tow CADILLAC XT6 2021 Owner's Guide

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 245
3. Pull the control toward you toshift. 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.
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature can operate
in All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Mode. See
Driver Mode Control 0250.
Press MODE to activate AWD. AWD is
active in both AWD and Sport 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 0250.
Sport Mode is canceled with each
ignition cycle. See Driver Mode Control
0 250.
When operated in Tour Mode, the
vehicle will deliver power to the front
wheels only and may provide better
fuel economy.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
248 DRIVING AND OPERATING
If you are towing a trailer and parking
on a hill, seeDriving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0290.
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.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional
braking to activate the Antilock Brake
System (ABS) if the brake pedal is not
pushed hard enough to activate ABS
normally. Minor noise, brake pedal
pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue
to apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist
disengages when the brake pedal is
released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature.
HSA does not replace the need to
pay attention and drive safely. You
may not hear or feel alerts or
warnings provided by this system.
Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. See Defensive
Driving 0219.
When the vehicle is stopped on a
grade, Hill Start Assist (HSA) prevents
the vehicle from rolling in an
unintended direction during the
transition from brake pedal release to
accelerator pedal apply. The brakes
release when the accelerator pedal is
applied. If the accelerator pedal is not
applied within a few minutes, the
Electric Parking Brake will apply. The
brakes may also release under other
conditions. Do not rely on HSA to
hold the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is
facing uphill in a forward gear,
or when facing downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must come to
a complete stop on a grade for HSA to
activate.Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
These systems help limit wheel spin
and assist the driver in maintaining
control, especially on slippery road
conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of
the drive wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. On an
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle in
AWD or Sport Mode, the system will
operate if it senses that any of the
wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to the spinning
wheels and reduces engine power to
limit wheel spin.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
252 DRIVING AND OPERATING
collision alert occurs when cruise
control is activated, cruise control is
disengaged. SeeForward Collision Alert
(FCA) System 0272. When road
conditions allow cruise control to be
safely used, it can be turned back on.
Cruise control will disengage if either
TCS or StabiliTrak/ESC is turned off.
If the brakes are applied, cruise
control disengages.
J: Press to turn the system on and
off. A white indicator appears in the
instrument cluster when cruise is
turned on. RES+ :
If there is a set speed in
memory, move the thumbwheel up
briefly to resume that speed or move
the thumbwheel up and hold to
accelerate. If cruise control is already
active, use to increase vehicle speed.
To increase speed by 1 km/h (1 mph),
press RES+ to the first detent. To
increase speed to the next 5 km/h
(5 mph) mark on the speedometer,
press RES+ to the second detent.
SET− :Move the thumbwheel down
briefly to set the speed and activate
cruise control. If cruise control is
already active, use to decrease vehicle
speed. To decrease speed by 1 km/h
(1 mph), press SET− to the first detent.
To decrease speed to the next 5 km/h
(5 mph) mark on the speedometer,
press SET− to the second detent.
*:Press to disengage cruise control
without erasing the set speed from
memory.
Setting Cruise Control
If
Jis on when not in use, SET− or
RES+ could get pressed and go into
cruise when not desired. Keep
Joff
when cruise is not being used. 1. Press
J.
2. Get up to the desired speed.
3. Move the thumbwheel down toward SET− and release. The
desired set speed briefly appears in
the instrument cluster.
4. Remove your foot from the accelerator.
When cruise control has been set to
the desired speed, a green cruise
control indicator appears on the
instrument cluster and a cruise set
speed message appears on the
Head-Up Display (HUD), if equipped.
Resuming a Set Speed
If cruise control is set at a desired
speed and then the brakes are applied
or
*is pressed, cruise control is
disengaged without erasing the set
speed from memory.
Once the vehicle speed reaches about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more, move the
thumbwheel up toward RES+ briefly.
The vehicle returns to the previous set
speed.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 253
Increasing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
If the cruise control system is already
activated:
.Move the thumbwheel up toward
RES+ until the desired speed is
reached.
.To increase vehicle speed in small
increments, briefly press RES+ to
the first detent. For each press, the
vehicle goes about 1 km/h (1 mph)
faster.
.To increase vehicle speed in larger
increments, briefly press RES+ to
the second detent. For each press,
the vehicle speed increases to the
next 5 km/h (5 mph) mark on the
speedometer.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster 0109.
The increment value used depends on
the units displayed. 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 0109.
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.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
262 DRIVING AND OPERATING
guardrails, and other stationary
objects when entering or exiting a
curve. This is normal operation. The
vehicle does not need service.
Other Vehicle Lane Changes
ACC will not detect a vehicle ahead
until it is completely in the lane. The
brakes may need to be manually
applied.
Objects Not Directly in Front of Your
Vehicle
The detection of objects in front of
the vehicle may not be possible if:
.The vehicle or object ahead is not
within your lane.
.The vehicle ahead is shifted, not
centered, or is shifted to one side of
the lane.Driving in Narrow Lanes
Vehicles in adjacent traffic lanes or
roadside objects may be incorrectly
detected when located along the
roadway.
Do Not Use ACC on Hills and When
Towing a Trailer
Do not use ACC when driving on steep
hills or when towing a trailer. ACC will
not detect a vehicle in the lane while
driving on steep hills. If the brakes are
applied, ACC disengages.
Disengaging ACC
There are three ways to
disengage ACC:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Presso.Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased
from memory if
ois pressed or if the
ignition is turned off.
Weather Conditions Affecting ACC
System operation may be limited
under snow, heavy rain, or road spray
conditions.
Accessory Installations and Vehicle
Modifications
Do not install or place any object
around the front camera windshield
area that would obstruct the front
camera view.
Do not install objects on top of the
vehicle that overhang and obstruct the
front camera, such as a canoe, kayak,
or other items that can be transported
on a roof rack system. See Roof Rack
System 098.
Do not modify the hood, headlamps,
or fog lamps, as this may limit the
camera’s ability to detect an object.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 269
Warning (Continued)
system to occur. To prevent injury,
death, or vehicle damage, even with
the Backing Warning System,
always check the area around the
vehicle and check all mirrors before
backing.
When the vehicle is in R (Reverse),
if the system detects the vehicle is
backing too fast to avoid a crash with
a detected object behind your vehicle
in your path, it may automatically
brake hard to a stop to help avoid or
reduce the harm caused by a backing
crash.
{Warning
RAB may not avoid many types of
backing crashes. Do not wait for the
automatic braking to apply. This
system is not designed to replace
driver braking and only works in
R (Reverse) when an object is
detected directly behind the vehicle.
It may not brake or stop in time to
avoid a crash. It will not brake for (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
objects when the vehicle is moving
at very low speeds. It does not
detect children, pedestrians,
bicyclists, animals, or objects below
the bumper or that are too close or
too far from the vehicle. To prevent
injury, death, or vehicle damage,
even with RAB, always check the
area around the vehicle before and
while backing.
Pressing the brake pedal after the
vehicle comes to a stop will release
RAB. If the brake pedal is not pressed
soon after the stop, the Electric
Parking Brake (EPB) may be set. When
it is safe, press the accelerator pedal
firmly at any time to override RAB.
{Warning
There may be instances where
unexpected or undesired automatic
braking occurs. If this happens,
either press the brake pedal or
firmly press the accelerator pedal to
release the brakes from the RAB (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
system. Before releasing the brakes,
check the RVC and check the area
around the vehicle to make sure it
is safe to proceed.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
If equipped, RCTA displays a red
warning triangle with a left or right
pointing arrow on the infotainment
display to warn of traffic coming from
the left or right. This system detects
objects coming from up to 20 m (65 ft)
from the left or right side of the
vehicle. When an object is detected,
either three beeps sound from the left
or right or three Safety Alert Seat
pulses occur on the left or right side,
depending on the direction of the
detected vehicle.
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.
See Radio Frequency Statement 0406.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
270 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Turning the Features On or Off
PressXon the center stack to turn
on or off the Front and Rear Park
Assist, Reverse Automatic Braking
(RAB), and the Backing Warning
System at the same time. The
indicator light next to the button
comes on when the features are on
and turns off when the features have
been disabled.
Turn off Park Assist, RCTA, and RAB
when towing a trailer.
RCTA can be turned on or off through
vehicle personalization. See “Collision/
Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0130.
Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
with Braking
If equipped, APA searches for and
steers the vehicle into parallel and
perpendicular parking spots. When
using APA, you must still shift gears,
while the system applies the brakes
and accelerator. A display and audible
beeps help to guide parking
maneuvers.
Do not use APA when towing a trailer.
{Warning
APA may not detect objects in the
parking space, objects that are soft
or narrow, objects high off the
ground such as flatbed trucks,
objects below ground level such as
large potholes, or moving objects
(e.g. pedestrians). Always verify that
the parking space is appropriate for
parking a vehicle. APA does not
respond to changes in the parking
space, such as movement of an
adjacent vehicle, or a person or
object entering the parking space.
APA does not detect or avoid traffic
that is behind or alongside of the
vehicle. Always be prepared to stop
the vehicle during the parking
maneuver.
Press
Oon the center stack to enable
the system to search for a parking
space that is large enough and within
1.5 m (5 ft) of the vehicle. The vehicle
speed must be below
30 km/h (18 mph). The system cannot:
.Detect whether it is a legal parking
space.
.Park exactly lined up with the
vehicle next to it if the spot is
approached at an angle or if the
parking space is angled.
.Park exactly centered in a spot that
is marked too large.
.Always detect short curbs.
When enabled, APA searches for
parallel parking spaces to the right of
the vehicle. To search for a parking
space to the left, turn on the left turn
signal or, if available, change the side
selection in the infotainment display.
To switch the parking mode between
parallel and perpendicular, press and
hold
Oduring the search process or,
if available, change the parking mode
in the infotainment display.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
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276 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Warning (Continued)
turning vehicle ahead, guardrails,
signs, and other non-moving
objects. To override AEB, firmly
press the accelerator pedal, if it is
safe to do so.
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
IBA may activate when the brake
pedal is applied quickly by providing a
boost to braking based on the speed
of approach and distance to a vehicle
ahead.
Minor brake pedal pulsations or pedal
movement during this time is normal
and the brake pedal should continue
to be applied as needed. IBA will
automatically disengage only when
the brake pedal is released.
{Warning
IBA may increase vehicle braking in
situations when it may not be
necessary. You could block the flow
of traffic. If this occurs, take your
foot off the brake pedal and then
apply the brakes as needed.AEB and IBA can be disabled through
vehicle personalization. See
“Collision/
Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0130.
{Warning
Using AEB or IBA while towing a
trailer could cause you to lose
control of the vehicle and crash.
Turn the system to Alert, or if the
vehicle has ACC to Off, when
towing a trailer.
A system unavailable message may
display if:
.The front of the vehicle or
windshield is not clean.
.Heavy rain or snow is interfering
with object detection.
.There is a problem with the
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system.
The AEB system does not need
service.
Front Pedestrian Braking
(FPB) System
If equipped, the FPB system may help
avoid or reduce the harm caused by
front-end crashes with nearby
pedestrians when driving in a forward
gear. FPB displays an amber indicator,
~, when a nearby pedestrian is
detected ahead. When approaching a
detected pedestrian too quickly, FPB
provides a red flashing alert on the
windshield and rapidly beeps or pulses
the driver seat. FPB can provide a
boost to braking or automatically
brake the vehicle. This system
includes Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA),
and the Automatic Emergency Braking
(AEB) system may also respond to
pedestrians. See Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB) 0275.
The FPB system can detect and alert
to pedestrians in a forward gear at
speeds between 8 km/h (5 mph) and
80 km/h (50 mph). During daytime
driving, the system detects
pedestrians up to a distance of
approximately 40 m (131 ft). During
nighttime driving, system performance
is very limited.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
278 DRIVING AND OPERATING
some very low speed pedestrian
crashes or reduce pedestrian injury.
FPB can automatically brake to
detected pedestrians between 8 km/h
(5 mph) and 80 km/h (50 mph).
Automatic braking levels may be
reduced under certain conditions,
such as higher speeds.
If this happens, Automatic Braking
may engage the Electric Parking Brake
(EPB) to hold the vehicle at a stop.
Release the EPB. A firm press of the
accelerator pedal will also release
Automatic Braking and the EPB.
{Warning
FPB may alert or automatically
brake the vehicle suddenly in
situations where it is unexpected
and undesired. It could falsely alert
or brake for objects similar in shape
or size to pedestrians, including
shadows. This is normal operation
and the vehicle does not need
service. To override Automatic
Braking, firmly press the accelerator
pedal, if it is safe to do so.Automatic Braking can be disabled
through vehicle personalization. See
“Front Pedestrian Detection
”in
“Collision/Detection Systems” under
Vehicle Personalization 0130.
{Warning
Using the Front Pedestrian Braking
system while towing a trailer could
cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and crash. Turn the system
to Alert or Off when towing a
trailer.
Cleaning the System
If FPB does not seem to operate
properly, cleaning the outside of the
windshield in front of the rearview
mirror may correct the issue.
Night Vision System
If equipped, this system can help the
driver see and alert the driver to
pedestrians or large animals ahead of
the vehicle beyond the area lit by the
headlamps. A thermal heat image of
the view ahead is displayed when it is
dark enough outside. If a pedestrian
or large animal is detected more than 25 m (82 ft) away, an amber
pedestrian or animal icon displays and
a box appears around the pedestrian
or animal. When the system detects
that the vehicle is approaching a
pedestrian ahead too quickly, the box
changes to red.
With the Front Pedestrian Braking
system turned on, Night Vision
provides a red Head-Up Display (HUD)
alert when the system detects that the
vehicle is approaching a pedestrian
ahead too quickly. In addition, an alert
beeps or the Safety Alert Seat pulses,
if equipped. See
Front Pedestrian
Braking (FPB) System 0276.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
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282 DRIVING AND OPERATING
signal is activated in the same
direction as a detected vehicle, this
display will flash as an extra warning
not to change lanes.
LCA can be disabled through vehicle
personalization. When you disable
LCA, SBZA is also disabled. SeeVehicle
Personalization 0130. If LCA is
disabled by the driver, the LCA mirror
displays will not light up.
When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
The LCA system requires some driving
for the system to calibrate to
maximum performance. This
calibration may occur more quickly if
the vehicle is driving on a straight
highway road with traffic and roadside
objects (e.g., guardrails, barriers).
LCA displays may not come on when
passing a vehicle quickly, for a
stopped vehicle, or when towing a
trailer. 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. LCA may alert to objects attached to the vehicle, such as a
trailer, bicycle, or object extending out
to either side of the vehicle. Attached
objects may also interfere with the
detection of vehicles. This is normal
system operation; the vehicle does not
need service.
LCA may not always alert the driver to
vehicles in the next lane over,
especially in wet conditions or when
driving on sharp curves. The system
does not need to be serviced. The
system may light up due to guardrails,
signs, trees, shrubs, and other
non-moving objects. This is normal
system operation; the vehicle does not
need service.
LCA may not operate when the LCA
sensors in the left or right corners of
the rear bumper are covered with
mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush, or in
heavy rainstorms. For cleaning
instructions, see "Washing the
Vehicle" under
Exterior Care0370.
If the DIC still displays the system
unavailable message after cleaning
both sides of the vehicle toward the
rear corners of the vehicle, see your
dealer. If the LCA displays do not light up
when moving vehicles are in the side
blind zone or are rapidly approaching
this zone and the system is clean, the
system may need service. Take the
vehicle to your dealer.
Radio Frequency Information
See
Radio Frequency Statement 0406.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
If equipped, LKA may help avoid
crashes due to unintentional lane
departures. This system uses a camera
to detect lane markings between
60 km/h (37 mph) and 180 km/h
(112 mph). It may assist by gently
turning the steering wheel if the
vehicle approaches a detected lane
marking. It may also provide a Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) alert if the
vehicle crosses a detected lane
marking. LKA can be overridden by
turning the steering wheel. This
system is not intended to keep the
vehicle centered in the lane. LKA will
not assist and alert if the turn signal
is active in the direction of lane