CADILLAC XT5 2023 Owners Manual

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
330 Driving and Operating
Trailer Load Balance
The correct trailer load
balance must be maintained to
ensure trailer stability.
Incorrect load balance is a
leading cause of trailer sway.
The trailer tongue weight (1)
should be 10–15% 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 tongueweight 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
and calculate the trailer load
balance percentage to see if
the weights and distribution
are appropriate for your
vehicle. If the trailer weight is
too high, it may be possible 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 helpreduce 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 or
227 kg (500 lb), whichever
is less.
Rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR-RR)
The GAWR-RR is the total
weight that can be supported
by the rear axle of the vehicle.
Do not exceed the GAWR-RR
for the vehicle, with the tow
vehicle and trailer fully loaded
for the trip including the
weight of the trailer tongue.
If using a weight-distributing
hitch, do not exceed the
GAWR-RR before applying the
weight distribution
spring bars.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 331
For additional assistance with
trailering or additional
information, see your dealer.
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.

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 333
Warning (Continued)
brakes. Do not connect a
trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to your
vehicle's hydraulic brake
system. If you do, both the
vehicle antilock brakes and
the trailer brakes may not
function, which could result
in a crash.
Trailer Wiring
The trailer wiring harness (if
equipped), with a seven-pin
connector is located at the
rear of the vehicle, and it is
tied to the vehicle's frame.
If the vehicle is not equipped
with a seven-pin trailer
connector, the body harness
has provisions to connect a
trailer harness and a seven-pin
trailer connector which is
available through your dealer.
Use only a round, seven-wire
connector with flat blade
terminals meeting SAE J2863
specifications for proper
electrical connectivity.
The seven-wire harness
contains the following trailer
circuits:Stop/Turn
Signal Left
Yellow/Blue
Stop/Turn
Signal Right Green/Brown
Tail/Parking
Lamps Gray/Brown
or Brown
Reverse
Lamps White/Green
or Gray
Battery Feed Red/Green or
Orange
Ground Black or
White
Electric
Trailer Brake* Blue
* Circuit powered by electric
trailer brake control wiring
provisions.
Electric Trailer Brake
Control Wiring Provisions
Wiring provisions for an
aftermarket electric trailer
brake controller are included
with the vehicle as part of the

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
334 Driving and Operating
trailer wiring package. The
harness contains the following
circuits:Electric
Trailer Brakes Blue
Battery Feed Red/Green or
Red/Blue
Brake Apply
Signal White/Blue
Ground Black or
White
Refer to the aftermarket
electric trailer brake controller
owner's manual to determine
wire color coding of the
electric trailer brake controller.
The wire colors on the brake
controller may be different
from the vehicle. The electric
trailer brake controller should
be installed by your dealer or a
qualified service center.
If equipped, there are four
blunt cut wires inside the front
driver side instrument panel.
It will be necessary to have a technician connect the 12-volt
power to the engine
compartment fuse block.
Trailer Lamps
Always check that 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,

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-
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336 Driving and Operating
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector
(DLC) is used for vehicle
service and Emission
Inspection/Maintenance
testing. See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check
Engine Light)0129. A device
connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet
or driver-behavior tracking
device —may interfere with
vehicle systems. This could
affect vehicle operation and
cause a crash. Such devices
may also access information
stored in the vehicle’s
systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment
can damage the vehicle or
cause components to not
work and would not be
covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always check with
your dealer before adding
electrical equipment.
Add-on equipment can drain
the vehicle's 12-volt battery,
even if the vehicle is not
operating.
The vehicle has an airbag
system. Before attempting to
add anything electrical to the
vehicle, see Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 079
and Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 080.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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

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338 Vehicle Care
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . 401
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . 408
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - NorthAmerica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a DisabledVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 416
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 421
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425
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 Perchlorate
Materials
Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, seat belt
pretensioners, and lithium
batteries contained in
electronic keys, may contain
perchlorate materials.
Perchlorate Material –special
handling may apply. See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/
hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Accessories and
Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories
or making modifications to the
vehicle can affect vehicle
performance and safety,
including such things as
airbags, braking, stability, ride
and handling, emissions
systems, aerodynamics,
durability, Driver Assistance
Systems, and electronic
systems like antilock brakes,

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 339
traction control, and stability
control. These accessories or
modifications could even
cause malfunction or damage
not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Damage to suspension
components caused by
modifying vehicle height
outside of factory settings will
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Damage to vehicle
components resulting from
modifications or the
installation or use of non-GM
certified parts, including
control module or software
modifications, is not covered
under the terms of the vehicle
warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage
for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed
to complement and function
with other systems on the
vehicle. See your dealer to
accessorize the vehicle usinggenuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer
technician.
Also, see Adding Equipment to
the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
0
80.
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work
on your vehicle if you do not
have the proper knowledge,
service manual, tools,
or parts. Always follow
owner’s manual procedures
and consult the service
manual for your vehicle
before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own
service work, use the proper
service manual. It tells you
much more about how to service the vehicle than this
manual can. To order the
proper service manual, see
Publication Ordering
Information
0452.
This vehicle has an airbag
system. Before attempting to
do your own service work, see
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle 079.
If equipped with remote
vehicle start, open the hood
before performing any service
work to prevent remote
starting the vehicle
accidentally. See Remote
Vehicle Start 019.
Keep a record with all parts
receipts and list the mileage
and the date of any service
work performed. See
Maintenance Records 0436.
Caution
Even small amounts of
contamination can cause
damage to vehicle systems.
(Continued)