
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
DRIVING AND OPERATING 221
.Holding both sides of the steering
wheel allows you to turn
180 degrees without removing
a hand.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
allows steering while braking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off
the edge of a road onto the shoulder
while driving. Follow these tips:1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer
the vehicle so that it straddles the
edge of the pavement. 2. Turn the steering wheel about
one-eighth of a turn, until the right
front tire contacts the
pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three
control systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not
rolling.
.Steering or Cornering Skid —too
much speed or steering in a curve
causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force.
.Acceleration Skid —too much
throttle causes the driving wheels
to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by
taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible. If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the accelerator
pedal and steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. The vehicle may
straighten out. Be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
.Slow down and adjust your driving
according to weather conditions.
Stopping distance can be longer and
vehicle control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water, snow,
ice, gravel, or other material on the
road. Learn to recognize warning
clues
—such as enough water, ice,
or packed snow on the road to
make a mirrored surface —and
slow down when you have any
doubt.
.Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking, including
reducing vehicle speed by shifting
to a lower gear. Any sudden changes
could cause the tires to slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid
only the braking skid.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 227
begins to fall. Avoid driving on wet ice
or in freezing rain until roads can be
treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating too
quickly causes the wheels to spin
and makes the surface under the
tires slick.
.Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control0248.
.Antilock Brake System (ABS)
improves vehicle stability during
hard stops, but the brakes should be
applied sooner than when on dry
pavement. See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) 0246.
.Allow greater following distance and
watch for slippery spots. Icy patches
can occur on otherwise clear roads
in shaded areas. The surface of a
curve or an overpass can remain icy
when the surrounding roads are
clear. Avoid sudden steering
maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
.Select All-Wheel Drive (AWD) mode.
See Driver Mode Control 0250 and
All-Wheel Drive 0245.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
signal for help. Stay with the vehicle
unless there is help nearby. If possible,
use Roadside Assistance. See Roadside
Service 0401. To get help and keep
everyone in the vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may cause
exhaust gases to get inside. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide
(CO), which cannot be seen or
smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking
the exhaust pipe.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in)
on the vehicle side that is away
from the wind, to bring in
fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or
under the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control
system to circulate the air inside
the vehicle and set the fan speed
to the highest setting. See
“Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0239.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then
shut the engine off and partially close
the window. Moving about to keep
warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the
engine runs faster than the idle speed.
This keeps the battery charged to
restart the vehicle and to signal for
help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
236 DRIVING AND OPERATING
starting the vehicle. An internal
thermostat in the plug end of the cord
will prevent engine heater operation
at temperatures above−18 °C (0 °F).
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block
heater while the vehicle is parked in
a garage or under a carport.
Property damage or personal injury
may result. Always park the vehicle
in a clear open area away from
buildings or structures.
To Use the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Remove the engine heater
connector cover by gently prying
with a flat-bladed tool at the
location of the notch along the top
edge of the cover.
3. Check the heater cord for damage.If it is damaged, do not use it. See
your dealer for a replacement.
Inspect the cord for damage yearly.
4. Plug the heater cord into theconnector in the front fascia.
5. Plug it into a normal, grounded 110-volt AC outlet.
{Warning
Improper use of the heater cord or
an extension cord can damage the
cord and may result in overheating
and fire.
.Plug the cord into a three-prong
electrical utility receptacle that is
protected by a ground fault
(Continued)

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 239
If the vehicle has an Active Fuel
Management indicator, see Driver
Information Center (DIC) for more
information on using this display.
Extended Parking
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left running,
be sure it will not move and there is
adequate ventilation.
SeeShifting Into Park 0237 and
Engine Exhaust 0239.
If the vehicle is left parked and
running with the RKE transmitter
outside the vehicle, it will continue to
run for up to half an hour.
If the vehicle is left parked and
running with the RKE transmitter
inside the vehicle, it will continue to
run for up to an hour.
The vehicle could turn off sooner if it
is parked on a hill, due to lack of
available fuel.
The timer will reset if the vehicle is
taken out of P (Park) while it is
running.
Engine Exhaust
{
Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areas with
poor ventilation (parking garages,
tunnels, deep snow that may
block underbody airf low or tail
pipes).
.The exhaust smells or sounds
strange or different.
.The exhaust system leaks due to
corrosion or damage.
.The vehicle exhaust system has
been modified, damaged,
or improperly repaired.
.There are holes or openings in
the vehicle body from damage or
aftermarket modifications that
are not completely sealed. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
If unusual fumes are detected or if
it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle:
.Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
.Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed area
such as a garage or a building that
has no fresh air ventilation.
Running the Vehicle While
Parked
It is better not to park with the engine
running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine
running, follow the proper steps to be
sure the vehicle will not move. See
Shifting Into Park 0237 and
Engine Exhaust 0239.
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0290.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
240 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Automatic Transmission
The shift pattern is displayed in the
top of the shift lever. The selected
gear position will illuminate red on
the shift lever, while all others will be
displayed in white. If the shift is not
immediate, as in very cold conditions,
the indicator on the shift lever may
flash until it is fully engaged.
The shift lever always starts from a
center position, represented by an up/
down arrow on the shift pattern. After
releasing the shift lever, it will return
to the center position.
The transmission does not operate
when the vehicle is off.If the vehicle is in ACC/ACCESSORY,
the transmission can be shifted into
P (Park).
If the vehicle is turned off while at a
relatively high vehicle speed, the
transmission will automatically shift
to N (Neutral). Once the vehicle is
stopped, P (Park) is automatically
selected.
P :
This position locks the drive
wheels. Use P (Park) when starting the
engine because the vehicle cannot
move easily.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the transmission is not in
P (Park) with the parking brake set.
The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If the engine has
been left running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others could
be injured. To be sure the vehicle
will not move, even when on fairly
level ground, always set the parking
brake and place the transmission
into P (Park). See Shifting Into Park
0 237 and
Electric Parking Brake 0246.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 241
This vehicle is equipped with an
electronically controlled transmission.
The shift lock release button is
designed to prevent inadvertent
shifting out of P (Park) unless the
ignition is on, the brake pedal is
applied, and the shift lock release
button is pressed.
When the vehicle is stopped, press
ENGINE START/STOP to turn off the
vehicle. The transmission will shift to
P (Park) automatically unless the
vehicle is in N (Neutral), See“Car
Wash Mode ”later in this section.
The vehicle will not shift into P (Park)
if it is moving too fast. Stop the
vehicle and shift into P (Park). To shift into and out of P (Park), see
Shifting Into Park
0237 and
Shifting out of Park 0238.
Service Shift Lever Message
If the message SERVICE SHIFTER SEE
OWNER’S MANUAL appears in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), the
shift lever needs service. Have the
vehicle serviced as soon as possible.
If the vehicle is automatically shifting
into P (Park), check to see if the
P (Park) button on top of the shift
lever is stuck. To operate the vehicle,
hold the shift lever in the desired gear,
R (Reverse) or D (Drive), until vehicle
speed exceeds 15 km/h (10 mph), then
release the shift lever.
R : Use this gear to back up.
If the vehicle is shifted from either
R (Reverse) to D (Drive) or M (Manual
Mode), or M (Manual Mode) or
D (Drive) to R (Reverse) while the
speed is too high, the vehicle will shift
to N (Neutral). Reduce the vehicle
speed and try the shift again.
To shift into R (Reverse): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. 2. Press and hold the shift lock
release button on the side of the
shift lever.
3. From the center position, move the shift lever forward through the first
detent to the end of travel. R is
illuminated in red.
4. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
To shift out of R (Reverse): 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.
At low vehicle speeds, R (Reverse) can
be used to rock the vehicle back and
forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand
without damaging the transmission.
See If the Vehicle Is Stuck 0228.
N : In this position, the engine does
not connect with the wheels. To
restart the engine when the vehicle is
already moving, use N (Neutral) only.