
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146119) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
260 VEHICLE CARE
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade
engine oil.
Cold Temperature Operation: In an
area of extreme cold, where the
temperature falls below−29 °C
(−20 °F), an SAE 0W-30 oil may be
used. An oil of this viscosity grade will
provide easier cold starting for the
engine at extremely low temperatures.
When selecting an oil of the
appropriate viscosity grade, it is
recommended to select an oil of the
correct specification. See
“Specification ”earlier in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil
Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the dexos1
specification are all that is needed for
good performance and engine
protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your own
oil, be sure to drain all the oil from
the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the trash
or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of
water. Recycle it by taking it to a place
that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based on a
combination of factors which include engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change is indicated can
vary considerably. For the oil life
system to work properly, the system
must be reset every time the oil is
changed.
When the system has calculated that
oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message comes on. Change the
oil as soon as possible within the next
1 000 km (600 mi). It is possible that,
if driving under the best conditions,
the oil life system might indicate that
an oil change is not necessary for up
to a year. The engine oil and filter
must be changed at least once a year
and at this time the system must be
reset. Your dealer has trained service
people who will perform this work and
reset the system. It is also important
to check the oil regularly over the
course of an oil drain interval and
keep it at the proper level.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146119) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
VEHICLE CARE 261
If the system is ever reset accidentally,
the oil must be changed at 5 000 km
(3,000 mi) since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
Reset the system whenever the engine
oil is changed so that the system can
calculate the next engine oil change.
To reset the system:1. Using the DIC controls on the right side of the steering wheel,
display REMAINING OIL LIFE on
the DIC. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) 0140. When
remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message will appear on the
display.
2. Press SEL on the DIC controls and hold SEL down for a few
seconds to clear the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message and
reset the oil life at 100%. Be careful not to reset the oil life
display accidentally at any time
other than after the oil is
changed. It cannot be reset
accurately until the next oil
change.
The oil life system can also be reset as
follows: 1. Display REMAINING OIL LIFE on the DIC. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) 0140.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three times
within five seconds.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message is not on, the
system is reset.
The system is reset when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
is off.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to your dealer and
have it repaired as soon as possible.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always use the correct automatic
transmission fluid. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0 343.
See your dealer to have the fluid and
filter changed at the intervals listed in
the Maintenance Schedule 0334.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146119) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
262 VEHICLE CARE
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the
engine compartment on the passenger
side of the vehicle. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0257.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
For intervals on changing and
inspecting the engine air cleaner/filter,
see Maintenance Schedule 0334.
How to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/filter,
make sure that the engine air cleaner/
filter housing and nearby components
are free of dirt and debris. Remove the
engine air cleaner/filter. Lightly tap
and shake the engine air cleaner/filter
(away from the vehicle), to release
dust and dirt. Inspect the engine air
cleaner/filter for damage, and replace
if damaged. Do not clean the engine
air cleaner/filter or components with
water or compressed air. To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:1. Remove the five screws on top of
the engine air cleaner/filter
housing.
2. Lift the air cleaner/filter cover housing away from the engine.
3. Pull out the filter.
4. Inspect or replace the engine air cleaner/filter.
5. Reverse Steps 1–3 to reinstall the filter cover housing.
{Warning
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. Use caution
when working on the engine. Do
not start the engine or drive the
vehicle with the air cleaner/filter
off, as flames may be present if the
engine backfires.
Caution
If the air cleaner/filter is off, dirt
can easily get into the engine,
which could damage it. Always have
the air cleaner/filter in place when
driving.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the engine
to maintain the correct working
temperature.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146119) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
VEHICLE CARE 263
1. Electric Engine Cooling Fan(Out of View)
2. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can start
up even when the engine is not
running and can cause injury. Keep
hands, clothing, and tools away
from any underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator
hoses, or other engine parts. They
can be very hot and can burn you.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak; all coolant could leak out.
That could cause an engine fire and
can burn you. Fix any leak before
driving the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The engine cooling system in the
vehicle is filled with DEX-COOL engine
coolant mixture. This coolant needs to
be checked and changed at
appropriate levels.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0343 and Maintenance
Schedule 0334.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating, see
Engine Overheating 0265.
What to Use
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator
hoses, or other engine parts. They
can be very hot and can burn you.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak; all coolant could leak out.
That could cause an engine fire and
can burn you. Fix any leak before
driving the vehicle.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down to
−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature.
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion.
. Will not damage aluminum parts.
. Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146119) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
VEHICLE CARE 265
Caution
Failure to follow the specific
coolant fill procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and could
cause system damage. If coolant is
not visible in the surge tank,
contact your dealer.
The coolant surge tank pressure cap
can be removed when the cooling
system, including the surge tank
pressure cap and upper radiator hose,
is no longer hot.
1. Turn the pressure cap slowly counterclockwise. If a hiss is
heard, wait for that to stop.
A hiss means there is still some
pressure left.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank withthe proper mixture to the mark
pointed to on the front of the
coolant surge tank.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the engine
and let it run until you can feel
the upper radiator hose getting
hot. Watch out for the engine
cooling fans. By this time, the
coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank may be lower. If the
level is lower, add more of the
proper mixture to the coolant
surge tank until the level reaches
the mark pointed to on the front
of the coolant surge tank. 5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.
6. Verify coolant level after the
engine is shut off and the
coolant is cold. If necessary,
repeat coolant fill procedure
Step 1–6.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and engine
damage may occur. Be sure the cap
is properly and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to
warn of the engine overheating.
There is an engine coolant
temperature gauge on the instrument
cluster. See Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge 0128. The vehicle may also
display a message on the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears, get
service help right away. See Roadside
Service 0354.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146119) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
VEHICLE CARE 269
{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
0 134.
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 0334.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3 brake
fluid from a clean, sealed container.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0343.
{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.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the paint
finish can be damaged. Immediately
wash off any painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the
cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number on
the original battery label when a new
battery is needed. For replacement of
the battery, see your dealer. The vehicle has an Absorbed Glass
Mat (AGM) 12-volt battery.
Installation of a standard 12-volt
battery will result in reduced 12-volt
battery life.
When using a 12-volt battery charger
on the 12-volt AGM battery, some
chargers have an AGM battery setting
on the charger. If available, use the
AGM setting on the charger, to limit
charge voltage to 14.8 volts.
Stop/Start System
This vehicle has a Stop/Start system
to shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. See
Stop/Start System
0 190.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Batteries also contain other
(Continued)

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146119) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
270 VEHICLE CARE
Warning (Continued)
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer.WASH
HANDS AFTER HANDLING. For
more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning
0 254 and the back cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode. You
can be badly hurt if you are not
careful. See Jump Starting - North
America 0319 for tips on working
around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery to
keep the battery from running down. Extended Storage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery or
use a battery trickle charger.
All-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
Under normal driving conditions,
transfer case fluid does not require
maintenance unless there is a fluid
leak or unusual noise. If required,
have the transfer case serviced by
your dealer.
Starter Switch Check
{Warning
When you are doing this inspection,
the vehicle could move suddenly.
If the vehicle moves, you or others
could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Apply both the parking brake and the regular brake. Do not use the accelerator pedal,
and be ready to turn off the
engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle should start
only in P (Park) or N (Neutral).
If the vehicle starts in any other
position, contact your dealer for
service.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check, the
vehicle could begin to move. You or
others could be injured and
property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of the
vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be
ready to apply the regular brake at
once should the vehicle begin
to move.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146119) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
VEHICLE CARE 275
5. Install the new bulb in theheadlamp assembly by turning
clockwise.
6. Reconnect the wiring harness connector.
7. Install the headlamp bulb access cover.
Turn Signal Lamp
For turn signal lamp replacement,
contact your dealer.
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload
The vehicle has fuses and circuit
breakers to protect against an
electrical system overload.
When the current electrical load is too
heavy, the circuit breaker opens and
closes, protecting the circuit until the
current load returns to normal or the
problem is fixed. This greatly reduces
the chance of circuit overload and fire
caused by electrical problems.
Fuses and circuit breakers protect
power devices in the vehicle.
Replace a bad fuse with a new one of
the identical size and rating.
If there is a problem on the road and
a fuse needs to be replaced, the
same amperage fuse can be borrowed.
Choose some feature of the vehicle
that is not needed to use and replace
it as soon as possible.
Headlamp Wiring
An electrical overload may cause the
lamps to go on and off, or in some
cases to remain off. Have the
headlamp wiring checked right away if
the lamps go on and off or remain off.
Windshield Wipers
If the wiper motor overheats due to
heavy snow or ice, the windshield
wipers will stop until the motor cools
and will then restart.
Although the circuit is protected from
electrical overload, overload due to
heavy snow or ice may cause wiper
linkage damage. Always clear ice and
heavy snow from the windshield
before using the windshield wipers.
If the overload is caused by an
electrical problem and not snow or
ice, be sure to get it fixed.
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
The wiring circuits in the vehicle are
protected from short circuits by a
combination of fuses and circuit