Cadillac XT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14584367) - 2021 - CRC - 10/14/20
VEHICLE CARE 293
How to Add Coolant to the
Surge Tank
{Warning
Spilling coolant on hot engine parts
can burn you. Coolant contains
ethylene glycol and it will burn if
the engine parts are hot enough.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure cap,
even a little, can cause them to
come out at high speed and you
could be burned. Never turn the cap
when the cooling system, including
the pressure cap, is hot. Wait for
the cooling system and pressure
cap to cool.
Caution
Failure to follow the specific
coolant fill procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and could(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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. If topping off the level in thecoolant surge tank, add the proper
mixture until the level reaches the
mark on the front of the tank and
replace the cap. Operate the
vehicle. Repeat steps 1–3, as
necessary.
If filling the system (such as after
servicing), follow the Automatic
Coolant Service Fill Instructions.
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.
Cadillac XT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14584367) - 2021 - CRC - 10/14/20
294 VEHICLE CARE
Automatic Coolant Service Fill
Instructions
This feature assists in filling and
removing air from the cooling system
after service of components or when
coolant is added after being too low.
To activate the fill and air removal
process:1. With a cold system, add coolant to the indicated mark on the
surge tank.
2. Replace the cap on the surge tank.
3. Connect the vehicle to a battery charger.
4. Turn the ignition to Service Mode. See Ignition Positions 0219.
5. Turn off the air conditioning.
6. Set the parking brake.
7. At the same time, press the accelerator and the brake for
automatic transmission vehicles for
two seconds, then release.
At the end of the cycle, check the
coolant level in the surge tank and
add coolant if it is low. Turn off the vehicle, allow the Electronic Control
Module (ECM) to go to sleep, about
2 minutes, and repeat Steps 3-7.
Listen for pump activation and
movement of the control valves while
watching the level of the coolant in
the surge tank. If the tank empties,
turn the ignition off, carefully remove
the surge tank cap, refill to the
indicated mark, and repeat Steps 3-6.
The fill and air removal process will
run for approximately 10 minutes.
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 0103. 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 0378. If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is parked
on a level surface. Then check to see if
the engine cooling fan is running.
If the engine is overheating, the fan
should be running. If it is not, do not
continue to run the engine. Have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak in the engine cooling system.
This can cause a loss of all coolant
and can damage the system and
vehicle. Have any leaks fixed
right away.
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure cap,
even a little, can cause them to
come out at high speed and you
could be burned. Never turn the cap
when the cooling system, including
(Continued)
Cadillac XT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14584367) - 2021 - CRC - 10/14/20
VEHICLE CARE 295
Warning (Continued)
the pressure cap, is hot. Wait for
the cooling system and pressure
cap to cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen or
heard, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can get
a little too hot when the vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest fan
speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral), and let the engine idle. If the engine coolant temperature
gauge is no longer in the overheated
area or the engine coolant
temperature warning light no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
distance from the vehicle in front.
If the warning does not come back on,
continue to drive normally and have
the cooling system checked for proper
fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while parked.
If the warning is still displayed, turn
off the engine until it cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is
needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an area
where the temperature may fall below
freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The appropriate message will appear
in the Driver Information Center (DIC)
when the fluid level is low.
Open the cap with the washer symbol
on it. Add washer fluid until the tank
is full. See
Engine Compartment
Overview 0285 for reservoir location.
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can cause
the wiper blades to chatter
or skip.
.Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the windshield
washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system and
paint.
(Continued)
Cadillac XT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14584367) - 2021 - CRC - 10/14/20
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 359
trained dealer technician can perform
this work. If the engine oil life system
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 System0288.
Engine Air Filter Change
When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL
CHANGE message displays, the engine
air filter should be replaced at the
next engine oil change. When the
REPLACE ENGINE AIR FILTER SOON
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the earliest
convenience. Reset the engine air
filter life system after the engine air
filter is replaced. See Engine Air Filter
Life System 0289.
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 Rotation0323.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change
engine oil and filter, and reset oil
life system. See Engine Oil0286 and
Engine Oil Life System 0288.
.Check the air filter life percentage.
If necessary, replace the engine air
filter and reset the engine air filter
life system. See Engine Air Filter Life
System 0289.
.Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0291.
.Check windshield washer fluid level.
See Washer Fluid 0295.
.Check tire inflation pressures. See
Tire Pressure 0316.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 322.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior
Care 0348.
.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 0348.
.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.