steering CADILLAC XT6 2021 Workshop Manual

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
228 DRIVING AND OPERATING
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels
to free the vehicle when stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. SeeTraction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0248.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you or
others could be injured. The vehicle
can overheat, causing an engine
compartment fire or other damage.
Spin the wheels as little as possible
and avoid going above 56 km/h
(35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right
to clear the area around the front
wheels. Turn off any traction system.
Shift back and forth between
R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as
possible. To prevent transmission wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears. Release
the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator
pedal when the transmission is in
gear. Slowly spinning the wheels in
the forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get
the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the
vehicle does need to be towed out, see
Towing the Vehicle
0367.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how
much weight the vehicle can carry.
This weight is called the vehicle
capacity weight and includes the
weight of all occupants, cargo, and
all nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on the vehicle may
show how much weight it may
properly carry, the Tire and
Loading Information label and the
Certification/Tire label.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or
rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR). This can cause
systems to break and change
the way the vehicle handles.
This could cause loss of control
and a crash. Overloading can
also reduce stopping
performance, damage the tires,
and shorten the life of the
vehicle.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
232 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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
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.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Ignition Positions
The vehicle has an electronic keyless
ignition with pushbutton start.
If the pushbutton start is not working,
the vehicle may be near a strong radio
antenna signal causing interference to
the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
system. See Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation 07.
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle
must be turned on and the brake
pedal must be applied. Stopping the Engine/OFF (No
Indicator Light) :
When the vehicle is
stopped, press ENGINE START/STOP
once to turn the engine off.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the
ignition will turn off, and Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) 0237.
If the vehicle is in R (Reverse), D
(Drive), or M (Manual Mode), the
vehicle will shift into P (Park), the
ignition will turn off, and RAP will
remain active.
If the vehicle is in N (Neutral), the
ignition will return to ACC/
ACCESSORY and display the message
SHIFT TO PARK in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). When the
vehicle is shifted into P (Park), the
ignition will turn off.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering (Continued)

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
244 DRIVING AND OPERATING
2. From the center position, move theshift lever back.
.If the vehicle is in P (Park), press
the shift lock release button
while pulling the shift
lever back.
.D will illuminate in red.
.After releasing the shift lever, it
will return to the center
position.
To shift out of D (Drive): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
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 0221.
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.
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.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
246 DRIVING AND OPERATING
If Tour Mode is selected seeDriver
Mode Control 0250.
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
normal operation. The system
performs routine tests and turns off
within a few minutes after the vehicle
is turned off. Noise may be heard
during this time. If the brake pedal is
pressed during the tests or when the
electric brake boost system is off, a
noticeable change in pedal force and
travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
helps prevent a braking skid and
maintain steering while braking hard.
ABS performs a system check when
the vehicle is first driven.
A momentary motor or clicking noise may be heard while this test is going
on, and the brake pedal may move
slightly. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See
Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 118.
ABS does not change the time needed
to get a foot on the brake pedal and
does not always decrease stopping
distance. If you get too close to the
vehicle ahead, there will not be
enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
Always leave enough room ahead to
stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the
brake pedal down firmly. Hearing or
feeling ABS operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the
same time. In many emergencies,
steering can help even more than
braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can
always be applied, even if the vehicle
is off. In case of insufficient electrical
power, the EPB cannot be applied or
released. To prevent draining the
battery, avoid unnecessary repeated
cycles of the EPB.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 249
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the
system senses a discrepancy between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure at any one of the
vehicle's brakes to help steer the
vehicle in the direction which you are
steering.
If cruise control is being used and TCS
or StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit
wheel spin, cruise control will
disengage. Cruise control may be
turned back on when road conditions
allow. TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC will
automatically turn on when cruise
control is set.
Both systems come on automatically
when the vehicle is started and begins
to move. The systems may be heard or
felt while they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This is
normal and does not mean there is a
problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary to
turn TCS off if the vehicle gets stuckin sand, mud, ice, or snow. See
If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0228 and “Turning
the Systems Off and On ”later in this
section.
The indicator light for both systems is
in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is
activated.
.Turn on and stay on when either
system is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message may display in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on and stays on to indicate
that the system is inactive and is not
assisting the driver in maintaining
control. The vehicle is safe to drive,
but driving should be adjusted
accordingly. If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on and
stays on, the vehicle may need more
time to diagnose the problem. If the
condition persists, see your dealer.
Turning the Systems Off and On

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 251
displayed in the instrument cluster.
For more information on AWD Mode,
seeAll-Wheel Drive 0245.
Mode Descriptions
Tour : Tour Mode operates in FWD to
improve fuel economy. This setting
provides balance between comfort and
handling. This is the standard/default
mode and should be used during
normal driving operations. There is no
persistent indicator in the instrument
cluster for this mode.
Sport : Sport Mode improves vehicle
handling and acceleration on dry
pavement. When active, Sport Mode
modifies steering efforts, transmission
shifting, AWD torque, and suspension
tuning (if equipped). Choosing Sport
Mode also engages AWD (if equipped).
The Performance Algorithm Liftfoot
(PAL) feature is enabled in Sport
Mode. PAL allows the transmission to
hold the current gear after a quick
release of a heavily applied accelerator
pedal. This provides greater engine
braking and enhanced vehicle control. When PAL is activated, there may be
an additional green gear symbol which
appears in the instrument cluster
display. See
Performance Shifting Light
0 119.
AWD : AWD Mode provides drive
torque to all four wheels. Select AWD
to improve traction and control on
slippery road surfaces, such as gravel,
sand, wet pavement, snow, and ice For
more information on AWD Mode, see
All-Wheel Drive 0245.
Snow/Ice (FWD Vehicles Only) :
Snow/Ice Mode improves vehicle
acceleration on snow and ice covered
roads. This mode will adjust
acceleration to optimize traction on a
slippery surface. The accelerator pedal
will reduce engine torque at small
pedal inputs.
Off-Road : Use this mode for off-road
recreational driving. When active,
Off-Road Mode modifies accelerator
pedal response, AWD torque, TCS,
ABS and ESC settings. Choosing
Off-Road Mode also engages AWD.
Cruise Control
{
Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at a
steady speed. Do not use cruise
control on winding roads or in
heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could
lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.
With cruise control, a speed of about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be
maintained without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. Cruise control does
not work at speeds below about
40 km/h (25 mph).
If the Traction Control System (TCS)
or StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system begins to limit
wheel spin while using cruise control,
cruise control automatically
disengages. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0248. If a

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
2021 - CRC - 2/8/21
258 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Selecting the Follow Distance Gap
When a slower moving vehicle is
detected ahead within the selected
following gap, ACC will adjust the
vehicle's speed and attempt to
maintain the follow distance gap
selected.
Press
[on the steering wheel to
adjust the following gap. Each press
cycles the gap button through three
settings: Far, Medium, or Near.
When pressed, the current gap setting
displays briefly on the instrument
cluster and HUD (if equipped).
Subsequent presses cycle the gap
button through three settings: Far,
Medium, or Near. The gap setting will
be maintained until it is changed.
Since each gap setting corresponds to
a following time (Far, Medium,
or Near), the following distance will
vary based on vehicle speed. The
faster the vehicle speed, the further
back your vehicle will follow a vehicle
detected ahead. Consider traffic and
weather conditions when selecting the following gap. The range of selectable
gaps may not be appropriate for all
drivers and driving conditions.
Changing the gap setting
automatically changes the alert timing
sensitivity (Far, Medium, or Near) for
the Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
feature. See
Forward Collision Alert
(FCA) System 0272.
Alerting the Driver
With Head-Up Display
Without Head-Up Display If ACC is engaged, driver action may
be required when ACC cannot apply
sufficient braking because of
approaching a vehicle too rapidly.
When this condition occurs, the
collision alert symbol will flash on the
windshield. Either eight beeps will
sound from the front, or both sides of
the Safety Alert Seat will pulse five
times. See
“Collision/Detection
Systems” underVehicle Personalization
0 130.
See Defensive Driving 0219.
Approaching and Following a
Vehicle
The vehicle ahead indicator is in the
instrument cluster and HUD display,
if equipped.
The vehicle ahead indicator only
displays when a vehicle is detected in
your vehicle’s path moving in the
same direction.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 271
After completely passing a large
enough space, an audible beep occurs.
A red stop symbol and a shift to
reverse message are displayed.
If the vehicle is in R (Reverse), but
does not steer into the expected
space, this may be because the system
is maneuvering the vehicle into a
previously detected space. The APA
system does not need service.
APA will instruct the vehicle to stop
once a large enough space is found.
Follow the displayed instructions.
Shift to R (Reverse) to engage
automatic steering. The steering wheel
will vibrate briefly as a reminder to
remove hands from the steering
wheel. APA uses idle speed and
braking to park. If idle speed is not
sufficient, gently press the accelerator.Check surroundings and be prepared
to stop to avoid vehicles, pedestrians,
or objects not detected by the system.
In case the driver brakes, APA will not
disengage. Manual steering by the
driver automatically disengages APA.
Vehicle speed is limited to a
maximum of 5 km/h (3 mph) during
the parking maneuver.
A progress arrow displays the status
of the parking maneuver. Depending
on the space size, additional
maneuvers may be required, and there
will be additional instructions. When
changing gears, allow the automatic
steering to complete before continuing
the parking maneuver. APA will beep
and display a PARKING COMPLETE
message. Apply the brakes and place
the vehicle in P (Park).
APA may automatically disengage if:
.The steering wheel is used by the
driver.
.The maximum allowed speed is
exceeded.
.The parking brake is applied or the
vehicle is shifted into P (Park).
.There is a failure with the APA
system.
.Electronic stability control or
antilock brakes are activated.
.A high priority vehicle message is
displayed in the DIC.
.The driver opens the door with an
unbuckled seat belt.
The brake holds the vehicle until the
parking brake or brake is applied,
or the vehicle is shifted into P (Park).
To cancel APA, press
Oagain.
When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
The APA system may require a short
period of driving along curves to
calibrate.
Rear Pedestrian Alert
Under certain conditions, this feature
can provide alerts for a pedestrian
within the system’s range directly
behind the vehicle. This feature only
works in R (Reverse) below 12 km/h
(8 mph), and detects pedestrians up to
8 m (26 ft) away during daytime
driving. During nighttime driving,
feature performance is very limited.

Cadillac XT6 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-14574701) -
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274 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Without Head-Up Display
When your vehicle approaches
another detected vehicle too rapidly,
the red FCA display will flash on the
windshield. Also, eight rapid
high-pitched beeps will sound from
the front, or both sides of the Safety
Alert Seat will pulse five times. When
this Collision Alert occurs, the brake
system may prepare for driver braking
to occur more rapidly which can cause
a brief, mild deceleration. Continue to
apply the brake pedal as needed.
Cruise control may be disengaged
when the Collision Alert occurs.
Tailgating Alert
The vehicle ahead indicator will
display amber when you are following
a vehicle ahead much too closely.
Selecting the Alert Timing
The Collision Alert control is on the
steering wheel. Press
[to set the
FCA timing to Far, Medium, or Near,
or on some vehicles, Off. The first
button press shows the current setting
on the DIC. Additional button presses
will change this setting. The chosen
setting will remain until it is changed
and will affect the timing of both the
Collision Alert and the Tailgating
Alert features. The timing of both
alerts will vary based on vehicle speed. The faster the vehicle speed, the
farther away the alert will occur.
Consider traffic and weather
conditions when selecting the alert
timing. The range of selectable alert
timings may not be appropriate for all
drivers and driving conditions.
If your vehicle is equipped with
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC),
changing the FCA timing setting
automatically changes the following
gap setting (Far, Medium, or Near).
Following Distance Indicator
The following distance to a moving
vehicle ahead in your path is indicated
in following time in seconds on the
Driver Information Center (DIC). See
Driver Information Center (DIC)
0124.
The minimum following time is
0.5 seconds away. If there is no vehicle
detected ahead, or the vehicle ahead is
out of sensor range, dashes will be
displayed.
Unnecessary Alerts
FCA may provide unnecessary alerts
for turning vehicles, vehicles in other
lanes, objects that are not vehicles,

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