traction control CADILLAC ELR 2016 User Guide

Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9087644) -
2016 - crc - 9/17/15
Driving and Operating 173
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 231
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Trailer Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Driving Information
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms
and can take your focus from the
task of driving. Exercise good
judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away
from the road. Many local
governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, always
keep your eyes on the road, hands
on the wheel, and mind on the drive.
. Do not use a phone in
demanding driving situations.
Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary
phone calls.
. Watch the road. Do not read,
take notes, or look up
information on phones or other
electronic devices.
. Designate a front seat
passenger to handle potential
distractions. .
Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio
stations and adjusting climate
control and seat settings.
Program all trip information into
any navigation device prior to
driving.
. Wait until the vehicle is parked
to retrieve items that have fallen
to the floor.
. Stop or park the vehicle to tend
to children.
. Keep pets in an appropriate
carrier or restraint.
. Avoid stressful conversations
while driving, whether with a
passenger or on a cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.
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Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9087644) -
2016 - crc - 9/17/15
176 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.
Flowing or rushing water creates
strong forces. Driving through
flowing water could cause the
vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle
occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warnings and be
very cautious about trying to drive
through flowing water.
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Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9087644) -
2016 - crc - 9/17/15
Driving and Operating 177
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
can build up under the vehicle's
tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is
wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no
contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
. Pass with caution.
. Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
. Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
. Have good tires with proper
tread depth. See Tires0272.
. Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. See
“Mountain Mode” underDriver
Selected Operating Modes 0188.
Tips include:
. Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
. Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
electric drive unit.
. Keep the vehicle in gear when
going down steep or long hills.
{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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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.
. Drive at speeds to keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills.
Something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, accident).
. Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and
the road creates less traction or
grip, so drive carefully. Wet ice can
occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when
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Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9087644) -
2016 - crc - 9/17/15
178 Driving and Operating
freezing rain begins to fall. Avoid
driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For slippery road driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating
too quickly causes the wheels to
spin and makes the surface
under the tires slick.
. Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0198.
. Antilock Brake System (ABS)
improves vehicle stability during
hard stops, but apply the brakes
sooner than when on dry
pavement. See Antilock Brake
System (ABS) 0195.
. Allow greater following distance
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.Blizzard Conditions
Stay with the vehicle unless there is
help nearby. If possible, use
Roadside Assistance. See Roadside
Service 0336. To get help and keep
everyone in the vehicle safe:
. Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.
. Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may
cause exhaust gases to get
inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which
cannot be seen or smelled. It can
cause unconsciousness and even
death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
. Clear snow from the base of
the vehicle, especially any
blocking the exhaust pipe.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the vehicle side
that is away from the wind,
to bring in fresh air.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Adjust the climate control
system to circulate the air
inside the vehicle and set
the fan speed to the highest
setting. See “Climate
Control Systems.”
For more information about CO,
see Engine Exhaust 0192.
To save fuel, run the engine for
short periods to warm the vehicle
and then shut the engine off and
partially close the window. Moving
about to keep warm also helps.
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Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9087644) -
2016 - crc - 9/17/15
Driving and Operating 179
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 forwardgear, 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,
see
Towing the Vehicle 0304.
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 may
show how much weight it may properly 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
vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a
crash. Overloading can also
reduce stopping distance,
damage the tires, and shorten
the life of the vehicle.
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Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9087644) -
2016 - crc - 9/17/15
198 Driving and Operating
The brake pedal must be applied at
low speed, because it will not stop
the car.
Cruise control will turn off, and the
brake lights may come on, when
this feature is activated.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 0179
and “Turning the Systems Off and
On” later in this section.
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Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9087644) -
2016 - crc - 9/17/15
Driving and Operating 199
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.
If
dcomes 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
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
Y. The traction off lighti
comes on in the instrument cluster.
The appropriate DIC message is
displayed. See
Ride Control System
Messages 0142.
To turn TCS on again, press and
release
Y. The traction off lighti
displayed 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
Yuntil 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 0142.
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Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9087644) -
2016 - crc - 9/17/15
200 Driving and Operating
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak on
again, press and release
Y. The
traction off light
iand StabiliTrak
OFF light
gin the instrument cluster
turn off.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle's performance. See
Accessories and
Modifications 0236.
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.
Select a new setting whenever
driving conditions change. For
additional information on these
Modes, see Driver Selected
Operating Modes 0188.
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.
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.
Sport mode also allows the engine
to start to provide additional
acceleration performance even if
battery is charged.
Mountain Mode
Use when driving in very hilly or
mountainous terrain.
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Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9087644) -
2016 - crc - 9/17/15
Driving and Operating 201
When selected, the Mountain Mode
indicator will display in the DIC.
This feature is intended to maintain
a reserve electrical charge of the
high voltage battery to provide
better grade climbing performance.
While driving in Mountain Mode, the
vehicle will have less responsive
acceleration.
Hold Mode
The Hold Mode is only available
when the vehicle is in the Electric
Mode. Use when wanting to change
to Extended Range Mode to
maintain the battery charge reserve.
SeeExtended Range Mode 0187.
When selected, the Hold Mode
indicator will display in the DIC.
This feature is intended to place the
remaining battery charge into a
reserve for the driver to use as
desired. Hold Mode will not change
normal vehicle acceleration or
braking performance.
Competitive Driving Mode
If equipped, the Competitive Driving
Mode is selected by pressing the
TCS/StabiliTrak
®buttonYon the
center console twice within
five seconds while in Sport Mode.
The StabiliTrak OFF light
gwill
come on in the instrument cluster
and a pop-up will appear in the DIC
indicating that Competitive Driving
Mode has been entered.
The Competitive Driving Mode
allows the driver to have control of
the power applied to the wheels,
while the StabiliTrak system helps
steer the vehicle by selective brake
application.
In the Competitive Driving Mode, the
levels at which StabiliTrak is
engaged have been modified to
better suit a performance driving
environment. When the StabiliTrak
OFF light
gis on, TCS will not be
operating. Driving should be
adjusted accordingly. Do not use
Competitive Driving Mode on slippery surfaces such as snow,
mud, ice, etc. See
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0198.
When the TCS/StabiliTrak button
Y
is pressed again, TCS will be turned
back on and the StabiliTrak OFF
light
gin the instrument cluster will
turn off.
Continuous Damping
Control (CDC)
The CDC feature provides superior
vehicle ride and handling under a
variety of passenger and loading
conditions.
The system is fully automatic and
uses a computer controller to
continuously monitor vehicle speed,
wheel to body position, lift/dive, and
steering position of the vehicle. The
controller then sends signals to
each shock absorber to
independently adjust the damping
level to provide the optimum
vehicle ride.
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Cadillac ELR Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S/Canada-9087644) -
2016 - crc - 9/17/15
202 Driving and Operating
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
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 0198. If a collision alert occurs when cruise control is
activated, cruise control is
disengaged. See
Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) System 0214. 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.
To decrease speed to the next
5 km/h or 5 mph mark on the
speedometer, press SET− down to
the second detent.*(Cancel) : Press to disengage
cruise control without erasing the
set speed from memory.
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