2020 CADILLAC XT5 ABS

190 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature can operate
in All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode. See
Driver Mode Control0195.
Press MODE to activate AWD. AWD is
active in AWD, Sport, and Off-Road
Modes.
The AWD system delivers power to all
four wheels and the system adjusts as
needed to improve traction. The AWD Mode will stay selected
until the mode is changed. If the
vehicle is placed in Sport Mode, see
Driver Mode Control
0195.
Sport Mode and Off-Road Mode are
canceled with each ignition cycle. See
Driver Mode Control 0195.
When operated in Tour Mode, the
vehicle will deliver power to the front
wheels only and may provide better
fuel economy.
If Tour Mode is selected see Driver
Mode Control 0195.
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake
boost have hydraulic brake circuits
that are electronically controlled when
the brake pedal is applied during
normal operation. The system
performs routine tests and turns off
within a few minutes after the vehicle
is shutdown. Noise may be heard
during this time. If the brake pedal is
pressed during the tests or when the
electric brake boost system is off, a
noticeable change in pedal force and
travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
helps prevent a braking skid and
maintain steering while braking hard.
ABS performs a system check when
the vehicle is first driven.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
may be heard while this test is going
on, and the brake pedal may move
slightly. This is normal.

DRIVING AND OPERATING 191
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 118.
ABS does not change the time needed
to get a foot on the brake pedal and
does not always decrease stopping
distance. If you get too close to the
vehicle ahead, there will not be
enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
Always leave enough room ahead to
stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the
brake pedal down firmly. Hearing or
feeling ABS operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the
same time. In many emergencies,
steering can help even more than
braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The vehicle has an Electric Parking
Brake (EPB). The EPB can always be
activated, even if the ignition is off. To
prevent draining the battery, avoid
repeated cycles of the EPB system
when the engine is not running. The system has a
Y,f, or PARK
Electric Parking Brake light, and a
8
Service Parking Brake light. See
Electric Parking Brake Light 0118 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light
0 118.
Before leaving the vehicle, check for
the
Y,f, or PARK light to ensure
that the parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The
Y,f, or PARK light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the
Y,f, or PARK light
flashes continuously, then the EPB is
only partially applied or there is a
problem with the EPB. A DIC message
will display. Release the EPB and try
to apply it again. If the light does not
come on, or keeps flashing, have the
vehicle serviced. Do not drive the

192 DRIVING AND OPERATING
vehicle if theY,f, or PARK light is
flashing. See your dealer. See Electric
Parking Brake Light 0118.
If the
8light is on, press the EPB
switch and hold it. Continue to hold
the switch until the
Y,f, or PARK
light remains on. If the
8light
remains on, see your dealer.
If the EPB is applied while the vehicle
is moving, the vehicle will decelerate
as long as the switch is pressed. If the
switch is pressed until the vehicle
comes to a stop, the EPB will remain
applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply
the EPB in some situations when the
vehicle is not moving. This may occur
when shifting to P (Park) on a hill or
with a cold transmission. This is
normal, and is done to periodically
check the correct operation of the EPB
system.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB: 1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/
ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the
Y,f,
or PARK light is off.
If the
8light is on, release the EPB by
pressing and holding the EPB switch.
Continue to hold the switch until the
Y,f, or PARK light is off. If either
light stays on after release is
attempted, see your dealer.
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, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips 0234.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional
braking to activate the Antilock Brake
System (ABS) if the brake pedal is not
pushed hard enough to activate ABS
normally. Minor noise, brake pedal
pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue
to apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist
disengages when the brake pedal is
released.

DRIVING AND OPERATING 237
2. Have someone place chocksunder 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 0332. It is
especially important to check the
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.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
0 264.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To tow a trailer
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
correctly, follow the directions in
this section and see your dealer for
important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity
for your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades,
outside temperature, dimensions of
the front of the trailer, and how
frequently the vehicle is used to tow a
trailer.
Trailer Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined
weight of the vehicle, vehicle contents,
trailer, and trailer contents must be
below all of the maximum weight
ratings for the vehicle, including:

242 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).

268 VEHICLE CARE
new brake linings are installed. Add or
remove fluid, as necessary, only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
{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
0 117.
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 0332. What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3 brake
fluid from a clean, sealed container.
See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0342.{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
0 177.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds,
(Continued)

316 VEHICLE CARE
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.
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North
America
For more information about the
vehicle battery, see Battery - North
America 0268.
If the battery has run down, try to use
another vehicle and some jumper
cables to start your vehicle. Be sure to
use the following steps to do it safely.
{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
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.

VEHICLE CARE 323
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
0342.
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)
Caution (Continued)
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and appropriate
disposal of any vehicle care
product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes
closer than 30 cm (12 in) to the
surface of the vehicle. Use of power
washers exceeding 8 274 kPa
(1,200 psi) can result in damage or
removal of paint and decals.
Caution
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this
e
symbol.
This could cause damage that
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using an automatic car wash, follow
the car wash instructions. The
windshield wiper and rear window
wiper, if equipped, must be off.
Remove any accessories that may be
damaged or interfere with the car
wash equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing
and after, to remove all cleaning
agents completely. If they are allowed
to dry on the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat
sealant/wax materials is not
recommended. If painted surfaces are
damaged, see your dealer to have the
damage assessed and repaired. Foreign
materials such as calcium chloride
and other salts, ice melting agents,
road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial
chimneys, etc., can damage the
vehicle's finish if they remain on
painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as