2016 CADILLAC ATS traction control

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
2016 - crc - 12/9/15
Instruments and Controls 123
If StabiliTrak and TCS are off, the
system does not assist in controlling
the vehicle. Turn on the TCS and
the StabiliTrak systems, and the
warning light turns off.
SeeTraction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0205.
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak®Light
This light comes on briefly when the
engine is started.
If the light does not come on, have
the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally,
the indicator light turns off.
If the light is on and not flashing, the
TCS and potentially the StabiliTrak
system have been disabled.
A Driver Information Center (DIC)
message may display. Check the DIC messages to determine which
feature(s) is no longer functioning
and whether the vehicle requires
service. See
Ride Control System
Messages 0139.
If the light is on and flashing, the
TCS and/or the StabiliTrak system
is actively working.
See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0205.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning
Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the vehicle.
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally the
indicator light goes off.
Caution
The engine coolant temperature
warning light indicates that the
vehicle has overheated. Driving
with this light on can damage the
engine and it may not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. See
Engine Overheating 0264.
The engine coolant temperature
warning light comes on when the
engine has overheated.
If this happens, pull over and turn
off the engine as soon as possible.
See Engine Overheating 0264.
Tire Pressure Light

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
2016 - crc - 12/9/15
Instruments and Controls 137
.Heavy rain or snow is interfering
with the object detection
performance.
This message may also be
displayed if there is a problem with
the StabiliTrak system. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0205.
FORWARD COLLISION
ALERT OFF
This message displays when the
Forward Collision Alert has been
turned off.
FRONT CAMERA BLOCKED
CLEAN WINDSHIELD
This message displays when the
camera is blocked. Cleaning the
outside of the windshield behind the
rearview mirror may correct the
issue. The Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
and the Lane Departure Warning
(LDW) system will not operate.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC),
Forward Collision Alert (FCA), and
the Front Automatic Braking (FAB)
System may not work or may not
work as well.
LANE CHANGE ALERT OFF
This message indicates that the
driver has turned the Side Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA) and Lane
Change Alert (LCA) systems off.
LANE KEEPING ASSIST
UNAVAILABLE
This message displays when the
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) system is
temporarily unavailable. The LKA
system does not need service.
This message could be due to the
camera being blocked. Cleaning the
outside of the windshield behind the
rearview mirror may correct the
issue.
REAR AUTO BRAKE/PARK
ASSIST OFF
This message displays when the
Parking Assist system has been
turned off or when there is a
temporary condition causing the
system to be disabled.
REAR AUTO BRAKE AND
PARK ASSIST UNAVAILABLE
This message displays when
attempting to activate the parking
and backing features of the Driver
Assistance System when they are
temporarily unavailable. The system
does not need service.
This can occur under the following
conditions:
.
The radar is not clean. Keep the
radar sensors free of mud, dirt,
snow, ice, and slush. Clean the
entire front and/or rear of the
vehicle. For cleaning
instructions, see Exterior
Care 0313.
. Heavy rain or snow is interfering
with the radar object detection or
camera performance.
See Driver Assistance
Systems 0221.
SERVICE AUTOMATIC
COLLISION PREP
If this message displays, take the
vehicle to your dealer to repair the
system. Adaptive Cruise Control

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
2016 - crc - 12/9/15
Instruments and Controls 139
Ride Control System
Messages
SERVICE STABILITRAK
This message displays if there is a
problem with the StabiliTrak system.
SeeTraction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0205.
SERVICE SUSPENSION
SYSTEM
This message displays when there
is a problem with the Magnetic Ride
Control™ system. See Driver Mode
Control 0207. Have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer.
SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL
This message displays when there
is a problem with the Traction
Control System (TCS). See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0205.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message may display when the
Traction Control System (TCS) has
been turned off. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0205.
TRACTION CONTROL ON
This message may display when the
Traction Control System (TCS) has
been turned on. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0205.
Airbag System Messages
SERVICE AIRBAG
This message displays if there is a
problem with the airbag system. See
your dealer for service.
Safety Belt Messages
AUTOMATIC SEATBELT
TIGHTENING UNAVAILABLE
This message displays when the
Automatic Safety Belt Tightening
System, if equipped, becomes
unavailable. This could be caused by a temporary condition. If the
message continues to display, see
your dealer.
SERVICE AUTOMATIC
SEATBELT TIGHTENING
SYSTEM
If this message displays, take the
vehicle to your dealer to repair the
Automatic Safety Belt Tightening
System, if equipped.
Security Messages
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message displays if the vehicle
detects a tamper condition.
Service Vehicle Messages
SERVICE AC SYSTEM
This message displays if there is a
problem with the air conditioning
system. Take the vehicle to your
dealer for service.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
This message displays and a chime
may sound when there may be a
problem with the power steering

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
176 Driving and Operating
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Trailer Towing (Coupe and
V-Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Trailer Towing (Sedan With V6 Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Driving Information
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms
and can take your focus from the
task of driving. Exercise good
judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away
from the road. Many local
governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, always
keep your eyes on the road, hands
on the wheel, and mind on the drive.
. Do not use a phone in
demanding driving situations.
Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary
phone calls.
. Watch the road. Do not read,
take notes, or look up
information on phones or other
electronic devices.
. Designate a front seat
passenger to handle potential
distractions. .
Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio
stations and adjusting climate
control and seat settings.
Program all trip information into
any navigation device prior to
driving.
. Wait until the vehicle is parked
to retrieve items that have fallen
to the floor.
. Stop or park the vehicle to tend
to children.
. Keep pets in an appropriate
carrier or restraint.
. Avoid stressful conversations
while driving, whether with a
passenger or on a cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
2016 - crc - 12/9/15
Driving and Operating 179
3. Turn the steering wheel to gostraight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three
control systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not
rolling.
. Steering or Cornering Skid —
too much speed or steering in a
curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force.
. Acceleration Skid —too much
throttle causes the driving
wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids
by taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
. Ease your foot off the
accelerator pedal and steer the
way you want the vehicle to go. The vehicle may straighten out.
Be ready for a second skid if it
occurs.
. Slow down and adjust your
driving according to weather
conditions. Stopping distance
can be longer and vehicle
control can be affected when
traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to
recognize warning clues —such
as enough water, ice, or packed
snow on the road to make a
mirrored surface —and slow
down when you have any doubt.
. Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking,
including reducing vehicle speed
by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause
the tires to slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.
Track Events and
Competitive Driving
Competitive driving may affect the
vehicle warranty. See the warranty
manual before using the vehicle for
competitive driving.
Caution
Low oil levels can damage the
engine. If using the vehicle for
competitive driving, the engine
may use more oil than it would
with normal use. Check the oil
level often during competitive
driving.
Engine Oil
2.0L Turbo (LTG) Engine Only:
. Keep the level at or near 1 L (1
qt) above the upper mark that
shows the proper operating
range on the engine oil dipstick.
. Use a 600 W fan in addition to
the production option V03.

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
2016 - crc - 12/9/15
182 Driving and Operating
Caution
During a first time track or racing
event, high axle temperatures can
occur. Damage could be caused
to the axle and would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Do not drive as long or as fast the
first time the vehicle is driven on
the track or raced.
. The axle lubricant should be
replaced with new lubricant.
. Additional cooling capacity is
also required for continuous
competitive driving.
Track Battery
If equipped, this is a lightweight, low
power battery for track use only.
Remove after each event.
Only use this battery when
temperatures are above freezing.
Store in a cool, dry location. Charge
periodically to keep the state of
charge from getting too low.
A battery tender can be used. When installing or removing the
track battery, steps must be followed
to calibrate the electronic throttle
control. See
Battery0268.
Wheel Alignment (V-Series Only)
Wheel alignment suggested specs
for track use:
. Front: -2.0 deg camber, 0.2 deg
total toe
. Rear: -1.7 deg camber, 0.2 deg
total toe
V-Series Vehicles Equipped
with the Original Equipment
Tires
Follow the requirements and
recommendations for tire inflation
pressures while driving on various
types of tracks/courses. This helps
to achieve a well-balanced vehicle
and enhance tire traction
performance.
Use good judgment to determine the
appropriate tire inflation pressure
and speeds for the track/course
configuration and environmental conditions. Contact the tire
manufacturer if further assistance is
needed.
To maximize tire life, drive 800 km
(500 mi) prior to racetrack driving or
complete the minimum track running
that will increase the tire pressures
by 35 kPa (5 psi). After this,
immediately let the tires cool to cold
pressures.
Tire Inflation Pressure
Guidelines
Tire inflation pressures affect
vehicle handling and tire life, and
should be adjusted for various types
of tracks/courses.
Inspect the tires prior to every track/
course session. Track/course
driving will reduce the tire tread life.
Driving and Operating
{Warning
Operating the vehicle at high
speeds can be dangerous.
Improper tire inflation pressure
(Continued)

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
2016 - crc - 12/9/15
184 Driving and Operating
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce
vehicle traction and affect your
ability to stop and accelerate.
Always drive slower in these types
of driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles and
deep-standing or flowing water.
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes.
They might not work as well in a
quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could
lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large
puddle of water or a car/vehicle
wash, lightly apply the brake
pedal until the brakes work
normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates
strong forces. Driving through
flowing water could cause the
vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be
very cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
can build up under the vehicle's
tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is
wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no
contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
. Pass with caution.
. Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape. .
Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
. Have good tires with proper
tread depth. See Tires0283.
. Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
. Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
. Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
(Continued)