Why does my Cadillac XT6 crank but not start?

Short answer: On 2020-2022 XT6s, a crank-no-start with code P023F, often with the fuel gauge suddenly reading empty, very often comes down to the fuel pump control module. GM's bulletin PIP5964 covers it. Owners got it replaced under warranty. On a 2020, also check recall 20V639000 for the fuel pump module. Have it towed to the dealer rather than cranking it until the battery dies.

Symptom: The engine cranks but won't fire, or starts and dies. The fuel gauge may suddenly read empty with fuel in the tank, and the check engine light may set P023F or P129F. It may stall while driving.

What to check first

1. Make sure there's actually fuel in the tank.
2. Get codes read: look for P023F or P129F.
3. Check the fuel pump fuses (owners checked F35 and F50).
4. Run your VIN for recall 20V639000 on 2020 models.
5. Ask the dealer about GM bulletin PIP5964.
6. Don't keep cranking. It drains the battery.

Likely causes

1. Failed fuel pump control module. The fuel pump control module is the small computer that tells the in-tank fuel pump how hard to run. Owners with 2020-2022 XT6s fixed crank-no-start problems by replacing it. GM's bulletin PIP5964 says an internal short in this module (K111, the fuel pump driver control module) can cause no start, stalling and an erratic fuel gauge, with codes like P023F and P129F.
2. Fuel pump module recall (2020). On some 2020 XT6s, NHTSA recall 20V639000 says a plastic burr in the fuel pump's jet nozzle can block fuel flow. Dealers replace the fuel pump module for free.
3. Running out of fuel or bad fuel. One owner's problem began after the tank ran empty and the car was cranked many times. Old, ethanol-heavy fuel can gum things up too.

What it usually costs

Owners got the module replaced under warranty, and recall repairs are free. Out-of-warranty prices weren't posted.

Is it safe to keep driving?

Not if it's stalling. Losing the engine in traffic is dangerous. Get it towed in and repaired before relying on it.

DIY or shop?

Reading codes and checking fuses is DIY. One owner replaced the module themselves, but diagnosis and programming are usually dealer work.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recalls and bulletins: Recall 20V639000 covers certain 2020 XT6s: a plastic burr in the fuel pump's jet nozzle can block fuel flow, and dealers replace the fuel pump module for free. GM's PIP5964 bulletin (on NHTSA's site) covers 2021-2023 XT6 and other GM models with no start, stalling or erratic fuel gauge from an internal short in the K111 fuel pump driver control module. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• Plain words: The complaint count below shows how often owners reported problems that mention these words to NHTSA. A count is not proof of a defect.
• NHTSA complaints: 22 keyword-matched complaints for Cadillac XT6 2020–2023 (of 88 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-11-02; keywords: start, stall, fuel pump, crank, fuel gauge, loss of power). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In XT6 Sport doesn’t start, P023F error code on Cadillac Owners Forum, a 2021 XT6 Sport with 11,000 miles cranked but wouldn't start after the tank ran empty, with code P023F, even after refueling. The fuses were fine. Reaching the fuel pump means dropping the tank, so on others' advice about weak fuel control modules on 2020-2021 builds, the owner replaced the module, and it started and ran perfectly. Another owner's 2021 XT6 with 40,000 miles stalled at an intersection and Cadillac replaced the module under warranty. A reply explained Service Mode (hold START without the brake for 5+ seconds) to shift and read gauges without starting.
• In ‘22 XT6 crank wont start low 9800 miles. on Reddit r/Cadillac, a 2022 XT6 with 9,800 miles cranked but wouldn't start after a short stop, and the fuel gauge jumped to empty after a battery disconnect. A reply said this matches a known 2020-2022 XT6 fuel pump control module failure. The owner's update: it was the fuel pump module.

Quick tip

Don't let anyone start by dropping the fuel tank. Check the pump control module and the bulletin first.

Vehicle focus: Cadillac XT6, 2020-2023 (2.0T and 3.6L V6).

Safety / mechanic note

A stall can happen while driving. Pull over safely if it sputters. Verify with a mechanic.