
Black plate (19,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
Driving and Operating 9-19
{Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change
the way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
SeeAdd-On Electrical Equipment
on page 9-72.
Manual Transmission
The shift lever should be in Neutral
and the parking brake engaged.
Hold the clutch pedal down to the
floor and start the engine. The
vehicle will not start if the clutch
pedal is not all the way down.
Starting Procedure (Keyless
Access)
1. If the vehicle has the Keyless Access system, the transmitter
must be in the vehicle. Put your
foot on the brake pedal and
push the ENGINE START/STOP
button. When the engine begins
cranking, let go of the button. The idle speed will go down as
the engine gets warm. Do not
race the engine immediately
after starting it. Operate the
engine and transmission gently
to allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.
If the transmitter is not in the
vehicle or something is
interfering with the transmitter,
the Driver Information Center
(DIC) will display a message.
See
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation on
page 2-3 andKey and Lock
Messages on page 5-36.
If the battery in the RKE
transmitter needs replacing, a
DIC message displays. The
vehicle can still be driven. See
“Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Transmitter Battery” inRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2-3.
The vehicle has a
Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the engine and protects
components. If the START
button is pressed, and then
released when the engine
begins cranking, the engine will
continue cranking for a few
seconds or until the vehicle
starts. If the engine does not
start and the button is pressed
for many seconds, cranking will
be stopped after 15 seconds to
prevent cranking motor damage.
To prevent gear damage, this
system also prevents cranking if
the engine is already running.
Engine cranking can be stopped
by pressing the START button a
second time.
{Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by pressing the
ENGINE START/STOP button
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
(Continued)

Black plate (21,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
Driving and Operating 9-21
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
These accessories can be used
after the engine is turned off:
.Audio system (up to 10 minutes
or driver door is opened).
.Power windows, sunroof (if
equipped), and power outlets (up
to 10 minutes or any door is
opened).
Shifting Into Park
(Automatic Transmission)
Use this procedure to shift into
P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down andset the parking brake.
See Parking Brake (Electric) on
page 9-30 orParking Brake
(Manual) on page 9-32. 2. Move the shift lever into P (Park)
by holding in the button on the
shift lever and pushing the lever
all the way toward the front of
the vehicle.
3. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
4. Take the Remote Keyless Access (RKE) transmitter
with you.
Leaving the Vehicle with the
Engine Running (Automatic
Transmission)
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
It could overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park).
SeeShifting Into Park (Automatic
Transmission) on page 9-21.
If you are towing a trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips on page 9-67.
If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, the vehicle must
be in P (Park) and the parking brake
set. After shifting into P (Park), try to
move the shift lever without first
pushing the button on the shift lever.
If you can, the shift lever was not
fully locked into P (Park).

Black plate (35,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
Driving and Operating 9-35
Turning the Systems Off
and On
Manual Transmission TCS/StabiliTrak Button Shown,
Automatic Transmission TCS/ StabiliTrak Button Similar
The button for TCS and StabiliTrak
is on the center console, behind the
shift lever.
{Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and
release the
gbutton. The Traction
Off light
idisplays in the
instrument cluster and the
appropriate DIC message displays.
See Ride Control System Messages
on page 5-39.
To turn TCS on again, press and
release the
gbutton. The Traction
Off light
idisplayed in the
instrument cluster will turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
the
gbutton is pressed, the system
will not turn off until the wheels stop
spinning. To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak,
press and hold the
gbutton until
the Traction Off light
iand
StabiliTrak OFF Light
gcome on
and stay on in the instrument
cluster. The appropriate DIC
message displays. See Ride Control
System Messages on page 5-39.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak on
again, press and release the
g
button. The Traction Off lightiand
StabiliTrak OFF Light
gin the
instrument cluster turn off.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications on
page 10-3.
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control attempts to add
a sportier feel, provide a more
comfortable ride, or assist in
different weather conditions or
terrain. This system simultaneously
changes the software calibration of

Black plate (1,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
Vehicle Care 10-1
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . 10-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-10
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-12
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . 10-15
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-16
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-17
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . 10-20 Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . 10-26
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-27
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Windshield Replacement . . . 10-28
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . 10-30
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41
Run-Flat Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . 10-43
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-45
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-47
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-49
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-49
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-50

Black plate (3,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
Vehicle Care 10-3
cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. Engine
exhaust, many parts and systems,
many fluids, and some component
wear by-products contain and/or
emit these chemicals.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, safety belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained in
Remote Keyless Entry transmitters,
may contain perchlorate materials.
Special handling may be necessary.
For additional information, see
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Accessories and
Modifications
Adding non‐dealer accessories or
making modifications to the vehicle
can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as
airbags, braking, stability, ride andhandling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and
electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability
control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components
resulting from modifications or the
installation or use of non‐GM
certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is
not covered under the terms of the
vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for
affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on the vehicle. See your
dealer to accessorize the vehicle
using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
Also, see
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 3-30.
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on
your vehicle if you do not have
the proper knowledge, service
manual, tools, or parts. Always
follow owner manual procedures
and consult the service manual
for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service
manual. It tells you much more
about how to service the vehicle
than this manual can. To order the
proper service manual, see Service
Publications Ordering Information
on page 13-11.

Black plate (25,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
Vehicle Care 10-25
Caution (Continued)
be replaced. Do not let
someone put in the wrong
kind of fluid.
.If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces,
the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to
spill brake fluid on the
vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately.
Battery
The battery is in the trunk, beneath
the trim panel, on the driver side of
the vehicle. Refer to the
replacement number shown on the
original battery label when a new
battery is needed.
{Warning
Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
After a power loss, such as
disconnecting the battery or
removing the maxi fuses in the
power distribution fuse block, the
following steps must be performed
to calibrate the electronic throttle
control. If this is not done, the
engine will not run properly.
1. Turn the ignition on but do not start the engine.
2. Leave the ignition on for at least three minutes so that the
electronic throttle control will
cycle and relearn its home
position.
3. Turn the ignition off. 4. Start and run the engine for at
least 30 seconds.Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. See Jump Starting on
page 10-72 for tips on working
around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery to keep the battery from
running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery or use a battery trickle
charger.

Black plate (45,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
Vehicle Care 10-45
diagonal or bias ply
construction; and the letter B
means belted-bias ply
construction.
(5) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of
the wheel in inches.
(6) Service Description
:These
characters represent the load
index and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents
the load carrying capacity a tire
is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a
tire is certified to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and
Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of
air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is
expressed in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch). Accessory Weight
:The
combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship
of a tire's height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of
cords between the plies and the
tread. Cords may be made from
steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead
:The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire
in which the plies are laid at
alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread. Cold Tire Pressure
:The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure
on page 10-47.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil,
and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings
:A code molded
into the sidewall of a tire
signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
(DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also

Black plate (58,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
10-58 Vehicle Care
{Warning
Using bias-ply tires on the
vehicle may cause the wheel
rim flanges to develop cracks
after many miles of driving.
A tire and/or wheel could fail
suddenly and cause a crash.
Use only radial-ply tires with
the wheels on the vehicle.
If the vehicle tires must be
replaced with a tire that does not
have a TPC Spec number, make
sure they are the same size,
load range, speed rating, and
construction (radial) as the
original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire
pressure monitoring system
could give an inaccurate
low-pressure warning if non-TPC
Spec rated tires are installed.
See Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation on page 10-50. The Tire and Loading
Information label indicates the
original equipment tires on the
vehicle. See
Vehicle Load Limits
on page 9-11, for the label
location and more information
about the Tire and Loading
Information label.
Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that
are a different size than the original
equipment wheels and tires, vehicle
performance, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover
may be affected. If the vehicle has
electronic systems such as antilock
brakes, rollover airbags, traction
control, electronic stability control,
or All-Wheel Drive, the performance
of these systems can also be
affected.
{Warning
If different sized wheels are used,
there may not be an acceptable
level of performance and safety if
tires not recommended for those
wheels are selected. This
increases the chance of a crash
and serious injury. Only use GM
specific wheel and tire systems
developed for the vehicle, and
have them properly installed by a
GM certified technician.
See Buying New Tires on
page 10-56 andAccessories and
Modifications on page 10-3.