brakes CADILLAC ATS 2014 User Guide

Black plate (26,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
9-26 Driving and Operating
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding; see“Skidding”under
Loss of Control on page 9-5.
{Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission.
The repair will not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. If you are
stuck, do not spin the tires. When
stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
While in Sport Mode, the vehicle
monitors driving behavior, and
automatically enables Performance
Shift Features when spirited driving
is detected. These features maintain
lower transmission gears to
increase available engine braking
and improve acceleration response. The vehicle will exit these features
and return to normal operation after
a short period when no spirited
driving is detected. See
Driver Mode
Control on page 9-35.Manual Mode
Driver Shift Control (DSC)
{Caution
Driving with the engine at a high
rpm without upshifting while using
Driver Shift Control (DSC), could
damage the vehicle. Always
upshift when necessary while
using DSC.Vehicles with DSC may either use
the shift lever or the tap shift
controls on the back of the steering
wheel (if equipped) to manually shift
the automatic transmission.
To use DSC using the shift lever:
1. Move the shift lever to the left from D (Drive) to M (Manual
Mode). The transmission will be
in Manual Mode and will hold the
current gear.
2. Move the shift lever forward to upshift or rearward to downshift.

Black plate (29,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
Driving and Operating 9-29
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive
Vehicles with this feature always
send engine power to all four
wheels. It is fully automatic, and
adjusts itself as needed for road
conditions.
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has ABS, an advanced
electronic braking system that helps
prevent a braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself.
A momentary motor or clicking noise
might be heard while this test is
going on, and it might even be
noticed that the brake pedal moves
a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
on page 5-20. 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 that 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

Black plate (30,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
9-30 Driving and Operating
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 might hear the ABS
pump or motor operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsate, but 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 TransmissionIf 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.
The system has a red parking brake
status light and an amber parking
brake warning light. See
Parking
Brake Light on page 5-19 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light
on page 5-19. There are also
parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages.
See Brake System Messages on
page 5-32. In case of insufficient
electrical power, the EPB cannot be
applied or released.
Before leaving the vehicle, check
the red parking brake status light to
ensure that the parking brake is
applied.

Black plate (33,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
Driving and Operating 9-33
Brake Assist
This vehicle has a brake assist
feature designed to assist the driver
in stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal as
the driving situation dictates. The
brake assist feature will
automatically disengage when the
brake pedal is released or brake
pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
This vehicle has an HSA feature,
which may be useful when the
vehicle is stopped on a grade. This
feature is designed to prevent the
vehicle from rolling, either forward or
rearward, during vehicle drive off.
After the driver completely stops
and holds the vehicle in a complete
standstill on a grade, HSA will be
automatically activated. During the
transition period between when the
driver releases the brake pedal and
starts to accelerate to drive off on a
grade, HSA holds the braking
pressure for a maximum of
two seconds to ensure that there is
no rolling. The brakes will
automatically release when the
accelerator pedal is applied within
the two-second window. It will not
activate if the vehicle is in a drive
gear and facing downhill, or if the
vehicle is facing uphill and in
R (Reverse).
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability
Control
System Operation
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, TCS applies the brakes to
the spinning wheels and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the

Black plate (34,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
9-34 Driving and Operating
vehicle wheel brakes to assist the
driver in keeping the vehicle on the
intended path.
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.
SeeIf the Vehicle Is Stuck on
page 9-11 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. 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.

Black plate (37,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
Driving and Operating 9-37
Snow/Ice Mode
Use when more traction is needed
during slippery conditions. The
transmission will use 2 (Second)
gear instead of 1 (First) gear when
accelerating from a stop. The
vehicle will upshift normally when
the vehicle is moving.
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, seeIf the
Vehicle Is Stuck on page 9-11.
Limited-Slip Rear Axle
Vehicles with a limited-slip rear axle
can give more traction on snow,
mud, ice, sand, or gravel. When
traction is low, this feature allows
the drive wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle. The
limited-slip rear axle also gives the
driver enhanced control when
cornering hard or completing a
maneuver, such as a lane change.
Limited-slip rear axle fluid should be
changed at intervals listed in
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11-3.
Cruise Control
{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.
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).
If the brakes are applied, the cruise
control disengages.

Black plate (39,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
Driving and Operating 9-39
3. Press and release the SET−control on the steering wheel.
4. Remove foot from the accelerator.
When the cruise control has been
set to the desired speed, the cruise
control indicator appears green on
the instrument cluster and a cruise
set speed message appears on the
Head-Up Display (HUD),
if equipped.
Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at a
desired speed and then the brakes
are applied, the cruise control is
disengaged without erasing the set
speed from memory.
Once the vehicle speed reaches
about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more,
press +RES up to the first detent
briefly on the steering wheel. The
vehicle returns to the previous set
speed. Increasing Speed While Cruise
Control is at a Set Speed
If the cruise control system is
already activated:
.Press and hold +RES up until
the desired speed is reached,
then release it.
.To increase vehicle speed in
small increments, briefly press
+RES up to the first detent. For
each press, the vehicle goes
about 1 km/h (1 mph) faster.
.To increase vehicle speed in
larger increments, briefly press
+RES up to the second detent.
For each press, the vehicle
speed increases to the next
5 km/h (5 mph) mark on the
speedometer.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster on
page 5-10. The increment value
used depends on the units
displayed. Reducing Speed While Cruise
Control is at a Set Speed
If the cruise control system is
already activated:
.Press and hold SET−
down until
the desired lower speed is
reached, then release it.
.To decrease the vehicle speed in
small increments, briefly press
SET− down to the first detent.
For each press, the vehicle goes
about 1 km/h (1 mph) slower.
.To decrease the vehicle speed in
larger increments, briefly press
SET− down to the second
detent. For each press, the
vehicle speed decreases to the
next 5 km/h (5 mph) mark on the
speedometer.
The cruise control system may
automatically brake to slow the
vehicle down.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster on

Black plate (41,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
Driving and Operating 9-41
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 9-3.
{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.
](On/Off): Press to turn the
system on or off. The indicator turns
white on the instrument cluster
when ACC is turned on.
+RES (Resume/Accelerate):
Press the control up briefly to
resume the previous set speed or to
increase vehicle speed if ACC is
already activated. To increase
speed by 1 km/h (1 mph), press
+RES up to the first detent. To
increase speed to the next 5 km/h
(5 mph) mark on the speedometer,
press +RES up to the second
detent.

Black plate (42,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
9-42 Driving and Operating
SET–(Set/Coast): Press the
control down briefly to set the speed
and activate ACC or to decrease
vehicle speed if ACC is already
activated. To decrease speed by
1 km/h (1 mph), press SET− down to
the first detent. To decrease speed
to the next 5 km/h (5 mph) mark on
the speedometer, press SET− down
to the second detent.
*(Cancel): Press to disengage
ACC without erasing the set speed
from memory.
3(Follow Distance Gap): Press
to select a following gap time (or
distance) setting for ACC of Far,
Medium, or Near.
Setting Adaptive Cruise Control
If cruise control is on when not in
use, the cruise on/off control could
get pressed and cruise control could
become active when not desired.
Keep the cruise control off when
cruise is not being used. Select the set speed desired for
cruise. This is the vehicle speed
when no vehicle is detected in its
path slower than the set speed.
ACC will not set at a speed less
than 25 km/h (16 mph), although it
can be resumed when driving at
lower speeds..
To set ACC:
1. Press
].
2. Get up to the desired speed.
3. Press and release the SET– control on the steering wheel.
4. Remove foot from the accelerator.
After ACC is set, it may immediately
apply the brakes if a vehicle ahead
is detected closer than the selected
following gap.
The ACC indicator displays in the
instrument cluster and Head-Up
Display (HUD). When the ACC is
active, the indicator will be lit green.
Be mindful of speed limits,
surrounding traffic speeds, and
weather conditions when selecting
the set speed.
Resuming a Set Speed
If the ACC is set at a desired speed
and then the brakes are applied, the
ACC is disengaged without erasing
the set speed from memory.
To begin using ACC again, press
+RES up briefly on the steering
wheel. The vehicle returns to the
previous set speed.

Black plate (45,1)Cadillac ATS Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
6014430) - 2014 - 2nd Edition - 8/23/13
Driving and Operating 9-45
lamps will come on. The automatic
braking may feel or sound different
than if the brakes were applied
manually. This is normal.
Stationary or Very Slow-Moving
Objects
{Warning
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
may not detect and react to
stopped or slow-moving vehicles
ahead of you. For example, the
system may not brake for a
vehicle that 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.
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
resumed, the vehicle ahead symbol
will flash as a reminder to check traffic 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” in
“Collision/Detection Systems” under
Vehicle Personalization on
page 5-43.
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 driver 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 Parking Brake (Electric) on
page 9-30 orParking Brake
(Manual) on page 9-32. To resume
ACC and release the electric
parking brake, press the accelerator
pedal. ACC can be resumed when
the vehicle is traveling greater than
25 km/h (16 mph).