controls CADILLAC XT5 2021 Manual Online

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14590481) - 2021 - CRC - 10/22/20
210 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . 279
Driving Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . 289
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 290
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage.
Here are some driving tips to get the
best fuel economy possible.
.Set the climate controls to the
desired temperature after the engine
is started, or turn them off when
not required.
.On AWD vehicles, use Tour Mode
when conditions permit.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid abrupt
stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
.When road and weather conditions
are appropriate, use cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed limits or
drive more slowly when conditions
require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.Combine several trips into a
single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with the
same TPC Spec number molded into
the tire's sidewall near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and
can take your focus from the task of
driving. Exercise good judgment and
do not let other activities divert your
attention away from the road. Many
local governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep your
eyes on the road, keep your hands on
the steering wheel, and focus your
attention on driving.
.Do not use a phone in demanding
driving situations. Use a hands-free
method to place or receive
necessary phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read, take
notes, or look up information on
phones or other electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat passenger to
handle potential distractions.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14590481) - 2021 - CRC - 10/22/20
236 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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”underLoss
of Control 0213.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill using
only the accelerator pedal may
damage the transmission. 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.
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.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14590481) - 2021 - CRC - 10/22/20
DRIVING AND OPERATING 237
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.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature can operate
in All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode. See
Driver Mode Control
0242.
Press MODE to activate AWD. AWD is
active in AWD, Sport, and Off-Road
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. If the
vehicle is placed in Sport Mode, see
Driver Mode Control 0242.
Sport Mode and Off-Road Mode are
canceled with each ignition cycle. See
Driver Mode Control 0242.
When operated in Tour Mode, the
vehicle will deliver power to the front
wheels only and may provide better
fuel economy.
If Tour Mode is selected see Driver
Mode Control 0242.
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

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 287
Hitch Cover
To remove 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 hitch cover: 1. Hold 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
1. Front of Vehicle
2. Body to Ground Distance
When using a weight-distributing
hitch, measure the front fender height
distance (2) before connecting the
trailer. Adjust the spring bars until the
front fender height distance (2) is the
same height before the trailer was
connected. Do not reduce the front
fender height below the initial
distance (2).
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 Tires 0325 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.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14590481) - 2021 - CRC - 10/22/20
VEHICLE CARE 301
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil
Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the dexos
specification are all that is needed for
good performance and engine
protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or
properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your own
oil, be sure to drain all the oil from
the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the trashor pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of
water. Recycle it by taking it to a place
that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based on a
combination of factors which include
engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change is indicated can
vary considerably. For the oil life
system to work properly, the system
must be reset every time the oil is
changed.
When the system has calculated that
oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message comes on. Change the
oil as soon as possible within the next
1 000 km (600 mi). It is possible that,
if driving under the best conditions,
the oil life system might indicate that
an oil change is not necessary for up
to a year. The engine oil and filter
must be changed at least once a year
and at this time the system must be
reset. Your dealer has trained service
people who will perform this work and
reset the system. It is also important
to check the oil regularly over the
course of an oil drain interval and
keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally,
the oil must be changed at 5 000 km
(3,000 mi) since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
Reset the system whenever the engine
oil is changed so that the system can
calculate the next engine oil change.
To reset the system:
1. Using the DIC controls on the right side of the steering wheel, display
REMAINING OIL LIFE on the DIC.
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
0 117. When remaining oil life is
low, the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message will appear on the
display.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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302 VEHICLE CARE
2. Press SEL on the DIC controls andhold SEL down for a few seconds to
clear the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message and reset the oil life
at 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oil life
display accidentally at any time
other than after the oil is changed.
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) 0117.
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
0
383.
See your dealer to have the fluid and
filter changed at the intervals listed in
the Maintenance Schedule 0374.
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 XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14590481) - 2021 - CRC - 10/22/20
322 VEHICLE CARE
FusesUsage
F15 Instrument panel switch bank
F16 Sunroof
F17 Body control module 1
F18 Instrument cluster/ Head up display
F19 –
F20 Rear seat entertainment
F21 Body control module 4
F22 Infotainment/USB data/Aux jack
F23 Body control module 2
F24 USB charger/ Wireless charging
F25 Park aid/Electronic transmission range
system
F26 Communications integration module Fuses
Usage
F27 Video/Night vision module
F28 Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
display
F29 Radio
F30 Steering wheel adjustment controls
F31 Electronic brake control module
electric brake
booster
F32 DC AC inverter
F33 Driver power seat
F34 Passenger power seat
F35 Battery IEC 1 feed
F36 Electric power steering Fuses
Usage
F37 Rear seat entertainment/USB
charge/Wireless
charging module/
Auxiliary power
outlet/Lighter
F38 Body control module 8
F39 –
Circuit
Breakers/
Minifuses Usage
F40 –
F41 –
F42 Auxiliary power outlet (CB)/Lighter
(minifuse)

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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368 VEHICLE CARE
Inspect power steering for proper
electrical connections, binding, cracks,
chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood
hinges, liftgate hinges, and the steel
fuel door hinges, unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips with a
clean cloth will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any corrosive
materials from the underbody. Take
care to thoroughly clean any areas
where mud and other debris can
collect.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water can
overcome the seals and contaminatethe fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer case
and/or axles and should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and requires
sheet metal repair or replacement,
make sure the body repair shop
applies anti-corrosion material to
parts repaired or replaced to restore
corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up materials
available from your dealer to avoid
corrosion. Larger areas of finish
damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon and
attack painted vehicle surfaces
causing blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregulardark spots etched into the paint
surface. See
“Finish Care”previously in
this section.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions,
regularly clean the vehicle's interior.
Immediately remove any soils.
Newspapers or dark garments can
transfer color to the vehicle’s interior.
Use a soft bristle brush to remove
dust from knobs and crevices on the
instrument cluster. Using a mild soap
solution, immediately remove hand
lotions, sunscreen, and insect
repellent from all interior surfaces or
permanent damage may result.
Use cleaners specifically designed for
the surfaces being cleaned to prevent
permanent damage. Apply all cleaners
directly to the cleaning cloth. Do not
spray cleaners on any switches or
controls. Remove cleaners quickly.
Before using cleaners, read and follow
all safety instructions on the label.
While cleaning the interior, open the
doors and windows to get proper
ventilation.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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CUSTOMER INFORMATION 395
Online Owner Center
The Cadillac Owner Center (U.S.)
my.cadillac.com
Learn more about your vehicle
features, shop for and manage your
connected services and OnStar plans,
and access diagnostic information
specific to your vehicle.
Membership Benefits
E:Download owner’s manuals and
view vehicle-specific how-to videos.
G: View maintenance schedules,
alerts, and Vehicle Diagnostic
Information. Schedule service
appointments.
I: View service records from your
dealership and add your own.
D: Select a dealer and view
locations, maps, phone numbers, and
hours.
r: Track your vehicle’s warranty
information.
J: View active recalls or search by
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
See Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
0 387.
H:Manage your profile and payment
information. View your GM Rewards
Card earnings and My Cadillac
Rewards points.
F: Chat with online help
representatives.
Visit my.cadillac.com and create an
account today.
Cadillac Owner Centre (Canada)
mycadillac.ca
Visit the Cadillac Owner Centre at
mycadillac.ca (English) or
my.cadillac.ca (French) to access
similar benefits to the U.S. site.
GM Mobility
Reimbursement Program
This program is available to qualified
applicants for cost reimbursement, up
to certain limits, of eligible
aftermarket adaptive equipment
required for the vehicle, such as hand
controls or a wheelchair/scooter lift
for the vehicle.
To learn about the GM Mobility
program, see www.gmmobility.com or
call the GM Mobility Assistance
Center at 1-800-323-9935. Text
Telephone (TTY) users, call
1-800-833-9935.
General Motors of Canada also has a
Mobility program. See
cadillaccanada.ca, or call
1-800-GM-DRIVE (800-463-7483) for
details. TTY users call 1-800-263-3830.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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CUSTOMER INFORMATION 403
In other Central America and
Caribbean Countries, call
52-555-901-2369.
Vehicle Data Recording
and Privacy
The vehicle has a number of
computers that record information
about the vehicle’s performance and
how it is driven or used. For example,
the vehicle uses computer modules to
monitor and control engine and
transmission performance, to monitor
the conditions for airbag deployment
and deploy them in a crash, and,
if equipped, to provide antilock
braking to help the driver control the
vehicle. These modules may store data
to help the dealer technician service
the vehicle or to help GM improve
safety or features. Some modules may
also store data about how the vehicle
is operated, such as rate of fuel
consumption or average speed. These
modules may retain personal
preferences, such as radio presets, seat
positions, and temperature settings.
Cybersecurity
GM collects information about the use
of your vehicle including operational
and safety related information. We
collect this information to provide,
evaluate, improve, and troubleshoot
our products and services and to
develop new products and services.
The protection of vehicle electronics
systems and customer data from
unauthorized outside electronic access
or control is important to GM. GM
maintains appropriate security
standards, practices, guidelines and
controls aimed at defending the
vehicle and the vehicle service
ecosystem against unauthorized
electronic access, detecting possible
malicious activity in related networks,
and responding to suspected
cybersecurity incidents in a timely,
coordinated and effective manner.
Security incidents could impact your
safety or compromise your private
data. To minimize security risks,
please do not connect your vehicle
electronic systems to unauthorized
devices or connect your vehicle to any
unknown or untrusted networks (such
as Bluetooth, WIFI or similartechnology). In the event you suspect
any security incident impacting your
data or the safe operation of your
vehicle, please stop operating your
vehicle and contact your dealer.
Event Data Recorders
This vehicle is equipped with an event
data recorder (EDR). The main
purpose of an EDR is to record, in
certain crash or near crash-like
situations, such as an air bag
deployment or hitting a road obstacle,
data that will assist in understanding
how a vehicle’s systems performed.
The EDR is designed to record data
related to vehicle dynamics and safety
systems for a short period of time,
typically 30 seconds or less. The EDR
in this vehicle is designed to record
such data as:
.How various systems in your
vehicle were operating;
.Whether or not the driver and
passenger safety belts were buckled/
fastened;
.How far (if at all) the driver was
depressing the accelerator and/or
brake pedal; and,