Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10287885) -
2017 - crc - 6/16/16
170 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Track Events and CompetitiveDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 178
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Composite Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . 191
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . 195
Parking Brake (Manual) . . . . . . . . . . 195
Parking Brake (Electric) . . . . . . . . . . 196
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/ElectronicStability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Competitive Driving Mode (FE4 Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Limited-Slip Rear Axle (Except V-Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Limited-Slip Rear Axle (V-Series Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . 207
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . 214
Assistance Systems for Parkingor Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Forward Automatic Braking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . 222
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . 222
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . 224
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . 230
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 230
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10287885) -
2017 - crc - 6/16/16
172 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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.
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
under
Vehicle Messages 0127.
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.
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10287885) -
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174 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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.
. Gasolines with a Pump Octane ((R
+M)/2) of 99 or greater and
ethanol content below 15%
volume must be used for
competitive driving to protect
against engine damage. Colder
spark plug ratings should also be
used. Consult your dealer.
3.6L Non-Turbo (LGX) Engine Only:
. 3.6L Non-Turbo (LGX) Engine with
Oil Cooler: Confirm the oil level is
at the upper mark that shows the
proper operating range on the
engine oil dipstick.
3.6L Twin Turbo (LF4) Engine Only:
. The twin turbo 3.6L engine (LF4)
requires premium fuel, and comes
standard with a 7 qt sump,
integrated oil cooler, and other
powertrain and powertrain cooling
components in preparation for
track use. Brake Fluid
.
Before racing, replace existing
brake fluid with a qualified racing
brake fluid from a sealed
container. Brake fluid with a dry
boiling point >279 °C (534 °F) is
qualified. If racing brake fluid is
used, replace it with GM approved
brake fluid before driving on
public roads. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0314.
. Do not use silicone-based fluids.
If racing brake fluid is in the vehicle
and the age of the brake fluid is over a
month old or unknown, replace the
brake fluid between racing/closed
track driving.
Caution
Failure to change the brake fluid
and transfer case fluid after any
performance or race track driving
could result in damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty. Have the
brake fluid and transfer case fluid
changed by your dealer after any (Continued)
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10287885) -
2017 - crc - 6/16/16
DRIVING AND OPERATING 175
Caution (Continued)
performance or race track driving.
SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0314.
Brake Burnishing
For vehicles equipped with front
Brembo®brake systems:
Base Vehicles Only: Performance/
racing brake pads are required prior to
racing or closed track driving. Vehicles
with option code Y4Q have
performance brake pads.
New brake pads must be burnished
before racing or other competitive
driving.
Caution
Performing the brake burnish
procedure on a base brake system
can result in brake damage.
Caution
The new vehicle break-in period
should be completed before
performing the brake burnish
procedure, otherwise damage may
occur to the powertrain/engine. See
New Vehicle Break-In 0184.
Caution
Brake pedal fade will occur during
any track burnish procedure and
can cause brake pedal travel and
force to increase. This could extend
stopping distance until the brakes
are fully burnished.
When this procedure is performed as
instructed, it will not damage the
brakes. The brake pads will smoke and
produce an odor. The braking force
and pedal travel may increase. After
the procedure, the brake pads may
appear white at the rotor contact. Perform this procedure only on dry
pavement, in a safe manner, and in
compliance with all local and state
ordinances/laws regarding motor
vehicle operation.
Brake Burnish Procedure (V-Series
and Y4Q only)
1. Apply the brakes 25 times starting at 100 km/h (60 mph) to
50 km/h (30 mph) while
decelerating at 0.4 g. This is a
medium brake application. Drive
for at least 1 km (0.6 mi)
between applying the brakes.
This first step may be skipped if
there are more than 320 km
(200 mi) on the brake pads.
2. Repeatedly apply the brakes from 100 km/h (60 mph) to 25 km/h
(15 mph) while decelerating at
0.8 g. This is a hard brake
application, without activating
the Antilock Brake System (ABS).
Drive for at least 1 km (0.6 mi)
between stops. Repeat until the
brake pedal travel starts to
increase. Depending on
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10287885) -
2017 - crc - 6/16/16
DRIVING AND OPERATING 179
.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. Shift the
transmission to a lower gear to let
the engine assist the brakes on a
steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or
with the ignition off is dangerous.
This can cause overheating of the
brakes and loss of steering. Always
have the engine running and the
vehicle in gear. .
Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills; something
could be in your lane (e.g., stalled
car, accident).
. Pay attention to special road signs
(e.g., falling rocks area, winding
roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take
appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and the
road creates less traction or grip, so
drive carefully. Wet ice can occur at
about 0 °C (32 °F) when freezing rain
begins to fall. Avoid driving on wet ice
or in freezing rain until roads can be
treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating too
quickly causes the wheels to spin
and makes the surface under the
tires slick. .
Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0198.
. Antilock Brake System (ABS)
improves vehicle stability during
hard stops, but the brakes should
be applied sooner than when on
dry pavement. See Antilock Brake
System (ABS) 0195.
. Allow greater following distance
and watch for slippery spots. Icy
patches can occur on otherwise
clear roads in shaded areas. The
surface of a curve or an overpass
can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid
sudden steering maneuvers and
braking while on ice.
. Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and
signal for help. Stay with the vehicle
unless there is help nearby. To get
help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10287885) -
2017 - crc - 6/16/16
180 DRIVING AND OPERATING
.Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may cause
exhaust gases to get inside. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide
(CO), which cannot be seen or
smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
. Clear snow from the base of
the vehicle, especially any
blocking the exhaust pipe.
. Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the vehicle side that
is away from the wind, to
bring in fresh air.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Adjust the climate control
system to circulate the air
inside the vehicle and set the
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control
Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0190.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then
shut the engine off and partially close
the window. Moving about to keep
warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the
engine runs faster than the idle speed.
This keeps the battery charged to
restart the vehicle and to signal for
help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels
to free the vehicle when stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow. If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. See
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0198.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you or
others could be injured. The vehicle
can overheat, causing an engine
compartment fire or other damage.
Spin the wheels as little as possible
and avoid going above 56 km/h
(35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right
to clear the area around the front
wheels. Turn off any traction system.
Shift back and forth between
R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as
possible. To prevent transmission
wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears. Release
the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10287885) -
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184 DRIVING AND OPERATING
{Warning
Things inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a
sudden stop or turn, or in a
crash.
.Put things in the cargo
area of the vehicle. In the
cargo area, put them as far
forward as possible. Try to
spread the weight evenly.
.Never stack heavier things,
like suitcases, inside the
vehicle so that some of
them are above the tops of
the seats.
.Do not leave an unsecured
child restraint in the
vehicle.
.Secure loose items in the
vehicle.
.Do not leave a seat folded
down unless needed.
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Follow these recommended guidelines
during the first 2 414 km (1,500 mi) of
driving this vehicle. Parts have a
break-in period and performance will
be better in the long run.
For the first 2 414 km (1,500 mi):
. Avoid full throttle starts and
abrupt stops.
. Do not exceed 4000 engine rpm.
. Avoid driving at any one constant
speed, fast or slow.
. Avoid downshifting to brake or
slow the vehicle when the engine
speed will exceed 4000 rpm.
. Check engine oil with every
refueling and add if necessary. Oil
and fuel consumption may be
higher than normal during the
first 2 414 km (1,500 mi).
. New brake linings also need a
break-in period. Avoid making
hard stops during the first 322 km (200 mi). This is
recommended every time brake
linings are replaced.Composite Materials
This vehicle may be equipped with
parts containing carbon fiber,
sheet-molding compound or other
composite materials. Dealer-installed
accessories may also contain
composite materials. These parts and
accessories may include the splitter or
rocker extensions.
{Warning
Exposed edges of parts containing
carbon fiber and other composite
materials can be sharp. Contact
with these parts could result in
injury. Use caution to avoid
contacting these parts, including
when washing the vehicle. If the
parts are damaged, replace the
parts promptly with replacements
from your dealer.
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10287885) -
2017 - crc - 6/16/16
DRIVING AND OPERATING 185
{Warning
Rocker extensions may break under
pressure, resulting in property
damage or injury. Do not stand on
the rocker extension or use it as
a step.
Ignition Positions
The vehicle has an electronic keyless
ignition with pushbutton start.
Pressing the button cycles it through
three modes: ACC/ACCESSORY, ON/
RUN/START, and Stopping the
Engine/OFF.The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter must be in the vehicle for
the system to operate. If the
pushbutton start is not working, the
vehicle may be near a strong radio
antenna signal causing interference to
the keyless access system. See
Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 028.
To shift out of P (Park), the vehicle
must be in ON/RUN and the brake
pedal must be applied.
Stopping the Engine/OFF (No
Indicator Lights) : When the vehicle
is stopped, press ENGINE START/
STOP once to turn the engine off.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the
ignition will turn off, and Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) 0188.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the
ignition will return to ACC/
ACCESSORY and display a message in
the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See Transmission Messages 0136.
When the vehicle is shifted into
P (Park), the ignition system will
switch to OFF. 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) 0195 or
Parking Brake (Electric) 0196.