2015 CADILLAC ELR ESP

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.
ProCarManuals.com

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.
ProCarManuals.com

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.
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (42,1)Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695154) -
2015 - CRC - 4/25/14
9-42 Driving and Operating
.Press and hold +RES up until
the desired set speed appears
on the display, then release it.
.To increase vehicle speed in
small increments, briefly press
+RES . For each press, the
vehicle goes to the next 1km/h
or 1 mph faster mark on the
speedometer.
.To increase vehicle speed in
larger increments, press +RES
up to the second detent. For
each press, the vehicle speed
increases to the next 5 km/h or
5 mph mark on the
speedometer.
When it is determined that there is
no vehicle ahead inside the selected
following gap, then the vehicle
speed will increase to the set speed.
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. Reducing Speed While ACC is at a
Set Speed
If ACC is already activated, do one
of the following:
.Use the brake to get to the
desired lower speed. Press
SET–
down and release the
accelerator pedal. The vehicle
will now cruise at the lower
speed.
.Press and hold SET– down until
the desired lower speed is
reached, then release it.
.To decrease the vehicle speed in
smaller increments, press SET−.
For each press, the vehicle goes
to the next 1 km/h or 1 mph
slower mark on the
speedometer.
.To decrease the vehicle speed in
larger increments, 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.
Selecting the Follow Distance
When a slower moving vehicle is
detected ahead within the selected
following gap, ACC will adjust the
vehicle's speed and attempt to
maintain the follow distance gap
selected.
Press
[on the steering wheel to
adjust the following gap. When
pressed, the current gap setting
displays briefly on the instrument
cluster.
Subsequent presses cycle the gap
button through three settings: Far,
Medium, or Near. The gap setting
will be maintained until it is
changed.
Since each gap setting corresponds
to a following time (Far, Medium,
or Near), the following distance will
vary based on vehicle speed. The
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (43,1)Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695154) -
2015 - CRC - 4/25/14
Driving and Operating 9-43
faster the vehicle speed, the further
back your vehicle will follow a
vehicle detected ahead. Consider
traffic and weather conditions when
selecting the following gap. The
range of selectable gaps may not be
appropriate for all drivers and
driving conditions.
Changing the gap setting
automatically changes the alert
timing sensitivity (Far, Medium,
or Near) for the Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) feature. SeeForward
Collision Alert (FCA) System on
page 9-50.
Alerting the Driver
If ACC is engaged, driver action
may be required when ACC cannot
apply sufficient braking because of
approaching a vehicle too rapidly. When this condition occurs, six red
lights will flash on the windshield
and either eight beeps will sound
from the front, or both sides of the
Safety Alert Seat will pulse five
times. See Collision/Detection
systems under
Vehicle
Personalization on page 5-52.
See Defensive Driving on page 9-5.
Approaching and Following a
Vehicle
The vehicle ahead symbol is in
the DIC.
The vehicle ahead symbol only
displays when a vehicle is detected
in your vehicle’s path moving in the
same direction. If this symbol is not displaying, ACC
will not respond to or brake to
vehicles ahead.
ACC automatically slows the vehicle
down and adjusts vehicle speed to
follow the vehicle in front at the
selected follow gap. The vehicle
speed increases or decreases to
follow the vehicle in front of you, but
will not exceed the set speed. It may
apply limited braking, if necessary.
When braking is active, the brake
lamps will come on. The automatic
braking may feel or sound different
than if the brakes were applied
manually. This is normal.
Stationary or Very Slow-Moving
Objects{Warning
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
may not detect and react to
stopped or slow-moving vehicles
ahead of you. For example, the
system may not brake for a
(Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (45,1)Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695154) -
2015 - CRC - 4/25/14
Driving and Operating 9-45
Warning (Continued)
holding the vehicle at a stop,
always be prepared to manually
apply the brakes.
{Warning
Leaving the vehicle without
placing it in P (Park) can be
dangerous. Do not leave the
vehicle while it is being held at a
stop by ACC. Always place the
vehicle in P (Park) and turn off
the ignition before leaving the
vehicle.
ACC Override
If using the accelerator pedal while
ACC is active, a DIC warning
message will indicate that automatic
braking will not occur. See Vehicle
Messages on page 5-41. ACC will resume operation when the
accelerator pedal is not being
pressed.
{Warning
The ACC will not automatically
apply the brakes if your foot is
resting on the accelerator pedal
or if Regen on Demand paddles
are engaged. You could crash
into a vehicle ahead of you.
Curves in the Road
{Warning
On curves, ACC may not detect a
vehicle ahead in your lane. You
could be startled if the vehicle
accelerates up to the set speed,
especially when following a
vehicle exiting or entering exit
ramps. You could lose control of
the vehicle or crash. Do not use (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
ACC while driving on an entrance
or exit ramp. Always be ready to
use the brakes if necessary.
{Warning
On curves, ACC may respond to
a vehicle in another lane, or may
not have time to react to a vehicle
in your lane. You could crash into
a vehicle ahead of you, or lose
control of your vehicle. Give extra
attention in curves and be ready
to use the brakes if necessary.
Select an appropriate speed while
driving in curves.
ACC may operate differently in a
sharp curve. It may reduce the
vehicle speed if the curve is too
sharp.
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (46,1)Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695154) -
2015 - CRC - 4/25/14
9-46 Driving and Operating
When following a vehicle and
entering a curve, ACC may not
detect the vehicle ahead and
accelerate to the set speed. When
this happens the vehicle ahead
symbol will not appear.
ACC may detect a vehicle that is
not in your lane and apply the
brakes.ACC may occasionally provide an
alert and/or braking that is
considered unnecessary. It could
respond to vehicles in different
lanes, signs, guardrails, and other
stationary objects when entering or
exiting a curve. This is normal
operation. The vehicle does not
need service.
Other Vehicle Lane Changes
ACC will not detect a vehicle ahead
until it is completely in the lane. The
brake may need to be manually
applied.
Do Not Use ACC on Hills and
When Towing a Trailer
Do not use ACC when driving on
steep hills or when towing a trailer.
ACC will not detect a vehicle in the
lane while driving on steep hills. The
driver will often need to take over
acceleration and braking on steep
hills, especially when towing a
trailer. If the brakes are applied, the
ACC disengages.
Ending ACC
To disengage ACC, do one of the
following:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
ProCarManuals.com

Black plate (54,1)Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695154) -
2015 - CRC - 4/25/14
9-54 Driving and Operating
{Warning
ACP is an emergency crash
preparation feature and is not
designed to avoid crashes. Do
not rely on ACP to brake the
vehicle.
ACP may not:
.Respond to stopped vehicles,
pedestrians, or animals.
.Detect a vehicle ahead on
winding or hilly roads.
.Detect a stopped or
slow-moving vehicle or other
object ahead.
.Detect a vehicle when
weather limits visibility, such
as in fog, rain, or snow. In
these situations, ACP sensor
performance is limited.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Complete attention is always
required while driving, and you
should be ready to take action
and apply the brakes and/or steer
the vehicle to avoid crashes.
Brake Preparation
When quickly approaching a vehicle
ahead, Brake Preparation reduces
brake response time by having the
brake system prepared for driver
braking to occur more rapidly.
Automatic Braking
If ACP detects it is about to crash
with the vehicle you are following
that is moving or has come to a
stop, and the brakes have not been
applied, it may automatically brake
hard. This can help to reduce crash
damage and it may even help to
avoid some very low speed crashes. Automatic Braking may slow the
vehicle to a complete stop to try to
avoid a potential crash. The vehicle
will only hold at a stop briefly. A firm
press of the accelerator pedal will
also release Automatic Braking.
{Warning
Automatic Braking may
automatically brake the vehicle
suddenly in situations where it is
unexpected and undesired.
It could respond to a turning
vehicle ahead, guardrails, signs,
and other non-moving objects. To
override Automatic Braking, firmly
press the accelerator pedal, if it is
safe to do so.
Automatic Braking can be disabled
or reduced through vehicle
personalization. See the “Auto
Collision Preparation” portion of
“Collision/Detection Systems” under
Vehicle Personalization on
page 5-52.
ProCarManuals.com