Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
320 VEHICLE CARE
4. Put the vehicle in Service Mode.See Ignition Positions 0232.
5. Turn off the air conditioning.
6. Set the parking brake.
7. At the same time, press the accelerator and the brake for
automatic transmission vehicles for
two seconds, then release.
At the end of the cycle, check the
coolant level in the surge tank and
add coolant, if it is low. Turn off the
vehicle, allow the Engine Control
Module (ECM) to go to sleep, about
two minutes, and repeat steps 3-7.
Listen for pump activation and
movement of the control valves while
watching the level of the tank. If the
tank empties, turn the ignition off,
carefully remove the surge tank cap,
refill to the indicated mark and repeat
steps 3-6. The fill and air removal
process will run for approximately
10 minutes.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has several indicators to
warn of the engine overheating. There is an engine coolant
temperature gauge on the instrument
cluster. See
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge 0113. The vehicle may also
display a message on the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears, get
service help right away. See Roadside
Service 0401.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is parked
on a level surface. Then check to see if
the engine cooling fan is running.
If the engine is overheating, the fan
should be running. If it is not, do not
continue to run the engine. Have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak in the engine cooling system.
This can cause a loss of all coolant
and can damage the system and
vehicle. Have any leaks fixed
right away.
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.
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
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322 VEHICLE CARE
Brakes
Disc brake linings have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake linings
are worn and new linings are needed.
The sound can come and go or can be
heard all the time when the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will not
work well. That could lead to a
crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake linings could result in costly
brake repairs.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied, clearing up following several applications. This
does not mean something is wrong
with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake linings for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications. See
Capacities and
Specifications 0394.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does
not return to normal height, or if
there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign that brake
service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement parts.
If this is not done, the brakes may not
work properly. The braking
performance can change in many ways if the wrong brake parts are
installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is
filled with GM approved DOT 3 brake
fluid as indicated on the reservoir cap.
See
Engine Compartment Overview
0 308 for the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum
marks on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the fluid
level goes back up.
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
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324 VEHICLE CARE
{Warning
WARNING:Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Batteries also contain other
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer. WASH
HANDS AFTER HANDLING. For
more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning
0 304 and the back cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode. You
can be badly hurt if you are not
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
careful. SeeJump Starting - North
America 0364 for tips on working
around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery to
keep the battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery or
use a battery trickle charger.
All-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
Under normal driving conditions,
transfer case fluid does not require
maintenance unless there is a fluid
leak or unusual noise. If required,
have the transfer case serviced by
your dealer.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check, the
vehicle could begin to move. You or
others could be injured and
property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of the
vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be
ready to apply the regular brake at
once should the vehicle begin
to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the
vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your
foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
.To check the parking brake's
holding ability: With the engine
running and the transmission in
N (Neutral), slowly remove foot
pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
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VEHICLE CARE 325
.To check the P (Park) mechanism's
holding ability: With the engine
running, shift to P (Park). Then
release the parking brake followed
by the regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is
required.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be
inspected for wear or cracking.
It is a good idea to clean or replace
the wiper blade assembly on a regular
basis or when worn. For proper
windshield wiper blade length and
type, see Maintenance Replacement
Parts 0390.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch
the windshield when no wiper blade
is installed could damage the
windshield. Any damage that occurs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not allow the wiper
arm to touch the windshield.
Front Wiper Blade Replacement
To replace the wiper blade assembly:
1. Pull the windshield wiper assembly away from the windshield.
2. Lift up on the latch (2) in themiddle of the wiper blade (1)
assembly where the wiper arm (3)
attaches.
3. With the latch (2) open, pull thewiper blade (1) assembly down
toward the windshield far enough
to release it from the J-hooked end
of the wiper arm (3).
4. Remove the wiper blade.
5. Reverse Steps 1–3 for wiper blade replacement.
Rear Wiper Blade Replacement
To replace the wiper blade assembly:
1. Put the vehicle in ACC/ACCESSORY and turn on the rear windshield
wiper. The wiper will stop pointing
down. See Rear Window Wiper/
Washer 0104.
2. Push ENGINE START/STOP to turn the vehicle off.
3. Pull the wiper arm away from the window.
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
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358 VEHICLE CARE
Warning (Continued)
dealer or an authorized tire service
center repair or replace the flat tire
as soon as possible.
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under
it to do maintenance or repairs is
dangerous without the appropriate
safety equipment and training. If a
jack is provided with the vehicle, it
is designed only for changing a flat
tire. If it is used for anything else,
you or others could be badly injured
or killed if the vehicle slips off the
jack. If a jack is provided with the
vehicle, only use it for changing a
flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place, well off the road,
if possible. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. See Hazard Warning
Flashers 0142.
{Warning
Changing a tire can be dangerous.
The vehicle can slip off the jack and
roll over or fall causing injury or
death. Find a level place to change
the tire. To help prevent the vehicle
from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a manual
transmission in 1 (First) or
R (Reverse).
3. Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle is
raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
5. Place wheel blocks, if equipped, on both sides of the tire at the
opposite corner of the tire
being changed.
When the vehicle has a flat tire (2),
use the following example as a guide
to assist in the placement of the
wheel blocks (1), if equipped.
1. Wheel Block (If Equipped)
2. Flat Tire
The following information explains
how to repair or change a tire.
Tire Changing
Removing the Spare Tire and
Tools
To access the spare tire and tools: 1. Open the liftgate. See Liftgate020.
2. Lift the load floor.
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
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VEHICLE CARE 367
9. Start the engine in the vehicle withthe good battery and run the
engine at idle speed for at least
four minutes.
10. Try to start the vehicle that had the discharged battery. If it will not
start after a few tries, it probably
needs service.
Caution
If the jumper cables are connected
or removed in the wrong order,
electrical shorting may occur and
damage the vehicle. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always connect and
remove the jumper cables in the
correct order, making sure that the
cables do not touch each other or
other metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle and
removing the jumper cables, allow it
to idle for several minutes.
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not lash or
hook to suspension components.
Use the proper straps around the
tires to secure the vehicle. Do not
drag a locked wheel/tire. Use tire
skates or dollies under any locked
wheel/tire while loading the vehicle.
Do not use a sling type lift to tow
the vehicle. This could damage the
vehicle.
Caution
Improper use of the tow eye can
damage the vehicle. If equipped, use
the tow eye to load a disabled
vehicle onto a flatbed tow truck
from a flat road surface, or to move
the vehicle a short distance. Use
caution and low speeds. The (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
transmission must be
in (N) Neutral when moving the
vehicle.
GM recommends a flatbed tow truck
to transport a disabled vehicle. Use
ramps to help reduce approach angles,
if necessary. A towed vehicle should
have its drive wheels off the ground.
Contact Roadside Service or a
professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed.
If the vehicle is equipped with a tow
eye, only use the tow eye to pull the
vehicle onto a flatbed car carrier from
a flat road surface. Do not use the tow
eye to pull the vehicle from snow,
mud, or sand.
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
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SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 381
this work. If the engine oil life system
is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil Life System0313.
Engine Air Filter Change
When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL
CHANGE message displays, the engine
air filter should be replaced at the
next engine oil change. When the
REPLACE ENGINE AIR FILTER SOON
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced at the earliest
convenience. Reset the engine air
filter life system after the engine air
filter is replaced. See Engine Air Filter
Life System 0314.
Air Conditioning Desiccant
(Replace Every Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years. This
service requires replacement of the
desiccant to help the longevity and
efficient operation of the air
conditioning system. This service can
be complex. See your dealer.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km
(7,500 mi)
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the following
services. See Tire Rotation0351.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change
engine oil and filter, and reset oil
life system. See Engine Oil0311 and
Engine Oil Life System 0313.
.Check the air filter life percentage.
If necessary, replace the engine air
filter and reset the engine air filter
life system. See Engine Air Filter Life
System 0314.
.Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0316.
.Check windshield washer fluid level.
See Washer Fluid 0321.
.Check tire inflation pressures. See
Tire Pressure 0343.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 350.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior
Care 0370.
.Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damage, including
cracks or tears in the rubber boots,
loose or missing parts, or signs of
wear at least once a year. See
Exterior Care 0370.
.Inspect power steering for proper
electrical connections, binding,
cracks, chafing, etc.
.Visually inspect halfshafts and drive
shafts for excessive wear, lubricant
leaks, and/or damage including:
tube dents or cracks, constant
velocity joint or universal joint
looseness, cracked or missing boots,
loose or missing boot clamps, center
bearing excessive looseness, loose or
missing fasteners, and axle seal
leaks.
.Check restraint system components.
See Safety System Check 060.
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386 SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services -
Severe
(1) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent passenger
compartment air filter replacement
may be needed if driving in areas with
heavy traffic, poor air quality, high
dust levels, or environmental
allergens. Passenger compartment air
filter replacement may also be needed
if there is reduced airf low, window
fogging, or odors. Your GM dealer can
help determine when to replace the
filter.
(2) Visually check all fuel and vapor
lines and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition.
(3) Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water can
overcome the seals and contaminate
the transfer case fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and/or axles and should
be replaced.
(4) Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System0316. (5)
Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage; replace,
if needed.
(6) Replace brake fluid every five
years. See Brake Fluid 0322.
(7) Or every 12 months, whichever
comes first. See Wiper Blade
Replacement 0325.
(8) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. See Gas Strut(s)0326.
(9) Replace air conditioning desiccant
every seven years.
Special Application
Services
.Severe Commercial Use Vehicles
Only: Lubricate chassis components
every oil change.
.Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody
Maintenance" in Exterior Care0370.
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Your vehicle is an important
investment and caring for it properly
may help to avoid future costly
repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional maintenance
services may be required.
It is recommended that your dealer
perform these services —their trained
dealer technicians know your vehicle
best. Your dealer can also perform a
thorough assessment with a
multi-point inspection to recommend
when your vehicle may need
attention.
The following list is intended to
explain the services and conditions to
look for that may indicate services are
required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power to
start the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories.
.To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a battery
with full cranking power.