2021 CADILLAC XT5 check engine

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14590481) - 2021 - CRC - 10/22/20
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 109
Caution
Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not meet
the original tire specifications, can
cause this light to come on. This
could lead to costly repairs not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
This could also affect the vehicle’s
ability to pass an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications0294.
If the light is f lashing : A
malfunction has been detected that
could damage the emission control
system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service may
be required.
To help prevent damage, reduce
vehicle speed and avoid hard
accelerations and uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the amount
of cargo being hauled as soon as
possible. If the light continues to flash, find a
safe place to park. Turn the vehicle off
and wait at least 10 seconds before
restarting the engine. If the light is
still flashing, follow the previous
guidelines and see your dealer for
service as soon as possible.
If the light is on steady :
A
malfunction has been detected.
Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
.If fuel has been added to the vehicle
using the capless fuel funnel
adapter, make sure that it has been
removed. See “Filling the Tank with
a Portable Gas Can ”under Filling the
Tank 0277. The diagnostic system
can detect if the adapter has been
left installed in the vehicle, allowing
fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. A few driving trips with
the adapter removed may turn off
the light.
.Poor fuel quality can cause
inefficient engine operation and
poor driveability, which may go
away once the engine is warmed up.
If this occurs, change the fuel brand. It may require at least one
full tank of the proper fuel to turn
the light off. See
Recommended Fuel
(3.6L V6 Engine) 0276 or
Recommended Fuel (2.0L L4 Engine)
0 276.
If the light remains on, see your
dealer.
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the test
equipment will likely connect to the
vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument
panel to the left of the steering wheel.
Connecting devices that are not used
to perform an Emissions Inspection/
Maintenance test or to service the

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14590481) - 2021 - CRC - 10/22/20
114 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
If the light is on and not flashing, the
TCS and potentially the StabiliTrak/
ESC system have been disabled.
A Driver Information Center (DIC)
message may display. Check the DIC
messages to determine which
feature(s) is no longer functioning and
whether the vehicle requires service.
If the light is on and flashing, the TCS
and/or the StabiliTrak/ESC system is
actively working.
SeeTraction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0240.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light
(Uplevel Only)
This light comes on briefly while
starting the vehicle. If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the system
is working normally the indicator light
goes off.
Caution
The engine coolant temperature
warning light indicates that the
vehicle has overheated. Driving with
this light on can damage the engine
and it may not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. See
Engine
Overheating 0308.
The engine coolant temperature
warning light comes on when the
engine has overheated.
If this happens, pull over and turn off
the engine as soon as possible. See
Engine Overheating 0308.
Driver Mode Control Light
This light comes on when Sport Mode
is selected.
This light comes on when Snow/Ice
Mode is selected.
This light comes on when Off-Road
Mode is selected.
See Driver Mode Control 0242.
Tire Pressure Light

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14590481) - 2021 - CRC - 10/22/20
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 115
For vehicles with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this light
comes on briefly when the engine is
started. It provides information about
tire pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the
tires are significantly underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC) tire
pressure message may also display.
Stop as soon as possible, and inflate
the tires to the pressure value shown
on the Tire and Loading Information
label. SeeTire Pressure 0331.
When the Light Flashes First and
Then Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute
and then stays on, there may be a
problem with the TPMS. If the
problem is not corrected, the light will
come on at every ignition cycle. See
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0335.Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. Driving with the engine oil
low can also damage the engine.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check the
oil level as soon as possible. Add oil
if required, but if the oil level is
within the operating range and the
oil pressure is still low, have the
vehicle serviced. Always follow the
maintenance schedule for changing
engine oil.
This light should come on briefly as
the engine is started. If it does not
come on, have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer. If the light comes on and stays on, it
means that oil is not flowing through
the engine properly. The vehicle could
be low on oil and might have some
other system problem. See your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
A Low Fuel Warning Light near the
fuel gauge comes on briefly when the
ignition is turned on as a check to
show it is working.
It also comes on when the fuel gauge
indicator nears empty. The light turns
off when fuel is added. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14590481) - 2021 - CRC - 10/22/20
214 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Off-Road Driving
All-Wheel Drive vehicles can be used
for off-road driving. Vehicles without
All-Wheel Drive and vehicles not
equipped with All Terrain (AT) or
On-Off Road (OOR) tires must not be
driven off-road except on a level, solid
surface. To contact the tire
manufacturer for more information
about the original equipment tires, see
the Limited Warranty and Owner
Assistance Information manual.
Controlling the vehicle is the key to
successful off-road driving. One of the
best ways to control the vehicle is to
control the speed.
{Warning
When driving off-road, bouncing
and quick changes in direction can
easily throw you out of position.
This could cause you to lose control
and crash. You and your passengers
should always wear seat belts.
Before Driving Off-Road
.Have all necessary maintenance and
service work completed.
.Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels, and
check inflation pressure in all tires,
including the spare, if equipped.
.Read all the information about
All-Wheel Drive vehicles in this
manual.
.Make sure all underbody shields,
if equipped, are properly attached.
.Know the local laws that apply to
off-road driving.
To gain more ground clearance if
needed, it may be necessary to remove
the front fascia lower air dam.
However, driving without the air dam
reduces fuel economy.
Caution
Operating the vehicle for extended
periods without the front fascia
lower air dam installed can cause
improper airf low to the engine.
Reattach the front fascia air dam
after off-road driving.
Loading the Vehicle for Off-Road
Driving
{Warning
.Unsecured cargo on the load
floor can be tossed about when
driving over rough terrain. You or
your passengers can be struck by
flying objects. Secure the cargo
properly.
.Keep cargo in the cargo area as
far forward and as low as
possible. The heaviest things
should be on the floor, forward
of the rear axle.
.Heavy loads on the roof raise the
vehicle's center of gravity,
making it more likely to roll over.
You can be seriously or fatally
injured if the vehicle rolls over.
Put heavy loads inside the cargo
area, not on the roof.
For more information about loading
the vehicle, see Vehicle Load Limits
0 220.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14590481) - 2021 - CRC - 10/22/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 217
Traction is reduced on hard packed
snow and ice and it is easy to lose
control. Reduce vehicle speed when
driving on hard packed snow and ice.
{Warning
Driving on frozen lakes, ponds,
or rivers can be dangerous. Ice
conditions vary greatly and the
vehicle could fall through the ice;
you and your passengers could
drown. Drive your vehicle on safe
surfaces only.
Driving in Water
{Warning
Driving through rushing water can
be dangerous. Deep water can
sweep your vehicle downstream and
you and your passengers could
drown. If it is only shallow water, it
can still wash away the ground
from under your tires. Traction
could be lost, and the vehicle could
roll over. Do not drive through
rushing water.
Caution
Do not drive through standing
water if it is deep enough to cover
the wheel hubs, axles, or exhaust
pipe. Deep water can damage the
axle and other vehicle parts.
If the standing water is not too deep,
drive slowly through it. At faster
speeds, water splashes on the ignition
system and the vehicle can stall.
Stalling can also occur if you get the
exhaust pipe under water. While the
exhaust pipe is under water, you will
not be able to start the engine. When
going through water, the brakes get
wet, and it might take longer to stop.
See Driving on Wet Roads 0217.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has
collected on the underbody or chassis,
or under the hood. These
accumulations can be a fire hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have
the brake linings cleaned and checked.
These substances can cause glazing
and uneven braking. Check the body
structure, steering, suspension, wheels, tires, and exhaust system for
damage and check the fuel lines and
cooling system for any leakage.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle
traction and affect your ability to stop
and accelerate. Always drive slower in
these types of driving conditions and
avoid driving through large puddles
and deep-standing or flowing water.
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They
might not work as well in a quick
stop and could cause pulling to one
side. You could lose control of the
vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle
of water or a car/vehicle wash,
lightly apply the brake pedal until
the brakes work normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates
strong forces. Driving through
flowing water could cause the
vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle
(Continued)

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14590481) - 2021 - CRC - 10/22/20
218 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Warning (Continued)
occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be very
cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can
build up under the vehicle's tires so
they actually ride on the water. This
can happen if the road is wet enough
and you are going fast enough. When
the vehicle is hydroplaning, it has
little or no contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.Keep windshield wiping equipment
in good shape.
.Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
.Have good tires with proper tread
depth. SeeTires0325.
.Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving on
flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
.Check all fluid levels, brakes, tires,
cooling system, and transmission.
.Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the vehicle
on a long downhill slope can cause
brake overheating, can reduce brake
performance, and could result in a
loss of braking. Shift the
transmission to a lower gear to let
the engine assist the brakes on a
steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or
with the ignition off is dangerous.
This can cause overheating of the
brakes and loss of steering assist.
Always have the engine running
and the vehicle in gear.
.Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the center line.
.Be alert on top of hills; something
could be in your lane (e.g., stalled
car, crash).
.Pay attention to special road signs
(e.g., falling rocks area, winding
roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take
appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and the
road creates less traction or grip, so
drive carefully. Wet ice can occur at
about 0 °C (32 °F) when freezing rain

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14590481) - 2021 - CRC - 10/22/20
228 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Warning (Continued)
may result. Always park the vehicle
in a clear open area away from
buildings or structures.
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Check the heater cord for damage.If it is damaged, do not use it. See
your dealer for a replacement.
Inspect the cord for damage yearly.
3. Remove the engine heater
connector cover by gently prying
with a flat blade tool.
4. Plug the heater cord into theconnector in the front fascia.
5. Plug the cord into a grounded 110-volt AC outlet that is protected
by a ground fault detection
function.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord or
an extension cord can damage the
cord and may result in overheating
and fire.
.Plug the cord into a three-prong
electrical utility receptacle that is
protected by a ground fault
detection function. An
ungrounded outlet could cause
an electric shock.
.Use a weatherproof, heavy-duty,
15 amp-rated extension cord if
needed. Failure to use the
recommended extension cord in
good operating condition,
or using a damaged heater or
extension cord, could make it
(Continued)

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14590481) - 2021 - CRC - 10/22/20
230 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Warning (Continued)
shift to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park 0229. If you are towing a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0279.
If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, be sure the
vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking
brake is set before you leave it.
If you are towing a trailer and parking
on a hill, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0279.
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an
electronic transmission. The shift lock
release button is designed to prevent
inadvertent shifting out of P (Park).
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Ensure the engine is running.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Press and hold the shift lock release button on the shift lever. 4. Move the shift lever to the desired
position. For N (Neutral) hold the
lever in the N (Neutral) position
until the N indicator
illuminates red.
5. The P indicator will turn white and the gear indicator will turn red
when the vehicle is no longer in
P (Park).
After releasing the shift lever, it will
return to the center position.
If the vehicle cannot shift from
P (Park), a Driver Information Center
(DIC) message may be displayed.
Check that the ignition is on, the
engine is running, the brake pedal is
applied, and the shift lock release
button is pressed when you are
attempting to shift out of P (park).
If all of these are met but the vehicle
will not shift out of P (Park), see your
dealer for service.
Parking over Things
That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the vehicle
and ignite. Do not park over papers,
leaves, dry grass, or other things
that can burn.
Active Fuel Management
This vehicle's engine may be equipped
with Active Fuel Management, which
allows the engine to operate on either
all of its cylinders, or in reduced
cylinder operation mode, depending
on the driving conditions.
When less power is required, such as
cruising at a constant vehicle speed,
the system will operate in reduced
cylinder operation mode, allowing the
vehicle to achieve better fuel economy.
When greater power demands are
required, such as accelerating from a
stop, passing, or merging onto a
freeway, the system will maintain
full-cylinder operation.