
bring in fresh air.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Adjust the climate control
system to circulate the air
inside the vehicle and set the
(Continued)

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
2018 - crc - 11/16/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 183
Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change the
way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. See
Add-On Electrical Equipment0230.
Starting Procedure 1. With the Keyless Access system, the RKE transmitter must be in
the vehicle. Press the ENGINE
START/STOP button with the
brake pedal applied. When the
engine begins cranking, let go of
the button.
The idle speed will go down as
the engine gets warm. Do not
race the engine immediately
after starting it.
If the RKE transmitter is not in
the vehicle, if there is
interference, or if the RKE
transmitter battery is low, the
Driver Information Center (DIC)
will display a message.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by pressing
ENGINE START/STOP immediately
after cranking has ended, can
overheat and damage the cranking
motor, and drain the battery. Wait
at least 15 seconds between each
try, to let the cranking motor
cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in
very cold weather (below −18 °C
or 0 °F), it could be flooded with
too much gasoline. Try pushing
the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and holding it there
as you press ENGINE START/
STOP, for up to a maximum of
15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to
allow the cranking motor to cool
down. When the engine starts,
let go of the button and the
accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the same thing. This clears the
extra gasoline from the engine.
Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Engine Heater
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block
heater while the vehicle is parked in
a garage or under a carport.
Property damage or personal injury
may result. Always park the vehicle
in a clear open area away from
buildings or structures.
The engine heater, if available, can
help in cold weather conditions at or
below −18 °C (0 °F) for easier starting
and better fuel economy during
engine warm-up. Plug in the engine
heater at least four hours before
starting the vehicle. An internal

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
2018 - crc - 11/16/17
184 DRIVING AND OPERATING
thermostat in the plug end of the cord
will prevent engine heater operation
at temperatures above−18 °C (0 °F).
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord.
The electrical cord is on the
driver side of the engine
compartment, between the
fender and the engine
compartment fuse block. Check the heater cord for
damage. If it is damaged, do not
use it. See your dealer for a
replacement. Inspect the cord for
damage yearly.
3. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord or
an extension cord can damage the
cord and may result in overheating
and fire.
. Plug the cord into a
three-prong electrical utility
receptacle that is protected by
a ground fault detection
function. An ungrounded
outlet could cause an electric
shock.
. Use a weatherproof,
heavy-duty, 15 amp-rated
extension cord if needed.
Failure to use the
recommended extension cord
in good operating condition,
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
or using a damaged heater or
extension cord, could make it
overheat and cause a fire,
property damage, electric
shock, and injury.
. Do not operate the vehicle
with the heater cord
permanently attached to the
vehicle. Possible heater cord
and thermostat damage could
occur.
. While in use, do not let the
heater cord touch vehicle
parts or sharp edges. Never
close the hood on the
heater cord.
. Before starting the vehicle,
unplug the cord, reattach the
cover to the plug, and
securely fasten the cord. Keep
the cord away from any
moving parts.