towing CADILLAC XT5 2023 Owners Manual

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
Seats and Restraints 79
and then buckle the belt
again without pulling the
belt out all the way.
6. Restart the vehicle and have the person remain in
this position for two to
three minutes after the ON
indicator is lit.
{Warning
If the front outboard
passenger airbag is turned
off for an adult-sized
occupant, the airbag will not
be able to inflate and help
protect that person in a
crash, resulting in an
increased risk of serious
injury or even death. An
adult-sized occupant should
not ride in the front
outboard passenger seat,
if the passenger airbag OFF
indicator is lit.
Additional Factors
Affecting System
Operation
Seat belts help keep the
passenger in position on the
seat during vehicle maneuvers
and braking, which helps the
passenger sensing system
maintain the passenger airbag
status. See “Seat Belts” and
“Child Restraints” in the Index
for additional information
about the importance of
proper restraint use.
A thick layer of additional
material, such as a blanket or
cushion, or aftermarket
equipment such as seat
covers, seat heaters, and seat
massagers can affect how well
the passenger sensing system
operates. We recommend that
you not use seat covers or
other aftermarket equipment
except when approved by GM
for your specific vehicle. See
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 080 for more information about
modifications that can affect
how the system operates.
The ON indicator may be lit if
an object, such as a briefcase,
handbag, grocery bag, laptop,
or other electronic device, is
put on an unoccupied seat.
If this is not desired, remove
the object from the seat.
{Warning
Stowing articles under the
passenger seat or between
the passenger seat cushion
and seatback may interfere
with the proper operation of
the passenger sensing
system.
Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped
Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle
should be serviced. There are
parts of the airbag system in
several places around the
vehicle. Your dealer and the

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
130 Instruments and Controls
Caution (Continued)
Inspection/Maintenance
test. See Accessories and
Modifications0338.
If the light is flashing : A
malfunction has been
detected that could damage
the emission control system
and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and
service may be required.
To help prevent damage,
reduce vehicle speed and
avoid hard accelerations and
uphill grades. If towing a
trailer, reduce the amount of
cargo being hauled as soon as
possible.
If the light continues to flash,
find a safe place to park. Turn
the vehicle off and wait at
least 10 seconds before
restarting the engine. If the
light is still flashing, follow the
previous guidelines and see
your dealer for service as
soon as possible. If the light is on steady :
A
malfunction has been
detected. Diagnosis and
service may be required.
Check the following:
.If fuel has been added to the
vehicle using the capless fuel
funnel adapter, make sure
that it has been removed.
See “Filling the Tank with a
Portable Gas Can” under
Filling the Tank 0319. The
diagnostic system can
detect if the adapter has
been left installed in the
vehicle, allowing fuel to
evaporate into the
atmosphere. A few driving
trips with the adapter
removed may turn off the
light.
.Poor fuel quality can cause
inefficient engine operation
and poor driveability, which
may go away once the
engine is warmed up. If this
occurs, change the fuel
brand. It may require at least
one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the light off. See
Recommended Fuel (2.0L L4
Engine)
0318 or
Recommended Fuel (3.6L
V6 Engine) 0318.
If the light remains on, see
your dealer.
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
If the vehicle requires an
Emissions Inspection/
Maintenance test, the test
equipment will likely connect
to the vehicle's Data Link
Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the
instrument panel to the left of
the steering wheel.
Connecting devices that are
not used to perform an
Emissions Inspection/

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
234 Driving and Operating
Forward Collision Alert(FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Front Pedestrian Braking
(FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Night Vision System . . . . . . 310
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Recommended Fuel (2.0LL4 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Recommended Fuel (3.6L V6 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322 Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . 322
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . 331
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
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.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 249
5.Determine the combined
weight of luggage and
cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight
may not safely exceed
the available cargo and
luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be
towing a trailer, load
from your trailer will be
transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine
how this reduces the
available cargo and
luggage load capacity of
your vehicle.”
See Trailer Towing 0326
for important information
on towing a trailer, towing
safety rules and
trailering tips.
Example 1
1.Vehicle Capacity
Weight for Example 1 =
453 kg (1,000 lbs).
2.Subtract Occupant
Weight @ 68 kg
(150 lbs) × 2 = 136 kg
(300 lbs).
3.Available Occupant and
Cargo Weight = 317 kg
(700 lbs).
Example 2
1.Vehicle Capacity
Weight for Example 2 =
453 kg (1,000 lbs).
2.Subtract Occupant
Weight @ 68 kg
(150 lbs) × 5 = 340 kg
(750 lbs).
3.Available Cargo Weight
= 113 kg (250 lbs).

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 251
Caution
Overloading the vehicle may
cause damage. Repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Do not
overload the vehicle.
{Warning
Things inside the vehicle
can strike and injure
people in a sudden stop
or turn, or in a crash.
.Put things in the cargo
area of the vehicle. In
the cargo area, put
them as far forward as
possible. Try to spread
the weight evenly.
.Never stack heavier
things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so
that some of them are
above the tops of the
seats.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Do not leave an
unsecured child
restraint in the vehicle.
.Secure loose items in
the vehicle.
.Do not leave a seat
folded down unless
needed.
Starting and
Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need
an elaborate break-in. But it
will perform better in the
long run if you follow these
guidelines:
.Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or
slow, for the first 800 km
(500 mi). Do not make (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
full-throttle starts. Avoid
downshifting to brake or
slow the vehicle.
.Avoid making hard stops
for the first 300 km
(200 mi) or so. During this
time the new brake linings
are not yet broken in. Hard
stops with new linings can
mean premature wear and
earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you
get new brake linings.
.Do not tow a trailer during
break-in. See Trailer
Towing0326 for the
trailer towing capabilities
of the vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine
speed and load can be
gradually increased.
On new vehicles, the various
mechanical and electrical
systems experience a

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16406251) - 2023 - CRC - 3/25/22
258 Driving and Operating
7. Install the engine heaterconnector cover.
The length of time the heater
should remain plugged in
depends on several factors.
Ask a dealer in the area where
you will be parking the vehicle
for the best advice on this.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
When the vehicle is turned
from on to off, the following
features (if equipped) will
continue to function for up to
10 minutes, or until the driver
door is opened. These
features will also work when
the vehicle is on or in
accessory mode:
.Infotainment System
.Power Windows (during RAP
this functionality will be lost
when any door is opened)
.Sunroof (during RAP this
functionality will be lost
when any door is opened)
.Auxiliary Power Outlet
.Audio System
.OnStar System
Shifting Into Park
To shift into P (Park): 1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the parking brake.
See Electric Parking Brake
0269.
2. Press the button on top of the shift lever to shift into
P (Park). See Automatic
Transmission 0261.
3. The P (Park) indicator on the shift lever will turn red
when the vehicle is in
P (Park).
4. Turn the ignition off. If the vehicle is shifted into
P (Park) on a hill, the
Electric Parking Brake
(EPB) may apply
automatically. You may not
be able to release the EPB
using the EPB switch.
It should automatically
release when the vehicle is
shifted out of P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle with
the Engine Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave
the vehicle with the engine
running. It could overheat
and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of
the vehicle if the vehicle is
not in P (Park) with the
Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle
when the engine is running.
If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or
others could be injured. To
be sure the vehicle will not
move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, always
set the EPB and shift the
vehicle to P (Park). If you are
towing a trailer, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0322.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 259
If you have to leave the vehicle
with the engine running, be
sure the vehicle is in P (Park)
and the parking brake is firmly
set before you leave it.
If you are towing a trailer and
parking on a hill, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing
Tips0322.
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with
an electronic transmission.
The shift lock release button is
designed to prevent
inadvertent shifting out of
P (Park).
To shift out of P (Park):
1. Ensure the engine is running.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Press and hold the shift lock release button on the
shift lever.
4. Move the shift lever to the desired position. For
N (Neutral) hold the lever in the N (Neutral) position
until the N indicator
illuminates red.
5. The P indicator will turn white and the gear
indicator will turn red when
the vehicle is no longer in
P (Park).
After releasing the shift lever,
it will return to the center
position.
If the vehicle cannot shift from
P (Park), a Driver Information
Center (DIC) message may be
displayed. Check that the
ignition is on, the engine is
running, the brake pedal is
applied, and the shift lock
release button is pressed
when you are attempting to
shift out of P (park). If all of
these are met but the vehicle
will not shift out of P (Park),
see your dealer for service.
Parking over Things
That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could
touch hot exhaust parts
under the vehicle and ignite.
Do not park over papers,
leaves, dry grass, or other
things that can burn.
Active Fuel
Management
This vehicle's engine may be
equipped with Active Fuel
Management, which allows the
engine to operate on either all
of its cylinders, or in reduced
cylinder operation mode,
depending on the driving
conditions.
When less power is required,
such as cruising at a constant
vehicle speed, the system will
operate in reduced cylinder
operation mode, allowing the
vehicle to achieve better fuel

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 261
Warning (Continued)
.Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park the vehicle with
the engine running in an
enclosed area such as a
garage or a building that has
no fresh air ventilation.
Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with the
engine running.
If the vehicle is left with the
engine running, follow the
proper steps to be sure the
vehicle will not move. See
Shifting Into Park 0258 and
Engine Exhaust 0260.
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0322.
Automatic
Transmission
The shift pattern is displayed
in the top of the shift lever.
The selected gear position will
illuminate red on the shift
lever, while all others will be
displayed in white. If the shift
is not immediate, as in very
cold conditions, the indicator
on the shift lever may flash
until it is fully engaged. The shift lever always starts
from a center position,
represented by an up/down
arrow on the shift pattern.
After releasing the shift lever,
it will return to the center
position.
The transmission does not
operate when the vehicle
is off.
If the vehicle is in accessory
mode, the transmission can be
shifted into P (Park).
If the vehicle is turned off
while at a relatively high
vehicle speed, the
transmission will automatically
shift to N (Neutral). Once the
vehicle is stopped, P (Park) is
automatically selected.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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264 Driving and Operating
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle
warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the
vehicle.
The vehicle is not designed to
stay in N (Neutral) for more
than five minutes. It may
automatically shift into
P (Park). N (Neutral) is not
intended for towing. If the
vehicle needs to be towed, see
Transporting a Disabled
Vehicle 0412.
To shift into N (Neutral): 1. Move the shift lever forward to the first detent
from the center position.
.If the vehicle is in
P (Park), apply the brake
pedal and press the shift lock release button while
moving the shift lever
forward.
.N will illuminate in red.
2. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the
center position.
To shift out of N (Neutral): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear. If shifting from N (Neutral)
to R (Reverse), press the
shift lock release button.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the
center position.
Car Wash Mode
This vehicle includes a Car
Wash Mode that allows the
vehicle to remain in N (Neutral)
for use in automatic car
washes. Car Wash Mode (Engine Off
–
Driver in Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in
N (Neutral) with the engine off
and the vehicle occupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift to N (Neutral).
4. Turn off the engine and release the brake pedal.
5. The indicator should continue to show N. If it
does not, repeat
Steps 2–4.
6. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
Car Wash Mode (Engine Off –
Driver out of Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in
N (Neutral) with the engine off
and the vehicle unoccupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Open the door.

Cadillac XT5 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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270 Driving and Operating
the vehicle if the red parking
brake status light is flashing.
See your dealer.
If the amber service parking
brake warning light is on,
press the EPB switch.
Continue to hold the switch
until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the
amber service parking brake
warning light is on, see your
dealer.
If the EPB is applied while the
vehicle is moving, the vehicle
will decelerate as long as the
switch is pressed. If the switch
is pressed until the vehicle
comes to a stop, the EPB will
remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically
apply the EPB in some
situations when the vehicle is
not moving. This is normal, and
is done to periodically check
the correct operation of the
EPB system, or at the request
of other safety functions that
utilize the EPB.If the EPB fails to apply, block
the rear wheels to prevent
vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to accessory mode.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the
red parking brake status light
is off.
If the amber service parking
brake warning light is on,
release the EPB by pressing
and holding the EPB switch.
Continue to hold the switch
until the red parking brake
status light is off. If either light
stays on after release is
attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking
brake on can overheat the
brake system and cause
premature wear or damage
to brake system parts. Make
sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the
brake warning light is off
before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and
parking on a hill, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0322.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically
release if the vehicle is
running, placed into gear, and
an attempt is made to drive
away. Avoid rapid acceleration
when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake
lining life.