Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146119) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
202 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced electronic
braking system that helps prevent a
braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself. A momentary
motor or clicking noise may be heard
while this test is going on, and it may
even be noticed that the brake pedal
moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 135. If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to avoid
a sudden obstacle, a computer senses
the wheels are slowing down. If one of
the wheels is about to stop rolling, the
computer will separately work the
brakes at each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure to
each wheel, as required, faster than
any driver could. This can help you
steer around the obstacle while
braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates on
wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the
time needed to get a foot up to the
brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close
to the vehicle in front of you, there
will not be enough time to apply the
brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows
or stops. Always leave enough room
up ahead to stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the
brake pedal down firmly and let ABS
work. You may hear the ABS pump or
motor operating and feel the brake
pedal pulsate. This is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brake at
the same time. In many emergencies,
steering can help more than even the
very best braking.
Electric Parking Brake
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146119) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
204 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system and
cause premature wear or damage to
brake system parts. Make sure that
the parking brake is fully released
and the brake warning light is off
before driving.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if
the vehicle is running, placed into
gear, and an attempt is made to drive
away. Avoid rapid acceleration when
the EPB is applied, to preserve parking
brake lining life.
If parking on a hill, or if the vehicle is
pulling a trailer, seeDriving
Characteristics and Towing Tips 0240.
Brake Assist
The Brake Assist feature is designed to
assist the driver in stopping or
decreasing vehicle speed in emergency
driving conditions. This feature uses
the stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under conditions
where the driver has quickly and
forcefully applied the brake pedal in
an attempt to quickly stop or slow
down the vehicle. The stability system
hydraulic brake control module
increases brake pressure at each
corner of the vehicle until the ABS
activates. Minor brake pedal pulsation
or pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should continue
to apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. The Brake Assist
feature will automatically disengage
when the brake pedal is released or
brake pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Hill Start Assist (HSA) will activate
when the vehicle is stopped on a
moderate to steep grade to help
prevent it from rolling in an
unintended direction. After the brake
pedal has been released and before
the accelerator pedal has been
pressed, HSA uses braking pressure to
hold the vehicle stationary. If HSA is
holding the vehicle, a DIC message
displays. HSA will not activate in a
forward drive gear when facing
downhill, or in R (Reverse) when
facing uphill.
Select the duration of the HSA feature
through vehicle personalization. See
”Extended Hill Start Assist ”under
“Comfort and Convenience ”in Vehicle
Personalization 0147. When Standard
Hold is selected, the vehicle is held
stationary for up to two seconds after
the brake pedal is released. When
Extended Hold is selected, the vehicle
is held for an extended period of time
after the brake pedal is released. In
either case, override the hold feature
by pressing the accelerator pedal and
attempting to drive away.
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146119) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
DRIVING AND OPERATING 243
signs, trees, or other objects. Always
signal turns well in advance. Do not
steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes may
overheat and result in reduced braking
efficiency.
The vehicle 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 higher altitudes,
engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at lower altitudes.
If the engine is turned off immediately
after towing at high altitude on steep
uphill grades, the vehicle could show
signs similar to engine overheating. To
avoid this, let the engine run,
preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few
minutes before turning the engine off.
If the overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating0265.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer
on a level surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and your
trailer 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, gradually release the brake
pedal to allow the chocks to
absorb the load of the trailer.
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. .Start the engine.
. Shift into a gear.
. Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more often
when used to tow trailers. See
Maintenance Schedule 0334. It is
especially important to check the
automatic transmission fluid, engine
oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before and
during each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146119) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
248 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Hitch Cover
To remove hitch cover, if equipped:1. Remove the two fasteners on the lower tabs.
2. Pull the lower edge of the cover to about a 45 degree angle.
3. Pull the cover downward to disengage the upper
attachments. To reinstall hitch cover:
1. Hold cover at a 45 degree angle to the vehicle and push the
upper tabs into the slots in the
bumper.
2. Push the bottom of the cover forward until the lower tabs line
up with the lower slots.
3. Snap the hitch cover into place by pushing the upper corners
forward.
4. Reinstall the two fasteners on the lower tabs.
Consider using mechanical sway
controls with any trailer. Ask a
trailering professional about sway
controls or refer to the trailer
manufacturer's recommendations and
instructions.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
Adjustment
1. Front of Vehicle
2. Body to Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributing
hitch, measure the front fender height
distance (2) before connecting the
trailer. Adjust the spring bars until the
front fender height distance (2) is the
same height before the trailer was
connected. Do not reduce the front
fender height below the initial
distance (2).
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
318 VEHICLE CARE
Compact Spare Tire
{Warning
Driving with more than one
compact spare tire at a time could
result in loss of braking and
handling. This could lead to a crash
and you or others could be injured.
Use only one compact spare tire at
a time.
If this vehicle has a compact spare
tire, it was fully inflated when new;
however, it can lose air over time.
Check the inflation pressure regularly.
It should be 420 kPa (60 psi).
Stop as soon as possible and check
that the spare tire is correctly inflated
after being installed on the vehicle.
The compact spare tire is designed for
temporary use only. The vehicle will
perform differently with the spare tire
installed and it is recommended that
the vehicle speed be limited to
80 km/h (50 mph). To conserve the
tread of the spare tire, have the standard tire repaired or replaced as
soon as convenient and return the
spare tire to the storage area.
When using a compact spare tire, the
AWD (if equipped), ABS, and Traction
Control systems may engage until the
spare tire is recognized by the vehicle,
especially on slippery roads. Adjust
driving to reduce possible wheel slip.
Caution
When the compact spare is
installed, do not take the vehicle
through an automatic car wash
with guide rails. The compact spare
can get caught on the rails which
can damage the tire, wheel, and
other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on
other vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or
wheel with other wheels or tires. They
will not fit. Keep the spare tire and its
wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact
spare. Using them can damage the
vehicle and the chains. Do not use
tire chains on the compact spare.
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146119) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
324 VEHICLE CARE
Towing the Vehicle from the
Rear (Front-Wheel Drive and
All-Wheel Drive)Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear
could damage it. Also, repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Never have the vehicle
towed from the rear.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0343.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash
it often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they
can damage the vehicle's paint,
metal, or plastic parts. If damage
occurs, it would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Approved
cleaning products can be obtained
from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
(Continued)
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146119) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
376 INDEX
IndexA
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . 255
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Active Fuel Management . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . 252
Additional InformationOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . 262
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167, 172
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . 80
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . 82
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . 80
What Will You See after anAirbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Airbags
Adding Equipment to the
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . 131
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Alert
Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . 232
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .201, 270
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . 202 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Armrest
Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Armrest Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . 226
Assistance Systems for Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220