2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV Owners Manual

Black plate (25,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-25
{ WARNING
Do not load the vehicle
any heavier than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the
maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
This can cause systems to
break and change the way the
vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a
crash. Overloading can also
shorten the life of the vehicle. Tire and Loading Information
Label
Label Example
A vehicle specific Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to the center pillar
(B-pillar). With the driver door
open, you will find the label
attached below the door lock
post (striker). The tire and
loading information label shows
the number of occupant seating positions (A), and the maximum
vehicle capacity weight (B) in
kilograms and pounds.
The Tire and Loading
Information label also shows
the size of the original
equipment tires (C) and the
recommended cold tire inflation
pressures (D). For more
information on tires and inflation
see Tires on page 10 ‑ 46 and
Tire Pressure on page 10 ‑ 52 .
There is also important loading
information on the vehicle
Certification/Tire label. It tells
you the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) and the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for
the front and rear axles. See
“ Certification/Tire Label ” later in
this section.

Black plate (26,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
9-26 Driving and Operating Steps for Determining Correct
Load Limit
1.
Locate the statement
“ The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should
never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs ” on your vehicle's
placard.2.
Determine the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.3.
Subtract the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.4.
The resulting figure equals
the available amount of cargo
and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “ XXX ”
amount equals 1400 lbs and
there will be five 150 lb
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo
and luggage load capacity
is 650 lbs (1400 − 750
(5 x 150) = 650 lbs). 5.
Determine the combined
weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4. 6.
If your vehicle will be towing
a trailer, the load from your
trailer will be transferred to
your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo
and luggage load capacity of
your vehicle. See Trailer
Towing on page 9 ‑ 74 for
important information on
towing a trailer, towing safety
rules and trailering tips. Example 1
A. Maximum Vehicle Capacity
Weight for Example 1 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs)
B. Subtract Occupant Weight @
68 kg (150 lbs) × 2 = 136 kg
(300 lbs)
C. Available Occupant and Cargo
Weight = 317 kg (700 lbs)

Black plate (27,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-27
Example 2
A. Vehicle Capacity Weight for
Example 2 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs)
B. Subtract Occupant Weight @
68 kg (150 lbs) × 5 = 136 kg
(750 lbs)
C. Available Cargo
Weight = 113 kg (250 lbs) Example 3
A. Maximum Vehicle Capacity
Weight for Example 3 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs)
B. Subtract Occupant Weight @
91 kg (200 lbs) × 5 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs)
C. Available Cargo
Weight = 0 kg (0 lbs) Refer to your vehicle's tire and
loading information label for
specific information about your
vehicle's capacity weight and
seating positions. The combined
weight of the driver, passengers,
and cargo should never exceed
your vehicle's capacity weight.

Black plate (28,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
9-28 Driving and Operating Certification/Tire Label
A vehicle specific Certification/
Tire label is attached to the
rear edge of the driver door.
The label shows the size of
your vehicle's original tires
and the inflation pressures
needed to obtain the gross
weight capacity of your vehicle.
This is called Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR). The
GVWR includes the weight of
the vehicle, all occupants, fuel,
and cargo. The Certification/Tire label also
tells you the maximum weights
for the front and rear axles,
called Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). To find 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 center line.
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.
{ WARNING
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the
(Continued) WARNING (Continued)
maximum front or rear Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
This can cause systems to
break and change the way the
vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a
crash. Overloading can also
shorten the life of the 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.

Black plate (29,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-29If you put things inside your
vehicle — like suitcases,
tools, packages, or anything
else — they will go as fast as the
vehicle goes. If you have to stop
or turn quickly, or if there is a
crash, they will keep going.
{ WARNING
Things you put inside the
vehicle can strike and injure
people in a sudden stop or
turn, or in a crash. .
Put things in the cargo
area of the vehicle. Try to
spread the weight evenly. .
Never stack heavier
things, like suitcases,
inside the vehicle so that
some of them are above
the tops of the seats.
(Continued) WARNING (Continued) .
Do not leave an
unsecured child
restraint in the vehicle. .
When you carry something
inside the vehicle, secure
it whenever you can. .
Do not leave a seat folded
down unless you need to.
There is also important loading
information for off-road driving in
this manual. See “ Loading Your
Vehicle for Off-Road Driving ”
under Off-Road Driving on
page 9 ‑ 7 . Add-On Equipment
When you carry removable
items, you may need to put a
limit on how many people you
can carry inside your vehicle.
Be sure to weigh your vehicle
before you buy and install the
new equipment.
Notice : Overloading the
vehicle may cause damage.
Repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Do
not overload the vehicle.
Remember not to exceed
the Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR) of the front
or rear axle.

Black plate (30,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
9-30 Driving and Operating Automatic Level Control
The automatic level control rear
suspension comes as a part of
the Road Sensing Suspension.
See Road Sensing Suspension
on page 9 ‑ 50 .
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 LOCK. 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 inflate,
thereby leveling the vehicle
prior to adjusting the height.
See “ Weight distributing Hitches
and Weight Carrying Hitches ”
under Towing Equipment on
page 9 ‑ 78 .Starting and
Operating New Vehicle Break-In Notice: The vehicle does not
need an elaborate break-in. But it
will perform better in the long run
if you follow these guidelines: .
Keep the vehicle speed at
88 km/h (55 mph) or less for
the first 805 km (500 miles). .
Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or
slow, for the first 805 km
(500 miles). Do not make
full-throttle starts. Avoid
downshifting to brake or
slow the vehicle.

Black plate (31,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-31.
Avoid making hard stops for
the first 322 km (200 miles) or
so. During this time the new
brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with
new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this
breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake
linings. .
Do not tow a trailer during
break-in. See Trailer Towing
on page 9 ‑ 74 for the trailer
towing capabilities of the
vehicle and more
information.
Following break ‐ in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased. Adjustable Throttle and
Brake Pedal The vehicle has adjustable throttle
and brake pedals that allow you to
change their positions.
The feature will not operate when
the vehicle is in R (Reverse) or
while using the cruise control.
The switch used to adjust the
pedals is located on the center
console below the climate control
system. Press the right and left arrows to
move the pedals either closer or
further from your body.
Before you start driving, fully press
the brake pedal to confirm the
adjustment is right for you. While
driving, make only small
adjustments.
The vehicle has a memory function
which allows the pedal positions
to be saved and recalled. See
“ Memory Features ” under Power
Seat Adjustment on page 3 ‑ 3 for
more information.

Black plate (32,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
9-32 Driving and Operating
Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different
positions.
To shift out of P (Park), the
ignition must be in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular
brake pedal must be applied. A (STOPPING THE ENGINE/
LOCK/OFF): When the vehicle is
stopped, turn the ignition switch to
LOCK/OFF to turn the engine off.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
will remain active. See Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) on
page 9 ‑ 35 .
This position locks the ignition.
It may also lock the steering wheel
and automatic transmission. The
key can be removed in LOCK/OFF.
Do not turn the engine off when the
vehicle is moving. This will cause a
loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable
the airbags. In an emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady
pressure. Do not pump the
brakes repeatedly. This may
deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral).
This can be done while the
vehicle is moving. After shifting
to N (Neutral), firmly apply the
brakes and steer the vehicle
to a safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop, shift
to P (Park), and turn the ignition
to LOCK/OFF. On vehicles with
an automatic transmission, the
shift lever must be in P (Park) to
turn the ignition switch to the
LOCK/OFF position.
4. Set the parking brake. See
Parking Brake on page 9 ‑ 46 .