2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT brake

Tow/Haul Mode
Your vehicle has a tow/haul mode. The tow/haul mode
adjusts the transmission shift pattern to reduce shift
cycling, providing increased performance, vehicle
control, and transmission cooling when towing or
hauling heavy loads.
Press the button located on the end of the shift lever
to turn the tow/haul on or off. When the tow/haul is on,
a light on the instrument panel cluster will come on.SeeTow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-44for more
information.
Also see “Tow Haul Mode” underTowing a Trailer
on page 4-43for more information.
The tow/haul mode works with the Autoride
®feature,
if the vehicle has this, to enhance the ride when trailering
or with a loaded vehicle. SeeAutoride
®on page 4-42.
Grade Braking
Grade Braking assists when driving on a downhill
grade. It maintains the vehicle’s speed by automatically
implementing a shift schedule that uses the engine
and the transmission to slow the vehicle. This reduces
wear on the brakes system and increases control of
the vehicle. The system constantly monitors the vehicle’s
speed, acceleration, throttle position, and whether the
brake pedal is being pressed, and determines when
to keep the current vehicle speed or to slow down.
The system will then automatically command downshifts
that reduces the vehicles speed, until the brake pedal
is no longer being pressed. This indicates the desired
vehicle speed has been reached.
2-40

The tow/haul mode and grade braking shift modes
can be activated by pressing the button on the end
of the shift control stalk. While in the DSC mode,
grade braking is deactivated, allowing the driver to
select a gear.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on page 2-36
for more information.
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot. Push down the parking
brake pedal with your left foot.
A chime sounds and the warning light ashes when
the parking brake is applied and the vehicle is moving
at least 5 mph (8 km/h).To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down. Then pull the bottom edge of the lever,
with the parking brake symbol and located above
the parking brake pedal.
If the ignition is on when the parking brake is released,
the brake system warning light goes off.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-43.
2-41

Shifting Into PARK (P)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move,
even when you are on fairly level ground, use
the steps that follow. If you are pulling a trailer,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-43.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot
and set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into the PARK (P) position
by pulling the shift lever toward you and moving
it up as far as it will go.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you
can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in
your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle
with the engine running. Your vehicle could
move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and the
parking brake is rmly set. After the shift lever is moved
into PARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down.
Then, see if you can move the shift lever away from
PARK (P) without rst pulling it toward you. If you can,
it means that the shift lever was not fully locked into
PARK (P).
2-42

Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle can put too much force on the parking pawl in the
transmission. It might be difficult to pull the shift lever out
of PARK (P). This is called torque lock. To prevent torque
lock, set the parking brake and then shift into PARK (P)
properly before you leave the driver’s seat. To nd out
how, seeShifting Into PARK (P) on page 2-42.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out
of PARK (P) before releasing the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you might need to have
another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of
the pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission.
Then you should be able to pull the shift lever out
of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift
lever is in PARK (P) with the shift lever button
fully released, and
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of
PARK (P), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake
pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional except in the
case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery
with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the
battery. SeeJump Starting on page 5-40for more
information.
To shift out of PARK (P) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of PARK (P):
1. Ease the pressure on the shift lever.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the
shift lever all the way into PARK (P).
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you are still having a problem shifting, then have
your vehicle serviced soon.
2-43

Running the Engine While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running.
But if you ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust
into your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-44.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle
even if the climate control fan is at the highest
setting. One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
SeeWinter Driving on page 4-30.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground, always
set the parking brake and move the shift lever
to PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will
not move. SeeShifting Into PARK (P) on page 2-42.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer
on page 4-43.
2-45

When the System Does Not Seem
to Work Properly
The driver disables the system.
The parking brake pedal is depressed.
The ultrasonic sensors are not clean. Keep your
vehicle’s rear bumper free of mud, dirt, snow,
ice and slush. For cleaning instructions, see
Washing Your Vehicle on page 5-101.
A trailer was attached to your vehicle, or a
bicycle or an object was hanging out of your
Midgate
®/tailgate during your last drive cycle,
the red light may illuminate in the rear display.
Once the attached object is removed, URPA
will return to normal operation.
A tow bar is attached to your vehicle.
The vehicle’s bumper is damaged. Take the
vehicle to your dealer/retailer to repair the system.
Other conditions may affect system performance,
such as vibrations from a jackhammer or the
compression of air brakes on a very large truck.
If the system is still disabled, after driving forward
at least 15 mph (25 km/h), take your vehicle to your
dealer/retailer.
OnStar®System
OnStar uses several innovative technologies and live
advisors to provide you with a wide range of safety,
security, information, and convenience services. If your
airbags deploy, the system is designed to make an
automatic call to OnStar Emergency advisors who can
request emergency services be sent to your location.
If you lock your keys in the vehicle, call OnStar at
1-888-4-ONSTAR and they can send a signal to
unlock your doors. If you need roadside assistance,
press the OnStar button and they can contact
Roadside Service for you.
2-56

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Heated Steering Wheel...................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-9
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-9
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Rainsense™ II Wipers...................................3-10
Windshield Washer.......................................3-10
Cruise Control..............................................3-11
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-17
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-18
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-18
Fog Lamps..................................................3-19
Exterior Cargo Lamps....................................3-19
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-20
Dome Lamps...............................................3-20
Dome Lamp Override....................................3-20
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................3-20Reading Lamps............................................3-20
Electric Power Management...........................3-21
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-21
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-22
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-23
Analog Clock...............................................3-23
Climate Controls............................................3-24
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-24
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-28
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators...........
.3-29
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-30
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-31
Trip Odometer..............................................3-31
Tachometer.................................................3-31
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-31
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-32
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-33
Charging System Light..................................3-35
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-36
Antilock Brake System Warning Light...............3-37
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light..............................3-38
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-39
Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-39
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-28.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
C. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
D. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-30.
E. Shift Lever/Tow/Haul Selector Button. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Operation on page 2-36andTow/Haul
Mode on page 2-40.
F. Analog Clock. SeeAnalog Clock on page 3-23.
G. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-66.
Navigation/Radio System (if equipped). See
Navigation/Radio System on page 3-91.
H. Exterior Lamps Control. SeeExterior Lamps on
page 3-14.
I. Dome Override Button. SeeDome Lamp Override
on page 3-20.
J. Cruise Control Buttons. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-11.
K. Tilt Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on page 3-6.L. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
M. Audio Steering Wheel Buttons. SeeAudio Steering
Wheel Controls on page 3-103.
N. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-45.
O. Pedal Adjust Button. SeeAdjustable Throttle and
Brake Pedal on page 2-34. Heated Windshield
Washer Fluid Button (If Equipped). SeeWindshield
Washer on page 3-10. Power Running Boards
Disable Button (If Equipped). SeePower Running
Boards on page 2-23.
P. Dual Automatic Climate Controls. SeeDual
Automatic Climate Control System on page 3-24.
Heated Seats (If Equipped). SeeHeated Seats
on page 1-4. Heated and Cooled Seats (If Equipped).
SeeHeated and Cooled Seats on page 1-5.
Q. StabiliTrak
®Disable Button. See.StabiliTrak®
System on page 4-6.Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist
Disable Button. See.Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) on page 2-54.
R. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-67.
3-5