Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146119) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
DRIVING AND OPERATING 179
Steering
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power
steering. It does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance is
not required.
If power steering assist is lost due to a
system malfunction, the vehicle can
be steered, but may require increased
effort.
If the steering assist is used for an
extended period of time while the
vehicle is not moving, power assist
may be reduced.
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is
held against that position for an
extended period of time, power
steering assist may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the system
cools down.
See your dealer if there is a problem.
Curve Tips
.Take curves at a reasonable speed.
. Reduce speed before entering a
curve.
. Maintain a reasonable steady
speed through the curve.
. Wait until the vehicle is out of the
curve before accelerating gently
into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when
steering around a problem may be
more effective than braking.
. Holding both sides of the steering
wheel allows you to turn
180 degrees without removing
a hand.
. The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
allows steering while braking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off
the edge of a road onto the shoulder
while driving. Follow these tips:
1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way,
steer the vehicle so that it
straddles the edge of the
pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the
right front tire contacts the
pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146119) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
328 VEHICLE CARE
Caution
To avoid surface damage on wheels
and wheel trim, do not use strong
soaps, chemicals, abrasive polishes,
cleaners, or brushes. Use only GM
approved cleaners. Do not drive the
vehicle through an automatic car
wash that uses silicone carbide tire/
wheel cleaning brushes. Damage
could occur and the repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake
pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect all other brake
parts.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering, suspension,
and chassis components for damaged,
loose, or missing parts or signs of
wear at least once a year.Inspect power steering for proper
electrical connections, binding, cracks,
chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood
hinges, liftgate hinges, and the steel
fuel door hinges, unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips with a
clean cloth will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any corrosive
materials from the underbody. Take
care to thoroughly clean any areas
where mud and other debris can
collect.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water can
overcome the seals and contaminate
the fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer case
and/or axles and should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and requires
sheet metal repair or replacement,
make sure the body repair shop
applies anti-corrosion material to
parts repaired or replaced to restore
corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up materials
available from your dealer to avoid
corrosion. Larger areas of finish
damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted vehicle surfaces
causing blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146119) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 335
is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since
the last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil Life System0260.
Air Conditioning Desiccant
(Replace Every Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years. This
service requires replacement of the
desiccant to help the longevity and
efficient operation of the air
conditioning system. This service can
be complex. See your dealer.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the following
services. See Tire Rotation0298.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change
engine oil and filter, and reset oil
life system.
See Engine Oil 0258 and Engine Oil
Life System 0260. .
Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0262.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0267.
. Check tire inflation pressures. See
Tire Pressure 0291.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0297.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0262.
. Inspect brake system. See Exterior
Care 0324.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damage, including
cracks or tears in the rubber boots,
loose or missing parts, or signs of
wear at least once a year. See
Exterior Care 0324.
. Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
. Visually inspect halfshafts and
drive shafts for excessive wear,
lubricant leaks, and/or damage including: tube dents or cracks,
constant velocity joint or universal
joint looseness, cracked or missing
boots, loose or missing boot
clamps, center bearing excessive
looseness, loose or missing
fasteners, and axle seal leaks.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 075.
. Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for loose
or damaged parts.
. Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0324.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0270.
. Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check 0270.
. Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146119) - 2019 - crc - 7/27/18
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 341
.To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
. Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
. Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of cracking
or splitting.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment to
inspect the belts and recommend
adjustment or replacement when
necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are crucial
to safe driving.
. Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping. .
Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment to
inspect the brakes and recommend
quality parts engineered for the
vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved fluids
protect the vehicle’s systems and
components. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0343 for GM approved
fluids.
. Engine oil and windshield washer
fluid levels should be checked at
every fuel fill.
. Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should be
regularly inspected to ensure that
there are no cracks or leaks. With a
multi-point inspection, your dealer
can inspect the hoses and advise if
replacement is needed. Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
.
Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage. The
brake lamps need to be checked
periodically to ensure that they
light when braking.
. With a multi-point inspection,
your dealer can check the lamps
and note any concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
. Signs of wear may include steering
wheel vibration, bounce/sway
while braking, longer stopping
distance, or uneven tire wear.
. As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs of