Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16405819) -
2023 - CRC - 3/22/22
274 Driving and Operating
If there is a problem with ABS,
this warning light stays on.
See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light0138.
ABS does not change the time
needed to get a foot on the
brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping
distance. If you get too close
to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply
the brakes if that vehicle
suddenly slows or stops.
Always leave enough room
ahead to stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just
hold the brake pedal down
firmly. Hearing or feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and
braking at the same time. In
many emergencies, steering
can help even more than
braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake
(EPB) can always be applied,
even if the vehicle is off. In
case of insufficient electrical
power, the EPB cannot be
applied or released. To
prevent draining the battery,
avoid unnecessary repeated
cycles of the EPB.
The system has a red parking
brake status light and an
amber service parking brake
warning light. See Electric
Parking Brake Light 0137 and Service Electric Parking Brake
Light
0137. There are also
parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC)
messages.
Before leaving the vehicle,
check the red parking brake
status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status
light will flash and then stay on
once the EPB is fully applied.
If the red parking brake status
light flashes continuously, then
the EPB is only partially
applied or there is a problem
with the EPB. A DIC message
will display. Release the EPB
and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on,
or keeps flashing, have the
vehicle serviced. Do not drive
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16405819) -
2023 - CRC - 3/22/22
276 Driving and Operating
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid
brake pedal applications due
to emergency braking
situations and provides
additional braking to activate
the Antilock Brake System
(ABS) if the brake pedal is not
pushed hard enough to
activate ABS normally. Minor
noise, brake pedal pulsation,
and/or pedal movement during
this time may occur. Continue
to apply the brake pedal as
the driving situation dictates.
Brake Assist disengages when
the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA
feature. HSA does not
replace the need to pay
attention and drive safely.
You may not hear or feel
alerts or warnings provided
by this system. Failure to(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
use proper care when
driving may result in injury,
death, or vehicle damage.
See Defensive Driving 0240.
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
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16405819) -
2023 - CRC - 3/22/22
Driving and Operating 279
If the vehicle is in Tour or
AWD, it will stay in that mode
through future ON/OFF
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, 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 0138.
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
0
273.
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
mode modifies pedal mapping,
suspension tuning, AWD, ABS,
ESC, and TCS performance.
For more information on
off-road driving, see Off-Road
Driving 0244.
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16405819) -
2023 - CRC - 3/22/22
350 Driving and Operating
Always signal turns well in
advance. Do not steer or brake
suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a
lower gear before starting
down a long or steep downhill
grade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes
may overheat and result in
reduced braking efficiency.
The vehicle can tow in D
(Drive). Shift the transmission
to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
When towing at higher
altitudes, engine coolant will
boil at a lower temperature
than at lower altitudes. If the
engine is turned off
immediately after towing at
high altitude on steep uphill
grades, the vehicle could show
signs similar to engine
overheating. To avoid this, let
the engine run, preferably onlevel ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a
few minutes before turning
the engine off. If the overheat
warning comes on, see Engine
Overheating
0381.
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 the
desired 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.
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16405819) -
2023 - CRC - 3/22/22
356 Driving and Operating
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:1. Remove the two fasteners on the lower tabs.
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
lower tabs line up with the
lower slots.
3. Snap the hitch cover into place by pushing the upper
corners forward.
4. Reinstall the two fasteners on the lower tabs. 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
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16405819) -
2023 - CRC - 3/22/22
384 Vehicle Care
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder
reservoir is filled with GM
approved DOT 4 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap.
See Engine Compartment
Overview0367 for the
location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on
a level surface, the brake fluid
level should be between the
minimum and maximum marks
on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons
why the brake fluid level in the
reservoir may go down:
.Normal brake lining wear.
When new linings are
installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will
not work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before
removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a
leak. If fluid is added when the
linings are worn, there will be
too much fluid when new
brake linings are installed. Add
or remove fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the
brake hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is
added, it can spill on the
engine and burn, if the
engine is hot enough. You or
others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
damaged. Add brake fluid
only when work is done on
the brake hydraulic system.
When the brake fluid falls to a
low level, the brake warning
light comes on. See Brake
System Warning Light 0136.
Brake fluid absorbs water over
time which degrades the
effectiveness of the brake
fluid. Replace brake fluid at the
specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance.
See Maintenance Schedule
0 454.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0458.
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16405819) -
2023 - CRC - 3/22/22
Vehicle Care 385
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated
brake fluid could result in
damage to the brake
system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to
a possible injury. Always use
the proper GM approved
brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces,
the paint finish can be
damaged. Immediately wash
off any painted surface.
Battery - North
America
The original equipment battery
is maintenance free. Do not
remove the cap and do not
add fluid.Refer to the replacement
number on the original battery
label when a new battery is
needed. For replacement of
the battery, see your dealer.
The vehicle has an Absorbent
Glass Mat (AGM) 12-volt
battery. Installation of a
standard 12-volt battery will
result in reduced 12-volt
battery life.
When using a 12-volt battery
charger on the 12-volt AGM
battery, some chargers have
an AGM battery setting on the
charger. If available, use the
AGM setting on the charger,
to limit charge voltage to
14.8 volts.
{Warning
WARNING:
Battery posts,
terminals and related
accessories can expose you
to chemicals including lead
and lead compounds, which
are known to the State of
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
California to cause cancer
and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Wash
hands after handling. For
more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
See California Proposition
65 Warning 01.
Stop/Start System
This vehicle has a Stop/Start
system to shut off the engine
to help conserve fuel. See
Stop/Start System 0259.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can
burn you and gas that can
explode. You can be badly
hurt if you are not careful.
Always wear eye protection.
(Continued)
Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16405819) -
2023 - CRC - 3/22/22
Vehicle Care 433
The compact spare is for
temporary use only. Replace
the compact spare tire with a
full-size tire as soon as
possible.
Storing the Compact
Spare Tire and Tools
To store the spare tire and
tools:1. Open the liftgate. See Liftgate 025.
2. Lift the load floor.
3. Remove the cargo management system tray.
4. Put back the spare tire and all tools as they were
stored in the rear storage
compartment.
5. Install the cargo management system tray
and load floor.
The compact spare is for
temporary use only. Replace
the compact spare tire with a
full-size tire as soon as
possible.
Compact Spare Tire
{Warning
Driving with more than one
compact spare tire at a time
could result in loss of
braking and handling. This
could lead to a crash and
you or others could be
injured. Use only one
compact spare tire at a time.
If this vehicle has a compact
spare tire, it was fully inflated
when new; however, it can
lose air over time. Check the
inflation pressure regularly.
It should be 420 kPa (60 psi).
Stop as soon as possible and
check that the spare tire is
correctly inflated after being
installed on the vehicle. The
compact spare tire is designed
for temporary use only. The
vehicle will perform differently
with the spare tire installed
and it is recommended that
the vehicle speed be limited to
80 km/h (50 mph). To conserve the tread of the spare tire,
have the standard tire
repaired or replaced as soon
as convenient and return the
spare tire to the storage area.
When using a compact spare
tire, the AWD (if equipped),
ABS, and Traction Control
systems may engage until the
spare tire is recognized by the
vehicle, especially on slippery
roads. Adjust driving to reduce
possible wheel slip.
Caution
When the compact spare is
installed, do not take the
vehicle through an
automatic car wash with
guide rails. The compact
spare can get caught on the
rails which can damage the
tire, wheel, and other parts
of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare
on other vehicles.