Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460272) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
DRIVING AND OPERATING 199
R (Reverse) :To back up, press down
the clutch pedal, completely stop the
vehicle, and shift into R (Reverse). On
ATS models, apply additional pressure
to get the lever past 1 (First) and
2 (Second) into R (Reverse). Let up on
the clutch pedal slowly while pressing
the accelerator pedal.
{Warning
If you skip a gear when
downshifting, you could lose
control of the vehicle. You could
injure yourself or others. Do not
shift down more than one gear at a
time when downshifting.
Caution
When downshifting, if more than
one gear is skipped, or the engine is
racing when the clutch pedal is
released, the engine, clutch,
driveshaft or transmission could be
damaged.
No Lift-Shift
On ATS-V vehicles equipped with a
manual transmission, the vehicle can
be shifted up a gear when the
accelerator pedal is pressed to the
floor without being released. This
allows for less power interruption and
will improve acceleration times. This
feature is available in all vehicle
modes and is only active when the
engine speed is greater than 2500 rpm.
Active Rev Match
ATS-V vehicles equipped with a
manual transmission have Active Rev
Match (ARM). ARM aids in smoother
shifting by matching the engine speed
to the next selected gear. By
monitoring shift lever and clutch
operation, ARM adjusts engine speed
to match a calibrated value based on
gear selection. On upshifts and
downshifts, engine speed will be
increased and decreased to match
vehicle road speed and transmission
gear position. ARM is maintained
while the clutch pedal is pressed, but
will deactivate if the shift lever is left
in the Neutral position.
The system is activated and
deactivated by pressing either of the
paddles on the steering wheel. The
system must be activated with each
new ignition cycle.
A gear indicator in the instrument
cluster displays the current gear
selected. ARM is also shown in the
Performance View of the HUD:
. When ARM is activated, the gear
number is amber.
. When ARM is deactivated, the
gear number is white.
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 201
If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to avoid
a sudden obstacle, a computer senses
the wheels are slowing down. If one of
the wheels is about to stop rolling, the
computer will separately work the
brakes at each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure to
each wheel, as required, faster than
any driver could. This can help you
steer around the obstacle while
braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates on
wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the
time needed to get a foot up to the
brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close
to the vehicle in front of you, there
will not be enough time to apply the
brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows
or stops. Always leave enough room
up ahead to stop, even with ABS.Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the
brake pedal down firmly and let ABS
work. You may hear the ABS pump or
motor operating and feel the brake
pedal pulsate. This is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brake at
the same time. In many emergencies,
steering can help more than even the
very best braking.
Parking Brake (Electric)
Automatic Transmission
Manual Transmission
If equipped with an Electric Parking
Brake (EPB), the switch is on the
center console for manual
transmission vehicles, or on the left
side of the instrument panel for
automatic transmission vehicles. The
EPB can always be activated, even if
the ignition is off. To prevent draining
the battery, avoid repeated cycles of
the EPB when the engine is not
running.
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 205
The indicator light for both systems is
in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin.
. Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC 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 may display 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/
ESC 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
g. The traction off lighti
displays in the instrument cluster and
a DIC message may display.
To turn TCS on again, press and
release
g. The traction off lighti
displayed in the instrument cluster
will turn off. If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
g
is pressed, the system will not turn off
until the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/
ESC, press and hold
guntil the
traction off light
iand StabiliTrak/
ESC OFF light
gcome on and stay on
in the instrument cluster. A DIC
message may display.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on
again, press and release
g. The
traction off light
iand StabiliTrak/
ESC OFF light
gin the instrument
cluster turn off.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See Accessories
and Modifications 0244.
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 settings of various
sub-systems. Depending on the option
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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206 DRIVING AND OPERATING
package, available features, and mode
selected, the suspension, steering, and
powertrain will change settings 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 (V-Series Only). Snow/Ice
mode is only available on automatic
transmission vehicles. 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 0194. 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.
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.
This feature is not intended for use
when the vehicle is stuck in sand,
mud, ice, snow, or gravel. If the
vehicle becomes stuck, see If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0181.
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 207
Track Mode (V-Series Only)
Use when maximum vehicle handling
is desired. When selected, the Track
mode indicator will display in the DIC.
The 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.
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460272) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
208 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Modes:TOUR
Default SPORT SNOW/ICE TRACK
Throttle Progression TourTour Snow/Ice Track
Transmission Shift Mode TourSport TourTrack
Steering (Assist Effort) TourSport TourTrack
Magnetic Ride Control (if equipped) TourSport TourTrack
Launch Control (V-Series Only) NANANAAvailable
Stability Control TourTourTourTrack
Performance Traction Management (if
equipped) (V-Series Only) NA
NANAAvailable
Engine Sound Management NANANAAvailable
Driver Mode Selector Attributes
Affected
The Gauge Cluster Display is
configured for each mode when linked
(default):
Throttle Progression
Adjusts throttle sensitivity by
selecting how quick or slow the
throttle reacts to input. .
Snow/Ice - The accelerator pedal
will reduce engine torque at small
pedal inputs. This allows better
wheel control on slippery surfaces.
. Track - The accelerator pedal is
adjusted to give maximum control
during the highest level of spirited
driving. Transmission Shift Mode
Sport or Track
–Performance Mode
Lift Foot (PMLF) allows the
transmission to hold the current gear
after a quick release of a heavily
applied accelerator pedal. This
provides greater engine braking and
enhanced vehicle control without
using the paddles. Performance
Algorithm Shift (PAS) recognizes
aggressive cornering, heavy braking,
and high acceleration to select and
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 209
hold lower gears when not using
paddles. The shifts are also firmer to
increase the quickness of shifting.
Steering (Assist Effort)
Adjusts from a lighter steering feel in
Tour mode to reduced assist in Sport
and Track mode for more
steering feel.
Magnetic Ride Control (If Equipped)
Adjusts the shock dampening
firmness from a comfort tune in Tour
mode to an optimized responsiveness
tune in Sport and Track.
Launch Control (V-Series Only)
Available only in Track mode for
maximum“off-the-line ”acceleration
when in Competitive Driving Mode
or PTM.
Stability Control
. Competitive Driving Mode allows
less computer control to permit
some slide and drift and is
selected with the button –only
available in Track mode. .
StabiliTrak/ESC can be turned off
by pressing and holding the
button for five seconds.
PTM (Performance Traction
Management) (If equipped)
(V-Series Only)
. Available in Track mode.
. There are five selectable settings.
Driver Mode Customization
The Engine Sound Management,
steering, and suspension drive modes
can be set to the driver’s preference.
See “Driving Mode ”under Vehicle
Personalization 0135.
When in the Track main vehicle mode,
you cannot overwrite the Steering or
Suspension settings. These settings
are designed to interact with the
advanced functions in the Track Mode
and cannot be overwritten.
The selections made in the Driving
Mode menu overwrite the main
vehicle mode selection via the buttons
or switch on the center console. In
order to customize and overwrite,
select one of the three settings by
touching the infotainment display. When in the customization screen for
each system, select one of four
options:
.
Auto (follows the MODE button)
. Tour
. Sport
. Track
The default will be to follow the
vehicle MODE button switch settings,
but the main vehicle mode selection
for the currently selected system can
be overwritten using this menu. The
settings selected in this menu will set
the vehicle behavior in all selected
vehicle modes, and will be retained
over each ignition cycle. They do not
have to be reset each time the vehicle
is started.
Competitive Driving Mode
(FE3 Only)
To select this optional handling mode,
press
Yquickly two times and the
DIC will display the appropriate
message. While in the Competitive
Driving Mode, the traction off light
i
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460272) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
210 DRIVING AND OPERATING
and StabiliTrak/ESC OFF lightgwill
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 Axle
(V-Series Only)” later in this section.
Adjust your driving accordingly.
Press
Yagain, or turn the ignition to
ACC/ACCESSORY and restart the
vehicle, to turn TCS back on. The
traction off light
iand StabiliTrak/
ESC 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/Electronic Stability Control (ESC), 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.
This light is on when the vehicle is in
the PTM mode.
To select this optional handling mode,
the vehicle mode must be Track. Then
quickly press
Yon the steering
wheel two times. PERF TRAC 1 - WET
ACTIVE HANDLING ON displays in
the DIC.
When PTM is active, the up and down
buttons will no longer change Drive
Modes, but instead change PTM
modes. To select a mode while in PTM, press
the Driver Mode Control/PTM buttons
on the center console.
To experience the performance benefit
of this system, after entering a curve
and at the point where normal
acceleration occurs, fully push the
accelerator pedal. The PTM system
will modify the level of engine power
for a smooth and consistent
corner exit.
The PTM system contains five modes.
These modes are selected by pressing
the Driver Mode Control/PTM buttons
on the center console. Scroll up or
down through modes 1-5 by pressing
the MODE up and down button. The
following is a DIC display description
and the recommended usage of
each mode:
PERF TRAC 1
–WET ACTIVE
HANDLING ON
. Intended for all driver skill levels.
. Wet or damp conditions only —
not intended for use in heavy rain
or standing water.
. StabiliTrak/ESC is on.