Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
248 Driving and Operating
Tire and Loading Information
Label
Example Label
A vehicle-specific Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to the center
pillar (B-pillar). The tire and
loading information label
shows the number of
occupant seating
positions (1), and the
maximum vehicle capacity
weight (2) in kilograms and
pounds.The Tire and Loading
Information label also
shows the size of the
original equipment tires (3)
and the recommended cold
tire inflation pressures (4).
For more information on
tires and inflation see Tires
0
376 and
Tire Pressure 0384.
There is also important
loading information on the
vehicle Certification/Tire
label. It may show the
Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) and the
Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR) for the front and
rear axle. See
“Certification/Tire Label”
later in this section.
“Steps for Determining
Correct Load Limit– 1.
Locate the statement
"The combined weight
of occupants and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lbs." on
your vehicle’s placard.
2.Determine the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers from
XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure
equals the available
amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity.
For example, if the
"XXX" amount equals
1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb
passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and
luggage load capacity is
650 lbs. (1400-750 (5 x
150) = 650 lbs.)
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
250 Driving and Operating
Example 3
1.Vehicle Capacity
Weight for Example 3 =
453 kg (1,000 lbs).
2.Subtract Occupant
Weight @ 91 kg
(200 lbs) × 5 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs).
3.Available Cargo Weight
= 0 kg (0 lbs).
Refer to the vehicle's tire
and loading information
label for specific
information about the
vehicle's capacity weight and seating positions. The
combined weight of the
driver, passengers, and
cargo should never exceed
the vehicle's capacity
weight.
Certification/Tire Label
Label Example
A vehicle-specific
Certification/Tire label is
attached to the center
pillar (B-pillar).
The label may show the
size of the vehicle's original
tires and the inflationpressures needed to obtain
the gross weight capacity
of the vehicle. The label
shows the gross weight
capacity of the vehicle. This
is called the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR). The
GVWR includes the weight
of the vehicle, all
occupants, fuel, and cargo.
The Certification/Tire label
may also show the
maximum weights for the
front and rear axles, called
the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). To find out
the actual loads on the
front and rear axles, weigh
the vehicle at a weigh
station. Your dealer can
help with this. Be sure to
spread the load equally on
both sides of the
centerline.
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
266 Driving and Operating
.D will illuminate in red.
.After releasing the shift
lever, it will return to the
center position.
To shift out of D (Drive): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear. If shifting from D (Drive) to
R (Reverse) the shift lock
release button will need to
be pressed.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the
center position.
Downshifting the transmission
in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding. See
“Skidding” under Loss of
Control 0238.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding
the vehicle in one place on a
hill using only the
accelerator pedal may
damage the transmission.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
The repair will not be
covered by the vehicle
warranty. If the vehicle is
stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use
the brakes to hold the
vehicle in place.
If equipped with the 2.0L L4
engine, engine speeds may be
increased while driving at
highway speeds while the
engine is still warming up.
Manual Mode
Tap Shift Caution
Driving with the engine at a
high rpm without upshifting
while using Tap Shift, could
damage the vehicle. Always
upshift when necessary
while using Tap Shift.
If equipped, vehicles with Tap
Shift have controls on the
back of the steering wheel to
manually shift the automatic
transmission.
Permanent Tap Shift Mode
To enter Permanent Tap
Shift Mode: 1. With the vehicle in D (Drive), pull back on the
shift lever to activate
M (Manual Mode). The M in
the shift pattern will
illuminate in red, and the D
will switch to white.
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
324 Driving and Operating
Towing a trailer requires
experience. The combination
of the vehicle and trailer is
longer and not as responsive
as the vehicle itself. Get used
to the handling and braking of
the combination by driving on
a level road surface before
driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires,
and the brakes must be all be
rated to carry the intended
cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the
combination to operate in an
unexpected or unsafe manner.
Before driving, inspect all
trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains,
electrical connectors, lamps,
tires, and mirrors. See Towing
Equipment0331. If the trailer
has electric brakes, start the
combination moving and then
manually apply the trailer
brake controller to check the
trailer brakes work. During the
trip, occasionally check that the cargo and trailer are
secure and that the lamps and
any trailer brakes are working.
Towing with a Stability
Control System
When towing, the stability
control system might be
heard. The system reacts to
vehicle movement caused by
the trailer, which mainly occurs
during cornering. This is
normal when towing heavier
trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far
behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving
without a trailer. This can help
to avoid heavy braking and
sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is
needed when towing a trailer.
The combination of the vehicle
and trailer will not accelerate
as quickly and is much longer
than the vehicle alone. It is
necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle
before returning to the lane.
Pass on level roadways. Avoid
passing on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the
steering wheel with one hand.
To move the trailer to the left,
move that hand to the left. To
move the trailer to the right,
move that hand to the right.
Always back up slowly and,
if possible, have someone
guide you.
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
332 Driving and Operating
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
Tires0376 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 Canadian Standards
Association (CSA) requirement
CAN3-D313, or its equivalent,
is recommended.
State or local regulations may
require trailers to have their
own braking system if the
loaded weight of the trailer
exceeds certain minimums
that can vary from state to
state.
Read and follow the
instructions for the trailer
brakes so they are installed,
adjusted, and maintained
properly.
{Warning
Never attempt to tamper
with the hydraulic brake
system for your trailer
(Continued)
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
Driving and Operating 335
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
0271.
{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 causes, including an
improperly or overloaded
trailer, unrestrained cargo,
improper trailer hitch
configuration, or improperly
inflated or incorrect vehicle
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
or trailer tires. See Towing
Equipment0331 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
blow-outs.
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 blow-outs.
Never load your trailer with
more weight than the tires are
designed to support. The load
rating is located 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).
Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/28/22
Vehicle Care 337
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . 338
California PerchlorateMaterials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Engine Oil Life System . . . 348
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Engine Air Cleaner/ Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Engine Overheating . . . . . . 356
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358 Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Battery - North
America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 361
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . 365
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Electrical System
Electrical SystemOverload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . 378
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . 381
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . 395
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . 399
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
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.