2014 CADILLAC ATS ABS

Black plate (30,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
9-30 Driving and Operating
suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room up ahead to
stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down firmly and let
ABS work. You might hear the ABS
pump or motor operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsate, but this is
normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brake
at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
more than even the very best
braking.
Parking Brake (Electric)
Automatic Transmission
Manual TransmissionIf equipped with an Electric Parking
Brake (EPB), the switch is on the
center console for manual
transmission vehicles, or on the left
side of the instrument panel for
automatic transmission vehicles.
The EPB can always be activated,
even if the ignition is off. To prevent
draining the battery, avoid repeated
cycles of the EPB when the engine
is not running.
The system has a red parking brake
status light and an amber parking
brake warning light. See
Parking
Brake Light on page 5-19 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light
on page 5-19. There are also
parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages.
See Brake System Messages on
page 5-32. In case of insufficient
electrical power, the EPB cannot be
applied or released.
Before leaving the vehicle, check
the red parking brake status light to
ensure that the parking brake is
applied.

Black plate (33,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
Driving and Operating 9-33
Brake Assist
This vehicle has a brake assist
feature designed to assist the driver
in stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal as
the driving situation dictates. The
brake assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
This vehicle has an HSA feature,
which may be useful when the
vehicle is stopped on a grade. This
feature is designed to prevent the
vehicle from rolling, either forward or
rearward, during vehicle drive off.
After the driver completely stops
and holds the vehicle in a complete
standstill on a grade, HSA will be
automatically activated. During the
transition period between when the
driver releases the brake pedal and
starts to accelerate to drive off on a
grade, HSA holds the braking
pressure for a maximum of
two seconds to ensure that there is
no rolling. The brakes will
automatically release when the
accelerator pedal is applied within
the two-second window. It will not
activate if the vehicle is in a drive
gear and facing downhill, or if the
vehicle is facing uphill and in
R (Reverse).
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak®, an
electronic stability control system.
These systems help limit wheel slip
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. When this
happens, TCS applies the brakes to
the spinning wheels and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the

Black plate (69,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
Driving and Operating 9-69
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if
the transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly
conditions.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, consider the
following: Engine coolant will boil at
a lower temperature than at normal
altitudes. If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the
automatic transmission in P (Park)
for a few minutes before turning the
engine off. If the overheat warning
comes on, seeEngine Overheating
on page 10-20.Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular brakes
until the chocks absorb the load. 4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then
apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11-3. Things that are
especially important in trailer
operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle

Black plate (36,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
10-36 Vehicle Care
To install the end cover, insert the
tabs on the back of the cover into
the slots in the instrument panel at
the points shown. Align the clips
with the slots in the instrument
panel, and press the cover into
place.
The vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses and relays
shown.

Black plate (77,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
Vehicle Care 10-77
4. Put the vehicle in P (Park).
5. Securely attach the vehiclebeing towed to the dolly.
6. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a
clamping device designed for
towing.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Dolly Towing (All-Wheel-Drive
Vehicles)
{Caution
Towing an all-wheel-drive vehicle
with all four wheels on the
ground, or even with only two of
its wheels on the ground, will
damage drivetrain components.
Do not tow an all-wheel-drive
vehicle with any of its wheels on
the ground.
All-wheel-drive vehicles can only be
towed with all four wheels on a
trailer.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11-13.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
{Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning (Continued)

Black plate (1,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
INDEX i-1
A
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-21
Active Emergency Braking System . . . . . . . . 1-19, 9-56
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . 9-40
Adaptive Forward
Lighting (AFL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-72
Additional Information OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5
Adjustments
Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Thigh Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . 10-15
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Airbag System
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
How Does an Airbag
Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-26
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-23
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . 3-21
Airbags Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
Passenger Status Indicator . . . 5-15
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Alert Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . 9-58
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . 9-29, 10-26 AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Antenna
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-29
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Appearance Care
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-77
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-82
Armrest Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
Assistance Systems for Parking and Backing . . . . . . . . . 9-49
Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12 CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
Audio System Backglass Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . . 7-2
Automatic
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 10-14

Black plate (7,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
INDEX i-7
LightingAdaptive Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Lights
Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Antilock Brake System(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . 5-18
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning . . . . . . . 5-22
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . 6-3
Lane Departure Warning . . . . . . 5-20
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 5-13
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23 Lights (cont'd)
Service Electric Parking
Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
StabiliTrak
®OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®. . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Limited-Slip Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Locks
Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . 5-23
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-40
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
M
Maintenance
Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-16
Maintenance Schedule Recommended Fluidsand Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-13
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . 5-16
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Messages
Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-40
Battery Voltage andCharging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32
Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-34
Engine Cooling System . . . . . . . 5-34
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-35
Engine Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-35
Fuel System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-35
Key and Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-36
Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-36
Object Detection System . . . . . 5-37