2016 Cadillac ATS Owner’s Manual

The 2016 Cadillac ATS is a fast and stylish luxury compact sedan that shows how much Cadillac cares about performance and style. With its sleek exterior design, precise handling, and powerful engine choices, the ATS offers a compelling driving experience. Inside, the ATS has a well-made cabin with comfy seats and high-tech features. No matter which engine you choose—the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, or the powerful 3.6-liter V6—the ATS has a lot of speed and quickness. The 2016 Cadillac ATS stands out as a strong contender in the crowded luxury compact sedan market thanks to its elegant design, engaging performance, and high-end features.

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 display one after the other.
The messages that do not require immediate action can be acknowledged and cleared by pressing SEL. The messages that require immediate action cannot be cleared until that action is performed. All messages should be taken seriously and clearing the messages does not correct the problem.
The following are some of the vehicle messages that may be displayed depending on the vehicle content.

Battery Voltage and Charging Messages
BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE
This message displays when the vehicle has detected that the battery voltage is dropping beyond a reasonable point. The battery-saver system starts reducing features of the vehicle that may be noticed. At the point that features are disabled, this message displays. Turn off unnecessary accessories to allow the battery to recharge.

LOW BATTERY
This message is displayed when the battery voltage is low. See Battery North America 0 263.

SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM
This message is displayed when there is a fault in the battery charging system. Take the vehicle to your dealer for service.

TRANSPORT MODE ON
This message is displayed when the vehicle is in transport mode. Some features can be disabled while in this
mode, including Remote Keyless Entry (RKE), remote start, and the vehicle alarm system. Take the vehicle to your dealer for service to turn the transport mode off.

Brake System Messages

BRAKE FLUID LOW
This message is displayed when the brake fluid level is low. See Brake Fluid 0 262.

BRAKES OVERHEATED
This message is displayed when the brakes are becoming overheated. This may be seen when driving on hills. Shift to a lower gear.

STEP ON BRAKE TO RELEASE AND PARK THE BRAKE
This message is displayed if you attempt to release the Electric Parking Brake without the brake pedal applied. See Electric Parking Brake 0 202.

RELEASE PARKING BRAKE
This message is displayed if the Electric Parking Brake is on while the vehicle is in motion. See Electric Parking Brake 0 202.

SERVICE BRAKE ASSIST
This message may be displayed when there is a problem with the brake boost assist system. The brake boost assist motor may be heard and brake pedal pulsation may be felt. This is normal under these conditions. Take the vehicle to your dealer for service.

SERVICE PARKING BRAKE
This message is displayed when there is a problem with the parking brake. Take the vehicle to your dealer for service.

Compass Messages
The compass display will be blank if the vehicle temporarily loses communication with the Global Positioning System (GPS).

Cruise Control Messages
ADAPTIVE CRUISE SET TO XXX
This message displays when the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) speed is set. See Adaptive Cruise Control 0 210.

ADAPTIVE CRUISE TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE
This message displays when attempting to activate Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) when it is temporarily unavailable. The ACC system does not need service.
This can occur under the following conditions:

• The radar is not clean. Keep the radar sensors free of mud, dirt, snow, ice, and slush. Clean the entire front and/or rear of the vehicle. For cleaning instructions, see Exterior Care 0 315.
• Heavy rain or snow is interfering with the radar object detection or camera performance.
•  

CRUISE SET TO XXX
This message displays when the cruise control speed is set. See Cruise Control 0 207.

NO CRUISE BRAKING GAS PEDAL APPLIED
This message displays when Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is active and the driver is pressing the gas pedal. When this occurs, ACC will not brake. See Adaptive Cruise Control 0 210.

SERVICE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
This message displays when the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) needs service. Take the vehicle to your dealer.

SHIFT TO PARK BEFORE EXITING
This message may display if Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is engaged holding the vehicle at a stop, and the driver attempts to exit the vehicle. Put the vehicle in P (Park) before exiting.

Interior Mirrors

Interior Rearview Mirrors
Adjust the rearview mirror for a clear view of the area behind the vehicle.
Do not spray glass cleaner directly on the mirror. Use a soft towel dampened with water.

Manual Rearview Mirror
If equipped with a manual rearview mirror, push the tab forward for daytime use and pull it for nighttime use to avoid glare from the headlamps from behind.

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
If equipped, automatic dimming reduces the glare of headlamps from behind. The dimming feature comes on when the vehicle is started.

Windows

Warning
Never leave a child, a helpless adult, or a pet alone in a vehicle, especially with the windows closed in warm or hot weather. They can be overcome by extreme heat and suffer permanent injuries or even death from heat stroke.

The vehicle aerodynamics are designed to improve fuel economy performance. This may result in a pulsing sound when either rear
window is down and the front windows are up. To reduce the sound, open either a front window or the sunroof, if equipped.

Power Windows

Warning
Children could be seriously injured or killed if caught in the path of a closing window. Never leave the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter in a vehicle with children. When there are children in the rear seat, use the window lockout switch to prevent the operation of the windows. See Keys 0 30.

The power windows only operate with the ignition in ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN/START, or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active. See Retained Accessory Power (RAP) 0 235.
The power window switches on the driver door control all the windows.
Each passenger door has a switch that controls only that window.
Press the switch to lower the window. Pull the switch up to raise it.
On coupe models, the windows will lower to a predetermined position. Press the switch again to lower the window fully.

Express-Down/Up Windows
Windows with the express feature allow the windows to be raised and lowered all the way without holding the switch.
Press or pull the switch fully and release it to activate the express feature.
The express mode can be canceled by briefly pressing or pulling the switch.

Express Window Anti-Pinch Feature
If any object is in the path of the window when the express-up is active, the window will stop at the obstruction and auto-reverse to a preset factory position. Weather conditions such as severe icing may also cause the window to auto-reverse. The window will return to normal operation after the obstruction or condition is removed.

Express Window Anti-Pinch Override

Warning
If express override is activated, the window will not reverse automatically. You or others could be injured and the window could
be damaged. Before you use express override, make sure that all people and obstructions are clear of the window path.

The anti-pinch feature can be overridden when the ignition is in ON/RUN/START. Hold the window switch all the way up to the second position. The window will go up for as long as the switch is held. Once the switch is released, the express mode is reactivated.
In this mode, the window can close on an object in its path. Use care when using the override mode.

Programming the Power Windows
If the vehicle battery has been recharged or disconnected or is not working, the front power windows may need to be reprogrammed for the express-up feature to work. Before reprogramming, replace or recharge the vehicle battery.
To program: 

1. With the ignition in ON/RUN/START or ACC/ACCESSORY, or when RAP is active, close all doors.
2. Press down the power window switch until the window is fully open.
3. Pull the power window switch up until the window is fully closed.
4. Continue holding the switch up for approximately two seconds after the window is completely closed.
   The window is now reprogrammed. Repeat the process for the other windows.

Roof

Sunroof
If equipped with a sunroof, the ignition must be in ON/RUN/START or ACC/ACCESSORY, or in
Retained Accessory Power (RAP), to operate the sunroof. See Ignition Positions 0 230 and Retained Accessory Power (RAP) 0 235..

Open/Close: Press the rear or front of the switch (1) to the first detent and hold to open or close the sunroof.
Express Open/Express Close: Press the rear or front of the switch (1) to the second detent and release to express open or express close the sunroof.
Vent Feature: Press and hold the front of the switch (2) to vent the sunroof. The sunshade must be manually opened. Press and hold the rear of the switch (2) to close the sunroof vent.

Anti-Pinch Feature
If an object is in the path of the sunroof when it is closing, the anti-pinch feature will detect the object and stop the sunroof from closing at the point of the obstruction. The sunroof then retracts away from the object. Dirt and debris may collect on the sunroof seal or in the track. This could cause an issue with sunroof operation or noise. It could also plug the water drainage system.
Periodically open the sunroof and remove any obstacles or loose debris. Wipe the sunroof seal and roof sealing area using a clean cloth, mild soap, and water. Do not remove grease from the sunroof.

FAQ’s