traction control CADILLAC ELR 2015 User Guide

Black plate (8,1)Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695154) -
2015 - CRC - 4/25/14
9-8 Driving and Operating
3. Turn the steering wheel to gostraight 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.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce
vehicle traction and affect your
ability to stop and accelerate.
Always drive slower in these types
of driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles and
deep‐standing or flowing water.
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes.
They might not work as well in a
quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could
lose control of the vehicle.
After driving through a large
puddle of water or a car/vehicle
wash, lightly apply the brake
pedal until the brakes work
normally.
(Continued)
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Black plate (10,1)Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695154) -
2015 - CRC - 4/25/14
9-10 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the vehicle turned off is
dangerous. The brakes will have
to do all the work of slowing down
the vehicle and could become too
hot. Hot brakes may not be able
to slow the vehicle enough to
maintain speed and control. You
could crash. Always have the
vehicle running and in gear
(preferably LOW range) when
going downhill. This will allow the
electric drive unit to assist in
slowing and maintaining speed.
.Stay in your own lane. Do not
swing wide or cut across the
center of the road. Drive at
speeds that let you stay in your
own lane.
.Top of hills: Be alert—
something could be in your lane
(stalled car, accident).
.Pay attention to special road
signs (falling rocks area, winding
roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take
appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Drive carefully when there is snow
or ice between the tires and the
road, creating less traction or grip.
Wet ice can occur at about 0°C (32°
F) when freezing rain begins to fall,
resulting in even less traction. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated with salt
or sand.
Drive with caution, whatever the
condition. Accelerate gently so
traction is not lost. Accelerating too
quickly causes the wheels to spin
and makes the surface under the
tires slick, so there is even less
traction. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control on page 9-33.
The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
improves vehicle stability during
hard stops on slippery roads, but
apply the brakes sooner than when
on dry pavement.
Allow greater following distance on
any slippery road 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 on slippery
surfaces.
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Black plate (12,1)Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695154) -
2015 - CRC - 4/25/14
9-12 Driving and Operating
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the
wheels to free the vehicle when
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
The Traction Control System (TCS)
must be turned off by pressing the
TCS/ESC button. Traction control is
not completely off, but will only
engage if the maneuver can cause
damage to the electric drive unit.
{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. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a forward
gear, spinning the wheels as little as
possible. The Traction Control
System prevents the tires from
spinning at high speeds. To prevent
electric drive unit wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting
gears. Release the accelerator
pedal while shifting, and press
lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the electric drive unit is in
gear. Slowly spinning the wheels in
the forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get
the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the
vehicle does need to be towed out,
seeTowing the Vehicle on
page 10-75.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how
much weight the vehicle can
carry. This weight is called the
vehicle capacity weight and
includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on the vehicle show
how much weight it was
designed to carry, the Tire and
Loading Information label and
the Certification label.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the
maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
This can cause systems to
break and change the way the
(Continued)
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Black plate (33,1)Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695154) -
2015 - CRC - 4/25/14
Driving and Operating 9-33
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak®, an
electronic stability control system.
These systems help limit wheel slip
and assist the driver in maintaining
control, especially on slippery road
conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any
of the drive wheels are spinning or
beginning to lose traction. When this
happens, the system brakes the
spinning wheel(s) and/or reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when the
computer senses a difference
between the intended path and the
direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak selectively
applies braking pressure at any one
of the vehicle's brakes to help steer
the vehicle in the intended direction. If cruise control is being used and
traction control or StabiliTrak begins
to limit wheel spin, cruise control will
disengage. Cruise control may be
turned back on when road
conditions allow.
Both systems come on
automatically when the vehicle is
started and begins to move. The
systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This
is normal and does not mean there
is a problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but It may be necessary
to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow.
See
If the Vehicle Is Stuck on
page 9-12 and“Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this
section.
The indicator light for both systems
is in the instrument cluster. This
light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin.
.Flash when StabiliTrak 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 displays 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.
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Black plate (34,1)Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695154) -
2015 - CRC - 4/25/14
9-34 Driving and Operating
Ifdcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
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
The button for TCS and StabiliTrak
is on the center console, behind the
shift lever.
{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 the
Ybutton. The traction
off light
idisplays in the instrument
cluster. The appropriate DIC
message is displayed. See Ride
Control System Messages on
page 5-49.
To turn TCS on again, press and
release the
Ybutton. The traction
off light
idisplayed in the
instrument cluster will turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
the
Ybutton is pressed, the
system will not turn off until the
wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak,
press and hold the
Ybutton until
the traction off light
iand
StabiliTrak OFF light
gcome on
and stay on in the instrument
cluster. The appropriate DIC
message is displayed. See Ride
Control System Messages on
page 5-49.
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Black plate (35,1)Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695154) -
2015 - CRC - 4/25/14
Driving and Operating 9-35
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak on
again, press and release the
Y
button. The traction off lightiand
StabiliTrak OFF light
gin the
instrument cluster turn off.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle's performance. See
Accessories and Modifications on
page 10-2.
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control attempts to add
a sportier feel, provide a more
comfortable ride, or assist in very
hilly or mountainous terrain. This
system simultaneously changes the
software calibration of various
sub-systems. Depending on the
option package, available features,
and mode selected, the suspension,
steering, and powertrain will change
calibrations to achieve the desired
mode characteristics. The vehicle is
equipped with Continuous Damping
Control (CDC). Selecting the various
Driver Modes adjusts the ride of the vehicle to enhance the ride
performance for the road conditions
and the selected mode.
Driver Mode Control Switch
The Driver Mode Control has four
modes: Tour, Sport, Mountain, and
Hold. Press
zon the MODE switch
on the center console to make a
mode selection. The first press of
the switch will always show the Tour
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. For additional
information on these Modes, see
Driver Selected Operating Modes on
page 9-22.
Tour Mode
Use for normal city and highway
driving to provide a smooth, soft
ride. Each time the vehicle is
started, it will return to Tour Mode.
Sport Mode
Use where road conditions or
personal preference demand a more
controlled response.
When selected, the Sport Mode
indicator will display in the DIC.
When in Sport Mode, the vehicle will
still shift automatically. The electric
drive unit may remain in gear longer
than it would in the normal driving
mode based on braking, throttle
input, and vehicle lateral
acceleration. The steering will
change to provide more precise
control. The suspension will change
to provide better body control and
handling performance.
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Black plate (37,1)Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695154) -
2015 - CRC - 4/25/14
Driving and Operating 9-37
Cruise Control
With cruise control, a speed of
about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more can
be maintained without keeping your
foot on the accelerator. Cruise
control does not work at speeds
below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
{Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at
a steady speed. Do not use the
cruise control on winding roads or
in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous
on slippery roads. On such roads,
fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and
you could lose control. Do not use
cruise control on slippery roads.If the StabiliTrak
®system begins to
limit wheel spin while using cruise
control, the cruise control
automatically disengages. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control on page 9-33. If a collision
alert occurs when cruise control is
activated, cruise control is
disengaged. See Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) System on page 9-50.
When road conditions allow you to
safely use it again, cruise control
can be turned back on.
If the brakes are applied, cruise
control disengages.J(On/Off): Press to turn the
system on and off. A white cruise
control indicator appears in the
instrument cluster when cruise is
turned on.
+RES (Resume/Accelerate): If
there is a set speed in memory,
press the control up briefly to
resume that speed or hold to
accelerate. If cruise control is
already active, use to increase
vehicle speed. To increase speed by
1 km/h or 1 mph, press +RES up to
the first detent. To increase speed to
the next 5 km/h or 5 mph mark on
the speedometer, press +RES up to
the second detent.
SET− (Set/Coast): Press the
control down briefly to set the speed
and activate cruise control. If cruise
control is already active, use to
decrease vehicle speed. To
decrease speed by 1 km/h or 1 mph,
press SET− down to the first detent.
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Black plate (40,1)Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695154) -
2015 - CRC - 4/25/14
9-40 Driving and Operating
speed when the Traction Control
System (TCS) activates, the ACC
may automatically disengage. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control on page 9-33. When road
conditions allow ACC to be safely
used, the ACC can be turned
back on.
ACC will not engage if the TCS or
StabiliTrak electronic stability control
system is disabled.
{Warning
ACC has limited braking ability
and may not have time to slow
the vehicle down enough to avoid
a collision with another vehicle
you are following. This can occur
when vehicles suddenly slow or
stop ahead, or enter your lane.
Also see“Alerting the Driver” in
this section. Complete attention is
always required while driving and
you should be ready to take
action and apply the brakes. See
Defensive Driving on page 9-5.
{Warning
Adaptive Cruise Control will not
detect or brake for children,
pedestrians, animals, or other
objects.
Do not use Adaptive Cruise
Control when:
.On winding and hilly roads or
when the sensors are
blocked by snow, ice, or dirt.
The system may not detect a
vehicle ahead. Keep the
entire front of the vehicle
clean.
.Visibility is low, such as in
fog, rain, or snow conditions.
Adaptive Cruise Control
performance is limited under
these conditions.
.On slippery roads where fast
changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip.
J(On/Off): Press to turn the
system on or off. A white adaptive
cruise control indicator comes on.
+RES (Resume/Accelerate):
Press the control up briefly to
resume the previous set speed or
hold to accelerate. If ACC is already
activated, use to increase vehicle
speed.
SET– (Set/Coast): Press the
control down briefly to set the speed
and activate ACC. If cruise control is
already active, use to decrease
vehicle speed.
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Black plate (44,1)Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695154) -
2015 - CRC - 4/25/14
9-44 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
vehicle it has never detected
moving. This can occur in
stop-and-go traffic or when a
vehicle suddenly appears due to
a vehicle ahead changing lanes.
Your vehicle may not stop and
could cause a crash. Use caution
when using ACC. Your complete
attention is always required while
driving and you should be ready
to take action and apply the
brakes.
ACC Automatically Disengages
ACC may automatically disengage
and the driver will need to manually
apply the brakes to slow the
vehicle when:
.The sensors are blocked.
.The Traction Control System
(TCS) or electronic stability
control system has activated or
been disabled.
.No traffic or other objects are
being detected.
.There is a fault in the system.
.Regen on Demand is engaged.
A message indicating that the cruise
is disengaging will appear on the
DIC and the ACC active symbol will
not be displayed when ACC is no
longer active.
Notification to Resume ACC
ACC will maintain a follow gap
behind a detected vehicle and slow
your vehicle to a stop behind that
vehicle.
If the stopped vehicle ahead has
driven away and ACC has not been
resumed, the vehicle ahead symbol
will flash as a reminder to check
traffic ahead before proceeding. In
addition, the left and right sides of
the Safety Alert Seat will pulse three
times, or three beeps will sound.
See “Alert Type” and“Go Notifier”
under Collision/Detection systems in
Vehicle Personalization on
page 5-52. When the vehicle ahead drives
away, press +RES or the
accelerator pedal to resume ACC.
If stopped for more than
two minutes or if the driver door is
opened and the safety belt is
unbuckled, the ACC automatically
applies the electric parking brake to
hold the vehicle. The electric
parking brake status light will turn
on. See
Electric Parking Brake on
page 9-30. To resume ACC and
release the electric parking brake,
press the accelerator pedal.
A DIC warning message may
display indicating to shift to P (Park)
before exiting the vehicle. See
Vehicle Messages on page 5-41.
{Warning
If ACC has stopped the vehicle,
and if ACC is disengaged, turned
off, or canceled, the vehicle will
no longer be held at a stop. The
vehicle can move. When ACC is
(Continued)
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Black plate (3,1)Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-7695154) -
2015 - CRC - 4/25/14
Vehicle Care 10-3
handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and
electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability
control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components
resulting from modifications or the
installation or use of non‐GM
certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is
not covered under the terms of the
vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for
affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on the vehicle. See your
dealer to accessorize the vehicle
using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
Also, seeAdding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle on
page 3-30.Lifting the Vehicle
Lift the vehicle using a three-stage
front arm hoist with 3-inch adapters
only. A service jack can also
be used.
{Caution
Lifting the vehicle improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
warranty.
Lifting the Vehicle with a Hoist
Lift the vehicle with a three-stage
front arm hoist, using the four lifting
points at the same time. See your
dealer and service manual.
The front lifting points can be
accessed from either side of the
vehicle, behind the front tires.
The rear lifting points can be
accessed from either side of the
vehicle, in front of the rear tires.
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