Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15218998) -
2022 - CRC - 10/22/21
308 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer
on a level surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and your
trailer on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the
wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake
pedal to allow the chocks to absorb
the load of the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal:
.Start the engine.
.Shift into a gear.
.Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more often
when used to tow trailers. See
Maintenance Schedule 0395. It is
especially important to check the
transmission for fluid leaks, engine
oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before and
during each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
0 334.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To tow a trailer
correctly, follow the directions in
this section and see your dealer for
important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15218998) -
2022 - CRC - 10/22/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 309
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity
for your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades,
outside temperature, dimensions of
the front of the trailer, and how
frequently the vehicle is used to tow a
trailer.
Trailer Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined
weight of the vehicle, vehicle contents,
trailer, and trailer contents must be
below all of the maximum weight
ratings for the vehicle including:
.GCWR: Gross Combined Weight
Rating
.GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight See
“Weight-Distributing Hitch
Adjustment ”under Towing Equipment
0 312 to determine if equalizer bars
are required to obtain the maximum
trailer weight rating.
See “Trailer Brakes ”under Towing
Equipment 0312 to determine if
brakes are required based on your
trailer's weight.
The only way to be sure the weight is
not exceeding any of these ratings is
to weigh the tow vehicle and trailer
combination, fully loaded for the trip,
getting individual weights for each of
these items.
{Warning
You and others could be seriously
injured or killed if the trailer is too
heavy or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load. The vehicle
may be damaged, and the repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Only tow a trailer if all the steps in
this section have been followed. Ask
your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer.
Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR)
GCWR is the total allowable weight of
the completely loaded vehicle and
trailer including any fuel, passengers,
cargo, equipment, and accessories. Do
not exceed the GCWR for your vehicle.
The GCWR for the vehicle is on the
tow rating chart later in this section.
To check that the weight of the
vehicle and trailer are within the
GCWR for the vehicle:
1. Start with the curb weight from the Trailering Information Label.
2. Add the weight of the trailer loaded with cargo and ready for the trip.
3. Add the weight of all passengers.
4. Add the weight of all cargo in the vehicle.
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15218998) -
2022 - CRC - 10/22/21
310 DRIVING AND OPERATING
5. Add the weight of hitch hardwaresuch as a draw bar, ball, load
equalizer bars, or sway bars.
6. Add the weight of any accessories or aftermarket equipment added to
the vehicle.
The resulting weight cannot exceed
the GCWR value shown on the
Trailering Information Label.
The gross combined weight can also
be confirmed by weighing the truck
and trailer on a public scale. The truck
and trailer should be loaded for the
trip with passengers and cargo.
Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR)
For information about the vehicle's
maximum load capacity, see Vehicle
Load Limits 0226. When calculating
the GVWR with a trailer attached, the
trailer tongue weight must be
included as part of the weight the
vehicle is carrying.
Maximum Trailer Weight
The maximum trailer weight rating is
calculated assuming the tow vehicle
has a driver, a front seat passenger,
and all required trailering equipment.
This value represents the heaviest
trailer the vehicle can tow, but it may
be necessary to reduce the trailer
weight to stay within the GCW,
GVWR, maximum trailer tongue load,
or GAWR-RR for the vehicle.
Use the tow rating chart to determine
how much the trailer can weigh, based
on the vehicle model and options.
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15218998) -
2022 - CRC - 10/22/21
312 DRIVING AND OPERATING
The trailer tongue weight (1) should
be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight (2). Some specific trailer types,
such as boat trailers, fall outside of
this range. Always refer to the trailer
owner’s manual for the recommended
trailer tongue weight for each trailer.
Never exceed the maximum loads for
your vehicle, hitch, and trailer.
After loading the trailer, separately
weigh the trailer and then the trailer
tongue and calculate the trailer load
balance percentage to see if the
weights and distribution are
appropriate for your vehicle. If the
trailer weight is too high, it may be
possible to transfer some of the cargointo your vehicle. If the trailer tongue
weight is too high or too low, it may
be possible to rearrange some of the
cargo inside of the trailer.
Do not exceed the maximum
allowable tongue weight for your
vehicle. Use the shortest hitch
extension available to position the
hitch ball closer to your vehicle. This
will help reduce the effect of the
trailer tongue weight on the trailer
hitch and the rear axle.
If a cargo carrier is used in the trailer
hitch receiver, choose a carrier that
positions the load as close to the
vehicle as possible. Make sure the
total weight, including the carrier, is
no more than half of the maximum
allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or assistance.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Always use the correct hitch
equipment for your vehicle.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by, and
rough roads can affect the trailer and
the hitch.
Never attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches. Only use
frame-mounted hitches that do not
attach to the bumper.
Hitch Cover
To remove the hitch cover,
if equipped:
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15218998) -
2022 - CRC - 10/22/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 313
1. Undo the two fasteners on thebottom surface by turning them
counter-clockwise.
2. Pull the lower edge of the cover to about a 45 degree angle.
3. Pull the cover downward to disengage the upper attachments.
To reinstall the hitch cover: 1. Hold the cover at a 45 degree angle to the vehicle and push the upper
tabs into the slots in the bumper.
2. Push the bottom of the cover forward until the holes on the
cover line up with the holes on the
bumper.
3. Snap the hitch cover into place by pushing the upper corners forward.
4. Reinstall the two fasteners on the lower surface by turning clockwise.
Consider using mechanical sway
controls with any trailer. Ask a
trailering professional about sway
controls or refer to the trailer
manufacturer's recommendations and
instructions.Weight-Distributing Hitch
Adjustment
A weight-distributing hitch may be
useful with some trailers.
1. Front of Vehicle
2. Body to Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributing
hitch, measure the front fender height
above the front axle distance (2)
before and after connecting the trailer.
Adjust the spring bars until the front
fender height distance (2) is
approximately halfway between the
first and second measurements.
Tires
.Do not tow a trailer while using a
compact spare tire on the vehicle.
.Tires must be properly inflated to
support loads while towing a trailer.
See Tires 0351 for instructions on
proper tire inflation.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer, and attach the
chains to the holes on the trailer hitch
platform. Instructions about safety
chains may be provided by the hitch
manufacturer or by the trailer
manufacturer.
Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer to help prevent
the tongue from contacting the road if
it becomes separated from the hitch.
Always leave just enough slack so the
combination can turn. Never allow
safety chains to drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Loaded trailers over 450 kg (1,000 lb)
must be equipped with brake systems
and with brakes for each axle. Trailer
braking equipment conforming to
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15218998) -
2022 - CRC - 10/22/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 315
controller as part of the trailer wiring
package. The harness contains the
following circuits:Electric Trailer
Brakes Blue
Battery Feed Red/Black or
Red/Blue
Brake Apply
Signal White/Blue
Ground Black or White
Refer to the aftermarket electric trailer
brake controller owner's manual to
determine wire color coding of the
electric trailer brake controller. The
wire colors on the brake controller
may be different from the vehicle.
It may be necessary to have a
technician connect the 12-volt power
to the engine compartment fuse block.
The electric trailer brake controller
should be installed by your dealer or a
qualified service center.
Trailer Lamps
Always check that all trailer lamps are
working at the beginning of each trip,
and periodically on longer trips.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer
turn signals should illuminate to
indicate the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes, or stopping. When
towing a trailer, the arrows on the
instrument cluster will illuminate
even if the trailer is not properly
connected or the bulbs are
burned out.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) have a Trailer
Sway Control (TSC) feature. Trailer
sway is unintended side-to-side
motion of a trailer while towing. If the
vehicle is towing a trailer and the TSC
detects that sway is increasing, the
vehicle brakes are selectively applied
to help reduce excessive trailer sway.
If equipped with the Integrated Trailer
Brake Control (ITBC) system, and the
trailer has an electric brake system,
StabiliTrak/ESC may also apply the
trailer brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak/ESC warning
light will flash on the instrument
cluster. Reduce vehicle speed by
gradually removing your foot from the
accelerator pedal. If trailer sway
continues, StabiliTrak/ESC can reduce
engine torque to help slow the vehicle.
TSC will not function if StabiliTrak/
ESC is turned off. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0247.
{Warning
Trailer sway can result in a crash
and in serious injury or death, even
if the vehicle is equipped with TSC.
If the trailer begins to sway, reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing
your foot from the accelerator. Then
pull over to check the trailer and
vehicle to help correct possible
(Continued)
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15218998) -
2022 - CRC - 10/22/21
316 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Warning (Continued)
causes, including an improperly or
overloaded trailer, unrestrained
cargo, improper trailer hitch
configuration, or improperly
inflated or incorrect vehicle or
trailer tires. SeeTowing Equipment
0 312 for trailer ratings and hitch
setup recommendations.
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from
vehicle tires. Trailer tires are designed
with stiff sidewalls to help prevent
sway and to support heavy loads.
These features can make it difficult to
determine if the trailer tire pressures
are low only based on a visual
inspection.
Always check all trailer tire pressures
before each trip when the tires are
cool. Low trailer tire pressure is a
leading cause of trailer tire blowouts.
Trailer tires deteriorate over time. The
trailer tire sidewall will show the week
and year the tire was manufactured. Many trailer tire manufacturers
recommend replacing tires more than
six years old.
Overloading is another leading cause
of trailer tire blowouts. Never load the
trailer with more weight than the tires
are designed to support. The load
rating is on the trailer tire sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed
rating for the trailer tires before
driving. This may be significantly
lower than the vehicle tire speed
rating. The speed rating may be on
the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed
rating is not shown, the default trailer
tire speed rating is 105 km/h (65 mph).
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. See
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0115.
A device connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle systems.
This could affect vehicle operation
and cause a crash. Such devices
may also access information stored
in the vehicle’s systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and would (Continued)
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15218998) -
2022 - CRC - 10/22/21
318 VEHICLE CARE
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . 328
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . 329
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . 337
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . 338 Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . 340
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . 341
Bulb Replacement
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . 341
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . 343
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . 347
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . 360
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361 Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
When It Is Time for New
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Different Size Tires and
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 368
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . 382
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392