Black plate (29,1)Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695154) -
2015 - CRC - 4/25/14
Driving and Operating 9-29
N (Neutral):In this position, the
propulsion system does not connect
with the wheels.
D (Drive): This position is for
normal driving. It provides the best
fuel economy. If more power is
needed for passing, and the
vehicle is:
.Going less than 56 km/h
(35 mph), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
.Going about 56 km/h (35 mph) or
more, push the accelerator all
the way down.
{Caution
If the vehicle seems to accelerate
slowly or not respond when you
go faster, and you continue to
drive the vehicle that way, you
could damage the electric drive
unit. Have the vehicle serviced
right away. L (Low):
This position reduces
vehicle speed without using the
brakes. You can use L (Low) on
hills. It can help control vehicle
speed going down steep mountain
roads along with using the brakes
off and on. You can use L (Low) on
very steep hills, in deep snow,
or in mud.
The brake lamps may come on
when the vehicle is in L (Low) and
the accelerator is not pressed to
indicate the vehicle is slowing down.
{Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the electric drive
unit. The repair will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If you are stuck, do not spin the
tires. When stopping on a hill, use
the brakes to hold the vehicle in
place.
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has ABS, an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When propulsion is active and the
vehicle begins to drive away, ABS
checks itself. A momentary motor or
clicking noise might be heard while
this test is going on, and it might
even be noticed that the brake
pedal moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
on page 5-21.
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Black plate (31,1)Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695154) -
2015 - CRC - 4/25/14
Driving and Operating 9-31
The system has a red parking brake
status light and an amber parking
brake warning light. SeeElectric
Parking Brake Light on page 5-21
and Service Electric Parking Brake
Light on page 5-21. There are also
parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages.
See Brake System Messages on
page 5-42. 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.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Lift up the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light
will flash and then stay on once the
EPB is fully applied. If the red
parking brake status light flashes continuously, then the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a
problem with the EPB. A DIC
message will display. Release the
EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps
flashing, have the vehicle serviced.
Do not drive the vehicle if the red
parking brake status light is flashing.
See your dealer. See
Electric
Parking Brake Light on page 5-21.
If the amber parking brake warning
light is on, lift up on the EPB switch
and hold it up. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber
parking brake warning light is on,
see your dealer.
If the EPB is applied while the
vehicle is moving, the vehicle will
decelerate as long as the switch is
held up. If the switch is held up until
the vehicle comes to a stop, the
EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply
the EPB in some situations when
the vehicle is not moving. This is normal, and is done to periodically
check the correct operation of the
EPB system.
If the EPB fails to apply, the rear
wheels should be blocked to
prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Place the ignition in the ACC/
ACCESSORY or ON/RUN
position.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Push down momentarily on the EPB switch.
The EPB is released when the red
parking brake status light is off.
If the amber parking brake warning
light is on, release the EPB by
pushing down on the EPB switch
and holding it down. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking
brake status light is off. If either light
stays on after release is attempted,
see your dealer.
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Black plate (32,1)Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695154) -
2015 - CRC - 4/25/14
9-32 Driving and Operating
{Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if
the vehicle is running, placed into
gear, and an attempt is made to
drive away. Avoid rapid acceleration
when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
Regenerative Braking
Regenerative braking takes some of
the energy from the moving vehicle
and turns it back into electrical
energy. This energy is then stored
back into the high voltage battery
system, contributing to increased
energy efficiency.The hydraulic disc brakes work with
the regenerative braking to ensure
effective braking, such as when a
high braking demand is requested.
The braking system is computer
controlled and blends the
regenerative braking with the
conventional hydraulic disc brakes
to meet any requirements for
deceleration. The controller
interprets the braking request and
uses regenerative braking,
conventional hydraulic braking, or a
combination of both as necessary.
Because the controller applies the
hydraulic brakes through its high
pressure accumulator, you may
occasionally hear the motor-driven
pump when it recharges the system.
This is normal.
See
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators on page 5-7 andDriver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5-38. In the event of a
controller problem, the brake pedal
may be harder to push and the
stopping distance may be longer.
Regen on Demand™
Regen on Demand allows increased
deceleration by pressing and
holding either of the steering wheel
paddle switches. It works in
D (Drive) and L (Low). The
accelerator pedal must be fully
released for it to work.
The brake pedal must be applied at
low speed, because it will not stop
the car.
Cruise control will turn off, and the
brake lights may come on, when
this feature is activated.
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Black plate (33,1)Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695154) -
2015 - CRC - 4/25/14
Driving and Operating 9-33
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
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, the system brakes the
spinning wheel(s) and/or reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when the
computer senses a difference
between the intended path and the
direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak selectively
applies braking pressure at any one
of the vehicle's brakes to help steer
the vehicle in the intended direction. If cruise control is being used and
traction control or StabiliTrak begins
to limit wheel spin, cruise control will
disengage. Cruise control may be
turned back on when road
conditions allow.
Both systems come on
automatically when the vehicle is
started and begins to move. The
systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This
is normal and does not mean there
is a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but It may be necessary
to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
See
If the Vehicle Is Stuck on
page 9-12 and“Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this
section.
The indicator light for both systems
is in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak is
activated.
.Turn on and stay on when either
system is not working.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on and stays on to
indicate that the system is inactive
and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is
safe to drive, but driving should be
adjusted accordingly.
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Black plate (34,1)Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695154) -
2015 - CRC - 4/25/14
9-34 Driving and Operating
Ifdcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. if
dcomes on
and stays on, the vehicle may need
more time to diagnose the problem.
If the condition persists, see your
dealer.
Turning the Systems Off
and On
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
Ybutton. The traction
off light
idisplays in the instrument
cluster. The appropriate DIC
message is displayed. See Ride
Control System Messages on
page 5-49.
To turn TCS on again, press and
release the
Ybutton. The traction
off light
idisplayed in the
instrument cluster will turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
the
Ybutton is pressed, the
system will not turn off until the
wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak,
press and hold the
Ybutton until
the traction off light
iand
StabiliTrak OFF light
gcome on
and stay on in the instrument
cluster. The appropriate DIC
message is displayed. See Ride
Control System Messages on
page 5-49.
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Black plate (35,1)Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695154) -
2015 - CRC - 4/25/14
Driving and Operating 9-35
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak on
again, press and release the
Y
button. The traction off lightiand
StabiliTrak OFF light
gin the
instrument cluster turn off.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle's performance. See
Accessories and Modifications on
page 10-2.
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control attempts to add
a sportier feel, provide a more
comfortable ride, or assist in very
hilly or mountainous terrain. This
system simultaneously changes the
software calibration of various
sub-systems. Depending on the
option package, available features,
and mode selected, the suspension,
steering, and powertrain will change
calibrations to achieve the desired
mode characteristics. The vehicle is
equipped with Continuous Damping
Control (CDC). Selecting the various
Driver Modes adjusts the ride of the vehicle to enhance the ride
performance for the road conditions
and the selected mode.
Driver Mode Control Switch
The Driver Mode Control has four
modes: Tour, Sport, Mountain, and
Hold. Press
zon the MODE switch
on the center console to make a
mode selection. The first press of
the switch will always show the Tour
Mode. Subsequent presses will
scroll though the available modes.
The Tour and Sport Modes will feel
similar on a smooth road. Select a
new setting whenever driving conditions change. For additional
information on these Modes, see
Driver Selected Operating Modes on
page 9-22.
Tour Mode
Use for normal city and highway
driving to provide a smooth, soft
ride. Each time the vehicle is
started, it will return to Tour Mode.
Sport Mode
Use where road conditions or
personal preference demand a more
controlled response.
When selected, the Sport Mode
indicator will display in the DIC.
When in Sport Mode, the vehicle will
still shift automatically. The electric
drive unit may remain in gear longer
than it would in the normal driving
mode based on braking, throttle
input, and vehicle lateral
acceleration. The steering will
change to provide more precise
control. The suspension will change
to provide better body control and
handling performance.
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Black plate (36,1)Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695154) -
2015 - CRC - 4/25/14
9-36 Driving and Operating
Mountain Mode
Use when driving in very hilly or
mountainous terrain.
When selected, the Mountain Mode
indicator will display in the DIC.
This feature is intended to maintain
a reserve electrical charge of the
high voltage battery to provide
better grade climbing performance.
While driving in Mountain Mode, the
vehicle will have less responsive
acceleration.
Hold Mode
The Hold Mode is only available
when the vehicle is in the Electric
Mode. Use when wanting to change
to Extended Range Mode to
maintain the battery charge reserve.
SeeExtended Range Mode on
page 9-22.
When selected, the Hold Mode
indicator will display in the DIC.
This feature is intended to place the
remaining battery charge into a
reserve for the driver to use as desired. Hold Mode will not change
normal vehicle acceleration or
braking performance.
Competitive Driving Mode
If equipped, the Competitive Driving
Mode is selected by pressing the
TCS/StabiliTrak
®buttonYon the
center console twice within
five seconds. The StabiliTrak OFF
Light
gwill come on in the
instrument cluster.
The Competitive Driving Mode
allows the driver to have control of
the power applied to the wheels,
while the StabiliTrak system helps
steer the vehicle by selective brake
application.
In the Competitive Driving Mode, the
levels at which StabiliTrak is
engaged have been modified to
better suit a performance driving
environment. When the StabiliTrak
OFF Light
gis on, TCS will not be
operating. Driving should be
adjusted accordingly. When the TCS/StabiliTrak button
Y
is pressed again, TCS will be turned
back on and the StabiliTrak OFF
Light
gin the instrument cluster will
turn off.
Continuous Damping
Control (CDC)
The CDC feature provides superior
vehicle ride and handling under a
variety of passenger and loading
conditions.
The system is fully automatic and
uses a computer controller to
continuously monitor vehicle speed,
wheel to body position, lift/dive, and
steering position of the vehicle. The
controller then sends signals to
each shock absorber to
independently adjust the damping
level to provide the optimum
vehicle ride.
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Black plate (39,1)Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695154) -
2015 - CRC - 4/25/14
Driving and Operating 9-39
.To decrease the vehicle speed in
larger increments, briefly press
SET−down to the second
detent. For each press, the
vehicle speed decreases to the
next 5 km/h or 5 mph mark on
the speedometer.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster on
page 5-8. The increment value used
depends on the units displayed.
Passing Another Vehicle While
Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to
increase the vehicle speed. When
you take your foot off the pedal, the
vehicle will slow down to the
previously set cruise speed. While
pressing the accelerator pedal or
shortly following the release to
override cruise control, briefly
applying the SET– control will result
in cruise control set to the current
vehicle speed. Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well cruise control will work on
hills depends upon the vehicle
speed, load, and the steepness of
the hills. When going up steep hills,
you might have to step on the
accelerator pedal to maintain the
vehicle speed. Also, you may have
to brake or shift to a lower gear to
keep the vehicle speed down. If the
brake pedal is applied, cruise
control will disengage.
Ending Cruise Control
To disengage cruise control, do one
of the following:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.PressJ.
.Press a Regen on Demand
paddle.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is
erased from memory if
Jis
pressed or if the ignition is
turned off.
Adaptive Cruise Control
If equipped with Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC), it allows the driver to
select the cruise control set speed
and following gap. Read this entire
section before using this system.
The following gap is the following
time between your vehicle and a
vehicle detected directly ahead in
your path moving in the same
direction. If no vehicle is detected in
your path, ACC works like regular
cruise control. ACC uses a radar
sensor. See Radio Frequency
Statement on page 13-12.
If a vehicle is detected in your path,
ACC can apply acceleration or
limited, moderate braking to
maintain the selected following gap.
To disengage ACC, apply the brake.
If ACC is controlling your vehicle
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