
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
2016 - crc - 12/9/15
204 Driving and Operating
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.
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.
If parking on a hill, or if the vehicle
is pulling a trailer, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0238.
Brake Assist
This vehicle has a brake assist
feature designed to assist the driver
in stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal as
the driving situation dictates. The
brake assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
This vehicle has an HSA feature,
which may be useful when the
vehicle is stopped on a grade
sufficient enough to activate HSA.
This feature is designed to prevent
the vehicle from rolling, either
forward or rearward, during vehicle

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
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Driving and Operating 205
drive off. After the driver completely
stops and holds the vehicle in a
complete standstill on a grade, HSA
will be automatically activated.
During the transition period between
when the driver releases the brake
pedal and starts to accelerate to
drive off on a grade, HSA holds the
braking pressure for a maximum of
two seconds to ensure that there is
no rolling. The brakes will
automatically release when the
accelerator pedal is applied within
the two-second window. It will not
activate if the vehicle is in a drive
gear and facing downhill, or if the
vehicle is facing uphill and in
R (Reverse).Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
System Operation
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, TCS applies the brakes to
the spinning wheels and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle wheel brakes to assist the
driver in keeping the vehicle on the
intended path.
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 0186
and “Turning the Systems Off and
On” later in this section.

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
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206 Driving and Operating
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.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle. 2. Turn the engine off and wait
15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
4. 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
Thegbutton for TCS and
StabiliTrak is on the center console
(ATS) or the steering
wheel (ATS-V).
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 0139.
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 0139.
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.

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
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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) -
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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) -
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Driving and Operating 211
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
(Except LF4 and V-Series)
If equipped, the mechanical
limited-slip differential can give more
traction on snow, mud, ice, sand,
or gravel. It works like a standard
axle most of the time, but when
traction is low, this feature allows
the drive wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle. For
vehicles with limited slip differential,
driven under severe conditions, the
rear axle fluid should be changed.
SeeCompetitive Driving Mode
(LF4 and V-Series Only) 0208 and
Maintenance Schedule 0323.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
(LF4 and V-Series Only)
If equipped, the Electronic
Limited-Slip Differential (ELSD) is
automatically activated. ELSD
actively monitors vehicle sensors
and driver inputs to determine the
amount of change for the
conditions. With ELSD, the
vehicle has:
.
Enhanced high-speed control.
. Improved traction through
corners, allowing more
acceleration.
. More precise steering.
. Increased vehicle agility.
. Integration with StabiliTrak.
For vehicles with ELSD, driven
under severe conditions, the rear
axle fluid should be changed. See
Competitive Driving Mode (LF4 and
V-Series Only) 0208 and
Maintenance Schedule 0323.
Cruise Control
With cruise control, a speed of
about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more can
be maintained without keeping your
foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. Do not use
cruise control on winding roads or
in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.
If the StabiliTrak
®system begins to
limit wheel spin while using cruise
control, the cruise control
automatically disengages. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0205. If a collision alert

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
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Driving and Operating 215
Warning (Continued)
The system may not detect
a vehicle ahead. Keep the
entire front of the vehicle
clean.
. Visibility is low, such as in
fog, rain, or snow
conditions. ACC
performance is limited under
these conditions.
. On slippery roads where
fast changes in tire traction
can cause excessive
wheel slip.
J(On/Off) : Press to turn the
system on or off. A white cruise
control indicator comes on.
+RES (Resume/Accelerate) :
Press the control up briefly to
resume the previous set speed or to
increase vehicle speed if ACC is
already activated. To increase
speed by 1 km/h (1 mph), press
+RES up to the first detent. To
increase speed to the next 5 km/h
(5 mph) mark on the speedometer,
press +RES up to the second
detent. SET–
(Set/Coast) : Press the
control down briefly to set the speed
and activate ACC or to decrease
vehicle speed if ACC is already
activated. To decrease speed by
1 km/h (1 mph), press SET− down to
the first detent. To decrease speed
to the next 5 km/h (5 mph) mark on
the speedometer, press SET− down
to the second detent.
*(Cancel) : Press to disengage
ACC without erasing the set speed
from memory.
[(Follow Distance Gap) : Press
to select a following gap time (or
distance) setting for ACC of Far,
Medium, or Near.
Setting Adaptive Cruise Control
If cruise control is on when not in
use, the cruise on/off control could
get pressed and cruise control could
become active when not desired.
Keep the cruise control off when
cruise is not being used.
Select the set speed desired for
cruise. This is the vehicle speed
when no vehicle is detected in
its path.

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369639) -
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216 Driving and Operating
ACC will not set at a speed less
than 25 km/h (16 mph), although it
can be resumed when driving at
lower speeds.
To set ACC:1. Press
J.
2. Get up to the desired speed.
3. Press and release the SET– control on the steering wheel.
4. Remove foot from the accelerator.
After ACC is set, it may immediately
apply the brakes if a vehicle ahead
is detected closer than the selected
following gap.
The ACC indicator displays in the
instrument cluster and Head-Up
Display (HUD). When the ACC is
active, the indicator turns green. Be mindful of speed limits,
surrounding traffic speeds, and
weather conditions when selecting
the set speed.
Resuming a Set Speed
If the ACC is set at a desired speed
and then the brakes are applied, the
ACC is disengaged without erasing
the set speed from memory.
To begin using ACC again, press
+RES up briefly on the steering
wheel. The vehicle returns to the
previous set speed.
Increasing Speed While ACC is at
a Set Speed
If ACC is already activated, do one
of the following:
.
Use the accelerator to get to the
higher speed. Press SET– down.
Release the control and the
accelerator pedal. The vehicle
will now cruise at the higher
speed.
When the accelerator pedal is
pressed, ACC will not brake
because it is overridden.
A warning message will appear on the Driver Information Center
(DIC) and the Head-Up Display
(HUD). See
Cruise Control
Messages 0133.
. Press and hold +RES up until
the desired set speed appears
on the display, then release it.
. To increase vehicle speed in
small increments, press +RES
up to the first detent. For each
press, the vehicle goes 1 km/h
(1 mph) faster.
. 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
(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 0111.
The increment value used depends
on the units displayed.