2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE ABS

Black plate (49,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-49
Traction Control Operation
The traction control system is
part of the StabiliTrak system.
Traction control limits wheel spin
by reducing engine power to the
wheels (engine speed management)
and by applying brakes to each
individual wheel (brake-traction
control) as necessary.
The traction control system is
enabled automatically when the
vehicle is started. It will activate
and the StabiliTrak light will flash
if it senses that any of the wheels
are spinning or beginning to lose
traction while driving. If traction
control is turned off, only the
brake-traction control portion
of traction control will work.
The engine speed management
will be disabled. In this mode,
engine power is not reduced
automatically and the driven
wheels can spin more freely.
This can cause the brake-traction
control to activate constantly.Notice:
If the wheel(s) of one axle
is allowed to spin excessively
while the StabiliTrak®, ABS, brake
warning lights, and any relevant
DIC messages are displayed, the
transfer case could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Reduce
engine power and do not spin
the wheel(s) excessively while
these lights and messages are
displayed.
The traction control system may
activate on dry or rough roads or
under conditions such as heavy
acceleration while turning or
abrupt upshifts/downshifts of the
transmission. When this happens,
a reduction in acceleration may be
noticed, or a noise or vibration may
be heard. This is normal. If cruise control is being used when
the system activates, the StabiliTrak
light will flash and cruise control will
automatically disengage. Cruise
control may be reengaged when
road conditions allow. See
Cruise
Control on page 9‑51.
StabiliTrak may also turn off
automatically if it determines that
a problem exists with the system.
If the problem does not clear itself
after restarting the vehicle, see your
dealer for service.
Locking Rear Axle
Vehicles with a locking rear axle can
give more traction on snow, mud,
ice, sand, or gravel. It works like a
standard axle most of the time, but
when traction is low, this feature will
allow the rear wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.

Black plate (50,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
9-50 Driving and Operating
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“Tow/Haul Mode” underTowing
Equipment on page 9‑78.
Continuous Damping
Control (CDC)
This vehicle may have a continuous
damping control system called
Autoride
®or MagneRide™. With
this feature, improved vehicle ride
and handling is provided under a
variety of passenger and loading
conditions.
Autoride and MagneRide are
fully automatic and use 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. Autoride and MagneRide also
interact with the tow/haul mode
that, when activated, 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
“Tow/
Haul Mode” underTrailer Towing on
page 9‑74 for more information.
Automatic Level Control
The automatic level control rear
suspension is available on light‐duty
vehicles and comes as a part of the
Continuous Damping Control (CDC)
suspension, if equipped.
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.

Black plate (74,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
9-74 Driving and Operating
2. Have someone place chocksunder the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular brakes
until the chocks absorb the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
{WARNING
It can be 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. (Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
If the engine has been left
running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could
be injured. To be sure the vehicle
will not move, even when on fairly
level ground, always put the shift
lever fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake firmly set.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer isclear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service
more often when pulling a trailer.
See the Maintenance Schedule
for more information. Things
that are especially important in
trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system and
brake system. It is a good idea to
inspect these before and during
the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing
If the vehicle is a hybrid, see
the hybrid supplement for more
information.
Do not tow a trailer during break‐in.
See New Vehicle Break-In on
page 9‑30 for more information.

Black plate (79,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-79
Weight‐Distributing Hitch
Adjustment
A. Body to Ground Distance
B. Front of Vehicle
When using a weight-distributing
hitch, the spring bars should be
adjusted so the distance (A) is the
same after coupling the trailer to the
tow vehicle and adjusting the hitch.
Hitch Cover
The vehicle may have a hitch cover.
To remove the hitch cover:
1. Turn the fasteners onthe lower tabs 90 degrees
counterclockwise.
2. Lift the lower edge of the cover about 45 degrees.
3. Pull the cover downward to disengage the upper
attachments. To reinstall the hitch cover:
1. Hold the cover at a 45 degree
angle to the vehicle and push
the upper tabs in the hitch cover
into the chrome slots in the
fascia.
2. Move the bottom of the cover forward until the lower tabs line
up with the lower fascia slots.
3. Snap the hitch cover into place by pushing the upper corners
forward.
4. Turn the fasteners on the lower tabs 90 degrees clockwise to
lock the cover in place.

Black plate (103,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-103
Fabric/Carpet
Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft
brush attachment frequently to
remove dust and loose dirt.
A canister vacuum with a beater bar
in the nozzle may only be used on
floor carpet and carpeted floor mats.
For any soil, always try to remove it
first with plain water or club soda.
Before cleaning, gently remove as
much of the soil as possible using
one of the following techniques:
.For liquids: gently blot the
remaining soil with a paper
towel. Allow the soil to absorb
into the paper towel until no
more can be removed.
.For solid dry soils: remove as
much as possible and then
vacuum.
To clean:
1. Saturate a lint-free, clean white cloth with water or club soda.
2. Wring the cloth to remove excess moisture. 3. Start on the outside edge of the
soil and gently rub toward the
center. Continue cleaning, using
a clean area of the cloth each
time it becomes soiled.
4. Continue to gently rub the soiled area until the cleaning cloth
remains clean.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild soap
solution and repeat the cleaning
process that was used with plain
water.
If any of the soil remains, a
commercial fabric cleaner or spot
lifter may be necessary. When a
commercial upholstery cleaner or
spot lifter is to be used, test a small
hidden area for colorfastness first.
If the locally cleaned area gives any
impression that a ring formation may
result, clean the entire surface.
After the cleaning process has been
completed, a paper towel can be
used to blot excess moisture from
the fabric or carpet.
Leather
Leather, and lighter colored leather
in particular, will need more frequent
cleaning to prevent the buildup of
dust, dirt, and colors transferred
from other items so that these do
not become permanent stains.
To remove dust, a soft cloth
dampened with water can be
used. If a more thorough cleaning is
necessary, a soft cloth dampened
with a mild soap solution can
be used. Your dealer has a GM
approved leather cleaner available
that provides superior cleaning
performance when used regularly
on finished automotive leathers.
Allow the leather to dry naturally.

Black plate (1,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
INDEX i-1
A
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Active Fuel Management™ . . . . 9-38
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-82
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . . . 3-53
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . 10-16
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-54
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-46
Passenger Sensing
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-48
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-45 Airbag System (cont.)
What Will You See After
an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . 3-46
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-44
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . 3-42
Airbags Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-53
Passenger Status Indicator . . . 5-16
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-52
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-39
Alarm System Anti-Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . 10-30, 9-45
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10
Antenna Rear Side Window . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
Anti-Theft Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13
Alarm System Messages . . . . . 5-38
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-45
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22 Appearance Care
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-97
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-101
Armrest Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Audio Players CD/DVD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19
MP3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-28
Audio System Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17
Rear Seat (RSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-58
Theft-Deterrent Feature . . . . . . . . 7-3
Automatic Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-18
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Level Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-50
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . 9-40 Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
Function Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Auxiliary Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-31
Axle, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32

Black plate (6,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
i-6 INDEX
HeatedRear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-17
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . 10-58
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-20
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . 9-20
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-25
I
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Ignition Transmission LockCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Infants and Young Children, Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-57
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii, 7-2
J
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-89
K
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . . . 5-35
Keyless Entry
Remote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . 2-3
Keyless Entry System . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . 10-52
Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-35
Lamps Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . 6-6
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lamps Off
Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41
Malfunction Indicator . . . . . . . . . 5-18
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10 Lap Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-37
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
LATCH System
Replacing Parts After aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-71
Latch, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . 3-63
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Level Control Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-50
Liftgate
Carbon Monoxide . . . . . . . . 2-9, 2-10
Lighter, Cigarette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Antilock Brake System(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25