
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460272) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
158 CLIMATE CONTROLS
Climate Controls
Climate Control Systems
Dual Automatic Climate ControlSystem (Base) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Dual Automatic Climate Control System (Uplevel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment AirFilter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Climate Control Systems
Dual Automatic Climate Control System (Base)
If equipped with this system, it controls the heating, cooling, and ventilation.
1. Driver and Passenger
Temperature Controls
2. Fan Control
3. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
4. Air Delivery Mode Control
5. OFF (Fan)
6. SYNC (Synchronized Driver and Passenger Temperature) 7. Driver and Passenger Heated
Seats (If Equipped)
8. Recirculation
9. Rear Window Defogger
10. Defrost
11. AC (Air Conditioning)

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460272) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
CLIMATE CONTROLS 167
Move the slats (2) to change the
direction of the airflow.
Additional air vents are beneath the
windshield and the driver and
passenger door windows. These are
fixed and cannot be adjusted.Operation Tips
.
Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves
from air inlets at the base of the
windshield that could block the
flow of air into the vehicle.
. Clear snow off the hood to
improve visibilty and help
decrease moisture drawn into the
vehicle.
. Keep the path under the front
seats clear of objects to help
circulate the air inside the vehicle
more effectively.
. Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect the
performance of the system. Check
with your dealer before adding
equipment to the outside of the
vehicle.
. Do not attach any devices to the
air vent slats. This restricts airflow
and may cause damage to the air
vents.
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The filter reduces dust, pollen, and
other airborne irritants from outside
air that is pulled into the vehicle. The
filter should be replaced as part of
routine scheduled maintenance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0327.
See your dealer regarding replacement
of the filter.
Service
All vehicles have a label underhood
that identifies the refrigerant used in
the vehicle. The refrigerant system
should only be serviced by trained and
certified technicians. The air
conditioning evaporator should never
be repaired or replaced by one from a
salvage vehicle. It should only be
replaced by a new evaporator to
ensure proper and safe operation.

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460272) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
168 CLIMATE CONTROLS
During service, all refrigerants should
be reclaimed with proper equipment.
Venting refrigerants directly to the
atmosphere is harmful to the
environment and may also create
unsafe conditions based on inhalation,
combustion, frostbite, or other
health-based concerns.
The air conditioning system requires
periodic maintenance. See
Maintenance Schedule0327.

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460272) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
172 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Steering
Variable Effort Steering
The vehicle has 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 the steering assist is used for an
extended period of time while the
vehicle is not moving, power assist
may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the system
cools down.
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:

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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212 DRIVING AND OPERATING
maintaining the fully pressed
accelerator pedal, will manage wheel
slip. Complete shifts as described in
Manual Transmission0198.
Automatic Transmissions
. 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 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.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
(Except 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.
See
Competitive Driving Mode (FE3
Only) 0209 and Maintenance Schedule
0 327.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
(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/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
For vehicles with eLSD, driven under
severe conditions, the rear axle fluid
should be changed.
See Competitive Driving Mode (FE3
Only) 0209 and Maintenance Schedule
0 327.

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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240 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Warning (Continued)
the nozzle. Contact should be
maintained until the filling is
complete.
. Do not smoke while
pumping fuel.
. Avoid using electronic
devices.
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
{Warning
Never tow a trailer with your
vehicle. It was not designed or
intended to tow a trailer.
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. See Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0120.
A device connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle systems.
This could affect vehicle operation
and cause a crash. Such devices
may also access information stored
in the vehicle’s systems.

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460272) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
VEHICLE CARE 245
If equipped with remote vehicle start,
open the hood before performing any
service work to prevent remote
starting the vehicle accidentally. See
Remote Vehicle Start035.
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of
any service work performed. See
Maintenance Records 0340.
Caution
Even small amounts of
contamination can cause damage to
vehicle systems. Do not allow
contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.
Hood
To open the hood:
1. Pull the hood release handle
inside the vehicle. It is on the
lower left side of the instrument
panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle andmove the secondary hood release
lever toward the right side of the
vehicle.
3. Lift the hood.
To close the hood:
Before closing the hood, be sure all
filler caps are on properly. Then, bring
the hood from full open to within
152 mm (6 in) of the closed position.
Pause, then push the front center of
the hood with a swift, firm motion to
fully close the hood.

Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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VEHICLE CARE 255
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to your dealer and
have it repaired as soon as possible.
The vehicle is not equipped with a
transmission fluid level dipstick.
There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the
transmission fluid. Because this
procedure is difficult, this should be
done at the dealer. Contact your dealer
for additional information.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always use the correct automatic(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
transmission fluid. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0337.
Change the fluid and filter at the
intervals listed in Maintenance
Schedule 0327, and be sure to use the
fluid listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0337.
Manual Transmission Fluid
How to Check Manual
Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
manual transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the only
reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to your dealer and
have it repaired as soon as possible.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0337 for the proper fluid
to use.
Hydraulic Clutch
For vehicles with a manual
transmission, it is not necessary to
regularly check brake/clutch fluid
unless there is a leak suspected.
Adding fluid will not correct a leak.
A fluid loss in this system could
indicate a problem. Have the system
inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What to Use
The brake/hydraulic clutch fluid
reservoir cap has either a symbol or
text specifying the type of brake fluid.
The common brake/clutch fluid
reservoir is filled with GM approved
DOT 3 brake fluid as indicated on the
reservoir cap. See Engine Compartment
Overview 0246 for reservoir location.