2010 CADILLAC ESCALADE automatic transmission

Active Fuel Management™
Vehicles with V8 engines may have Active FuelManagement™. This system allows the engine tooperate on either all or half of its cylinders, dependingon the driving conditions.
When less power is required, such as cruising at aconstant vehicle speed, the system will operate in thehalf cylinder mode, allowing the vehicle to achievebetter fuel economy. When greater power demands arerequired, such as accelerating from a stop, passing,or merging onto a freeway, the system will maintainfull-cylinder operation.
If the vehicle has an Active Fuel Management™indicator, seeDIC Operation and Displaysonpage 4!41for more information on using this display.
Automatic Transmission Operation
If the vehicle is a Two-mode Hybrid, see the Two-modeHybrid manual for more information.
The vehicle has a Hydra-Matic®6L80 automatictransmission, and has an electronic shift positionindicator within the instrument panel cluster.The electronic shift position indicator displays whenthe shift lever is moved out of P (Park).
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
P (Park) :This position locks the rear wheels. It is thebest position to use when you start the engine becausethe vehicle cannot move easily.
3-32

When parked on a hill, especially when the vehicle hasa heavy load, you may notice an increase in the effortto shift out of P (Park). See Torque Lock (AutomaticTransmission) underShifting Into Parkon page 3!39for more information.
{WARNING:
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift
lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the 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 the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly
level ground, always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Parkon page 3!39. If you are pulling a trailer,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 6!42.
R (Reverse) :Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle ismoving forward could damage the transmission.The repairs would not be covered by the vehiclewarranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicleis stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,ice, or sand without damaging the transmission, seeIfYour Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snowonpage 6!30.
3-33

analyzing things such as vehicle speed, throttle positionand vehicle load. If the shift stabilization featuredetermines that a current vehicle speed cannot bemaintained, the transmission does not upshift andinstead holds the current gear. In some cases, this mayappear to be a delayed shift, however the transmissionis operating normally.
The vehicle's transmission uses adaptive shift controlsthat compares key shift parameters to pre-programmedideal shifts stored in the transmissions computer. Thetransmission constantly makes adjustments to improvevehicle performance according to how the vehicle isbeing used, such as with a heavy load or whentemperature changes. During this adaptive shift controlsprocess, shifting may feel different as the transmissiondetermines the best settings.
When temperatures are very cold, the Hydra-Matic®
6L80 automatic transmission's gear shifting may bedelayed providing more stable shifts until the enginewarms up. Shifts may be more noticeable with a coldtransmission. This difference in shifting is normal.
Driver Shift Control (DSC)
The vehicle has Driver Shift Control (DSC). DSCcontrols the vehicle's transmission and vehicle speedwhile driving down hill or towing a trailer by allowing youto select a desired range of gears.
To use this feature, do the following:
1. Move the shift lever to the M (Manual Mode).
2. Press the plus/minus button, to upshift or downshiftselecting the desired range of gears for currentdriving conditions.
3-35

The DIC display will show the message MANUALSHIFT on the first line and the current gear will bedisplayed on the second line. SeeDriver InformationCenter (DIC)on page 4!41andDIC Operation andDisplayson page 4!41for more information. Thenumber displayed in the DIC is the highest gear thatcan be used. However, the vehicle can automaticallyshift to lower gears as it adjusts to driving conditions.This means that all gears below that number areavailable. When 5 (Fifth) is selected, 1 (First) through5 (Fifth) gears are automatically shifted by the vehicle,but 6 (Sixth) cannot be used until the plus/minus buttonlocated on the steering column lever is used to changeto the gear.
Grade Braking is not available when the Driver ShiftControl is active. SeeTow/Haul Modeon page 3!36formore information.
While using the DSC, cruise control and the tow/haulmode can be used.
Tow/Haul Mode
The vehicle has a tow/haul mode. The tow/haul modeadjusts the transmission shift pattern to reduce shiftcycling, providing increased performance, vehiclecontrol, and transmission cooling when towing orhauling heavy loads.
Press the button located on the end of the shift lever toturn the tow/haul on or off. When the tow/haul is on, alight on the instrument panel cluster will come on.
SeeTow/Haul Mode Lighton page 4!40for moreinformation.
3-36

Also see“Tow Haul Mode”underTowing a Traileronpage 6!42for more information.
The tow/haul mode works with the Autoride®feature,if the vehicle has this, to enhance the ride whentrailering or with a loaded vehicle. SeeAutoride®onpage 6!42.
Grade Braking
The Grade Braking shift modes can be activated bypressing the button on the end of the shift control lever.While in Range Selection Mode , Grade Braking isdeactivated allowing the driver to select a desired rangeof gears.
Grade Braking is only active while the Tow/Haul Modeis selected and you are not in the Range SelectionMode. See“Tow/Haul Mode listed previously andAutomatic Transmission Operationon page 3!32formore information on the Range Selection Mode. GradeBraking assists in maintaining desired vehicle speedswhen driving on downhill grades by automaticallyimplementing a shift schedule that utilizes the engineand transmission to slow the vehicle. This reduces wearon the braking system and increases control of thevehicle. Grade Braking monitors vehicle speed,acceleration, engine torque and brake pedal usage.
Using this information, it detects when the vehicle is ona downhill grade and the driver desires to slow thevehicle by pressing the brake.
Also seeTowing a Traileron page 6!42for moreinformation.
Cruise Grade Braking
Cruise Grade Braking assists when driving on adownhill grade. It maintains vehicle speed byautomatically implementing a shift schedule that usesthe engine and the transmission to slow the vehicle.Cruise Grade Braking operates while Cruise Control isengaged in Tow/Haul mode to assist in maintainingvehicle speed under loaded vehicle conditions.It utilizes vehicle acceleration and deviation fromdesired speed to determine the correct gear for theoperating condition. If vehicle speed is above thedesired speed the transmission will downshift to slowthe vehicle. If vehicle speed is near or below desiredspeed the trans will upshift, allowing vehicle speedto increase.
While in the Range Select Mode (RSM) mode, cruisegrade braking is not available.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on page 3!32.
3-37

Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if youever have to, here are some things to know.
{WARNING:
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor
ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains
Carbon Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or
smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even
death. Never run the engine in an enclosed area
that has no fresh air ventilation. For more
information, seeEngine Exhaust on page 3!41.
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
automatic transmission shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The
vehicle can roll. Do not leave the 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 the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, always set the parking
brake and move the shift lever to P (Park).
Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will notmove. SeeShifting Into Park on page 3!39.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, seeTowing aTrailer on page 6!42.
3-42

The rear window wiper/washer will not operate if theliftgate or liftglass is open or ajar. If the liftgate orliftglass is opened while the rear wiper is on, the wiperwill return to the parked position and stop.
Cruise Control
{WARNING:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you
cannot drive safely at a steady speed. So, 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 onthe accelerator. Cruise control does not work at speedsbelow about 40 km/h (25 mph).
When the brakes are applied, cruise control isturned off.
For vehicles with an Allison®or Hydra!Matic 6!speedautomatic transmission, see“Grade Braking and CruiseGrade Braking (Allison Transmission) underTow/HaulModeon page 3!36for an explanation of how cruisecontrol interacts with the Range Selection Mode, tow/haul and grade braking systems.
If the vehicle has StabiliTrak®, and the system beginsto limit wheel spin, cruise control will automaticallydisengage. SeeStabiliTrak®Systemo n p a g e 6!6.When road conditions allow the cruise control to besafely used again, it can be turned back on.
Cruise Control shown withHeated Steering WheelButton (If Equipped)
4-8

Headlamps on Reminder
If a door is open, a reminder chime sounds when theheadlamps or parking lamps are manually turned onand the key is out of the ignition. To turn off the chime,turn the headlamp switch to off or AUTO and then backon, or close and re-open the door. In the AUTO mode,the headlamps turn off once the ignition is in LOCK/OFFor remains on until the headlamp delay ends (if enabledin the DIC). See“Exit Lighting”underDIC VehicleCustomization on page 4!57.
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can make it easier forothers to see the front of your vehicle during the day.Fully functional daytime running lamps are required onall vehicles first sold in Canada.
The DRL system comes on when the followingconditions are met:
.The ignition is on.
.The exterior lamps control is in AUTO.
.The engine is running.
.The light sensor determines it is daytime.
When the DRL system is on, only the DRL lamps areon. The taillamps, sidemarker, instrument panel lights,and other lamps will not be on.
When it begins to get dark, the automatic headlampsystem switches from DRL to the headlamps.
To turn off the DRL lamps, turn the exterior lampscontrol to the OFF position and then release. Forvehicles first sold in Canada, the transmission must bein the P (Park) position, before the DRL lamps can beturned off.
Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, the automaticheadlamp system turns on the headlamps at the normalbrightness, along with the taillamps, sidemarker, parkinglamps, and the instrument panel lights. The radio lightswill also be dim.
To turn off the automatic headlamp system, turn theexterior lamps switch to the off position and thenrelease it. For vehicles first sold in Canada, thetransmission must be in the P (Park) position, beforethe automatic headlamp system can be turned off.
The vehicle has a light sensor located on the top of theinstrument panel in the defroster grille that regulateswhen the automatic headlamps turn on. Do not coverthe sensor or the headlamps will come on whenever theignition is on.
The system may also turn on the headlamps whendriving through a parking garage, heavy overcastweather, or a tunnel. This is normal.
4-15