
Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
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228 DRIVING AND OPERATING
with the automatic transmission in
P (Park) for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If the overheat
warning comes on, seeEngine
Overheating 0249.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both the
vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the
wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels. 3. When the wheel chocks are in
place, release the regular brakes
until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more often
when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule 0317. Things
that are especially important in trailer
operation are automatic transmission fluid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system, and brake system. It is
a good idea to inspect these before
and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch
nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing
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

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230 DRIVING AND OPERATING
.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 0187.
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
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. See Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0128.
A device connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle systems.
This could affect vehicle operation
and cause a crash. Such devices
may also access information stored
in the vehicle’s systems.

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232 VEHICLE CARE
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Engine Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . 243
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Power Steering Fluid (LFX with FWD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 Power Steering Fluid (LF3 and
LFX with AWD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . 254
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . 255
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . 256
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . 259
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . 260
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260 Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . 263
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . 276
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 284
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
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234 VEHICLE CARE
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag initiators,
seat belt pretensioners, and lithium
batteries contained in Remote Keyless
Entry transmitters, may contain
perchlorate materials. Special
handling may be necessary. For
additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Accessories and
Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or
making modifications to the vehicle
can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as
airbags, braking, stability, ride and
handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and
electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability
control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.Damage to suspension components
caused by modifying vehicle height
outside of factory settings will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components
resulting from modifications or the
installation or use of non-GM certified
parts, including control module or
software modifications, is not covered
under the terms of the vehicle
warranty and may affect remaining
warranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on the vehicle. See your
dealer to accessorize the vehicle using
genuine GM Accessories installed by a
dealer technician.
Also, see
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 085.
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on
your vehicle if you do not have the
proper knowledge, service manual,
tools, or parts. Always follow
owner’s manual procedures and
consult the service manual for your
vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service manual.
It tells you much more about how to
service the vehicle than this manual
can. To order the proper service
manual, see Service Publications
Ordering Information 0343.
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, see Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 085.

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VEHICLE CARE 237
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0243.
2. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Under Engine Cover) (If
Equipped).
See Power Steering Fluid (LFX with
FWD) 0250 orPower Steering
Fluid (LF3 and LFX with AWD)
0 250.
3. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil
0 240.
4. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See Engine Oil0240.
5. Engine Cover 0239.
6. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System 0245.
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake
Fluid 0253.
8. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System
0 245.
9. Battery - North America 0254
(Battery Cover not Shown).
10. Remote Positive (+) Terminal (Battery Cover not Shown). See
Jump Starting - North America
0301. 11.
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
0260.
12. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Out of View). See Jump Starting -
North America 0301.
13. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 251.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11354412) -
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VEHICLE CARE 239
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0243.
2. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Under Engine Cover).
See Power Steering Fluid (LFX with
FWD) 0250 orPower Steering
Fluid (LF3 and LFX with AWD)
0 250.
3. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil
0 240.
4. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine
Oil 0240.
5. Engine Cover 0239.
6. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System 0245.
7. Charged Air Coolant Bottle and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System
0 245.
8. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake
Fluid 0253.
9. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System
0 245.
10. Battery - North America 0254
(Battery Cover not Shown). 11. Remote Positive (+) Terminal
(Battery Cover not Shown). See
Jump Starting - North America
0301.
12. Engine Compartment Fuse Block
0260.
13. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 251.
14. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Out of View). See Jump Starting -
North America 0301.Engine Cover
3.6L V6 Engine
1. Engine Oil Fill Cap
2. Engine Cover Bolt
3. Engine Cover
To remove:
1. Remove the oil fill cap (1).
2. Remove the engine cover bolt (2).
3. Raise the engine cover (3) to release it from the retainers.
4. Lift and remove the engine cover.
5. Reverse Steps 1–4 to reinstall the engine cover.

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252 VEHICLE CARE
Caution (Continued)
.Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the windshield
washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system
and paint.
. Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system.
. When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is
very cold. This allows for
fluid expansion if freezing
occurs, which could damage
the tank if it is
completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or can be
heard all the time when the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will not
work well. That could lead to a
crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair. Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications 0331.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does
not return to normal height, or if
there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign that brake
service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement parts.
If this is not done, the brakes may not
work properly. The braking
performance expected can change in

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VEHICLE CARE 253
many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are installed
or if parts are improperly installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is
filled with GM approved DOT 3 brake
fluid as indicated on the reservoir cap.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
0 236 for the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum
marks on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
. Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the fluid
level goes back up. .
A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic
system. Have the brake hydraulic
system fixed. With a leak, the
brakes will not work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir
cap and the area around the cap
before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding
fluid does not correct a leak. If fluid is
added when the linings are worn,
there will be too much fluid when
new brake linings are installed. Add or
remove fluid, as necessary, only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
{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
0 129.
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 0317.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3 brake
fluid from a clean, sealed container.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0326.
{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.