Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14590481) - 2021 - CRC - 10/22/20
204 CLIMATE CONTROLS
0:Clears the windshield of fog or
frost more quickly. Air is directed to
the windshield. Press
0to turn on or
off. Changing the air delivery mode
also turns the defrost off.
A/C : Touch A/C Mode on the climate
control display to turn the automatic
air conditioning on or off. If the fan is
turned off or the outside temperature
falls below freezing, the air
conditioner will not run.
Press AUTO to return to automatic
operation and the air conditioner runs
as needed.
@: Press to alternate between
recirculating air inside the vehicle or
pulling in outside air. The indicator
light on the button is lit when
recirculation mode is active. This
helps to quickly cool the air inside the
vehicle or reduce the outside air and
odors that might enter.
Pressing this control cancels
automatic recirculation. Press AUTO
to return to automatic operation;
recirculation runs automatically as
needed. Manual recirculation mode is not
available when in Defrost or Defog
modes.
Auto Defog :
The climate control
system may have a sensor to
automatically detect high humidity
inside the vehicle. When high
humidity is detected, the climate
control system may adjust to outside
air supply and turn on the air
conditioner. If the climate control
system does not detect possible
window fogging, it returns to normal
operation. To turn Auto Defog off or
on, see “Climate and Air Quality”
under Vehicle Personalization 0123.
Ionizer : If equipped with an ionizer,
this feature helps to clean the air
inside the vehicle and remove
contaminants such as pollen, odors,
and dust. If the climate control
system is on and the ionizer is
enabled, the ionizer status indicator
will be lit on the climate control
display. To turn the ionizer on or off,
see “Climate and Air Quality” under
Vehicle Personalization 0123.
Rear Window Defogger
K:Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light
on the button comes on to show that
the rear window defogger is on.
The defogger only works when the
ignition is on. The defogger turns off
if the ignition is in off or ACC/
ACCESSORY.
The rear window defogger can be set
to automatic operation. See “Climate
and Air Quality” underVehicle
Personalization 0123. When Auto Rear
Defog is selected, the rear window
defogger turns on automatically when
the interior temperature is cold and
the outside temperature is about 4 °C
(40 °F) and below.
The upper grid lines on the rear
window are antenna lines and are not
intended to heat when the defogger is
activated.
The heated outside mirrors turn on
when the rear window defogger
button is on and help to clear fog or
frost from the surface of the mirrors.
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14590481) - 2021 - CRC - 10/22/20
CLIMATE CONTROLS 205
Caution
Do not try to clear frost or other
material from the inside of the
front windshield and rear window
with a razor blade or anything else
that is sharp. This may damage the
rear window defogger grid and
affect the radio's ability to pick up
stations clearly. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Driver and Passenger Heated and
Ventilated Seats (If Equipped) :
Press
MorLto heat the driver or
passenger seat cushion.
Press
Cor{to ventilate the driver
or passenger seat. See Heated and
Ventilated Front Seats 043.
Auto Heated and Ventilated Seats :
When the vehicle is on, this feature
will automatically activate the heated
or ventilated seats at the level
required by the vehicle's interior
temperature. The active high, medium,
low, or off heated or ventilated seat
level will be indicated by the manual
heated and ventilated seat buttons on the center stack. Use the manual
heated and ventilated seat buttons on
the center stack to turn auto heated
or ventilated seats off. If the
passenger seat is unoccupied, the auto
heated or ventilated seats feature will
not activate that seat. The auto heated
and ventilated seats feature can be
programmed to always be enabled
when the vehicle is on. If equipped
with a heated steering wheel, the auto
heated steering wheel activation will
follow the heated seat auto activation
and the heated wheel indicator will
follow the state of the steering wheel
heat. See
Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats 043 and
Vehicle Personalization 0123.
Remote Start Climate Control
Operation : If equipped with the
remote start feature, the climate
control system may run when the
vehicle is started remotely. The system
uses the driver’s previous settings to
heat or cool the inside of the vehicle.
The rear window defogger may come
on during remote start based on cold
ambient conditions. The rear window
defogger indicator light does not come
on during a remote start. If equipped, the heated seats will turn
on if it is cold outside or the
ventilated seats will turn on if it is hot
outside. The heated and ventilated
seat indicator lights may not come on
during a remote start. If equipped, the
heated steering wheel will come on in
a remote start if it is cold outside. The
heated steering wheel indicator light
may not come on. See
Remote Vehicle
Start 013 and
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats 043.
Sensor
The solar sensor, on top of the
instrument panel near the windshield,
monitors the solar heat.
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 219
begins to fall. Avoid driving on wet ice
or in freezing rain until roads can be
treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating too
quickly causes the wheels to spin
and makes the surface under the
tires slick.
.Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control0240.
.Antilock Brake System (ABS)
improves vehicle stability during
hard stops, but the brakes should be
applied sooner than when on dry
pavement. See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 0238.
.Allow greater following distance and
watch for slippery spots. Icy patches
can occur on otherwise clear roads
in shaded areas. The surface of a
curve or an overpass can remain icy
when the surrounding roads are
clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
.Select All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode
for vehicles equipped with AWD.
Select Snow/Ice Mode for FWD only
vehicles. See Driver Mode Control
0 242 and
All-Wheel Drive 0237.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
signal for help. Stay with the vehicle
unless there is help nearby. If possible,
use Roadside Service. See Roadside
Service 0396. To get help and keep
everyone in the vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may cause
exhaust gases to get inside. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide
(CO), which cannot be seen or
smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking
the exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in)
on the vehicle side that is away
from the wind, to bring in
fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or
under the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control
system to circulate the air inside
the vehicle and set the fan speed
to the highest setting. See
“Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0231.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then
shut the engine off and partially close
the window. Moving about to keep
warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the
engine runs faster than the idle speed.
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 229
Warning (Continued)
overheat and cause a fire,
property damage, electric shock,
and injury.
.Do not operate the vehicle with
the heater cord permanently
attached to the vehicle. Possible
heater cord and thermostat
damage could occur.
.While in use, do not let the
heater cord touch vehicle parts
or sharp edges.
.Before starting the vehicle,
unplug the cord. Keep the cord
away from any moving parts.
6. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and store the cord.
7. Install the engine heater connector cover.
The length of time the heater should
remain plugged in depends on several
factors. Ask a dealer in the area where
you will be parking the vehicle for the
best advice on this.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
When the ignition is turned from on
to off, the following features (if
equipped) will continue to function
for up to 10 minutes, or until the
driver door is opened. These features
will also work when the ignition is in
RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY:
.Infotainment System
.Power Windows (during RAP this
functionality will be lost when any
door is opened)
.Sunroof (during RAP this
functionality will be lost when any
door is opened)
.Auxiliary Power Outlet
.Audio System
.OnStar System
Shifting Into Park
To shift into P (Park): 1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0238. 2. Press the button on top of the shift
lever to shift into P (Park). See
Automatic Transmission 0232.
3. The P indicator on the shift lever will turn red when the vehicle is in
P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle with the
Engine Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
It could overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the vehicle is not in
P (Park) with the parking brake set.
The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when
the engine is running. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
(Continued)
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 231
If the vehicle has an Active Fuel
Management indicator, see Driver
Information Center (DIC) for more
information on using this display.
Extended Parking
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left running,
be sure it will not move and there is
adequate ventilation.
SeeShifting Into Park 0229 and
Engine Exhaust 0231.
If the vehicle is left parked and
running with the RKE transmitter
outside the vehicle, it will continue to
run for up to half an hour.
If the vehicle is left parked and
running with the RKE transmitter
inside the vehicle, it will continue to
run for up to an hour.
The vehicle could turn off sooner if it
is parked on a hill, due to lack of
available fuel.
The timer will reset if the vehicle is
taken out of P (Park) while it is
running.
Engine Exhaust
{
Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areas with
poor ventilation (parking garages,
tunnels, deep snow that may
block underbody airf low or tail
pipes).
.The exhaust smells or sounds
strange or different.
.The exhaust system leaks due to
corrosion or damage.
.The vehicle exhaust system has
been modified, damaged,
or improperly repaired.
.There are holes or openings in
the vehicle body from damage or
aftermarket modifications that
are not completely sealed. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
If unusual fumes are detected or if
it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle:
.Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
.Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed area
such as a garage or a building that
has no fresh air ventilation.
Running the Vehicle While
Parked
It is better not to park with the engine
running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine
running, follow the proper steps to be
sure the vehicle will not move. See
Shifting Into Park 0229 and
Engine Exhaust 0231.
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0279.
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 271
{Warning
Do not stare at the image while
driving as this might cause
important objects ahead not to be
seen. You could crash, and you or
others could be injured.
When a pedestrian or large animal is
detected, an amber box displays
around the pedestrian or animal on
the Night Vision display and an amber
pedestrian icon,
~, or animal icon,
!, displays on the instrument
cluster. This pedestrian icon is also
shown on the Head-Up Display (HUD).
When the system detects the vehicle
is approaching a pedestrian too
quickly, the amber pedestrian icon
and box turns red, and a red flashing
icon,
~, displays on the HUD with
rapid beeping or pulsing of the Safety
Alert Seat, if equipped.
System pedestrian icons, beeps, and
(if equipped) Safety Alert Seat pulses
can be set to Off through vehicle
personalization by turning off the
Front Pedestrian Braking system. See “Front Pedestrian Detection
”in
“Collision/Detection Systems” under
Vehicle Personalization 0123.
{Warning
The Night Vision system does not
automatically brake the vehicle.
It does not provide alerts unless it
detects a pedestrian or large
animal. The system may not detect
pedestrians, including children,
or animals:
.If they are less than 25 m
(82 ft) away.
.If they are not directly ahead in
the sensor coverage area, fully
visible, standing upright, or part
of a group.
.If the person or animal is moving
too quickly through the field of
view, such as a bicyclist.
.If the pedestrian is wearing
certain types of clothing.
.If headlamps are off, except
when parked.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.If the outside temperature is
higher than 30 °C (86 °F).
.Due to poor visibility, including
in heavy fog, rain, or snow.
.If the sensor is blocked by dirt,
snow, rain, or ice.
Be ready to take action and apply
the brakes. For more information,
see Defensive Driving 0211. Keep
the Night Vision sensor clean and
in good repair.
Pedestrian detection may not be
available in high outside temperatures.
An amber icon,
*, displays. The
system does not need service.
In rain, snow, or fog the image may
not be clear and the direction of the
road ahead may not be seen. In more
severe weather conditions, the image
may be unclear and unusable. The
system does not need service.
Keep the system sensor clean by
activating the rear window washer
when it is dark enough for the system
to operate. If the Night Vision image
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14590481) - 2021 - CRC - 10/22/20
280 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Successful, safe trailering takes correct
equipment, and it has to be used
properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are
important for your safety and that of
your passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with and follow all
state and local laws that apply to
trailer towing. These requirements
vary from state to state.
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. Even if
not required, you should install
extended side view mirrors if your
visibility is limited or restricted
while towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to
prevent damage to the engine, axle,
or other parts.
.It is recommended to perform the
first oil change before heavy towing.
.During the first 800 km (500 mi) of
trailer towing, do not drive over
80 km/h (50 mph) and do not make
starts at full throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). If the
transmission downshifts too often, a
lower gear may be selected using
Manual Mode SeeManual Mode
0 236.
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be turned
off when towing a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
.Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be turned
to alert or off when towing a trailer:
.Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) If equipped with Lane Change Alert
(LCA), the LCA detection zones that
extend back from the side of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed. Use caution
while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic
Alert (RCTA), use caution while
backing up when towing a trailer, as
the RCTA detection zones that extend
out from the back of the vehicle do
not move further back when a trailer
is towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death
from carbon monoxide (CO), when
towing a trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on or
under the instrument panel.
(Continued)
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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VEHICLE CARE 309
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
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 0296 for reservoir location.