2021 CADILLAC XT6 all wheel drive

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
244 DRIVING AND OPERATING
2. From the center position, move theshift lever back.
.If the vehicle is in P (Park), press
the shift lock release button
while pulling the shift
lever back.
.D will illuminate in red.
.After releasing the shift lever, it
will return to the center
position.
To shift out of D (Drive): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding. See “Skidding”underLoss
of Control 0221.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill using
only the accelerator pedal may
damage the transmission. The
repair will not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. If the vehicle is
stuck, do not spin the tires. When
stopping on a hill, use the brakes to
hold the vehicle in place.
Manual Mode
Tap Shift
Caution
Driving with the engine at a high
rpm without upshifting while using
Tap Shift, could damage the vehicle.
Always upshift when necessary
while using Tap Shift.
If equipped, vehicles with Tap Shift
have controls on the back of the
steering wheel to manually shift the
automatic transmission.
Permanent Tap Shift Mode
To enter Permanent Tap Shift Mode:1. With the vehicle in D (Drive), pull back on the shift lever to activate
M (Manual Mode). The M in the
shift pattern will illuminate in red,
and the D will switch to white.
2. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.

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) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 247
The system has a red parking brake
status light and an amber service
parking brake warning light. See
Electric Parking Brake Light0117 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light
0 118. There are also parking
brake-related Driver Information
Center (DIC) messages.
Before leaving the vehicle, check the
red parking brake status light to
ensure that the parking brake is
applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will
flash and then stay on once the EPB is
fully applied. If the red parking brake
status light flashes continuously, then
the EPB is only partially applied or
there is a problem with the EPB.
A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again.
If the light does not come on, or keeps
flashing, have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the vehicle if the red parking
brake status light is flashing. See your
dealer.
If the amber service parking brake
warning light is on, press the EPB
switch. Continue to hold the switch
until the red parking brake status light
remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is on, see
your dealer.
If the EPB is applied while the vehicle
is moving, the vehicle will decelerate
as long as the switch is pressed. If the
switch is pressed until the vehicle
comes to a stop, the EPB will remain
applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply
the EPB in some situations when the
vehicle is not moving. This is normal,
and is done to periodically check the
correct operation of the EPB system,
or at the request of other safety
functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red
parking brake status light is off.
If the amber service parking brake
warning light is on, release the EPB by
pressing and holding the EPB switch.
Continue to hold the switch until the
red parking brake status light is off.
If either light stays on after release is
attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system and
cause premature wear or damage to
brake system parts. Make sure that
the parking brake is fully released
and the brake warning light is off
before driving.

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 249
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the
system senses a discrepancy between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure at any one of the
vehicle's brakes to help steer the
vehicle in the direction which you are
steering.
If cruise control is being used and TCS
or StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit
wheel spin, cruise control will
disengage. Cruise control may be
turned back on when road conditions
allow. TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC will
automatically turn on when cruise
control is set.
Both systems come on automatically
when the vehicle is started and begins
to move. The systems may be heard or
felt while they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This is
normal and does not mean there is a
problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary to
turn TCS off if the vehicle gets stuckin sand, mud, ice, or snow. See
If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0228 and “Turning
the Systems Off and On ”later in this
section.
The indicator light for both systems is
in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is
activated.
.Turn on and stay on when either
system is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message may display in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on and stays on to indicate
that the system is inactive and is not
assisting the driver in maintaining
control. The vehicle is safe to drive,
but driving should be adjusted
accordingly. If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on and
stays on, the vehicle may need more
time to diagnose the problem. If the
condition persists, see your dealer.
Turning the Systems Off and On

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
250 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is off.
The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and
release
g. The Traction Off lighti
displays in the instrument cluster and
a DIC message may display. To turn
TCS on again, press and release
g.
The Traction Off light
idisplayed in
the instrument cluster will turn off
and a DIC message may display.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
g
is pressed, the system will not turn off
until the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/
ESC, press and hold
guntil the
Traction Off light
iand StabiliTrak/
ESC Off light
gcome on and stay on
in the instrument cluster. A DIC
message may display. To turn TCS and
StabiliTrak/ESC on again, press and
release
g. The Traction Off lighti
and StabiliTrak/ESC Off lightgin the
instrument cluster turn off and a DIC
message may display.
StabiliTrak will automatically turn on
if the vehicle exceeds 56 km/h
(35 mph). Traction control will
remain off.
Adding accessories can affect vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications 0305.
Driver Mode Control
Depending on the option package and
available features, Driver Mode
Control can have the following modes:
Tour, Sport, All-Wheel Drive (AWD),
Snow/Ice (FWD vehicles only), and
Off-Road (AWD vehicles only).Driver Mode Control Switch
Press the Drive Mode button on the
center console to make a mode
selection. When pressed, the mode
menu will display in the instrument
cluster and activate the next
available mode.
If the vehicle is in Tour or AWD it will
stay in that mode through future
ignition cycles. If the vehicle is in any
other mode, it will revert back to Tour
Mode when the vehicle is restarted.
When AWD, Sport Mode, Snow/Ice
Mode, or Off-Road is selected, a
unique and persistent indicator will be

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
258 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Selecting the Follow Distance Gap
When a slower moving vehicle is
detected ahead within the selected
following gap, ACC will adjust the
vehicle's speed and attempt to
maintain the follow distance gap
selected.
Press
[on the steering wheel to
adjust the following gap. Each press
cycles the gap button through three
settings: Far, Medium, or Near.
When pressed, the current gap setting
displays briefly on the instrument
cluster and HUD (if equipped).
Subsequent presses cycle the gap
button through three settings: Far,
Medium, or Near. The gap setting will
be maintained until it is changed.
Since each gap setting corresponds to
a following time (Far, Medium,
or Near), the following distance will
vary based on vehicle speed. The
faster the vehicle speed, the further
back your vehicle will follow a vehicle
detected ahead. Consider traffic and
weather conditions when selecting the following gap. The range of selectable
gaps may not be appropriate for all
drivers and driving conditions.
Changing the gap setting
automatically changes the alert timing
sensitivity (Far, Medium, or Near) for
the Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
feature. See
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System 0272.
Alerting the Driver
With Head-Up Display
Without Head-Up Display If ACC is engaged, driver action may
be required when ACC cannot apply
sufficient braking because of
approaching a vehicle too rapidly.
When this condition occurs, the
collision alert symbol will flash on the
windshield. Either eight beeps will
sound from the front, or both sides of
the Safety Alert Seat will pulse five
times. See
“Collision/Detection
Systems” underVehicle Personalization
0 130.
See Defensive Driving 0219.
Approaching and Following a
Vehicle
The vehicle ahead indicator is in the
instrument cluster and HUD display,
if equipped.
The vehicle ahead indicator only
displays when a vehicle is detected in
your vehicle’s path moving in the
same direction.