Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460272) - 2019 - crc - 5/8/18
8 IN BRIEF
24. Hood Release (Out of View). SeeHood 0245.
25. Instrument Panel Illumination
Control 0149.Initial Drive Information
This section provides a brief overview
about some of the important features
that may or may not be on your
specific vehicle.
For more detailed information, refer to
each of the features which can be
found later in this owner’s manual.
Stop/Start System
If equipped, the Stop/Start system will
shut off the engine to help conserve
fuel. It has components designed for
the increased number of starts.
When the brakes are applied and the
vehicle is at a complete stop, the
engine may turn off. When stopped,
the tachometer displays AUTO STOP.
See Tachometer 0116. When the brake
pedal is released or the accelerator
pedal is pressed, the engine will
restart. See Stop/Start System 0188 in
Driving and Operating.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter may be used to lock and
unlock the doors from up to 60 m
(197 ft) away from the vehicle.
With Remote Start Shown, Without Similar
Q:Press to lock all doors and if
equipped, the fuel door.
K: Press to unlock the driver door
and the fuel door, or all doors,
depending on the vehicle
personalization settings. See Vehicle
Personalization 0135.
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 123
Brake system. A message may also
display in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the light does not come on,
or remains flashing, see your dealer.
Service Electric Parking
Brake Light
This light should come on briefly
when starting the vehicle. If it does
not come on, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn if there is a problem.
If this light stays on, there is a
problem with the Electric Parking
Brake system or another system on
the vehicle that is causing the parking
brake system to work at a reduced
level. The vehicle can still be driven,
but should be taken to a dealer as
soon as possible. See the informationfor the Electric Parking Brake under
Parking Brake (Electric)
0201 or
Parking Brake (Manual) 0203.
A message may also display in the
Driver Information Center (DIC).
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light
This light comes on briefly when the
engine is started.
If the light does not come on, have it
fixed so it will be ready to warn if
there is a problem.
If the light comes on while driving,
stop as soon as it is safely possible
and turn off the vehicle. Then start
the engine again to reset the system.
If the ABS light stays on, or comes on
again while driving, the vehicle needs
service. A chime may also sound when
the light comes on steady. If the ABS light is the only light on,
the vehicle has regular brakes, but the
antilock brakes are not functioning.
If both the ABS and the brake system
warning light are on, the vehicle's
antilock brakes are not functioning
and there is a problem with the
regular brakes. See your dealer for
service.
See
Brake System Warning Light 0122.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
Light
If available, this light comes on briefly
while starting the vehicle.
If it does not come on, have the
vehicle serviced.
This light is green if LKA is available
to assist.
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134 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Metric
English
Performance View : This displays
digital speed, indicators from speed
view along with rpm reading,
transmission positions, Shift Timing
Light Position (ATS-V only), and gear
shift indicator (if equipped).
The shift timing lights at the top of
the display will appear with increases
in engine rpm. The rows of lights get
closer together as the shift point gets
closer. Shift the transmission before
the lights come together in the
display. Shift immediately if the lights
are flashing. See Manual Mode0196.
Care of the HUD
Clean the inside of the windshield to
remove any dirt or film that could
reduce the sharpness or clarity of the
HUD image.
Clean the HUD lens with a soft cloth
sprayed with glass cleaner. Wipe the
lens gently, then dry it.
HUD Troubleshooting
If you cannot see the HUD image
when the ignition is on, check that:
.
Nothing is covering the HUD lens.
. The HUD brightness setting is not
too dim or too bright.
. The HUD is adjusted to the proper
height.
. Polarized sunglasses are not worn.
. The windshield and HUD lens are
clean.
If the HUD image is not correct,
contact your dealer.
The windshield is part of the HUD
system. If windshield replacement is
required, see Windshield Replacement
0 270.
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC
indicate the status of the vehicle or
some action that may be needed to
correct a condition. Multiple messages
may appear one after another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be
acknowledged and cleared by pressing
V. The messages that require
immediate action cannot be cleared
until that action is performed.
All messages should be taken
seriously; clearing the message does
not correct the problem.
If a SERVICE message appears, see
your dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays
messages regarding the following
topics:
. Service Messages
. Fluid Levels
. Vehicle Security
. Brakes
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 169
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Track Events and CompetitiveDriving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 179
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Composite Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Parking (Manual
Transmission) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . 194
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Manual Transmission
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Active Rev Match . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . 200
Parking Brake (Electric) . . . . . . . . . . 201
Parking Brake (Manual) . . . . . . . . . . 203
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203 Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Competitive Driving Mode (FE3 Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Limited-Slip Rear Axle (Except V-Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Limited-Slip Rear Axle (V-Series Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . 215
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . 223
Assistance Systems for Parkingor Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Forward Automatic Braking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . 232
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . 232
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Cadillac ATS/ATS-V Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 171
Refer to the infotainment manual for
more information on using that
system and the navigation system,
if equipped, including pairing and
using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means“always
expect the unexpected.” The first step
in driving defensively is to wear the
seat belt. See Seat Belts064.
. Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other
drivers) are going to be careless
and make mistakes. Anticipate
what they might do and be ready.
. Allow enough following distance
between you and the driver in
front of you.
. Focus on the task of driving.
Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated with
drinking and driving is a global
tragedy.
{Warning
Drinking and then driving is very
dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even a
small amount of alcohol. You can
have a serious —or even fatal —
collision if you drive after drinking.
Do not drink and drive or ride with
a driver who has been drinking.
Ride home in a cab; or if you are
with a group, designate a driver
who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating are
important factors in helping to control
a vehicle while driving.
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.
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 173
1. Ease off the accelerator and then,if there is nothing in the way,
steer the vehicle so that it
straddles the edge of the
pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the
right front tire contacts the
pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three
control systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not
rolling.
. Steering or Cornering Skid —too
much speed or steering in a curve
causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force.
. Acceleration Skid —too much
throttle causes the driving wheels
to spin. Defensive drivers avoid most skids by
taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
.
Ease your foot off the accelerator
pedal and steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. The vehicle may
straighten out. Be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
. Slow down and adjust your driving
according to weather conditions.
Stopping distance can be longer
and vehicle control can be affected
when traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other material
on the road. Learn to recognize
warning clues —such as enough
water, ice, or packed snow on the
road to make a mirrored surface
— and slow down when you have
any doubt.
. Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking, including
reducing vehicle speed by shifting 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
{Danger
High-performance features are
intended for use only on closed
tracks by experienced and qualified
drivers and should not be used on
public roads. High-speed driving,
aggressive cornering, hard braking,
and other high-performance driving
can be dangerous. Improper driver
inputs for the conditions may result
in loss of control of the vehicle,
which could injure or kill you or
others. Always drive safely.
Competitive driving may affect the
vehicle warranty. See the warranty
manual before using the vehicle for
competitive driving.
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 175
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
performance or race track driving.
SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0337.
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
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176 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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
conditions, this should take no
longer than 25 brake
applications.
3. Cool down: Drive at 100 km/h (60 mph) for approximately
15 km (10 mi) without using the
brakes.
4. Apply the brakes 25 times from 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
applications.
Axle Fluid
Axles must have 805 km (500 mi)
before being used in track driving.
The front, if equipped with AWD, and
rear axle fluid temperatures may be
higher than when driving in severe
conditions. Drain and refill with new
fluid after the first racing or competitive driving event, and then
after every 24 hours of racing or
competitive driving. See
Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0337.
Caution
During a first time track or racing
event, high axle temperatures can
occur. Damage could be caused to
the axle and would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do not
drive as long or as fast the first
time the vehicle is driven on the
track or raced.
. The axle lubricant should be
replaced with new lubricant.
. Additional cooling capacity is also
required for continuous
competitive driving.
Track Battery
If equipped, this is a lightweight, low
power battery for track use only.
Remove after each event.
Only use this battery when
temperatures are above freezing. Store in a cool, dry location. Charge
periodically to keep the state of charge
from getting too low. A battery tender
can be used.
When installing or removing the track
battery, steps must be followed to
calibrate the electronic throttle
control. See
Battery - North America
0 266.
Wheel Alignment (V-Series Only)
Wheel alignment suggested specs for
track use:
.
Front: -2.0 deg camber, 0.2 deg
total toe
. Rear: -1.7 deg camber, 0.2 deg
total toe
V-Series Vehicles Equipped with
the Original Equipment Tires
Follow the requirements and
recommendations for tire inflation
pressures while driving on various
types of tracks/courses. This helps to
achieve a well-balanced vehicle and
enhance tire traction performance.