2023 CADILLAC XT6 manual transmission

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16405819) -
2023 - CRC - 3/22/22
272 Driving and Operating
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.
2. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the
center position.
3. Pull the control toward you to shift. Pull the left
control to downshift, and
the right control to upshift.
To exit Permanent Tap
Shift Mode: 1. To exit M (Manual Mode) and return to D (Drive), pull
back on the shift lever. The
D in the shift pattern will
illuminate in red, and the M
will switch to white.
2. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the
center position. M (Manual Mode) can be exited
to return to D (Drive) at any
speed by pulling the lever
rearward from the center
position. It is not necessary to
stop the vehicle or shift to
N (Neutral) or P (Park) prior to
shifting back to D (Drive).
Temporary Tap Shift Mode
To enter Temporary Tap
Shift Mode:
1. With the transmission in D (Drive) and not in
Permanent Tap Shift
Mode, the Tap Shift
controls will activate a
Temporary Tap Shift
Mode, allowing the
transmission to be
manually shifted.
2. To deactivate, hold the right control briefly.
Automatic shifts return
after no manual shifts have
been done for seven to
10 seconds. While using Tap Shift, the
vehicle will have firmer, quicker
shifting. This can be used for
sport driving or when climbing
or descending hills, to stay in
gear longer, or to downshift
for more power or engine
braking.
The transmission will only
allow shifting into gears
appropriate for the vehicle
speed and engine revolutions
per minute (rpm). If shifting is
prevented for any reason, the
M or D will flash in the
instrument cluster. The
transmission will not
automatically shift to the next
higher gear if the engine rpm
is too high. It will only
automatically shift to the next
lower gear if the engine rpm is
much too low.

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
282 Driving and Operating
Reducing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is
already activated:
.Move the thumbwheel down
toward SET−until the
desired lower speed is
reached, then release it.
.To decrease the vehicle
speed in small increments,
briefly press SET− to the
first detent. For each press,
the vehicle goes about
1 km/h (1 mph) slower.
.To decrease the vehicle
speed in larger increments,
briefly press SET− to the
second detent. For each
press, the vehicle speed
decreases to the next
5 km/h (5 mph) mark on the
speedometer.
The cruise control system may
automatically brake to slow
the vehicle. The speedometer reading can
be displayed in either English
or metric units. See
Instrument Cluster
0127. The
increment value used depends
on the units displayed.
Passing Another Vehicle
While Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to
increase the vehicle speed.
When you take your foot off
the pedal, the vehicle will slow
down to the previous set
cruise speed.
While pressing the accelerator
pedal or shortly following the
release to override cruise,
briefly moving the thumbwheel
down toward SET− will result
in cruise set to the current
vehicle speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well cruise control will
work on hills depends upon
the vehicle speed, load, and
the steepness of the hills.
When going up steep hills, you
might have to step on the accelerator pedal to maintain
speed. When going downhill,
the cruise control system may
automatically brake to slow
the vehicle. Also, you may have
to brake or shift to a lower
gear to keep your speed down.
If the brake pedal is applied,
cruise control disengages.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end
cruise control:
.Step lightly on the brake
pedal.
.Press*.
.Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
.PressJ.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is
erased from memory if
Jis
pressed or if the ignition is
turned off.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16405819) -
2023 - CRC - 3/22/22
348 Driving and Operating
towing, install extended side
view mirrors, even if not
required.
.Do not tow a trailer during
the first 800 km (500 mi) of
vehicle use to prevent
damage to the engine, axle,
or other parts.
.GM recommends performing
an oil change to the vehicle
before heavy towing.
.Do not drive over 80 km/h
(50 mph) and do not make
starts at full throttle during
the first 800 km (500 mi) of
trailer towing.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
If the transmission
downshifts too often, a
lower gear may be selected
using Manual Mode. See
Manual Mode0271.
If equipped, the following
driver assistance features
should be turned off when
towing a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking
Assist (APA)
.Reverse Automatic
Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following
driver assistance features
should be turned to alert or
off when towing a trailer:
.Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.Front Pedestrian
Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change
Alert (LCA), the LCA detection
zones that extend back from
the side of the vehicle do not
move further back when a
trailer is towed. Use caution
while changing lanes when
towing a trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross
Traffic Alert (RCTA), use
caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA
detection zones that extend out from the back of the
vehicle do not move further
back when a trailer is towed.
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or
death from carbon monoxide
(CO), when towing a trailer:
.Do not drive with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch,
or rear-most
window open.
.Fully open the air outlets
on or under the
instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control
system to a setting that
brings in only outside air.
See
“Climate Control
Systems” in the Index.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see
Engine Exhaust 0265.
Towing a trailer requires
experience. The combination
of the vehicle and trailer is
longer and not as responsive

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
362 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . 363
California PerchlorateMaterials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Engine Oil Life System . . . 373
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Engine Air Cleaner/ Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . 381
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384 Battery - North
America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . 386
Wiper Blade
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Bulb Replacement
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Electrical System
Electrical SystemOverload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 396
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . 401 Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . 402
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . 405
Tire Terminology and
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 417
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 418
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . 419
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 421
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 421
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 423
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . 423
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 424
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . 425
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 426
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . 433

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16405819) -
2023 - CRC - 3/22/22
374 Vehicle Care
It cannot be reset
accurately until the next oil
change.
The oil life system can also be
reset as follows: 1. Display REMAINING OIL LIFE on the DIC. See Driver
Information Center (DIC)
0144.
2. Fully press and release the accelerator pedal three
times within five seconds.
If the CHANGE ENGINE
OIL SOON message is not
on, the system is reset.
The system is reset when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message is off.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message comes back
on when the vehicle is started,
the engine oil life system has
not been reset. Repeat the
procedure.Automatic
Transmission Fluid
A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a
leak occurs, take the vehicle to
your dealer and have it
repaired as soon as possible.
Caution
Use of the incorrect
automatic transmission fluid
may damage the vehicle, and
the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use the
correct automatic
transmission fluid. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0458.
See your dealer to have the
fluid and filter changed at the
intervals listed in the
Maintenance Schedule 0454.
Engine Air Filter Life
System
If equipped, this feature
provides the engine air filter’s
remaining life and best timing
for a change. The timing to
change an engine air filter
depends on driving and
environmental conditions.
When to Change the
Engine Air Filter
When the Driver Information
Center (DIC) displays a
message to replace the engine
air filter at the next oil change,
follow this timing.
When the DIC displays a
message to replace the engine
air filter soon, replace the
engine air filter at the earliest
convenience.
The system must be reset
after the engine air filter is
changed.
If the DIC displays a message
to check the engine air filter
system, see your dealer.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-16405819) -
2023 - CRC - 3/22/22
380 Vehicle Care
coolant surge tank until
the level reaches the mark
pointed to on the front of
the coolant surge tank.
5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.
6. Verify coolant level after the engine is shut off and
the coolant is cold.
If necessary, repeat
coolant fill procedure
Step 1–6.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not
tightly installed, coolant loss
and engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is
properly and tightly secured.
Automatic Coolant
Service Fill Instructions
(2.0L Engine Only)
If equipped, this feature
assists in filling and removing
air from the cooling system
after service of components
or when coolant is added after
being too low. To activate the fill and air
removal process:
1. With a cold system,
disconnect the vent line
from the port near the cap
on the surge tank. Add
coolant to the indicated
mark on the surge tank.
2. Reconnect the vent line to the surge tank and replace
the cap on the surge tank.
3. Connect the vehicle to a battery charger.
4. Put the vehicle in Service Mode. See Ignition
Positions 0257. 5. Turn off the air
conditioning.
6. Set the parking brake.
7. At the same time, press the accelerator and the
brake for automatic
transmission vehicles for
two seconds, then release.
At the end of the cycle, check
the coolant level in the surge
tank and add coolant, if it is
low. Turn off the vehicle, allow
the Engine Control Module
(ECM) to go to sleep, about
two minutes, and repeat
steps 3-7.
Listen for pump activation and
movement of the control
valves while watching the level
of the tank. If the tank
empties, turn the ignition off,
carefully remove the surge
tank cap, refill to the indicated
mark and repeat steps 3-6.
The fill and air removal
process will run for
approximately 10 minutes.