2021 CADILLAC XT6 ABS

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
248 DRIVING AND OPERATING
If you are towing a trailer and parking
on a hill, seeDriving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0290.
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.
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.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature.
HSA does not replace the need to
pay attention and drive safely. You
may not hear or feel alerts or
warnings provided by this system.
Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. See Defensive
Driving 0219.
When the vehicle is stopped on a
grade, Hill Start Assist (HSA) prevents
the vehicle from rolling in an
unintended direction during the
transition from brake pedal release to
accelerator pedal apply. The brakes
release when the accelerator pedal is
applied. If the accelerator pedal is not
applied within a few minutes, the
Electric Parking Brake will apply. The
brakes may also release under other
conditions. Do not rely on HSA to
hold the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is
facing uphill in a forward gear,
or when facing downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must come to
a complete stop on a grade for HSA to
activate.Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
These systems help limit wheel spin
and assist the driver in maintaining
control, especially on slippery road
conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of
the drive wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. On an
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle in
AWD or Sport Mode, the system will
operate if it senses that any of the
wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to the spinning
wheels and reduces engine power to
limit wheel spin.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 251
displayed in the instrument cluster.
For more information on AWD Mode,
seeAll-Wheel Drive 0245.
Mode Descriptions
Tour : Tour Mode operates in FWD to
improve fuel economy. This setting
provides balance between comfort and
handling. This is the standard/default
mode and should be used during
normal driving operations. There is no
persistent indicator in the instrument
cluster for this mode.
Sport : Sport Mode improves vehicle
handling and acceleration on dry
pavement. When active, Sport Mode
modifies steering efforts, transmission
shifting, AWD torque, and suspension
tuning (if equipped). Choosing Sport
Mode also engages AWD (if equipped).
The Performance Algorithm Liftfoot
(PAL) feature is enabled in Sport
Mode. PAL allows the transmission to
hold the current gear after a quick
release of a heavily applied accelerator
pedal. This provides greater engine
braking and enhanced vehicle control. When PAL is activated, there may be
an additional green gear symbol which
appears in the instrument cluster
display. See
Performance Shifting Light
0 119.
AWD : AWD Mode provides drive
torque to all four wheels. Select AWD
to improve traction and control on
slippery road surfaces, such as gravel,
sand, wet pavement, snow, and ice For
more information on AWD Mode, see
All-Wheel Drive 0245.
Snow/Ice (FWD Vehicles Only) :
Snow/Ice Mode improves vehicle
acceleration on snow and ice covered
roads. This mode will adjust
acceleration to optimize traction on a
slippery surface. The accelerator pedal
will reduce engine torque at small
pedal inputs.
Off-Road : Use this mode for off-road
recreational driving. When active,
Off-Road Mode modifies accelerator
pedal response, AWD torque, TCS,
ABS and ESC settings. Choosing
Off-Road Mode also engages AWD.
Cruise Control
{
Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at a
steady speed. Do not use cruise
control on winding roads or in
heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could
lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.
With cruise control, a speed of about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be
maintained without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. Cruise control does
not work at speeds below about
40 km/h (25 mph).
If the Traction Control System (TCS)
or StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system begins to limit
wheel spin while using cruise control,
cruise control automatically
disengages. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0248. If a

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
292 DRIVING AND OPERATING
the passed vehicle before returning to
the lane. Pass on level roadways.
Avoid passing on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel
with one hand. To move the trailer to
the left, move that hand to the left. To
move the trailer to the right, move
that hand to the right. Always back up
slowly and, if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make wider
arcs when towing a trailer to
prevent damage to your vehicle.
Making very sharp turns could
cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when
towing, so the trailer will not go over
soft shoulders, over curbs, or strike
road signs, trees, or other objects.
Always signal turns well in advance.
Do not steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes may
overheat and result in reduced braking
efficiency.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes,
engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at lower altitudes.
If the engine is turned off immediately
after towing at high altitude on steep
uphill grades, the vehicle could show
signs similar to engine overheating. To
avoid this, let the engine run,
preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few
minutes before turning the engine off.
If the overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating 0320.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer
on a level surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and your
trailer on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the
wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under 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.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
298 DRIVING AND OPERATING
To remove the hitch cover,
if equipped:1. Undo the two fasteners on the bottom surface by turning them
counter-clockwise.
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 the hitch cover: 1. Hold the 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 holes on the
cover line up with the holes on the
bumper.
3. Snap the hitch cover into place by pushing the upper corners forward.
4. Reinstall the two fasteners on the lower surface by turning clockwise.
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
A weight-distributing hitch may be
useful with some trailers.
1. Front of Vehicle
2. Body to Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributing
hitch, measure the front fender height
above the front axle distance (2)
before and after connecting the trailer.
Adjust the spring bars until the front
fender height distance (2) is
approximately halfway between the
first and second measurements.
Tires
.Do not tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire on the vehicle.
.Tires must be properly inflated to
support loads while towing a trailer.
See Tires 0337 for instructions on
proper tire inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer, and attach the
chains to the holes on the trailer hitch
platform. Instructions about safety
chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer.
Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer to help prevent
the tongue from contacting the road if
it becomes separated from the hitch.
Always leave just enough slack so the
combination can turn. Never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Loaded trailers over 450 kg (1,000 lb)
must be equipped with brake systems
and with brakes for each axle. Trailer
braking equipment conforming to

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
VEHICLE CARE 323
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic
system. Have the brake hydraulic
system fixed. With a leak, the
brakes will not work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir
cap and the area around the cap
before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding
fluid does not correct a leak. If fluid is
added when the linings are worn,
there will be too much fluid when
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
0380.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3 brake
fluid from a clean, sealed container.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0389.
{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
0 234.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
364 VEHICLE CARE
3. Remove the cargo managementsystem tray.
4. Put back the spare tire and all tools as they were stored in the rear
storage compartment.
5. Install the cargo management system tray and load floor.
The compact spare is for temporary
use only. Replace the compact spare
tire with a full-size tire as soon as
possible.
Compact Spare Tire
{Warning
Driving with more than one
compact spare tire at a time could
result in loss of braking and
handling. This could lead to a crash
and you or others could be injured.
Use only one compact spare tire at
a time.
If this vehicle has a compact spare
tire, it was fully inflated when new;
however, it can lose air over time.
Check the inflation pressure regularly.
It should be 420 kPa (60 psi). Stop as soon as possible and check
that the spare tire is correctly inflated
after being installed on the vehicle.
The compact spare tire is designed for
temporary use only. The vehicle will
perform differently with the spare tire
installed and it is recommended that
the vehicle speed be limited to
80 km/h (50 mph). To conserve the
tread of the spare tire, have the
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 0323.
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.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
370 VEHICLE CARE
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear
could damage it. Also, repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Never have the vehicle
towed from the rear.
Do not tow the vehicle from the rear.
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
0 389.
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
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.
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.
Cleaning Underhood Components
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.
Solvents or aggressive cleaners may
harm underhood components. The
usages of these chemicals should be
avoided.
Recommend water only.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/9/21
INDEX 419
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . 246Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . 272
Assistance Systems for Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Audio
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Auto Stop Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Automatic Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . 275
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157B
Battery
Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Battery - North America . . . . . .323, 364
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . . . . . 325
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181, 182
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Brake
Electric Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Automatic Emergency (AEB) . . . . . 275
Braking System Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Bulb Replacement Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . .304, 323, 364, Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . 394
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Cargo Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . . . . . 2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Charging
Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Check
Engine Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115