Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Vehicle Care 357
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.
If the overheat warning is
displayed with no sign of
steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and
to the highest fan speed.
Open the windows as
necessary. 3. When it is safe to do so,
pull off the road, shift to
P (Park) or N (Neutral), and
let the engine idle.
If the engine coolant
temperature gauge is no
longer in the overheated area
or the engine coolant
temperature warning light no
longer displays, the vehicle
can be driven. Continue to
drive the vehicle slowly for
about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not
come back on, continue to
drive normally and have the
cooling system checked for
proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull
over, stop, and park the
vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam,
idle the engine for
three minutes while parked.
If the warning is still displayed,
turn off the engine until it
cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid
is needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions
before use. If operating the
vehicle in an area where the
temperature may fall below
freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The appropriate message will
appear in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) when
the fluid level is low.
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
358 Vehicle Care
until the tank is full. See
Engine Compartment
Overview0342 for reservoir
location.
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid
that contains any type of
water repellent coating.
This can cause the wiper
blades to chatter or skip.
.Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield
washer system and paint.
.Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the
solution to freeze and
damage the washer fluid
tank and other parts of
the washer system.
.When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions
for adding water.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full
when it is very cold. This
allows for fluid expansion
if freezing occurs, which
could damage the tank if it
is completely full.
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.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 0438.
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
416 Vehicle Care
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the
rear could damage it. Also,
repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle
warranty. Never have the
vehicle towed from the rear.
Do not tow the vehicle from
the rear.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the
factory. Use a de-icing agent
only when absolutely
necessary, and have the locks
greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0433.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's
finish, wash it often and out of
direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use
petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents
as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal,
or plastic parts. If damage
occurs, it would not be
covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained
from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions
regarding correct product
usage, necessary safety
precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure
washes closer than 30 cm
(12 in) to the surface of the
vehicle. Use of power
washers exceeding
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
8 274 kPa (1,200 psi) can
result in damage or removal
of paint and decals.
If using an automatic car wash,
follow the car wash
instructions. The windshield
wiper and rear window wiper,
if equipped, must be off.
Remove any accessories that
may be damaged or interfere
with the car wash equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after, to remove
all cleaning agents completely.
If they are allowed to dry on
the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel
to avoid surface scratches
and water spotting.
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
418 Vehicle Care
Protecting Exterior Bright
Metal Moldings
Caution
Failure to clean and protect
the bright metal moldings
can result in a hazy white
finish or pitting. This damage
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
The bright metal moldings on
the vehicle are aluminum,
chrome, or stainless steel. To
prevent damage always follow
these cleaning instructions:
.Be sure the molding is cool
to the touch before applying
any cleaning solution.
.Use only approved cleaning
solutions for aluminum,
chrome, or stainless steel.
Some cleaners are highly
acidic or contain alkaline
substances and can damage
the moldings.
.Always dilute a concentrated
cleaner according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
.Do not use cleaners that are
not intended for
automotive use.
.Use a nonabrasive wax on
the vehicle after washing to
protect and extend the
molding finish.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/
Lenses, Emblems, Decals,
and Stripes
Use only lukewarm or cold
water, a soft cloth, and a car
washing soap to clean exterior
lamps, lenses, emblems,
decals, and stripes. Follow
instructions under "Washing
the Vehicle" previously in this
section.
Lamp covers are made of
plastic, and some have a UV
protective coating. Do not
clean or wipe them when dry.
Do not use any of the
following on lamp covers:
.Abrasive or caustic agents.
.Washer fluids and other
cleaning agents in higher
concentrations than
suggested by the
manufacturer.
.Solvents, alcohols, fuels,
or other harsh cleaners.
.Ice scrapers or other hard
items.
.Aftermarket appearance
caps or covers while the
lamps are illuminated, due to
excessive heat generated.
Caution
Failure to clean lamps
properly can cause damage
to the lamp cover that would
not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Caution
Using wax on low gloss black
finish stripes can increase
the gloss level and create a (Continued)
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Vehicle Care 419
Caution (Continued)
non-uniform finish. Clean low
gloss stripes with soap and
water only.
Air Intakes
Clear debris from the air
intakes, between the hood and
windshield, when washing the
vehicle.
Shutter System
The vehicle may have a
shutter system designed to
help improve fuel economy.
Keep the shutter system clearof debris, snow and ice. If the
check engine light is activated,
please check to see if the
shutter system is clear of
debris, snow or ice.
Windshield and Wiper
Blades
Clean the outside of the
windshield with glass cleaner.
Clean rubber blades using a
lint-free cloth or paper towel
soaked with windshield
washer fluid or a mild
detergent. Wash the
windshield thoroughly when
cleaning the blades. Bugs,
road grime, sap, and a buildup
of vehicle wash/wax
treatments may cause wiper
streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if
they are worn or damaged.
Damage can be caused by
extreme dusty conditions,
sand, salt, heat, sun, snow,
and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply weatherstrip lubricant
on weatherstrips to make
them last longer, seal better,
and not stick or squeak.
Lubricate weatherstrips at
least once a year. Hot, dry
climates may require more
frequent application. Black
marks from rubber material on
painted surfaces can be
removed by rubbing with a
clean cloth. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
0433.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire
cleaner to clean the tires.
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire
dressing products on the
vehicle may damage the
paint finish and/or tires.
When applying a tire
dressing, always wipe off
(Continued)
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
432 Service and Maintenance
Engine Oil and Filter
.Engine oil
.Oil life monitor
‐Reset oil life monitor
Exterior Lights
.Visual inspection
Windshield and Wipers
.Visual inspection
Battery
.Battery visual inspection
.Battery test results
.Battery cables and
connections
Systems, Fluids, and
Visible Leak Inspection
.Engine oil
.Transmission
.Drive axle
.Transfer case
.Engine cooling system
.Power steering, if equipped
.Fuel system
.Windshield washer fluid
Tire Inspection
.Tire pressure, tread depth,
and wear
.Rotation, if applicable
.Alignment check, optional
.Reset tire pressure monitor
.Check tire sealant expiration
date, if equipped
.Check spare tire, if equipped
Brakes
.Check brake system
Visible and Functional
Inspections
.Seat belt components
.Exhaust system
.Accelerator pedal
.Passenger compartment air
filter, if equipped
.Engine air filter
.Hoses
.Belts
.Shocks and struts
.Steering components
.Axle boots or driveshaft and
u-joints
.Compartment lift struts,
if equipped
.Floor mats secured, no
interference with pedals
.Horn
.Ignition lock, if equipped
.Starter switch
.Evaporative control system
Lubricate
.Chassis components
Special Application
Services
.Severe Commercial Use
Vehicles Only: Lubricate
chassis components every
oil change.
.Have underbody flushing
service performed. See
"Underbody Maintenance" in
Exterior Care 0416.
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
Service and Maintenance 433
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name or specification, including fluids or lubricants not
listed here, can be obtained from your dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic Transmission DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid. Chassis Lubrication Chassis lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant. See Cooling System 0352.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended.
See Engine Oil0345.
Fuel Additive Fuel System Treatment PLUS.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Key Lock Cylinders, Hood, Door, and Folding Seat Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, See your dealer.
Hood Latch Assembly,
Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and Release Pawl Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol or lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.
Weatherstrip Conditioning Weatherstrip lubricant. See your dealer. Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
INDEX 471
Electrical System (cont'd)Fuses and Circuit
Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 458
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . 350
Air Filter Life System . . . . . 349
Check Light(Malfunction
Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Compartment
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . 440
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . 137
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356 Engine (cont'd)
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Running While Parked . . . . 261
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . 331
Event Data Recorders . . . . . 455
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . 153
Lighting Battery Saver . . . 158
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . 350
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425
Fluid Automatic
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359 Fluid (cont'd)
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Frequency Statement
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 452
Front Heated and VentilatedSeats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Pedestrian Braking
(FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Fuel
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Economy, Driving forBetter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . 319
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Management, Active . . . . . . 259
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . 318