
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
2016 - crc - 12/9/15
Driving and Operating 175
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Track Events and CompetitiveDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . 184
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 184
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 186
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . 190
Carbon Fiber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . 196 Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Running the Vehicle WhileParked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 198
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Parking Brake (Manual) . . . . . . 202
Parking Brake (Electric) . . . . . . 203
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . 204
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . 207
Competitive Driving Mode (LF4 and V-Series Only) . . . . 208
Limited-Slip Rear Axle (Except LF4 and V-Series) . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Limited-Slip Rear Axle (LF4 and V-Series Only) . . . . . 211
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . 214
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . 221
Assistance Systems forParking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . 222
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Front Automatic Braking (FAB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . 230
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . 232
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
2016 - crc - 12/9/15
Driving and Operating 177
Refer to the infotainment manual for
more information on using that
system, including pairing and using
a cell phone
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means“always
expect the unexpected.” The first
step in driving defensively is to wear
the safety belt. See Safety
Belts 064.
. Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and
other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes.
Anticipate what they might do
and be ready.
. Allow enough following distance
between you and the driver in
front of you.
. Focus on the task of driving.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating
are important factors in helping to
control a vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is
about three-quarters of a second. In
that time, a vehicle moving at
100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m
(66 ft), which could be a lot of
distance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
.Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
. Avoid needless heavy braking.
. Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake
normally but do not pump the
brakes. Doing so could make the
pedal harder to push down. If the
engine stops, there will be some
power brake assist but it will be
used when the brake is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the
brake pedal will be harder to push.
Steering
Variable Effort Steering
Some vehicles have a steering
system that varies the amount of
effort required to steer the vehicle in
relation to the speed of the vehicle.
The amount of steering effort
required is less at slower speeds to
make the vehicle more
maneuverable and easier to park. At
faster speeds, the steering effort
increases to provide a sport-like feel
to the steering. This provides
maximum control and stability.
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power
steering. It does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance
is not required.

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
2016 - crc - 12/9/15
178 Driving and Operating
If power steering assist is lost due
to a system malfunction, the vehicle
can be steered, but may require
increased effort. See your dealer if
there is a problem.
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel and is
held against that position for an
extended period of time, power
steering assist may be reduced.
If steering assist is used for an
extended period of time, power
assist may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the
system cools down.
See specific vehicle steering
messages underVehicle
Messages 0131.
See your dealer if there is a
problem.
Curve Tips
. Take curves at a reasonable
speed.
. Reduce speed before entering a
curve. .
Maintain a reasonable steady
speed through the curve.
. Wait until the vehicle is out of
the curve before accelerating
gently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations when
steering around a problem may
be more effective than braking.
. Holding both sides of the
steering wheel allows you to turn
180 degrees without removing
a hand.
. Antilock Brake System (ABS)
allows steering while braking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop
off the edge of a road onto the
shoulder while driving. Follow
these tips:
1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the
way, steer the vehicle so that it
straddles the edge of the
pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the
right front tire contacts the
pavement edge.

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
2016 - crc - 12/9/15
192 Driving and Operating
Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
the airbags.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting
to N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle to
a safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift to P (Park), and turn the
ignition to OFF. On vehicles
with an automatic transmission,
the shift lever must be in
P (Park) to turn the ignition
switch to the OFF position. 4. Set the parking brake. See
Parking Brake (Manual) 0202
or Parking Brake
(Electric) 0203.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,
and must be shut off while driving,
press and hold the ENGINE START/
STOP button for longer than
two seconds, or press twice within
five seconds.
ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber
Indicator Light) : This mode allows
you to use some electrical
accessories when the engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing the
button one time without the brake
pedal applied will place the ignition
system in ACC/ACCESSORY. The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY to OFF after
five minutes to prevent battery
rundown.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator
Light) :
This mode is for driving and
starting. With the ignition off, and
the brake pedal applied, pressing
the button once will place the
ignition system in ON/RUN/START.
Once engine cranking begins,
release the button. Engine cranking
will continue until the engine starts.
See Starting the Engine 0193. The
ignition will then remain in ON/RUN.
Service Only Mode
This power mode is available for
service and diagnostics, and to
verify the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may
be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and
the brake pedal not applied,
pressing and holding the button for
more than five seconds will place
the vehicle in Service Only Mode.
The instruments and audio systems
will operate as they do in ON/RUN,
but the vehicle will not be able to be

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
2016 - crc - 12/9/15
Driving and Operating 207
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See
Accessories and
Modifications0245.
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
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. If the vehicle is
equipped with Magnetic Ride
Control, selecting the various Driver
Modes adjusts the ride of the
vehicle to enhance the ride
performance for the road conditions
and the selected mode.
The Driver Mode Control has three
or four modes: Tour, Sport, Snow/
Ice, and Track (LF4 Only). Press
and release the MODE button (ATS) or press the
yorzbutton (ATS-V)
on the center console to activate the
mode menu in the cluster. The first
press of the button will show the
current 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.
Tour Mode
Use for normal city and highway
driving to provide a smooth,
soft ride.
Sport Mode
Use where road conditions or
personal preference demand a more
controlled response.
When selected, the Sport mode
indicator will display in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
When in Sport or Track mode, the
vehicle will shift automatically but
may hold a lower gear longer than it
would in the normal driving mode
based on braking, throttle input, and vehicle lateral acceleration. See
Automatic Transmission
0198. The
steering will change to provide more
precise control. If the vehicle has
Magnetic Ride Control, the
suspension will change to provide
better cornering performance.
Competitive Driving Mode can be
accessed through this mode.
Snow/Ice Mode
Use when more traction is needed
during slippery conditions. The
transmission will use 2 (Second)
gear instead of 1 (First) gear when
accelerating from a stop. The
vehicle will upshift normally when
the vehicle is moving.
For LF4 only, Snow/Ice mode will
use a different accelerator pedal
map to optimize traction on a
slippery surface. The accelerator
pedal will reduce engine torque at
small pedal inputs. The transmission
will also shift differently to assist in
maintaining traction.
When selected, the Snow/Ice mode
indicator will display in the DIC.

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
2016 - crc - 12/9/15
208 Driving and Operating
This feature is not intended for use
when the vehicle is stuck in sand,
mud, ice, snow, or gravel. If the
vehicle becomes stuck, seeIf the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0186.
Track Mode (LF4 Only)
Use when maximum vehicle
handling is desired. When selected,
the Track Mode indicator will display
in the DIC.
Accelerator pedal is adjusted to give
maximum control during the highest
level of spirited driving.
The automatic transmission and
steering will function similar to
Sport Mode.
The Magnetic Ride Control will be
set to the optimum level for vehicle
responsiveness.
Competitive Driving Mode can be
accessed through this mode.
Use when driving on a closed race
course or drag strip.
Vehicle systems are optimized for
maximum track performance. This mode allows entry to
Performance Traction Management
(PTM) in the Competitive
Driving Mode.
Competitive Driving Mode
(LF4 and V-Series Only)
To select this optional handling
mode, press the
Ybutton quickly
two times and the DIC will display
the appropriate message. While in
the Competitive Driving Mode, the
traction off light
iand StabiliTrak
OFF light
gwill come on in the
instrument cluster. TCS does not
limit wheel spin, the Electronic
Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD)
allows increased vehicle agility, and
more effort is required to turn the
steering wheel. See “Limited-Slip
Rear Axle (LF4 and V-Series Only)”
later in this section. Adjust your
driving accordingly.
Press the
Ybutton again, or turn
the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY
and restart the vehicle, to turn TCS back on. The traction off light
iand
StabiliTrak OFF light
gwill go out in
the instrument cluster.
Caution
When traction control is turned
off, or Competitive Driving Mode
is active, it is possible to lose
traction.
Performance Traction
Management (V-Series Only)
Performance Traction Management
(PTM) integrates the Traction
Control, StabiliTrak, and Magnetic
Ride Control systems to provide
improved and consistent
performance when cornering. The
amount of available engine power is
based on the mode selected, track
conditions, driver skill, and the
radius of each corner.

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
2016 - crc - 12/9/15
210 Driving and Operating
PERF TRAC 5–RACE ACTIVE
HANDLING OFF
. For use by experienced drivers
who are familiar with the track.
. Dry conditions only.
. Requires more driving skill than
in other modes.
. StabiliTrak is off and engine
power is available for maximum
cornering speed.
Press and release the TCS/
StabiliTrak
Ybutton to turn off
PTM and return to the traction
control and StabiliTrak systems. The
traction off light
iand StabiliTrak
OFF light
gwill go out.
Launch Control (LF4 and
V-Series Only)
A Launch Control feature is
available, within Competitive Driving
Mode (LF4) or Performance Traction
Management (V-Series), to allow the
driver to achieve high levels of
vehicle acceleration in a straight
line. Launch Control is a form of
traction control that manages tire spin while launching the vehicle.
This feature is intended for use
during closed course race events
where consistent zero to
60 and quarter mile times are
desirable.
Launch Control is only available
when the following criteria are met:
.
Competitive Driving Mode is
selected (LF4) or any of the
Performance Traction
Management modes are
selected (V-Series). The TCS
light comes on the instrument
panel and the appropriate DIC
message displays.
. The vehicle is not moving.
. The steering wheel is pointing
straight.
. The brake pedal must be firmly
pressed to the floor, equivalent
to a panic brake event.
. The accelerator pedal is rapidly
applied to wide open throttle. (If
the vehicle rolls due to wide
open throttle, release the
throttle, press the brake pedal more firmly, and re-apply the
accelerator to wide open
throttle.)
The Launch Control feature will
initially limit engine speed as the
driver rapidly applies the accelerator
pedal to wide open throttle. Allow
the engine rpm to stabilize.
A smooth, quick release of the
brake pedal, while maintaining the
fully pressed accelerator pedal, will
manage wheel slip.
After the vehicle is launched, the
system continues in Competitive
Driving Mode (LF4) or Performance
Traction Management (V-Series).
Competitive Driving Mode, PTM,
and Launch Control are systems
designed for a closed course race
track and not intended for use on
public roads. The systems are not
intended to compensate for lack of
driver experience or familiarity with
the race track.

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
2016 - crc - 12/9/15
Vehicle Care 277
Number Usage1 –
2 –
3 Passenger motorized
safety belt
4 –
5 –
6 Driver power seat
7 –
8 Headlamp washer relay
9 –
10 –
11 –
12 –
13 Passenger power seat
14 –
15 Passive entry/ Passive start
16 –
17 Headlamp washer Number Usage
18 –
19 ABS pump
20 ABS valve
21 –
22 Driver motorized safety belt
23 Wiper control relay
24 Wiper speed relay
25 Engine control module relay
26 –
27 –/Heated seat 2
28 –/Reverse lockout
29 AFS AHL/ Pedestrian
protection
30 –
31 Passenger window switch
32 –
33 Sunroof
34 Front wiper Number Usage
35 Steering column lock
36 Rear electrical center/Ignition
37 –/MIL/Ignition
38 –/PT fuse
39 O2 sensor
40 Ignition coils/ Injectors
41 Ignition coils/ Injectors/–
42 Engine control module
43 –
44 –
45 Washer
46 –
47 Front washer relay
48 Instrument panel body/Ignition
49 Fuel system control module/Ignition