Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15218998) -
2022 - CRC - 10/22/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 225
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or IceCaution
To avoid damage to the wheels and
brake components, always clear
snow and ice from inside the
wheels and underneath the vehicle
before driving.
Snow or ice between the tires and the
road creates less traction or grip, so
drive carefully. Wet ice can occur at
about 0 °C (32 °F) when freezing rain
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
Control 0247.
.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) 0244.
.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 0248 and
All-Wheel Drive 0244.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
signal for help. Stay with the vehicle
unless there is help nearby. 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.
.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 0238.
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15218998) -
2022 - CRC - 10/22/21
226 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels
to free the vehicle when stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. SeeTraction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0247.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you or
others could be injured. The vehicle
can overheat, causing an engine
compartment fire or other damage.
Spin the wheels as little as possible
and avoid going above 56 km/h
(35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right
to clear the area around the front
wheels. Turn off any traction system.
Shift back and forth between
R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as
possible. To prevent transmission
wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears. Release
the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator
pedal when the transmission is in
gear. Slowly spinning the wheels in
the forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get
the vehicle out after a few tries, it might need to be towed out. If the
vehicle does need to be towed out, see
Towing the Vehicle
0381.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how
much weight the vehicle can carry.
This weight is called the vehicle
capacity weight and includes the
weight of all occupants, cargo, and
all nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on the vehicle may
show how much weight it may
properly carry, the Tire and
Loading Information label and the
Certification/Tire label.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or
rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR). This can cause
systems to break and change
the way the vehicle handles.
(Continued)
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15218998) -
2022 - CRC - 10/22/21
244 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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 Control0248.
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
0248.
Sport Mode is canceled with each
ignition cycle. See Driver Mode Control
0 248.
When operated in Tour Mode, the
vehicle will deliver power to the front
wheels only and may provide better
fuel economy.
If Tour Mode is selected see Driver
Mode Control 0248.
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake
boost have hydraulic brake circuits
that are electronically controlled when
the brake pedal is applied during
normal operation. The system
performs routine tests and turns off
within a few minutes after the vehicle
is turned off. Noise may be heard
during this time. If the brake pedal is
pressed during the tests or when the electric brake boost system is off, a
noticeable change in pedal force and
travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
helps prevent a braking skid and
maintain steering while braking hard.
ABS performs a system check when
the vehicle is first driven.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
may be heard while this test is going
on, and the brake pedal may move
slightly. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See
Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 118.
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15218998) -
2022 - CRC - 10/22/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 247
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.
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 conditionsallow. 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 stuck
in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See
If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0226 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:
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15218998) -
2022 - CRC - 10/22/21
248 DRIVING AND OPERATING
.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
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 0319.
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control allows the driver
to adjust the overall driving
experience by selecting different
modes. If equipped, the Driver Mode
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15218998) -
2022 - CRC - 10/22/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 249
Control has the following modes:
Tour, Sport, All-Wheel Drive (AWD),
Snow/Ice (in Front-Wheel Drive
vehicles only), and Off-Road (in AWD
vehicles only). Driver mode availability
and affected vehicle subsystems are
dependent upon vehicle trim level,
region, and optional features.
Press MODE on the center console to
make a mode selection. The first press
of the switch will show the current
mode in the instrument cluster.
Continue pressing through the
available modes.
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 return to Tour
Mode when the vehicle is restarted.
When a mode is selected, an indicator
will come on in the instrument cluster
and stay on.
Driver Mode Control Switch
Tour : Tour Mode operates in FWD to
improve fuel economy. Use this mode
during normal driving operations.
Sport : Sport Mode improves vehicle
handling and acceleration on dry
pavement. When active, Sport Mode
modifies steering efforts, transmission
shifting, AWD, ESC, engine sound
enhancement, and suspension tuning,
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.
When in AWD Mode, the AWD Mode
indicator light will be on. For more
information on AWD Mode, see
All-Wheel Drive 0244.
Snow/Ice (FWD Vehicles Only) :
Snow/Ice Mode improves vehicle
acceleration on snow and ice covered
roads.
Off-Road (AWD Vehicles Only) : Use
this mode for off-road recreational
driving. Off-Road Mode should be
used to improve driving at moderate
speeds, on grass, gravel, dirt, unpaved
roads, or snow-covered roads. This
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15218998) -
2022 - CRC - 10/22/21
250 DRIVING AND OPERATING
mode modifies pedal mapping,
suspension tuning, AWD, ABS, ESC,
and TCS performance.
For more information on off-road
driving, seeOff-Road Driving 0220.
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 0247. If a
collision alert occurs when cruise
control is activated, cruise control is
disengaged. See Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System 0287. When road
conditions allow cruise control to be
safely used, it can be turned back on.
Cruise control will disengage if either
TCS or StabiliTrak/ESC is turned off.
If the brakes are applied, cruise
control disengages.
J: Press to turn the system on and
off. A white indicator appears in the
instrument cluster when cruise is
turned on.
RES+ : If there is a set speed in
memory, move the thumbwheel up
briefly to resume that speed or move
the thumbwheel up and hold to
accelerate. If cruise control is already
active, use to increase vehicle speed.
To increase speed by 1 km/h (1 mph),
press RES+ to the first detent. To
increase speed to the next 5 km/h
(5 mph) mark on the speedometer,
press RES+ to the second detent.
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15218998) -
2022 - CRC - 10/22/21
252 DRIVING AND OPERATING
.To decrease the vehicle speed in
larger increments, briefly press SET
−to the second detent. For each
press, the vehicle speed decreases to
the next 5 km/h (5 mph) mark on
the speedometer.
The cruise control system may
automatically brake to slow the
vehicle.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster 0109.
The increment value used depends on
the units displayed.
Passing Another Vehicle While
Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase
the vehicle speed. When you take your
foot off the pedal, the vehicle will slow
down to the previous set cruise speed.
While pressing the accelerator pedal
or shortly following the release to
override cruise, briefly moving the
thumbwheel down toward SET− will
result in cruise set to the current
vehicle speed. Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well cruise control will work on
hills depends upon the vehicle speed,
load, and the steepness of the hills.
When going up steep hills, you might
have to step on the accelerator pedal
to maintain speed. When going
downhill, the cruise control system
may automatically brake to slow the
vehicle. Also, you may have to brake
or shift to a lower gear to keep your
speed down. If the brake pedal is
applied, cruise control disengages.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise
control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
.PressJ.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased
from memory if
Jis pressed or if the
ignition is turned off.
Adaptive Cruise Control
(Advanced)
If equipped, Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) allows the cruise control set
speed and following gap to be
selected. Read this entire section
before using this system. The
following gap is the following time
between your vehicle and a vehicle
detected directly ahead in your path,
moving in the same direction. If no
vehicle is detected in your path, ACC
works like regular cruise control. ACC
uses camera and radar sensors. See
Radio Frequency Statement 0421.
If a vehicle is detected in your path,
ACC can speed up the vehicle or apply
limited, moderate braking to maintain
the selected following gap. To
disengage ACC, apply the brake.
If ACC is controlling your vehicle
speed when the traction control
system (TCS) or StabiliTrak electronic
stability control system activates, ACC
may automatically disengage. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0247. When road conditions
allow ACC to be safely used, ACC can
be turned back on.