
Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
2018 - crc - 11/16/17
210 DRIVING AND OPERATING
{Warning
The Backing Warning System only
operates at speeds greater than
8 km/h (5 mph). It does not detect
children, pedestrians, bicyclists,
animals, or objects below the
bumper or that are too close or too
far from the vehicle. In some
situations, such as at higher
backing speeds, there may not be
enough time for the short, sharp
application of the vehicle brake
system to occur. To prevent injury,
death, or vehicle damage, even with
the Backing Warning System,
always check the area around the
vehicle and check all mirrors before
backing.
When the vehicle is in R (Reverse),
if the system detects the vehicle is
backing too fast to avoid a crash with
a detected object behind your vehicle
in your path, it may automatically
brake hard to a stop to help avoid or
reduce the harm caused by a backing
crash.
{Warning
RAB may not avoid many types of
backing crashes. Do not wait for the
automatic braking to apply. This
system is not designed to replace
driver braking and only works in
R (Reverse) when an object is
detected directly behind the vehicle.
It may not brake or stop in time to
avoid a crash. It will not brake for
objects when the vehicle is moving
at very low speeds. It does not
detect children, pedestrians,
bicyclists, animals, or objects below
the bumper or that are too close or
too far from the vehicle. To prevent
injury, death, or vehicle damage,
even with RAB, always check the
area around the vehicle before and
while backing.
Pressing the brake pedal after the
vehicle comes to a stop will release
RAB. If the brake pedal is not pressed
soon after the stop, the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) may be set. When
it is safe, press the accelerator pedal
firmly at any time to override RAB.
{Warning
There may be instances where
unexpected or undesired automatic
braking occurs. If this happens,
either press the brake pedal or
firmly press the accelerator pedal to
release the brakes from the RAB
system. Before releasing the brakes,
check the RVC and check the area
around the vehicle to make sure it
is safe to proceed.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
If equipped, RCTA displays a red
warning triangle with a left or right
pointing arrow to warn of traffic
coming from the left or right. This
system detects objects coming from
up to 20 m (65 ft) from the left or
right side of the vehicle. When an
object is detected, either three beeps
sound from the left or right or three

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
2018 - crc - 11/16/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 211
Safety Alert Seat pulses occur on the
left or right side, depending on the
direction of the detected vehicle.
Use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA
detection zones that extend out from
the back of the vehicle do not move
further back when a trailer is towed.
Turning the Features On or Off
PressXon the center stack to turn
on or off the Front and Rear Parking
Assist, Reverse Automatic Braking
(RAB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA), and the Backing Warning
System at the same time. The
indicator light next to the button
comes on when the features are on
and turns off when the features have
been disabled.
Turn off parking assist, RCTA, and
RAB when towing a trailer.
To turn the RPA symbols or guidance
lines (on some models) on or off, see
“Rear Camera Park Assist Symbols”
under Vehicle Personalization 0143. On some models, select the guidance
lines button on the infotainment
display to turn them on or off.
RCTA can also be turned on or off
through vehicle personalization. See
“Collision/Detection Systems”
under
Vehicle Personalization 0143.
Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
If equipped, APA searches for and
steers the vehicle into parallel and
perpendicular parking spots. When
using APA, you must still shift gears,
and control the brakes and
accelerator. A display and audible
beeps help to guide parking
maneuvers.
Do not use APA when towing a trailer.
{Warning
APA does not apply the brakes. APA
may not detect objects in the
parking space, objects that are soft
or narrow, objects high off the
ground such as flatbed trucks,
or objects below ground level such
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
as large potholes. Always verify that
the parking space is appropriate for
parking a vehicle. APA does not
respond to changes in the parking
space, such as movement of an
adjacent vehicle, or a person or
object entering the parking space.
APA does not detect or avoid traffic
that is behind or alongside of the
vehicle. Always be prepared to stop
the vehicle during the parking
maneuver.
Press
Oon the center stack to
enable the system to search for a
parking space that is large enough and
within 1.5 m (5 ft) of the vehicle. The
vehicle speed must be below
30 km/h (18 mph). The system cannot:
. Detect whether it is a legal parking
space.
. Park exactly lined up with the
vehicle next to it if the spot is
approached at an angle or if the
parking space is angled.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
2018 - crc - 11/16/17
212 DRIVING AND OPERATING
.Park exactly centered in a spot
that is marked too large.
. Always detect short curbs.
If the vehicle is equipped with
perpendicular parking mode, press
and hold
Oduring the search
process to switch the APA parking
mode between perpendicular and
parallel parking.
APA searches for parking spaces to
the right of the vehicle. To search for
a parking space to the left, turn on the
left turn signal.
After completely passing a large
enough space, an audible beep occurs
and a red symbol displays. If the vehicle is in R (Reverse), but
does not steer into the expected
space, this may be because the system
is maneuvering the vehicle into a
previously detected space. The APA
system does not need service.
APA will instruct the vehicle to stop
once a large enough space is found.
Follow the displayed instructions.
When instructed to drive in reverse,
shift to R (Reverse) to engage
automatic steering. The steering wheel
will vibrate briefly as a reminder to
remove hands from the steering
wheel. Check surroundings and
continue braking or accelerating as
needed, and be prepared to stop to
avoid vehicles, pedestrians, or objects.
If the vehicle exceeds 10 km/h
(6 mph), APA is automaticallydisengaged. A progress arrow displays
the status of the parking maneuver.
Depending on the space size,
additional maneuvers may be
required, and there will be additional
instructions. When changing gears,
allow the automatic steering to
complete before continuing the
parking maneuver. APA will beep and
display a PARKING COMPLETE
message. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
APA may automatically disengage if:
.
The steering wheel is used by the
driver.
. The maximum allowed speed is
exceeded.
. There is a failure with the APA
system.
. Electronic stability control or
antilock brakes are activated.
. A high priority vehicle message is
displayed in the DIC.
To cancel APA, press
Oagain.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
2018 - crc - 11/16/17
216 DRIVING AND OPERATING
{Warning
FAB is an emergency crash
preparation feature and is not
designed to avoid crashes. Do not
rely on FAB to brake the vehicle.
FAB will not brake outside of its
operating speed range and only
responds to detected vehicles.
FAB may not:. Detect a vehicle ahead on
winding or hilly roads.
. Detect all vehicles, especially
vehicles with a trailer,
tractors, muddy vehicles, etc.
. Detect a vehicle when
weather limits visibility, such
as in fog, rain, or snow.
. Detect a vehicle ahead if it is
partially blocked by
pedestrians or other objects.
Complete attention is always
required while driving, and you
should be ready to take action and
apply the brakes and/or steer the
vehicle to avoid crashes. FAB may slow the vehicle to a
complete stop to try to avoid a
potential crash. If this happens, FAB
may engage the Electric Parking Brake
(EPB) to hold the vehicle at a stop.
Release the EPB or firmly press the
accelerator pedal.
{Warning
FAB may automatically brake the
vehicle suddenly in situations
where it is unexpected and
undesired. It could respond to a
turning vehicle ahead, guardrails,
signs, and other non-moving
objects. To override FAB, firmly
press the accelerator pedal, if it is
safe to do so.
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
IBA may activate when the brake
pedal is applied quickly by providing a
boost to braking based on the speed
of approach and distance to a vehicle
ahead.
Minor brake pedal pulsations or pedal
movement during this time is normal
and the brake pedal should continue
to be applied as needed. IBA will
automatically disengage only when
the brake pedal is released.
{Warning
IBA may increase vehicle braking in
situations when it may not be
necessary. You could block the flow
of traffic. If this occurs, take your
foot off the brake pedal and then
apply the brakes as needed.
FAB and IBA can be disabled through
vehicle personalization. See “Collision/
Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0143.
{Warning
Using FAB or IBA while towing a
trailer could cause you to lose
control of the vehicle and crash.
(Continued)

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
2018 - crc - 11/16/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 223
Caution (Continued)
.For vehicles which are not
FlexFuel, fuel labeled greater
than 15% ethanol by volume,
such as mid-level ethanol
blends (16 –50% ethanol),
E85, or FlexFuel.
. Fuel with any amount of
methanol, methylal, and
aniline. These fuels can
corrode metal fuel system
parts or damage plastic and
rubber parts.
. Fuel containing metals such
as methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT), which can damage
the emissions control system
and spark plugs.
. Fuel with a posted octane
rating of less than the
recommended fuel. Using this
fuel will lower fuel economy
and performance, and may
decrease the life of the
emissions catalyst.
California Fuel
Requirements
If the vehicle is certified to meet
California Emissions Standards, it is
designed to operate on fuels that meet
California specifications. See the
underhood emission control label.
If this fuel is not available in states
adopting California Emissions
Standards, the vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal
specifications, but emission control
system performance may be affected.
The malfunction indicator lamp could
turn on and the vehicle may not pass
a smog-check test. See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light)
0 128. If this occurs, return to your
authorized dealer for diagnosis. If it is
determined that the condition is
caused by the type of fuel used,
repairs may not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico post
fuel octane ratings in anti-knock index
(AKI). For fuel not to use in a foreign
country, see “Prohibited Fuels” inFuel
0 222.
Fuel Additives
To keep fuel systems clean, TOP TIER
detergent gasoline is recommended.
See Fuel 0222.
If TOP TIER detergent gasoline is not
available, one bottle of GM Fuel
System Treatment Cleaner added to
the fuel tank at every engine oil
change, can help. GM Fuel System
Treatment Cleaner is the only gasoline
additive recommended by General
Motors. It is available at your dealer.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
2018 - crc - 11/16/17
224 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Filling the Tank
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn
violently and can cause injury or
death.. To help avoid injuries to you
and others, read and follow
all the instructions on the
fuel pump island.
. Turn off the engine when
refueling.
. Keep sparks, flames, and
smoking materials away
from fuel.
. Do not leave the fuel pump
unattended.
. Do not use a cell phone while
refueling.
. Do not reenter the vehicle
while pumping fuel.
. Keep children away from the
fuel pump and never let
children pump fuel.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Fuel can spray out if the
refueling nozzle is inserted
too quickly. This spray can
happen if the tank is nearly
full, and is more likely in hot
weather. Insert the refueling
nozzle slowly and wait for any
hiss noise to stop prior to
beginning to flow fuel.
To open the fuel door, push and
release the rearward center edge of
the door. The vehicle has a capless refueling
system and does not have a fuel cap.
The filling nozzle must be fully
inserted and latched prior to starting
fuel flow.
{Warning
Overfilling the fuel tank by more
than three clicks of a standard fill
nozzle may cause:
. Vehicle performance issues,
including engine stalling and
damage to the fuel system.
. Fuel spills.
. Potential fuel fires.
Be careful not to spill fuel. Wait a few
seconds after you have finished
pumping before removing the nozzle.
Clean fuel from painted surfaces as
soon as possible. See Exterior Care
0 307.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
2018 - crc - 11/16/17
226 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment that has
been designed for the vehicle. Contact
your dealer or trailering dealer for
assistance with preparing the vehicle
for towing a trailer. Read the entire
section before towing a trailer.
For towing a disabled vehicle, see
Towing the Vehicle0304. For towing
the vehicle behind another vehicle
such as a motor home, see
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0304.
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
Driving with a Trailer
When towing a trailer:
.
Become familiar with the state
and local laws that apply to trailer
towing. .
Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi) to prevent
damage to the engine, axle,
or other parts.
. Then during the first 800 km
(500 mi) of trailer towing, do not
drive over 80 km/h (50 mph) and
do not make starts at full throttle.
. Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if
the transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
. Do not use Adaptive Cruise
Control when towing.
. The Forward Automatic Braking
System should be set to Off when
towing. See Forward Automatic
Braking (FAB) 0215.
. Turn off Parking Assist when
towing.
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of the
vehicle and enter if the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most window
is open.
When towing a trailer:
. Do not drive with the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window open.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Also adjust the climate
control system to a setting
that brings in only outside air.
See “Climate Control Systems ”
in the Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust
0 187.
Towing a trailer requires a certain
amount of experience. The
combination you are driving is longer

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
2018 - crc - 11/16/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 227
and not as responsive as the vehicle
itself. Get acquainted with the
handling and braking of the rig before
setting out for the open road.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch
parts and attachments, safety chains,
electrical connectors, lamps, tires, and
mirrors. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start the combination moving
and then apply the trailer brake
controller by hand to be sure the
brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally to
be sure that the load is secure and the
lamps and any trailer brakes
still work.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination will
not accelerate as quickly and is longer,so it is necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before
returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel
with one hand. To move the trailer to
the left, move that hand to the left. To
move the trailer to the right, move
your hand to the right. Always back
up slowly and, if possible, have
someone guide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so
the trailer will not strike soft shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees,
or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
If the trailer turn signal bulbs burn
out, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will still flash for turns. It is
important to check occasionally to be
sure the trailer bulbs are still working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before
starting down a long or steep
downgrade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes might get hot
and no longer work well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at high altitude on steep
uphill grades, consider the following:
Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal altitudes.
If the engine is turned off immediately
after towing at high altitude on steep
uphill grades, the vehicle may show
signs similar to engine overheating. To
avoid this, let the engine run while
parked, preferably on level ground,