Cadillac ATS 2018 Owner’s Manual

The 2018 Cadillac ATS is a luxury compact sedan with an eye-catching style, a thrilling drive, and the latest technology. The ATS stands out on the road because it looks aggressive and sporty. It also has a variety of strong engines that make it responsive and fun to drive. Inside, the cabin is luxurious and made with the driver in mind. It has high-quality materials and features that are easy to use. The ATS also has high-tech features like Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system and a range of safety technologies. The 2018 Cadillac ATS is a great choice for people who want a luxurious and exciting compact sedan. It has a great mix of style, speed, and high-tech features.

VEHICLE CARE

California Proposition 65 Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this one, as well as many of its service parts and fluids, contain and/or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Engine exhaust, many parts and systems, many fluids, and some component wear by-products contain and/or emit these chemicals. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/passenger-vehicle.

California Perchlorate Materials Requirements

Certain types of automotive applications, such as airbag initiators, seat belt pre-tensioners, and lithium batteries contained in Remote Keyless Entry transmitters, may contain perchlorate materials. Special handling may be necessary. For additional information, see www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.

Accessories and Modifications

• Adding non-dealer accessories or making modifications to the vehicle can affect vehicle performance and safety, including such things as airbags, braking, stability, ride and 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 suspension components caused by modifying vehicle height outside of factory settings will not be 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 the remaining warranty coverage for affected parts. GM Accessories are designed to complement and function with other systems on the vehicle. See your dealer accessorize the vehicle using genuine GM Accessories installed by a dealer technician.
• Also, see Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 0 87.

Doing Your Own Service Work
Warning: It can be dangerous to work on your vehicle if you do not have the proper knowledge, service manual, tools, or parts. Always follow the owner’s manual procedures and consult the service manual for your vehicle before doing any
service work.

If doing some of your own service work, use the proper service manual. It tells you much more about how to service the vehicle than this manual can. To order the proper service manual, see Service Publications Ordering Information 0 363. This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attempting to do your own service work. Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileage and the date of any service work performed.
Caution: Even small amounts of contamination can cause damage to vehicle systems. Do not allow contaminants to contact the fluids, reservoir caps, or dipsticks.

Hood
To open the hood

1. Pull the hood release handle inside the vehicle. It is on the lower left side of the instrument panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and move the secondary hood release lever toward the right side of the vehicle.
3. Lift the hood.

To close the hood
Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on properly. Then, bring the hood from full open to within 152 mm (6 in) of the closed position. Pause, then push the front center of the hood with a swift, firm motion to fully close the hood.

Engine Compartment Overview

1. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir.
2. Remote Positive (+) Battery Terminal.
3. Remote Negative (-) Battery Terminal.
4. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.
5. Engine Compartment Fuse Block.
6. Engine Oil Fill Cap.
7. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View).
8. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil.
9. Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir.
10. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter.

DRIVING AND OPERATING

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, keep your eyes on the road, keep your hands on the steering wheel, and focus your attention on driving.

• 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.

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 a seat belt.
• 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.

The average driver reaction time is about three-quarters of a second. In that time, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20m (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.

Steering

Variable Effort Steering
The vehicle has a steering system that varies the amount of effort required to steer the vehicle in relation to the speed of the vehicle.
The amount of steering effort required is less at slower speeds to make the vehicle more maneuverable and easier to park. At faster speeds, the steering effort increases to provide a sport-like feel to the steering. This provides maximum control and stability.

Electric Power Steering

• The vehicle has electric power steering. It does not have a power steering fluid. Regular maintenance is not required.
• If a power steering assist is lost due to a system malfunction, the vehicle can be steered but may require increased effort. See your dealer if there is a problem.
• If the steering wheel is turned until it reaches the end of its travel and is held against that position for an extended period of time, the power steering assist may be reduced.
• If the steering assist is used for an extended period of time while the vehicle is not moving, the power assist may be reduced.
• Normal use of the power steering assist should return when the system cools down. See your dealer if there is a problem.

Curve Tips

• Take curves at a reasonable speed.
• Reduce speed before entering a curve.
• Maintain a reasonable steady speed through the curve.
• Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve before accelerating gently into the straightaway.

Steering in Emergencies

• There are some situations when steering around a problem may be more effective than braking.
• Holding both sides of the steering wheel allows you to turn 180 degrees without removing a hand.
• Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows steering while braking.

Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle’s right wheels can drop off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while driving. Follow these tips:

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.

FAQ’s