
Black plate (8,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 10/5/12
8-8 Climate Controls
-(Defog):Clears the windows of
fog or moisture. Air is directed to the
windshield, side windows and floor
outlets. Some air may go to the rear
floor outlets.
0(Defrost): Press the0button
to turn on or off. This clears the
windshield of fog or frost more
quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield and side windows, with
some air to the rear floor.
A/C Mode (Air Conditioning):
Press the A/C Mode touch screen
control to turn the automatic air
conditioning on or off. If the fan
is turned off or the outside
temperature falls below freezing, the
air conditioner will not run.
Press AUTO to return to automatic
operation and the air conditioner
runs as needed.
Automatic Air Recirculation:
When the AUTO indicator light is
on, the air is automatically
recirculated as needed to help
quickly cool the inside of the
vehicle. The climate control system may
have a sensor to detect air pollution.
In auto recirculation control, the Air
Quality Control system may operate.
To adjust the sensitivity of the Air
Quality Control, see
“Climate and
Air Quality” underVehicle
Personalization on page 5‑43.
@(Recirculation): Press to
alternate between recirculating air
inside the vehicle or pulling in
outside air. The indicator light on the
button is lit when recirculation mode
is active. This helps to quickly cool
the air inside the vehicle or prevent
outside air and odors from entering.
Pressing this button cancels
automatic recirculation. Press AUTO
to return to automatic operation;
recirculation runs automatically as
needed.
Manual recirculation mode is not
available when in Defrost or Defog
modes. Auto Defog:
The climate control
system may have a sensor to
automatically detect high humidity
inside the vehicle. When high
humidity is detected, the climate
control system may adjust to
outside air supply and turn on the
air conditioner. If the climate control
system does not detect possible
window fogging, it returns to normal
operation. To turn Auto Defog off or
on, see “Climate and Air Quality”
under Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑43.
Rear Window Defogger
=REAR (Rear Window
Defogger): Press to turn the rear
window defogger on or off.
The rear window defogger turns
off automatically after about
10 minutes. If turned on again it
runs for about five minutes before
turning off. At higher vehicle
speeds, the rear window defogger
may stay on continuously.

Black plate (9,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 10/5/12
Climate Controls 8-9
The rear window defogger can be
set to automatic operation. See
“Climate and Air Quality”under
Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑43. When Auto Rear Defog
is selected, the rear window
defogger turns on automatically
when the interior temperature is cold
and the outside temperature is
about 4°C (40°F) and below. The
auto rear defogger turns off
automatically after about
10 minutes. At higher vehicle
speeds, the rear window defogger
may stay on continuously.
The upper gridlines on the rear
window are antenna lines and are
not intended to heat when the
defogger is activated.
The heated outside mirrors turn on
when the rear window defogger
button is on. They help to clear fog
or frost from the surface of the
mirrors. Notice:
Do not try to clear frost
or other material from the inside
of the front windshield and rear
window with a razor blade or
anything else that is sharp. This
may damage the rear window
defogger grid and affect the
radio's ability to pick up stations
clearly. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Driver and Passenger Heated
Seats (If Equipped): Press
Jor
zto heat the driver or passenger
seat cushion and seatback. See
Heated Front Seats on page 3‑8.
Remote Start Climate Control
Operation: For vehicles with the
remote vehicle start feature, the
climate control system may run
when the vehicle is started remotely.
The system uses the driver's
previous settings to heat or cool the
inside of the vehicle. See Remote
Vehicle Start on page 2‑9.
The rear window defogger turns on
if it is cold outside.
Sensors
The solar sensor monitors the
solar heat.
The climate control system uses
the sensor information to adjust
the temperature, fan speed,
recirculation, and air delivery mode
for best comfort.
If the sensor is covered, the
automatic climate control system
may not work properly.

Black plate (6,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 10/5/12
9-6 Driving and Operating
.Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed
by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.
Racing or Other
Competitive Driving
Competitive driving may affect the
vehicle warranty. See the warranty
book before using the vehicle for
competitive driving.
Notice: Low oil levels can
damage the engine. If using the
vehicle for competitive driving,
the engine may use more oil than
it would with normal use. Check
the oil level often during
competitive driving. For 2.0L Turbo Engine Only:
.Keep the level at or near 1 L
(1 qt) above the upper mark that
shows the proper operating
range on the engine oil dipstick.
.A 600 W fan in addition to the
production option V03.
.RON 104 premium fuel must be
used with colder spark plugs.
See your dealer.
For 3.6L Engine Only:
.Keep the level at or near 0.5 L
(0.5 qt) above the upper mark
that shows the proper operating
range on the engine oil dipstick.
.Install an engine oil cooler kit,
including engine oil cooler lines
and oil filter adapter.
.Install a heavy duty fan. This
requires electrical changes to
the vehicle. Contact your dealer. Notice:
Low oil levels can
damage the engine. If using the
vehicle for competitive driving,
the engine may use more oil than
it would with normal use. Check
the oil level often during
competitive driving.
For vehicles equipped with front
Brembo brake systems:
.Performance/racing brake pads
are required prior to racing or
closed track driving. Vehicles
with option code Y4Q have
performance brake pads.
.Before racing, replace existing
brake fluid with a qualified
racing brake fluid from a sealed
container. Brake fluid with a dry
boiling point >279°C (534°F) is
qualified. If racing brake fluid is
used, replace it with GM
approved brake fluid before
driving on public roads. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑13.
.Do not use silicone-based fluids.

Black plate (10,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 10/5/12
9-10 Driving and Operating
{WARNING
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO) which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
.Clear away snow from around
the base of your vehicle,
especially any that is blocking
the exhaust pipe.
.Check again from time to
time to be sure snow does
not collect there.
.Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the side of the
vehicle that is away from the
wind to bring in fresh air.(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
.Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
.Adjust the climate control
system to a setting that
circulates the air inside the
vehicle and set the fan speed
to the highest setting. See
“Climate Control Systems” in
the Index.
For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9‑24.
To save fuel, run the engine for only
short periods as needed to warm
the vehicle and then shut the engine
off and close the window most of
the way to save heat. Repeat this
until help arrives but only when you
feel really uncomfortable from the
cold. Moving about to keep warm
also helps. If it takes some time for help to
arrive, now and then when you run
the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs
faster than the idle speed. This
keeps the battery charged to restart
the vehicle and to signal for help
with the headlamps. Do this as little
as possible to save fuel.
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. See
Traction
Control System (TCS) on
page 9‑34.

Black plate (7,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 10/5/12
Vehicle Care 10-7
1. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑23.
2. Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Battery on page 10‑26.
3. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System on page 10‑17. 4.
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑34.
5. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System on
page 10‑17.
6. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑11. 7. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
Engine
Oil on page 10‑11.
8. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑16.
9. Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes on page 10‑24 and
Hydraulic Clutch on page 10‑15.

Black plate (9,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 10/5/12
Vehicle Care 10-9
1. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑23.
2. Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Battery on page 10‑26.
3. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System on page 10‑17. 4.
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑34.
5. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System on
page 10‑17.
6. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑11. 7. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
Engine
Oil on page 10‑11.
8. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑16.
9. Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes on page 10‑24 and
Hydraulic Clutch on page 10‑15.

Black plate (11,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 10/5/12
Vehicle Care 10-11
1. Windshield Washer FluidReservoir. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑23.
2. Positive (+) Battery Terminal. See Battery on page 10‑26.
3. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling
System on page 10‑17.
4. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑34.
5. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System on
page 10‑17.
6. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑11.
7. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑11.
8. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑16.
9. Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir. See Brakes on page 10‑24 and
Hydraulic Clutch on page 10‑15.Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.Always use engine oil approved
to the proper specification and of
the proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
.Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System on page 10‑13.
.Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine
oil level at each fuel fill. In order to
get an accurate reading, the vehicle
must be on level ground. The
engine oil dipstick handle is a loop.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for the location of the
engine oil dipstick.
1. If the engine has been running recently, turn off the engine and
allow several minutes for the oil
to drain back into the oil pan.
Checking the oil level too soon
after engine shutoff will not
provide an accurate oil level
reading.
{WARNING
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.

Black plate (17,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC - 10/5/12
Vehicle Care 10-17
{WARNING
Operating the engine with the air
cleaner/filter off can cause you or
others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it
helps to stop flames if the engine
backfires. Use caution when
working on the engine and do not
drive with the air cleaner/filter off.
Notice: If the air cleaner/filter is
off, dirt can easily get into the
engine, which could damage it.
Always have the air cleaner/filter
in place when you are driving.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the
engine to maintain the correct
working temperature.
2.0L L4 LTG Engine
1. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
2. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
2.5L L4 LCV Engine
1. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
2. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View)