
Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
172 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 177
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Retained AccessoryPower (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . 191
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . 194
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/ElectronicStability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Magnetic Ride Control . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Limited-Slip Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Automatic Level Control . . . . . . . . . 199
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . 202
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . 209
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Forward Automatic Braking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . 221
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . 221
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . 224
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Recommended Fuel (LFX 3.6L V6 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Recommended Fuel (LF3 3.6L Twin Turbo V6 Engine) . . . . . . . . 226
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . 227
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . 230

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
174 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means“always
expect the unexpected.” The first step
in driving defensively is to wear the
seat belt. See Seat Belts068.
. Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other
drivers) are going to be careless
and make mistakes. Anticipate
what they might do and be ready.
. Allow enough following distance
between you and the driver in
front of you.
. Focus on the task of driving.
Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated with
drinking and driving is a global
tragedy.
{Warning
Drinking and then driving is very
dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
judgment can be affected by even a
small amount of alcohol. You can
have a serious—or even fatal —
collision if you drive after drinking.
Do not drink and drive or ride with
a driver who has been drinking.
Ride home in a cab; or if you are
with a group, designate a driver
who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating are
important factors in helping to control
a vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is about
three-quarters of a second. In that
time, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m (66 ft), which
could be a lot of distance in an
emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
.
Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
. Avoid needless heavy braking.
. Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake normally
but do not pump the brakes. Doing so
could make the pedal harder to push
down. If the engine stops, there will
be some power brake assist but it will
be used when the brake is applied.
Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the brake
pedal will be harder to push.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
If the vehicle has electric power
steering it does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance is
not required.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
DRIVING AND OPERATING 175
If power steering assist is lost due to a
system malfunction, the vehicle can
be steered, but may require increased
effort.
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.
If the steering assist is used for an
extended period of time while the
vehicle is not moving, power 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.
Variable Effort Steering
Some vehicles have a steering system
that varies the amount of effort
required to steer the vehicle in
relation to the speed of the vehicle.
The amount of steering effort required
is less at slower speeds to make the
vehicle more maneuverable and easier
to park. At faster speeds, the steeringeffort increases to provide a sport-like
feel to the steering. This provides
maximum control and stability.
Hydraulic Power Steering
If the vehicle has hydraulic power
steering, it may require maintenance.
See
Power Steering Fluid (LF3 and LFX
with AWD) 0255 orPower Steering
Fluid (LFX with FWD) 0255.
If power steering assist is lost because
the engine stops or there is a system
malfunction, the vehicle can be
steered but may require increased
effort. See your dealer if there is a
problem.
Caution
If the steering wheel is turned until
it reaches the end of its travel, and
is held in that position for more
than 15 seconds, damage may occur
to the power steering system and
there may be loss of power steering
assist.
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.
. Antilock Brake System (ABS)
allows steering while braking.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
184 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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. The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter must be in the vehicle for
the system to operate. If the
pushbutton start is not working, the
vehicle may be near a strong radio
antenna signal causing interference to
the Keyless Access system. See
Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
0 27.
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle
must be on and the brake pedal must
be applied.
Stopping the Engine/OFF (No
Indicator Lights) : 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) 0188.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), 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. Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake and
steering systems and disable the
airbags.
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, shift to P (Park), and turn the
ignition off.
4. Set the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake 0194.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
DRIVING AND OPERATING 185
{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 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 the use of
some electrical accessories when the
engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing the
button one time without the brake
pedal applied will place the ignition
system in ACC/ACCESSORY.
The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY to off after five 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 turn the
ignition on. Once engine cranking
begins, release the button. Engine
cranking will continue until the
engine starts. See Starting the Engine
0 185. The ignition will then
remain on.
Service Mode
This power mode is available for
service and diagnostics, and to verify
the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may be
required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and the
brake pedal not applied, pressing and
holding the button 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 the
button again to turn the vehicle off.
Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or
N (Neutral). To restart the engine
when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.
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 the steering wheel is turned until
it reaches the end of its travel, and
is held in that position while
starting the vehicle, damage may
occur to the hydraulic power
steering system and there may be
loss of power steering assist.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
236 VEHICLE CARE
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Engine Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . 248
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Power Steering Fluid (LF3 and LFX with AWD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255 Power Steering Fluid (LFX
with FWD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . 258
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . 260
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . 261
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . 264
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . 265
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265 Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . 268
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . 281
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 289
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
VEHICLE CARE 241
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0248.
2. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Under Engine Cover) (If
Equipped).
See Power Steering Fluid (LF3 and
LFX with AWD) 0255 orPower
Steering Fluid (LFX with FWD)
0 255.
3. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil
0 244.
4. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See Engine Oil0244.
5. Engine Cover 0243.
6. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System 0250.
7. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake
Fluid 0257.
8. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System
0 250.
9. Battery - North America 0258
(Battery Cover not Shown).
10. Remote Positive (+) Terminal (Battery Cover not Shown). See
Jump Starting - North America
0306. 11.
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
0265.
12. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Out of View). See Jump Starting -
North America 0306.
13. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 256.

Cadillac XTS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12032610) -
2019 - crc - 8/22/18
VEHICLE CARE 243
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0248.
2. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Under Engine Cover).
See Power Steering Fluid (LF3 and
LFX with AWD) 0255 orPower
Steering Fluid (LFX with FWD)
0 255.
3. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil
0 244.
4. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine
Oil 0244.
5. Engine Cover 0243.
6. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System 0250.
7. Charged Air Coolant Bottle and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System
0 250.
8. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake
Fluid 0257. 9. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and
Pressure Cap. See Cooling System
0 250.
10. Battery - North America 0258
(Battery Cover not Shown).
11. Remote Positive (+) Terminal (Battery Cover not Shown). See
Jump Starting - North America
0306.
12. Engine Compartment Fuse Block
0265.
13. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid
0 256.
14. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Out of View). See Jump Starting -
North America 0306.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.