2021 CADILLAC XT6 Owner's Manual

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
296 DRIVING AND OPERATING
VehicleMaximum Trailer
Weight *GCWRMaximum Tongue
Weight
2.0L Engine 454 kg (1,000 lb) 2 722 kg (6,001 lb) 45.4 kg (100 lb)
3.6L Engine without Trailer Package 454 kg (1,000 lb) 2 722 kg (6,001 lb) 45.4 kg (100 lb)
3.6L Engine with Trailer Package 1 814 kg (4,000 lb) 4 125 kg (9,094 lb) 181 kg (400 lb)
*The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and trailer
including any passengers, cargo, equipment, and conversions. The GCWR for the vehicle should not be exceeded.
Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight
Rating
The Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight
Rating is the allowable trailer tongue
weight that the vehicle can support
using a conventional trailer hitch.
It may be necessary to reduce the
overall trailer weight to stay within
the maximum trailer tongue weight
rating while still maintaining the
correct trailer load balance.
The trailer tongue weight contributes
to the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
GVW includes the curb weight of your
vehicle, any passengers, cargo,
equipment, and the trailer tongue
weight. Vehicle options, passengers,
cargo, and equipment reduce the
maximum allowable tongue weight
the vehicle can carry, which also
reduces the maximum allowable
trailer weight.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 297
Trailer Load Balance
The correct trailer load balance must
be maintained to ensure trailer
stability. Incorrect load balance is a
leading cause of trailer sway.
The trailer tongue weight (1) should
be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight (2). Some specific trailer types,
such as boat trailers, fall outside of
this range. Always refer to the trailer
owner’s manual for the recommended
trailer tongue weight for each trailer.
Never exceed the maximum loads for
your vehicle, hitch, and trailer.After loading the trailer, separately
weigh the trailer and then the trailer
tongue and calculate the trailer load
balance percentage to see if the
weights and distribution are
appropriate for your vehicle. If the
trailer weight is too high, it may be
possible to transfer some of the cargo
into your vehicle. If the trailer tongue
weight is too high or too low, it may
be possible to rearrange some of the
cargo inside of the trailer.
Do not exceed the maximum
allowable tongue weight for your
vehicle. Use the shortest hitch
extension available to position the
hitch ball closer to your vehicle. This
will help reduce the effect of the
trailer tongue weight on the trailer
hitch and the rear axle.
If a cargo carrier is used in the trailer
hitch receiver, choose a carrier that
positions the load as close to the
vehicle as possible. Make sure the
total weight, including the carrier, is
no more than half of the maximum
allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle.Ask your dealer for trailering
information or assistance.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Always use the correct hitch
equipment for your vehicle.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by, and
rough roads can affect the trailer and
the hitch.
Never attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches. Only use
frame-mounted hitches that do not
attach to the bumper.
Hitch Cover

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
DRIVING AND OPERATING 299
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
requirement CAN3-D313, or its
equivalent, is recommended.
State or local regulations may require
trailers to have their own braking
system if the loaded weight of the
trailer exceeds certain minimums that
can vary from state to state.
Read and follow the instructions for
the trailer brakes so they are installed,
adjusted, and maintained properly.
{Warning
Never attempt to tap into your
vehicle's hydraulic brake system
when installing a trailer brake
controller. If you do, both the
vehicle antilock brakes and the
trailer brakes may not function,
which could result in a crash. You
or others could be seriously injured
or killed.
Trailer Wiring Harness
lf equipped, the trailer wiring harness,
with a 7-pin connector is mounted on
the trailer hitch.
1. Left Turn/Brake
2. Taillamps
3. Reverse Lamps
4. Battery feed
5. Right Turn/Brake
6. Electric Brakes
7. Ground
If the vehicle is not equipped with a
trailer connector on the trailer hitch, a
seven-wire trailering harness is tied to
the vehicles frame. The harness
requires the installation of a trailer
connector, which is available through
your dealer.Use only a round, seven-wire
connector with flat blade terminals
meeting SAE J2863 specifications for
proper electrical connectivity.
The seven-wire harness contains the
following trailer circuits:
Stop/Turn
Signal Left Yellow/Gray
Stop/Turn Signal
Right Green/Violet
Taillamps/
Parking Lamps Gray/Brown or
Brown
Reverse Lamps White/Green
or Gray
Battery Feed Red/Green or
Orange
Ground Black or White
Electric Trailer
Brake Blue
Electric Brake Control Wiring
Provisions
If equipped, four blunt-cut wires are
near the driver's feet for an
aftermarket electric trailer brake

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
300 DRIVING AND OPERATING
controller as part of the trailer wiring
package. The harness contains the
following circuits:Electric Trailer
Brakes Blue
Battery Feed Red/Black or
Red/Blue
Brake Apply
Signal White/Blue
Ground Black or White
Refer to the aftermarket electric trailer
brake controller owner's manual to
determine wire color coding of the
electric trailer brake controller. The
wire colors on the brake controller
may be different from the vehicle.
It may be necessary to have a
technician connect the 12-volt power
to the engine compartment fuse block.
The electric trailer brake controller
should be installed by your dealer or a
qualified service center.
Trailer Lamps
Always check that all trailer lamps are
working at the beginning of each trip,
and periodically on longer trips.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer
turn signals should illuminate to
indicate the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes, or stopping. When
towing a trailer, the arrows on the
instrument cluster will illuminate
even if the trailer is not properly
connected or the bulbs are
burned out.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) have a Trailer
Sway Control (TSC) feature. Trailer
sway is unintended side-to-side
motion of a trailer while towing. If the
vehicle is towing a trailer and the TSC
detects that sway is increasing, the
vehicle brakes are selectively applied
to help reduce excessive trailer sway.
If equipped with the Integrated Trailer
Brake Control (ITBC) system, and the
trailer has an electric brake system,
StabiliTrak/ESC may also apply the
trailer brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak/ESC warning
light will flash on the instrument
cluster. Reduce vehicle speed by
gradually removing your foot from the
accelerator pedal. If trailer sway
continues, StabiliTrak/ESC can reduce
engine torque to help slow the vehicle.
TSC will not function if StabiliTrak/
ESC is turned off. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0248.
{Warning
Trailer sway can result in a crash
and in serious injury or death, even
if the vehicle is equipped with TSC.
If the trailer begins to sway, reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing
your foot from the accelerator. Then
pull over to check the trailer and
vehicle to help correct possible
(Continued)

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 301
Warning (Continued)
causes, including an improperly or
overloaded trailer, unrestrained
cargo, improper trailer hitch
configuration, or improperly
inflated or incorrect vehicle or
trailer tires. SeeTowing Equipment
0 297 for trailer ratings and hitch
setup recommendations.
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from
vehicle tires. Trailer tires are designed
with stiff sidewalls to help prevent
sway and to support heavy loads.
These features can make it difficult to
determine if the trailer tire pressures
are low only based on a visual
inspection.
Always check all trailer tire pressures
before each trip when the tires are
cool. Low trailer tire pressure is a
leading cause of trailer tire blowouts. Trailer tires deteriorate over time. The
trailer tire sidewall will show the week
and year the tire was manufactured.
Many trailer tire manufacturers
recommend replacing tires more than
six years old.
Overloading is another leading cause
of trailer tire blowouts. Never load the
trailer with more weight than the tires
are designed to support. The load
rating is on the trailer tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed
rating for the trailer tires before
driving. This may be significantly
lower than the vehicle tire speed
rating. The speed rating may be on
the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed
rating is not shown, the default trailer
tire speed rating is 105 km/h (65 mph).
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. See
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0115.
A device connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle systems.
This could affect vehicle operation
and cause a crash. Such devices
may also access information stored
in the vehicle’s systems.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
302 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always check with your
dealer before adding electrical
equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain the
vehicle's 12-volt battery, even if the
vehicle is not operating.
The vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to add anything
electrical to the vehicle, see Servicing
the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 070 and
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 071.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
VEHICLE CARE 303
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . 314
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . 315
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322 Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . 323
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . 325
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . 326
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . 327
Bulb Replacement
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . 327
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . 328
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . 332
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . 339 Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Tire Terminology and
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . 346
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 354
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364