2021 CADILLAC XT6 ECO mode

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 217
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better FuelEconomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 226
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237 Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Active Fuel Management . . . . . . . . 238
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Running the Vehicle While
Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . 240
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . 246
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/ElectronicStability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Adaptive Cruise Control (Advanced) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . 263
Assistance Systems for Parkingor Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Rear Pedestrian Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Night Vision System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . 280
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . 281
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . 282
Surround Vision Recorder . . . . . . . 284
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Recommended Fuel (2.0L L4 Turbo Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Recommended Fuel (3.6L V6 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
218 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . 287
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . 289
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . 300
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 301
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage.
Here are some driving tips to get the
best fuel economy possible.
.Set the climate controls to the
desired temperature after the engine
is started, or turn them off when
not required.
.On AWD vehicles, use Tour Mode
when conditions permit.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid abrupt
stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
.When road and weather conditions
are appropriate, use cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed limits or
drive more slowly when conditions
require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.Combine several trips into a
single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with the
same TPC Spec number molded into
the tire's sidewall near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and
can take your focus from the task of
driving. Exercise good judgment and
do not let other activities divert your
attention away from the road. Many
local governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep your
eyes on the road, keep your hands on
the steering wheel, and focus your
attention on driving.
.Do not use a phone in demanding
driving situations. Use a hands-free
method to place or receive
necessary phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read, take
notes, or look up information on
phones or other electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat passenger to
handle potential distractions.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 233
Warning (Continued)
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the vehicle
off in an emergency.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency: 1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes
repeatedly. This may deplete power
assist, requiring increased brake
pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the vehicle
is moving. After shifting to
N (Neutral), firmly apply the brakes
and steer the vehicle to a safe
location.
3. Come to a complete stop and shift to P (Park).
4. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0246. Press ENGINE
START/STOP to turn the
vehicle off. If the vehicle cannot be pulled over
and must be shut off while driving,
press and hold ENGINE START/STOP
for longer than two seconds, or press
twice in five seconds.
ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber Indicator
Light) :
This mode allows you to use
some electrical accessories when the
engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing
ENGINE START/STOP once without
the brake pedal applied will place the
ignition system in ACC/ACCESSORY.
The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY to OFF after 10 minutes
to prevent battery rundown.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator
Light) : This mode is for driving and
starting. With the ignition off and the
brake pedal applied, pressing ENGINE
START/STOP once will place the
ignition system in ON/RUN/START.
Once engine cranking begins, release
the button. Engine cranking will
continue until the engine starts, and
the ignition will then remain ON. See
Starting the Engine 0233. Service Mode
This mode is available to verify the
proper operation of the malfunction
indicator lamp as may be required for
emissions inspection purposes and for
service and diagnostics.
With the vehicle off, and the brake
pedal not applied, pressing and
holding ENGINE START/STOP for
more than five seconds will place the
vehicle in Service Mode. The
instruments and audio systems will
operate as they do in ON/RUN, but
the vehicle will not be able to be
driven. The engine will not start in
Service Mode. Press ENGINE START/
STOP again to turn the vehicle off.
Starting the Engine
Place the transmission in the proper
gear, P (Park) or N (Neutral). To restart
the engine when the vehicle is already
moving, use N (Neutral).

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 235
Auto Engine Stop/Start
When the brakes are applied and the
vehicle is at a complete stop, the
engine may turn off. When stopped,
the tachometer displays AUTO STOP.
SeeTachometer 0112. When the brake
pedal is released or the accelerator
pedal is pressed, the engine will
restart.
To maintain vehicle performance,
other conditions may cause the engine
to automatically restart before the
brake pedal is released.
Auto Stops may not occur and/or auto
restarts may occur because:
.The climate control settings require
the engine to be running to cool or
heat the vehicle interior.
.The vehicle battery charge is low.
.The vehicle battery has recently
been disconnected.
.Minimum vehicle speed has not
been reached since the last
Auto Stop.
.The accelerator pedal is pressed.
.The engine or transmission is not at
the required operating temperature.
.The outside temperature is not in
the required operating range.
.The vehicle transmission is shifted
out of D (Drive) to any gear other
than P (Park).
.Tow/Haul Mode or other driver
modes have been selected.
.The vehicle is on a steep hill or
grade.
.The driver door has been opened or
the driver seat belt has been
unbuckled.
.The hood has been opened.
.The Auto Stop has reached the
maximum allowed time. Auto Stop Disable Switch
The automatic engine Stop/Start
feature can be disabled and enabled
by touching the
hsymbol. Auto Stop
is enabled each time you start the
vehicle.
When the light next to the
his
illuminated, the system is enabled.
Engine Heater
The engine heater, if available, can
help in cold weather conditions at or
below −18 °C (0 °F) for easier starting
and better fuel economy during
engine warm-up. Plug in the engine
heater at least four hours before

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
238 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Warning (Continued)
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 shift to
P (Park). SeeShifting Into Park 0237
. If you are towing a trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0290.
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 0290.
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.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 245
3. Pull the control toward you toshift. Pull the left control to
downshift, and the right control to
upshift.
To exit Permanent Tap Shift Mode: 1. To exit M (Manual Mode) and return to D (Drive), pull back on
the shift lever. The D in the shift
pattern will illuminate in red, and
the M will switch to white.
2. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
M (Manual Mode) can be exited to
return to D (Drive) at any speed by
pulling the lever rearward from the
center position. It is not necessary to
stop the vehicle or shift to N (Neutral)
or P (Park) prior to shifting back to
D (Drive).
Temporary Tap Shift Mode
To enter Temporary Tap Shift Mode: 1. With the transmission in D (Drive) and not in Permanent Tap Shift
Mode, the Tap Shift controls will
activate a Temporary Tap Shift
Mode, allowing the transmission to
be manually shifted. 2. To deactivate, hold the right
control briefly. Automatic shifts
return after no manual shifts have
been done for seven to 10 seconds.
While using Tap Shift, the vehicle will
have firmer, quicker shifting. This can
be used for sport driving or when
climbing or descending hills, to stay in
gear longer, or to downshift for more
power or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow
shifting into gears appropriate for the
vehicle speed and engine revolutions
per minute (rpm). If shifting is
prevented for any reason, the M or D
will flash in the instrument cluster.
The transmission will not
automatically shift to the next higher
gear if the engine rpm is too high.
It will only automatically shift to the
next lower gear if the engine rpm is
much too low.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature can operate
in All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode. See
Driver Mode Control 0250.
Press MODE to activate AWD. AWD is
active in both AWD and Sport Modes.
The AWD system delivers power to all
four wheels and the system adjusts as
needed to improve traction.
The AWD Mode will stay selected
until the mode is changed. If the
vehicle is placed in Sport Mode, see
Driver Mode Control 0250.
Sport Mode is canceled with each
ignition cycle. See Driver Mode Control
0 250.
When operated in Tour Mode, the
vehicle will deliver power to the front
wheels only and may provide better
fuel economy.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
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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) -
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290 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing a
trailer if the correct equipment is
not used or the vehicle is not driven
properly. For example, if the trailer
is too heavy or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load, the vehicle
may not stop as expected. You and
others could be seriously injured.
The vehicle may also be damaged,
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Pull a trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been followed. Ask
your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just driving
the vehicle by itself. Trailering means
changes in handling, acceleration,
braking, durability, and fuel economy.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. See
Manual Mode
0 244.
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)