Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460272) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 107
windshield and controls the frequency
of the windshield wiper. To turn this
feature on or off, see“Rain Sense
Wipers ”under Vehicle Personalization
0 135.
Keep this area of the windshield clear
of debris to allow for best system
performance.
INT : When enabled, move the
windshield wiper lever to INT. Turn
the
xINT band on the wiper lever
to adjust the sensitivity.
. Turn the band up for more
sensitivity to moisture.
. Turn the band down for less
sensitivity to moisture.
. Move the windshield wiper lever
out of the INT position to
deactivate Rainsense. Wiper Arm Assembly Protection
When using an automatic car wash,
move the windshield wiper lever to
OFF. This disables the automatic
Rainsense windshield wipers.
With Rainsense, if the transmission is
in N (Neutral) and the vehicle speed is
very slow, the wipers will
automatically stop at the base of the
windshield.
The wiper operations return to normal
when the transmission is no longer in
N (Neutral) or the vehicle speed has
increased.
n
L: Pull the windshield wiper lever
toward you to spray windshield
washer fluid and activate the wipers.
The wipers will continue until the
lever is released or the maximum
wash time is reached. When the
windshield wiper lever is released,
additional wipes may occur depending
on how long the windshield washer
had been activated. See Washer Fluid
0 263 for information on filling the
windshield washer fluid reservoir.
{Warning
In freezing weather, do not use the
washer until the windshield is
warmed. Otherwise the washer fluid
can form ice on the windshield,
blocking your vision.
Headlamp Washer
If equipped with headlamp washers,
they are located to the side of the
headlamps.
The headlamps must be on in order to
use the headlamp washers. If the
headlamps are not on, only the
windshield will be washed.
Pull the wiper lever toward you and
hold briefly to activate. The headlamp
washers will spray once, pause, and
spray again. The headlamp washers
will spray again after five windshield
wash cycles.
To refill the windshield washer fluid,
see Washer Fluid 0263.
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460272) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
174 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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.
Competitive Driving Mode can be
selected. See Driver Mode Control
0 205.
2.0L L4 Turbo Engine (LTG) Only:
. Use a 600 W fan in addition to the
production option V03.
3.6L V6 Non-Turbo (LGX)
Engine Only:
. 3.6L V6 Non-Turbo Engine (LGX)
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 V6 Non-Turbo Engine (LGX)
without Oil Cooler: Do not use for
track events and competitive
driving. 3.6L V6 Twin Turbo Engine
(LF4) Only:
.
The 3.6L V6 twin turbo engine
(LF4) comes standard with a 7 qt
sump, integrated oil cooler, and
other powertrain and powertrain
cooling components in preparation
for track use.
Fuel
Use premium unleaded gasoline with
a posted octane rating of 93 at a track
event. Unleaded gasoline with a
posted octane rating of 91 may be
used, but performance will be
degraded.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Have the transmission fluid set to the
track specific oil level prior to track
usage. Transmission fluid should be
changed after every 15 hours of track
usage. Any transmission level set or
change should be performed at your
dealer.
Manual Transmission Fluid
Manual transmission fluid should be
changed after every 15 hours of track
usage.
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 0337.
. 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.
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460272) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
DRIVING AND OPERATING 195
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is
stopped.
R : Use this gear to back up.
At low vehicle speeds, R (Reverse) can
be used to rock the vehicle back and
forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand
without damaging the transmission.
See If the Vehicle Is Stuck 0181.
N : In this position, the engine does
not connect with the wheels. To
restart the engine when the vehicle is
already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into
a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine running
at high speed may damage the
transmission. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Be sure the engine is not running at
high speed when shifting the
vehicle.
Caution
A transmission hot message may
display if the automatic
transmission fluid is too hot.
Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle
the engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message
clears when the transmission fluid
has cooled sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing,
press the accelerator pedal down.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding; see “Skidding”underLoss
of Control 0173.
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460272) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
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-
12460272) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
242 VEHICLE CARE
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . . . 255
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . 256
Cooling System (Engine) . . . . . . . . . 257
Cooling System (Intercooler) . . . . 262
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264 Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . 266
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . 269
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . 270
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . 273
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . 274
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . 277 Rear Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Run-Flat Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . 291
Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 299
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
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.
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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VEHICLE CARE 263
If No Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen or
heard, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can get
a little too hot when the vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
. Stops after high-speed driving.
. Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest
fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral) for an automatic
transmission or Neutral for a
manual transmission, and let the
engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge is no longer in the overheated
area or the engine coolant temperature warning light no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
distance from the vehicle in front.
If the warning does not come back on,
continue to drive normally and have
the cooling system checked for proper
fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while parked.
If the warning is still displayed, turn
off the engine until it cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is
needed, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an area
where the temperature may fall below
freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer symbol
on it. Add washer fluid until the tank
is full. See
Engine Compartment
Overview 0246 for reservoir location.
Caution
.
Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
. Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the windshield
washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system
and paint.
(Continued)
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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268 VEHICLE CARE
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle
should be on a level surface.
If the level is below the bottom of the
fill plug hole, on the transfer case,
some lubricant will need to be added.
Add enough lubricant to raise the
level to the bottom of the fill plug
hole. Use care not to overtighten the
fill plug.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to
determine what kind of lubricant to
use. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0337.
Starter Switch Check
{Warning
When you are doing this inspection,
the vehicle could move suddenly.
If the vehicle moves, you or others
could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. 2. Apply both the parking brake
and the regular brake.
Do not use the accelerator pedal,
and be ready to turn off the
engine immediately if it starts.
3. For automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the engine
in each gear. The vehicle should
start only in P (Park) or
N (Neutral). If the vehicle starts
in any other position, contact
your dealer for service.
For manual transmission
vehicles, put the shift lever in
Neutral, push the clutch pedal
down halfway, and try to start
the engine. The vehicle should
start only when the clutch pedal
is pushed down all the way to
the floor. If the vehicle starts
when the clutch pedal is not
pushed all the way down, contact
your dealer for service.
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control Function
Check
{Warning
When you are doing this inspection,
the vehicle could move suddenly.
If the vehicle moves, you or others
could be injured.
1. Before starting this check, be sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface.
2. Apply the parking brake. Be ready to apply the regular brake
immediately if the vehicle begins
to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the ignition on, but do not start the
engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the
shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact
your dealer for service.