Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
Instruments and Controls 133
If the ABS warning light stays
on, or comes on again while
driving, the vehicle needs
service. A chime may also
sound when the light stays on.
If the ABS warning light is the
only light on, the vehicle has
regular brakes, but ABS is not
functioning.
If both the ABS warning light
and the brake system warning
light are on, ABS is not
functioning and there is a
problem with the regular
brakes. See your dealer for
service.
See Brake System Warning
Light0131.
Performance Shifting
Light
If equipped, this light may
display green when Sport
Mode is activated and certain
driving conditions are met.
Sport Mode detects when the
vehicle is being driven in a
sporty manner, and adjusts
the shifting of the gears
accordingly. See Driver Mode
Control 0273.
All-Wheel-Drive Light
All-Wheel-Drive Light
Front-Wheel-Drive Light If equipped, the corresponding
light comes on when an
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) mode
or Front-Wheel-Drive mode is
selected. See Driver Mode
Control
0273.
If the light turns amber, there
may be a malfunction. See
your dealer.
Lane Keep Assist
(LKA) Light
If equipped, the Lane Keep
Assist Light may display the
following colors:
.Blank: LKA is disabled.
.White: Appears when the
vehicle starts. A steady
white light indicates that
LKA is not ready to assist.
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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146 Instruments and Controls
If the HUD image is not
correct, contact your dealer.
The windshield is part of the
HUD system. See Windshield
Replacement0363.
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the
DIC indicate the status of the
vehicle or some action that
may be needed to correct a
condition. Multiple messages
may appear one after another.
The messages that do not
require immediate action can
be acknowledged and cleared
by pressing
V. The messages
that require immediate action
cannot be cleared until that
action is performed.
All messages should be taken
seriously; clearing the
message does not correct the
problem.
If a SERVICE message
appears, see your dealer. Follow the instructions given
in the messages. The system
displays messages regarding
the following topics:
.Service Messages
.Fluid Levels
.Vehicle Security
.Brakes
.Steering
.Ride Control Systems
.Driver Assistance Systems
.Cruise Control
.Lighting and Bulb
Replacement
.Wiper/Washer Systems
.Doors and Windows
.Seat Belts
.Airbag Systems
.Engine and Transmission
.Tire Pressure
.Battery
Engine Power
Messages
ENGINE POWER IS
REDUCED
This message displays when
the vehicle's propulsion power
is reduced. A reduction in
propulsion power can affect
the vehicle's ability to
accelerate. If this message is
on, but there is no observed
reduction in performance,
proceed to your destination.
Under certain conditions the
performance may be reduced
the next time the vehicle is
driven. The vehicle may be
driven while this message is
on, but maximum acceleration
and speed may be reduced.
Anytime this message stays
on, or displays repeatedly, the
vehicle should be taken to
your dealer for service as
soon as possible.
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154 Lighting
.The exterior lamp control is
in AUTO.
.The light sensor determines
it is daytime.
.The parking brake is
released or the vehicle is not
in P (Park).
When the DRL are on, the
taillamps, sidemarker lamps,
and other lamps will not be on.
The DRL turn off when the
headlamps are turned to
Oor
the ignition is off. For vehicles
first sold in Canada, the DRL
can only be turned off when
the vehicle is parked.
Automatic Headlamp
System
When the exterior lamp
control is set to AUTO and it is
dark enough outside, the
headlamps come on
automatically.
There is a light sensor on top
of the instrument panel. Do
not cover the sensor.
The system may also turn on
the headlamps when driving
through a parking garage or
tunnel.
If the vehicle is started in a
dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system comes on
immediately. If it is light
outside when the vehicle
leaves the garage, there is a
slight delay before the
automatic headlamp system
changes to the Daytime
Running Lamps (DRL). During that delay, the instrument
cluster may not be as bright as
usual. Make sure the
instrument panel brightness
control is in the full bright
position. See Instrument Panel
Illumination Control
0156.
When it is bright enough
outside, the headlamps will
turn off or may change
to DRL.
The automatic headlamp
system turns off when the
exterior lamp control is turned
to
Oor the ignition is off.
For vehicles sold in Canada,
this control only works when
the transmission is in P (Park).
Lights On with Wipers
If the windshield wipers are
activated in daylight with the
engine on, and the exterior
lamp control is in AUTO, the
headlamps, parking lamps, and
other exterior lamps come on.
The transition time for the
lamps coming on varies based
on wiper speed. When the
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 241
.Avoid turns that take the
vehicle across the incline of
the hill. Driving across an
incline puts more weight on
the downhill wheels which
could cause a downhill slide
or a rollover.
.Loose gravel, muddy spots,
or even wet grass can cause
the tires to slip sideways,
downhill. If the vehicle slips
sideways, it can hit
something and potentially
roll over.
.Hidden obstacles can make
the steepness of the incline
more severe. If a rock is
driven across with the uphill
wheels, or if the downhill
wheels drop into a rut or
depression, the vehicle can
tilt even more.
.If an incline must be driven
across, and the vehicle
starts to slide, turn downhill.
This should help straighten
out the vehicle and prevent
the side slipping.
.Never go downhill forward
or backward with the
transmission in N (Neutral).
The brakes could overheat
and you could lose control.
.When driving down a hill,
keep the vehicle headed
straight down. Use a low
gear because the engine will
work with the brakes to slow
the vehicle and help keep
the vehicle under control.
{Warning
Heavy braking when going
down a hill can cause your
brakes to overheat and fade.
This could cause loss of
control and you or others
could be injured or killed.
Apply the brakes lightly
when descending a hill and
use a low gear to keep
vehicle speed under control.
If the vehicle stalls on a hill: 1. Apply the brakes to stop the vehicle, and then apply
the parking brake. 2. Shift into P (Park) and then
restart the engine.
.If driving uphill when the
vehicle stalls, shift to
R (Reverse), release the
parking brake, and back
straight down.
.Never try to turn the
vehicle around. If the hill
is steep enough to stall
the vehicle, it is steep
enough to cause it to
roll over.
.If you cannot make it up
the hill, back straight
down the hill.
.Never back down a hill in
N (Neutral) using only
the brake.
.The vehicle can roll
backward quickly and
you could lose control.
.If driving downhill when
the vehicle stalls, shift to
a lower gear, release the
parking brake, and drive
straight down the hill.
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Driving and Operating 243
Caution
Do not drive through
standing water if it is deep
enough to cover the wheel
hubs, axles, or exhaust pipe.
Deep water can damage the
axle and other vehicle parts.
If the standing water is not
too deep, drive slowly through
it. At faster speeds, water
splashes on the ignition
system and the vehicle can
stall. Stalling can also occur if
you get the exhaust pipe
under water. While the
exhaust pipe is under water,
you will not be able to start
the engine. When going
through water, the brakes get
wet, and it might take longer
to stop. See Driving on Wet
Roads 0243.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris
that has collected on the
underbody or chassis, or under the hood. These
accumulations can be a fire
hazard.
After operation in mud or
sand, have the brake linings
cleaned and checked. These
substances can cause glazing
and uneven braking. Check the
body structure, steering,
suspension, wheels, tires, and
exhaust system for damage
and check the fuel lines and
cooling system for any
leakage.
More frequent maintenance
service is required. See
Maintenance Schedule
0429.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can
reduce vehicle traction and
affect your ability to stop and
accelerate. Always drive
slower in these types of
driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles
and deep-standing or flowing
water.
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause
crashes. They might not
work as well in a quick stop
and could cause pulling to
one side. You could lose
control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large
puddle of water or a car/
vehicle wash, lightly apply
the brake pedal until the
brakes work normally.
Flowing or rushing water
creates strong forces.
Driving through flowing
water could cause the
vehicle to be carried away.
If this happens, you and
other vehicle occupants
could drown. Do not ignore
police warnings and be very
cautious about trying to
drive through flowing water.
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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252 Driving and Operating
“break-in”period during the
first 6 400 km (4,000 mi) of
routine driving. As the vehicle
is driven, the mechanical
systems adjust to provide
optimal fuel economy and
transmission shift
performance.
Electrical systems will adapt
and calibrate during the
break-in period. A one-time
occurrence of clicks and
similar vehicle noises is normal
during this process.
Normal driving charges the
vehicle’s battery to achieve
the best operation of the
vehicle, including fuel economy
and the Stop/Start System.
See Stop/Start System 0255.Ignition Positions
The vehicle has an electronic
keyless ignition with
pushbutton start.
If the pushbutton start is not
working, the vehicle may be
near a strong radio antenna
signal causing interference to
the Keyless Access system.
See Remote Key Operation
09.
To shift out of P (Park), the
vehicle must be turned on and
the brake pedal must be
applied. Stopping the Engine/OFF
(No Indicator Light) :
When
the vehicle is stopped, press
ENGINE START/STOP once to
turn the engine off.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the
ignition will turn off, and
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) will remain active.
See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0258.
If the vehicle is in R (Reverse),
D (Drive) or M (Manual Mode),
the vehicle will shift to
P (Park), the ignition will turn
off, and Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) will remain active.
See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0258.
If the vehicle is in N (Neutral),
the ignition will return to
accessory mode and display
the message SHIFT TO PARK
in the Driver Information
Center (DIC). When the vehicle
is shifted into P (Park), the
ignition will turn off.
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Driving and Operating 253
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of
power assist in the brake
and steering systems and
disable the airbags. While
driving, only shut the vehicle
off in an emergency.
If the vehicle must be shut off
in an emergency: 1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not
pump the brakes
repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist,
requiring increased brake
pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be
done while the vehicle is
moving. After shifting to
N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the
vehicle to a safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop and shift to P (Park). 4. Set the parking brake. See
Electric Parking Brake
0269. Press ENGINE
START/STOP to turn the
vehicle off.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled
over and must be shut off
while driving, press and hold
ENGINE START/STOP for
longer than two seconds,
or press twice in five seconds.
Accessory Mode (Amber
Indicator Light) : This mode
allows you to use some
electrical accessories when
the engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing
the button once without the
brake pedal applied will place
the ignition system in
accessory mode.
The ignition will switch from
accessory mode to OFF after
10 minutes to prevent battery
rundown. ON/RUN/START (Green
Indicator Light) :
This mode is
for driving and starting. With
the ignition off and the brake
pedal applied, pressing
ENGINE START/STOP once
will place the ignition system in
ON/RUN/START. Once engine
cranking begins, release the
button. Engine cranking will
continue until the engine
starts. The ignition will then
remain on. See Starting the
Engine 0254.
Service Mode
This mode is available to verify
the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as
may be required for emissions
inspection purposes and for
service and diagnostics. See
Automatic Transmission 0261.
With the vehicle off, and the
brake pedal not applied,
pressing and holding ENGINE
START/STOP for more than
five seconds will place the
vehicle in Service Mode. The
instruments and audio
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268 Driving and Operating
Press MODE to cycle through
the modes.
.TOUR
.SPORT
.AWD (AWD vehicles only)
.OFF-ROAD (AWD
vehicles only)
.SNOW/ICE (FWD
vehicles only)
AWD is active in AWD,
Off-road, 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.
For more information on the
available modes, see Driver
Mode Control
0273.
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 0132.
ABS does not change the time
needed to get a foot on the
brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping