Cadillac XT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12017481) - 2019 - CRC - 11/5/18
172 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Driver Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Driving Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Vehicle Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 178
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Active Fuel Management . . . . . . . . 192
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . 194
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . 200
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/ElectronicStability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . 209
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . 217
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Forward Automatic Braking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . 232
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . 232
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . 234
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . 237
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Cadillac XT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12017481) - 2019 - CRC - 11/5/18
DRIVING AND OPERATING 179
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.
. Select All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
mode. See Driver Mode Control
0 205.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
signal for help. Stay with the vehicle
unless there is help nearby. If possible,
use Roadside Assistance. See Roadside
Service 0344. 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)
Warning (Continued)
fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control
Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0193.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then
shut the engine off and partially close
the window. Moving about to keep
warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the
engine runs faster than the idle speed.
This keeps the battery charged to
restart the vehicle and to signal for
help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels
to free the vehicle when stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow.
Cadillac XT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12017481) - 2019 - CRC - 11/5/18
184 DRIVING AND OPERATING
{Warning
Things inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a
sudden stop or turn, or in a
crash.
.Put things in the cargo
area of the vehicle. In the
cargo area, put them as far
forward as possible. Try to
spread the weight evenly.
.Never stack heavier things,
like suitcases, inside the
vehicle so that some of
them are above the tops of
the seats.
.Do not leave an unsecured
child restraint in the
vehicle.
.Secure loose items in the
vehicle.
.Do not leave a seat folded
down unless needed.
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will
perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines: . Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the first 800 km (500 mi).
Do not make full-throttle
starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
. Avoid making hard stops for
the first 300 km (200 mi) or
so. During this time the new
brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with
new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake
linings.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Ignition Positions
The vehicle has an electronic keyless
ignition with pushbutton start.
Cadillac XT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12017481) - 2019 - CRC - 11/5/18
DRIVING AND OPERATING 185
If the pushbutton start is not working,
the vehicle may be near a strong radio
antenna signal causing interference to
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system. SeeRemote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation 029.
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle
must be turned on and the brake
pedal must be applied.
Stopping the Engine/OFF (No
Indicator Light) : When the vehicle is
stopped, press ENGINE START/STOP
once to turn the engine off.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the
ignition will turn off, and Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) 0189.
If the vehicle is in R (Reverse), D
(Drive) or M (Manual Mode), the
vehicle will shift to P (Park), the
ignition will turn off, and RAP will
remain active.
If the vehicle is in N (Neutral), the
ignition will return to ACC/
ACCESSORY and display the message
SHIFT TO PARK in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). When the vehicle is shifted into
P (Park), the ignition will turn off.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the vehicle
off in an emergency.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency: 1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting
to N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop and shift to P (Park). 4. Set the parking brake. See
Electric Parking Brake 0201.
Press ENGINE START/STOP to
turn the vehicle off.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over
and must be shut off while driving,
press and hold ENGINE START/STOP
for longer than two seconds, or press
twice in five seconds.
ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber Indicator
Light) : This mode allows you to use
some electrical accessories when the
engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing
ENGINE START/STOP once without
the brake pedal applied will place the
ignition system in ACC/ACCESSORY.
The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY to OFF after 10 minutes
to prevent battery rundown.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator
Light) : This mode is for driving and
starting. With the ignition off and the
brake pedal applied, pressing ENGINE
START/STOP once will place the
ignition system in ON/RUN/START.
Once engine cranking begins, release
the button. Engine cranking will
Cadillac XT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12017481) - 2019 - CRC - 11/5/18
186 DRIVING AND OPERATING
continue until the engine starts. The
ignition will then remain on. See
Starting the Engine0186.
Service Mode
This mode is available to verify the
proper operation of the malfunction
indicator lamp as may be required for
emissions inspection purposes and for
service and diagnostics. See Automatic
Transmission 0194.
With the vehicle off, and the brake
pedal not applied, pressing and
holding ENGINE START/STOP for
more than five seconds will place the
vehicle in Service Mode. The
instruments and audio systems will
operate as they do in ON/RUN, but
the vehicle will not be able to be
driven. The engine will not start in
Service Mode. Press ENGINE START/
STOP again to turn the vehicle off.
Starting the Engine
Place the transmission in the proper
gear, P (Park) or N (Neutral). To restart
the engine when the vehicle is already
moving, use N (Neutral).
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
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 Equipment 0250.
To start the vehicle: 1. With the Keyless Access system, the RKE transmitter must be in
the vehicle. Press ENGINE
START/STOP with the brake
pedal applied. When the engine
begins cranking, let go of the
button. The idle speed will go down as the engine warms up.
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
battery is low, a Driver
Information Center (DIC)
message will display. See
Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 029.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
Cadillac XT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12017481) - 2019 - CRC - 11/5/18
DRIVING AND OPERATING 187
the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and hold it there,
then 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.
Stop/Start System
The Stop/Start system will shut off
the engine to help conserve fuel.
It has components designed for the
increased number of starts.
{Warning
The automatic engine Stop/Start
feature causes the engine to shut
off while the vehicle is still on. Do
not exit the vehicle before shifting
to P (Park). The vehicle may restart
and move unexpectedly. Always
shift to P (Park), and then turn the
ignition off before exiting the
vehicle.
Auto Engine Stop/Start
When the brakes are applied and the
vehicle is at a complete stop, the
engine may turn off. When stopped,
the tachometer displays AUTO STOP.
See Tachometer 0129. When the brake
pedal is released or the accelerator
pedal is pressed, the engine will
restart.
To maintain vehicle performance,
other conditions may cause the engine
to automatically restart before the
brake pedal is released. Auto Stops may not occur and/or Auto
Starts may occur because:
.
The climate control settings
require the engine to be running
to cool or heat the vehicle interior.
. The vehicle battery charge is low.
. The vehicle battery has recently
been disconnected.
. Minimum vehicle speed has not
been reached since the last
Auto Stop.
. The accelerator pedal is pressed.
. The engine or transmission is not
at the required operating
temperature.
. The outside temperature is not in
the required operating range.
. The vehicle is in any gear other
than D (Drive).
. Driver modes have been selected.
. The vehicle is on a steep hill or
grade.
. The driver door has been opened
or the driver seat belt has been
unbuckled.
Cadillac XT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12017481) - 2019 - CRC - 11/5/18
188 DRIVING AND OPERATING
.The hood has been opened.
. The Auto Stop has reached the
maximum allowed time.
Auto Stop Disable Switch
The automatic engine Stop/Start
feature can be disabled and enabled
by pressing the switch with the
h
symbol. Auto Stop is enabled each
time you start the vehicle.
When
his illuminated, the system is
enabled.
Engine Heater
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
thermostat in the plug end of the cord
will prevent engine heater operation
at temperatures above −18 °C (0 °F).
{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.
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord. The cord is
located on the driver side of the
compartment, in front of the
battery.
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.
Cadillac XT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12017481) - 2019 - CRC - 11/5/18
190 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Shifting Into Park
To shift into P (Park):1. Bring the vehicle to a stop, and hold the brake pedal down.
2. Press the button on top of the shift lever to shift into P (Park).
See Automatic Transmission
0 194.
3. The P indicator on the shift lever will turn red when the vehicle is
in P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle with the
Engine Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
It could overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the vehicle is not in
P (Park) with the parking brake set.
The vehicle can roll.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
shift to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park 0190. If you are towing a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0240.
If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, be sure the
vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking
brake is set before you leave it. See
Electric Parking Brake 0201.
If you are towing a trailer and parking
on a hill, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0240.
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an
electronically controlled transmission.
The shift lock release button is
designed to prevent inadvertent
shifting out of P (Park) unless the
ignition is on, the brake pedal is
applied, and the shift lock release
button is pressed.
The shift lock control is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less than
9-volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. See Jump Starting - North
America 0309.
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Ensure the engine is running.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Press and hold the shift lock release button.
4. Move the shift lever to the desired position.