2021 Cadillac XT6 Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2021 Cadillac XT6: Common Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Emissions System
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2021 Cadillac XT6 has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
  • Emissions System: A faulty emissions system component, such as an oxygen sensor or EGR valve, can lead to increased emissions and trigger the check engine light.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

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RepairPal Certified shops can diagnose and repair your 2021 Cadillac XT6 engine and performance issues. They provide transparent pricing with a minimum 12-month or 12,000-mile warranty on repairs and services.
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Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center - Grandview

4.7
(85)
2.39 mi
1524 W 5th Ave
Columbus, OH
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Closes 5:00 PM
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Excite Auto Repair & Towing

4.4
(15)
5.94 mi
3430 Westerville Road
Columbus, OH
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All In Auto Service

4.9
(25)
6.56 mi
5200 Fisher Road
Columbus, OH
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Closes 6:00 PM
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Tuffy Tire & Auto Service - Grove City

4.4
(520)
6.67 mi
2131 Stringtown Rd
Grove City, OH
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How much does it cost to fix a 2021 Cadillac XT6 has a check engine light?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Symptoms may include a decrease in fuel mileage, hesitation or misfiring from the engine, rough idling or even stalling. A faulty sensor may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

What are the initial diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 2021 Cadillac XT6?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2021 Cadillac XT6, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach to identify the underlying issue. Start by visually inspecting the gas cap, as a loose or damaged cap is a common culprit that can easily trigger the warning light. Next, pay attention to any additional dashboard indicators or messages that may offer further insights into the problem. Utilizing an OBD-II diagnostic scanner is a crucial step; by connecting it to your vehicle's onboard system, you can retrieve specific error codes that will guide you toward the exact issue. Additionally, take note of any unusual symptoms your vehicle may be exhibiting, such as rough idling or poor acceleration, as these details can significantly aid in the diagnosis. By following these initial steps, you can effectively gather the necessary information to address the check engine light and potentially resolve the issue without professional assistance.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2021 Cadillac XT6?

When the check engine light comes on in your 2021 Cadillac XT6, it can be a source of concern, but understanding the common problems that may cause this warning can empower you to take action. One of the simplest issues to check is the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap can easily trigger the light, so ensure it is securely tightened. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, consider inspecting the oxygen sensor, as a malfunction here can lead to poor fuel efficiency and increased emissions. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter, such as inefficiency or failure, can also illuminate the check engine light, indicating a need for further investigation. Spark plugs and ignition coils are other critical components; worn or faulty versions can affect engine performance and cause misfiring. Furthermore, a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, leading to performance issues. Other potential culprits include the EGR valve, thermostat, and vacuum leaks, all of which can impact engine operation and emissions. Addressing these issues promptly is essential to prevent further damage and maintain your vehicle's performance. If you’re unable to diagnose the problem yourself, consulting a qualified mechanic is advisable to ensure a thorough inspection and resolution.

What are the potential risks of ignoring the check engine light on a 2021 Cadillac XT6?

Ignoring the check engine light on your 2021 Cadillac XT6 can lead to serious repercussions that every DIY car owner should be aware of. First and foremost, neglecting this warning can result in significant engine damage, which not only escalates repair costs but could also lead to complete engine failure, leaving you with a hefty bill and a non-operational vehicle. Additionally, unresolved issues indicated by the check engine light can severely impact your fuel efficiency, as components like oxygen sensors and spark plugs may be malfunctioning, causing you to spend more at the pump. Environmental concerns also arise, as failing to address these issues can lead to increased emissions, potentially putting you at odds with regulatory standards. Safety is another critical factor; certain problems linked to the check engine light can compromise your vehicle's performance, affecting braking systems or causing engine misfires, which could endanger you and others on the road. Lastly, for those still under warranty, ignoring the check engine light may void your coverage, resulting in out-of-pocket expenses for repairs that could have been avoided. Therefore, it is crucial to take the check engine light seriously and address any underlying issues promptly to maintain the safety, efficiency, and longevity of your Cadillac XT6.

Related 2021 Cadillac XT6 Problems

Read about related problems experienced by other Cadillac XT6 drivers like you.

Ford Escape burnt exhaust valves in cylinders 1 and 2 causing low compression and misfire
Some Ford Escape owners report experiencing issues with burnt exhaust valves in cylinders 1 and 2, which can lead to low compression and misfires. This condition often triggers the Check Engine Light (CEL) and diagnostic trouble codes, such as P0301 for cylinder 1 misfires. Owners may find that low compression caused by these burnt valves persists even after replacing spark plugs and coil packs, as the underlying problem lies in the valves themselves. Additionally, burnt exhaust valves can result from overheating or other factors that impair the valve's sealing ability, further contributing to compression loss and misfires. It is crucial for owners to address these issues promptly to prevent further engine damage and maintain optimal vehicle performance.
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Dodge Caliber failed smog test due to onboard diagnostics not being ready after software update
Some Dodge Caliber owners report experiencing difficulties passing smog tests due to onboard diagnostics not being ready after software updates. These issues can arise when the smog machine checks the vehicle's computer system, requiring all monitors to complete their self-tests without any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) recorded. Owners have noted that vehicles with illegally modified software will fail the inspection, and resetting the Check Engine Light (CEL) with handheld programmers may adversely affect the readiness monitors, leading to failure. Additionally, some report that software updates related to shifter recalls can reset the vehicle's computer and unset the readiness monitors, contributing to failed smog tests. To avoid these complications, it is crucial for owners to ensure that any modifications or software updates comply with California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations.
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