tow CADILLAC XT4 2021 Service Manual

Cadillac XT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14584367) - 2021 - CRC - 10/14/20
272 DRIVING AND OPERATING
.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. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.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
0 226.
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
Equipment 0277. If the trailer has electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the
trailer brake controller to check that
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

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DRIVING AND OPERATING 273
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.
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make wider
arcs when towing a trailer to
prevent damage to your vehicle.
Making very sharp turns could
cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when
towing, so the trailer will not go over
soft shoulders, over curbs, or strike road signs, trees, or other objects.
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 on level 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
0294.
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.

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274 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into a 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.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more often
when used to tow trailers. See
Maintenance Schedule 0358. It is
especially important to check the
automatic transmission fluid, engine
oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling
system, and brake system before and
during each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling When Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
0 294.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To tow a trailer
correctly, follow the directions in
this section and see your dealer for
important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailering is different than just driving
the vehicle by itself. Trailering means
changes in handling, acceleration,
braking, durability, and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct
equipment, and it has to be used
properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are important for your safety and that of
your passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity
for your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades,
outside temperature, dimensions of
the front of the trailer, and how
frequently the vehicle is used to tow a
trailer.
When towing a trailer, the combined
weight of the vehicle, vehicle contents,
trailer, and trailer contents must be
below all of the maximum weight
ratings for the vehicle, including:
.GCWR: Gross Combined Weight
Rating
.GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight
Rating

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DRIVING AND OPERATING 275
See“Trailer Brakes ”under Towing
Equipment 0277.
The only way to be sure the weight is
not exceeding any of these ratings is
to weigh the tow vehicle and trailer
combination, fully loaded for the trip,
getting individual weights for each of
these items.
{Warning
You and others could be seriously
injured or killed if the trailer is too
heavy or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load. The vehicle
may be damaged, and the repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Only tow a trailer if all the steps in
this section have been followed. Ask
your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer.
Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR)
GCWR is the total allowable weight of
the completely loaded vehicle and
trailer including any fuel, passengers,
cargo, equipment, and accessories. Do
not exceed the GCWR for your vehicle.
The GCWR for the vehicle is on the
Tow Rating Chart following.
Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR)
For information about the vehicle's
maximum load capacity, see Vehicle
Load Limits 0215. When calculating
the GVWR with a trailer attached, the
trailer tongue weight must be
included as part of the weight the
vehicle is carrying.
Maximum Trailer Weight
The maximum trailer weight rating is
calculated assuming the tow vehicle
has a driver, a front seat passenger,
and all required trailering equipment.
This value represents the heaviest
trailer the vehicle can tow, but it may
be necessary to reduce the trailer
weight to stay within the GCW,
GVWR, maximum trailer tongue load,
or GAWR-RR for the vehicle.
Use the tow rating chart to determine
how much the trailer can weigh, based
on the vehicle model and options.

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DRIVING AND OPERATING 277
The trailer tongue weight (1) should
be 4% of the loaded trailer weight (2).
Some specific trailer types, such as
boat trailers, fall outside of this range.
Always refer to the trailer owner’s
manual for the recommended trailer
tongue weight for each trailer. Never
exceed the maximum loads for your
vehicle, hitch and trailer.
The trailer load balance percentage is
calculated as: weight (1) divided by
weight (2) times 100.
After loading the trailer, separately
weigh the trailer and then the trailer
tongue to see if the weights are
appropriate for your vehicle. If the
trailer weight is too high, it may bepossible to transfer some of the cargo
into your vehicle. If the trailer tongue
weight is too high or too low, it may
be possible to rearrange some of the
cargo inside of the trailer.
Do not exceed the maximum
allowable tongue weight for your
vehicle. Use the shortest hitch
extension available to position the
hitch ball closer to your vehicle. This
will help reduce the effect of the
trailer tongue weight on the trailer
hitch and the rear axle.
If a cargo carrier is used in the trailer
hitch receiver, choose a carrier that
positions the load as close to the
vehicle as possible. Make sure the
total weight, including the carrier, is
no more than half of the maximum
allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or assistance.
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.
Proper hitch equipment for your
vehicle helps maintain control of the
vehicle-trailer combination. Many
trailers can be towed using a
weight-carrying hitch which has a
coupler latched to the hitch ball, or a
tow eye latched to a pintle hook.
Other trailers may require a
weight-distributing hitch that uses
spring bars to distribute the trailer
tongue weight between your vehicle
and trailer axles. See
“Maximum
Trailer Tongue Weight ”under Trailer
Towing 0274 for weight limits with
various hitch types.
Never attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches. Only use
frame-mounted hitches that do not
attach to the bumper.

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278 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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 the 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.
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 0308 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. Never
attempt to tap into your vehicle's
hydraulic brake system. If you do,
both the vehicle anti-lock brakes and
the trailer brakes may not function,
which could result in a crash.

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DRIVING AND OPERATING 279
Trailer Wiring Harness
Basic Trailer Wiring
The trailer wiring harness is located at
the rear of the vehicle and is tied to
the vehicle's frame. The harness
connector can be plugged into a
trailer connector available through
your dealer.
Trailer Lamps
Always check all trailer lamps are
working at the beginning of each trip,
and periodically on longer trips.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer
turn signals will illuminate to indicate
the vehicle is turning, changing lanes,
or stopping. When towing a trailer,
the arrows on the instrument cluster
will illuminate even if the trailer is not
properly connected or the bulbs are
burned out.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) have a Trailer
Sway Control (TSC) feature. Trailersway is unintended side-to-side
motion of a trailer while towing. If the
vehicle is towing a trailer and the TSC
detects that sway is increasing, the
vehicle brakes are selectively applied
at each wheel, to help reduce
excessive trailer sway. If equipped with
the Integrated Trailer Brake Control
(ITBC) system, and the trailer has an
electric brake system, StabiliTrak/ESC
may also apply the trailer brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak/ESC warning
light will flash on the instrument
cluster. Reduce vehicle speed by
gradually removing your foot from the
accelerator. If trailer sway continues,
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 0235.
{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 or
trailer tires. See Towing Equipment
0 277 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.

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282 VEHICLE CARE
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . 345
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit your
dealer. You will receive genuine GM
parts and GM-trained and supported
service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these
marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
{Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this
one, as well as many of its service
parts and fluids, contain and/or
emit chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Engine exhaust, many parts
and systems, many fluids, and
some component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these
chemicals. For more information go
to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0297 and
Jump Starting - North America 0342
and the back cover.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag initiators,
seat belt pretensioners, and lithium
batteries contained in electronic keys,

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284 VEHICLE CARE
Hood
{Warning
For vehicles with auto engine stop/
start, turn the vehicle off before
opening the hood. If the vehicle is
on, the engine will start when the
hood is opened. You or others could
be injured.
{Warning
Components under the hood can
get hot from running the engine. To
help avoid the risk of burning
unprotected skin, never touch these
components until they have cooled,
and always use a glove or towel to
avoid direct skin contact.
Clear any snow from the hood before
opening.
To open the hood: 1. Pull the hood release lever with the
isymbol. It is on the lower left
side of the instrument panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and locate the secondary release lever
under the front center of the hood.
Push the secondary hood release
lever to the right to release.
3. After you have partially lifted the hood, the gas strut system will
automatically lift the hood and
hold it in the fully open position. To close the hood:
1. Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on properly, and all
tools are removed.
2. Pull the hood down until the strut system is no longer holding up
the hood.
3. Allow the hood to fall. Check to make sure the hood is latched
completely. Repeat this process
with additional force if necessary.{Warning
Do not drive the vehicle if the hood
is not latched completely. The hood
could open fully, block your vision,
and cause a crash. You or others
could be injured. Always close the
hood completely before driving.

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286 VEHICLE CARE
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0290.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil
0 286.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil
0 286.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System 0291.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake
Fluid 0296.
6. Battery - North America 0297.
7. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System
0 291.
8. Positive (+) Battery Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump Starting -
North America 0342.
9. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See Washer Fluid 0295.
10. Engine Compartment Fuse Block
0303.
11. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal. See Jump Starting - North
America 0342.Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine performance
and long life, careful attention must
be paid to engine oil. Following these
simple, but important steps will help
protect your investment:
.Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil” in
this section.
.Check the engine oil level regularly
and maintain the proper oil level.
See “Checking Engine Oil” and
“When to Add Engine Oil” in this
section.
.Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil Life
System 0288.
.Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with Used
Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially prior
to a long trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine
Compartment Overview 0285 for the
location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may
be hot; it could burn you. Use a
towel or glove to touch the dipstick
handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays, check the oil
level.
Follow these guidelines:
.To get an accurate reading, park the
vehicle on level ground. Check the
engine oil level after the engine has
been off for at least two hours.
Checking the engine oil level on
steep grades or too soon after
engine shutoff can result in
incorrect readings. Accuracy
improves when checking a cold
engine prior to starting. Remove the
dipstick and check the level.
.If unable to wait two hours, the
engine must be off for at least
15 minutes if the engine is warm,
or at least 30 minutes if the engine