2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT suspension

FIRST (1):This position gives you even more power,
but lower fuel economy than SECOND (2). You can use
it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the
shift lever is put in FIRST (1) while the vehicle is moving
forward, the transmission won't shift into ®rst gear
until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:If your wheels won't turn, don't try to drive.
This might happen if you were stuck in very deep
sand or mud or were up against a solid object.
You could damage your transmission. Also, if you
stop when going uphill, don't hold your vehicle there
with only the accelerator pedal. This could overheat
and damage the transmission. Use your brakes
or shift into PARK (P) to hold your vehicle in
position on a hill.
On cold days, approximately 32ÉF (0ÉC) or colder,
your transmission is designed to shift differently until
the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
This is intended to improve heater performance.
Tow/Haul Mode Selector Button
Your vehicle is equipped with a tow/haul mode.
The button for this feature is located on the end of the
column shift lever. You can use this feature to assist
when towing or hauling a heavy load. See ªTow/Haul
Modeº under
Towing a Trailer on page 4-52for
more information.
The tow/haul mode also interacts with the Road Sensing
Suspension (RSS) feature to enhance the ride when
trailering or with a loaded vehicle. See
Road Sensing
Suspension on page 4-9.
2-34

SERVICE RIDE CONTROL
If a problem occurs with the suspension system, this
message will appear on the DIC. If this message
appears, stop and turn off the vehicle. Restart the
vehicle and check for the message on the DIC display.
If the message is still displayed, or appears again
when you begin driving, the suspension system needs
service. Pressing the select button will clear it from
the DIC display.
TURN SIGNAL ON
If a turn signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km), this
message will appear on the display and you will hear a
chime. Move the turn signal/multifunction lever to the
off position. Pressing the select button will clear it from
the DIC display.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
If the fuel level is low, this message will appear on the
DIC and you will hear a chime. Refuel as soon as
possible. Pressing the select button will acknowledge
this message immediately and clear it from the DIC
display. It will also clear itself after 10 seconds until the
next ignition cycle. The low fuel light near the fuel
gage will still remain on in either case.
TIGHTEN FUEL CAP
If the vehicle's fuel cap is not tightened properly this
message may appear along with the check engine light
on the instrument panel. See
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 3-42. Reinstall the fuel cap, making sure
to fully install the cap. SeeFilling Your Tank on
page 5-7. The diagnostic system can determine if the
fuel cap has been left off or improperly installed. A loose
or missing fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into
the atmosphere. A few driving trips with the cap properly
installed should turn the light and message off.
CHECK WASHER FLUID
If the washer ¯uid level is low, this message will appear
on the DIC. Adding washer ¯uid will clear the message.
Pressing the select button will clear it from the DIC
display. This message will clear itself after 10 seconds
until the next igntion cycle.
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Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle..........4-2
Defensive Driving...........................................4-2
Drunken Driving.............................................4-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................4-6
Braking.........................................................4-6
Road Sensing Suspension...............................4-9
Stabilitrak
žSystem.......................................4-10
Steering......................................................4-13
Off-Road Recovery.......................................4-15
Passing.......................................................4-15
Loss of Control.............................................4-17
Operating Your All-Wheel-Drive Vehicle
Off Paved Roads.......................................4-18
Driving at Night............................................4-32
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................4-34City Driving..................................................4-37
Freeway Driving...........................................4-38
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................4-39
Highway Hypnosis........................................4-40
Hill and Mountain Roads................................4-40
Winter Driving..............................................4-42
If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud,
Ice or Snow..............................................4-46
Towing..........................................................4-48
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................4-48
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................4-48
Loading Your Vehicle....................................4-48
Truck-Camper Loading Information..................4-51
Trailer Recommendations...............................4-51
Towing a Trailer...........................................4-52
Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle
4-1

Remember: Anti-lock doesn't change the time you need
to get your foot up to the brake pedal or always
decrease stopping distance. If you get too close to the
vehicle in front of you, you won't have time to apply
your brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
Always leave enough room up ahead to stop, even
though you have anti-lock brakes.
Using Anti-Lock
Don't pump the brakes. Just hold the brake pedal down
®rmly and let anti-lock work for you. You may feel
the brakes vibrate, or you may notice some noise,
but this is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
With anti-lock, you can steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help you more
than even the very best braking.
Road Sensing Suspension
The Road Sensing Suspension (RSS) 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.
RSS also interacts with the tow/haul mode that, when
engaged, will provide additional control of the shock
absorbers. This additional control results in better ride
and handling characteristics when the vehicle is
loaded or towing a trailer. See ªTow/Haul Modeº under
Towing a Trailer on page 4-52.
4-9

After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collected on
the underbody, chassis or under the hood.
These accumulations can be a ®re hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have the brake linings
cleaned and checked. These substances can cause
glazing and uneven braking. Check the body structure,
steering, suspension, wheels, tires and exhaust
system for damage. Also, check the fuel lines and
cooling system for any leakage.
Your vehicle will require more frequent service due to
off-road use. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
for additional information.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving.
One reason is that some drivers are likely to be
impaired Ð by alcohol or drugs, with night vision
problems, or by fatigue.
4-32

To ®nd out the actual loads on your front and rear
axles, you need to go to a weigh station and weigh your
vehicle. Your dealer can help you with this. Be sure
to spread out your load equally on both sides of
the centerline.
Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the GAWR
for either the front or rear axle.
And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread
it out.
{CAUTION:
In the case of a sudden stop or collision,
things carried in the bed of your truck could
shift forward and come into the passenger
area, injuring you and others. If you put things
in the bed of your truck, you should make sure
they are properly secured.
{CAUTION:
Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the
GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear
GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehicle can
break, and it can change the way your vehicle
handles. These could cause you to lose
control and crash. Also, overloading can
shorten the life of your vehicle.
Your warranty does not cover parts or components that
fail because of overloading.
The label will help you decide how much cargo and
installed equipment your truck can carry.
Using heavier suspension components to get added
durability might not change your weight ratings. Ask your
dealer to help you load your vehicle the right way.
4-49

Automatic Level Control
The automatic level control rear suspension comes as a
part of the Road Sensing Suspension. SeeRoad
Sensing Suspension on page 4-9for more information.
This type of level control is fully automatic and will
provide a better leveled riding position as well as better
handling under a variety of passenger and loading
conditions. An air compressor connected to the rear
shocks will raise or lower the rear of the vehicle
to maintain proper vehicle height. The system is
activated when the ignition key is turned to RUN and
will automatically adjust vehicle height thereafter.
The system may exhaust (lower vehicle height) for
up to 10 minutes after the ignition key has been turned
to OFF. You may hear the air compressor operating
when the height is being adjusted.
If a weight-distributing hitch is being used, it is
recommended to allow the shocks to in¯ate, thereby
leveling the vehicle prior to adjusting the height.
Truck-Camper Loading Information
Your vehicle was neither designed nor intended to carry
a slide-in type camper.
Notice:Adding a slide-in camper or similar
equipment to your vehicle can damage it, and the
repairs wouldn't be covered by warranty. Don't
install a slide-in camper or similar equipment
on your vehicle.
Trailer Recommendations
You must subtract your hitch loads from the Cargo
Weight Rating (CWR). CWR is the maximum weight of
the load your vehicle can carry. It doesn't include
the weight of the people inside, but you can ®gure about
150 lbs. (68 kg) for each seat. The total cargo load
must not be more than your vehicles CWR.
Weigh your vehicle with your trailer attached, so that
you won't go over the GVWR or GAWR. If you are using
a weight-distributing hitch, weigh the vehicle without
the spring bars in place.
You'll get the best performance if you spread out the
weight of your load the right way, and if you choose the
correct hitch and trailer brakes.
For more information see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-52.
4-51

Headlamp Aiming
Your vehicle has a visual optical headlamp aiming system
equipped with horizontal aim indicators. The aim has
been preset at the factory and should need no further
adjustment. This is true even though your horizontal aim
indicators may not fall exactly on the ª0º (zero) marks on
their scales.
If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, the headlamp
aim may be affected. Aim adjustment to the low beam
may be necessary if it is difficult to see lane markers
(for horizontal aim), or if oncoming drivers ¯ash
their high beams at you (for vertical aim).
If you believe your headlamps need to be re-aimed, we
recommend that you take your vehicle to your dealer
for service. However, it is possible for you to re-aim your
headlamps as described in the following procedure.
Notice:To make sure your headlamps are aimed
properly, read all the instructions before beginning.
Failure to follow these instructions could cause
damage to headlamp parts.
The vehicle should be properly prepared as follows:
·The vehicle should be placed so the headlamps are
25 ft. (7.6 m) from a light colored wall or other ¯at
surface.
·The vehicle must have all four tires on a perfectly
level surface which is level all the way to the wall
or other ¯at surface.
·The vehicle should be placed so it is perpendicular
to the wall or other ¯at surface.
·The vehicle should not have any snow, ice or mud
attached to it.
·The vehicle should be fully assembled and all other
work stopped while headlamp aiming is being done.
·The vehicle should be normally loaded with a
full tank of fuel and one person or 160 lbs. (75 kg)
on the driver's seat.
·Tires should be properly in¯ated.
·Start the vehicle and rock it to level the suspension.
Headlamp aiming is done with the vehicle low beam
lamps. The high beam lamps will be correctly aimed if
the low beam lamps are aimed properly.
5-53