Black plate (27,1)Cadillac 2015i Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431501) - 2015 - CRC - 2/10/15
Driving and Operating 9-27
Parking over Things
That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the
vehicle and ignite. Do not park
over papers, leaves, dry grass,
or other things that can burn.
Active Fuel Management®
This system allows the engine to
operate on either all or half of its
cylinders, depending on the driving
conditions.
When less power is required, such
as cruising at a constant vehicle
speed, the system will operate in
the half cylinder mode, allowing the
vehicle to achieve better fuel
economy. When greater power
demands are required, such as
accelerating from a stop, passing,
or merging onto a freeway, the
system will maintain full-cylinder
operation.
Engine Exhaust
{Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO) which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areas
with poor ventilation (parking
garages, tunnels, deep snow
that may block underbody
airflow or tail pipes).
.The exhaust smells or
sounds strange or different.
.The exhaust system leaks
due to corrosion or damage.
.The vehicle exhaust system
has been modified, damaged,
or improperly repaired.(Continued)
Black plate (30,1)Cadillac 2015i Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431501) - 2015 - CRC - 2/10/15
9-30 Driving and Operating
{Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive): This position is for
normal driving. It provides the best
fuel economy. If you need more
power for passing, and you are:
.Going less than about 55 km/h
(35 mph), push the accelerator
pedal about halfway down.
.Going about 55 km/h (35 mph) or
more, push the accelerator all
the way down.
By doing this, the vehicle shifts
down to the next gear and has
more power. Use D (Drive) and Tow/Haul Mode
when towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, driving on steep hills,
or driving off-road. Shift the
transmission to a lower gear
selection if the transmission shifts
too often.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding. See
“Skidding”under
Loss of Control on page 9-5.
The vehicle has a shift stabilization
feature that adjusts the transmission
shifting to the current driving
conditions in order to reduce rapid
upshifts and downshifts. This shift
stabilization feature is designed to
determine, before making an
upshift, if the engine is able to
maintain vehicle speed by analyzing
things such as vehicle speed,
throttle position, and vehicle load.
If the shift stabilization feature
determines that a current vehicle
speed cannot be maintained, the
transmission does not upshift and
instead holds the current gear. In some cases, this could appear to
be a delayed shift, however the
transmission is operating normally.
The transmission uses adaptive
shift controls. The adaptive shift
control process continually
compares key shift parameters to
pre-programmed ideal shifts stored
in the transmission’s computer.
The transmission constantly makes
adjustments to improve vehicle
performance according to how the
vehicle is being used, such as with
a heavy load or when the
temperature changes. During this
adaptive shift control process,
shifting might feel different as the
transmission determines the best
settings.
When temperatures are very cold,
the transmission's gear shifting
could be delayed providing more
stable shifts until the engine warms
up. Shifts could be more noticeable
with a cold transmission. This
difference in shifting is normal.
Black plate (31,1)Cadillac 2015i Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431501) - 2015 - CRC - 2/10/15
Driving and Operating 9-31
M (Manual Mode):This position
allows selection of a range of gears
appropriate for current driving
conditions. If equipped, see “Range
Selection Mode” underManual
Mode on page 9-31.
{Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill
using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission.
The repair will not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. If you are
stuck, do not spin the tires. When
stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
Normal Mode Grade Braking
This mode is enabled when the
vehicle is started, but is not enabled
in Range Selection Mode. It assists
in maintaining desired vehicle
speeds when driving on downhill
grades by using the engine and
transmission to slow the vehicle. The first time the system engages
for each ignition cycle, a DIC
message will be displayed. See
Transmission Messages on
page 5-44.
To disable or enable Normal Mode
Grade Braking within the current
ignition cycle, press and hold the
Tow/Haul button for five seconds.
When the button is released, the
requested mode change is made.
A DIC message displays. See
Transmission Messages on
page 5-44.
For other forms of grade braking,
see
Tow/Haul Mode on page 9-33
and Cruise Control on page 9-45.
Kickdown Mode
The accelerator pedal provides an
additional downshift after pressing
through the kickdown feature.
It requires extra pedal pressure near
the end of its travel to engage.
Manual Mode
Range Selection Mode
If equipped, Range Selection Mode
helps control the vehicle's
transmission and vehicle speed
while driving downhill or towing a
trailer by letting you select a desired
range of gears.
To use this feature:
1. Move the shift lever to
M (Manual Mode).
2. Tap the plus/minus buttons on the shift lever to select the
desired range of gears for
current driving conditions. Or,
hold the plus/minus buttons to
select the highest or lowest
range available for the current
vehicle speed.
Black plate (34,1)Cadillac 2015i Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431501) - 2015 - CRC - 2/10/15
9-34 Driving and Operating
To disable or enable Tow/Haul
Grade Braking within the current
ignition cycle, press and hold the
Tow/Haul button for five seconds.
When the button is released, the
requested mode change is made.
A DIC message is displayed. See
Transmission Messages on
page 5-44.
SeeTowing Equipment on
page 9-81.
For other forms of grade braking,
see Automatic Transmission on
page 9-28 andCruise Control on
page 9-45.Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive
If equipped, four-wheel drive
engages the front axle for extra
traction. Read the appropriate
section for transfer case operation
before using.
{Caution
Do not drive on clean, dry
pavement in 4
mand 4n(if
equipped) for an extended period
of time. These conditions may
cause premature wear on the
vehicle’s powertrain.
Driving on clean, dry pavement in
four-wheel drive may:
.Cause a vibration to be felt in
the steering system.
.Cause tires to wear faster.
.Make the transfer case harder to
shift, and cause it to run noisier.
{Warning
Shifting the transfer case to
N (Neutral) can cause the vehicle
to roll even if the transmission is
in P (Park). You or someone else
could be seriously injured. Be
sure to set the parking brake
before placing the transfer case in
N (Neutral). See Parking Brake on
page 9-39.
{Caution
Extended high-speed operation in
4
nmay damage or shorten the
life of the drivetrain.
Engagement noise and bump when
shifting between 4
nand 4mor from
N (Neutral), with the engine running,
is normal.
Black plate (36,1)Cadillac 2015i Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431501) - 2015 - CRC - 2/10/15
9-36 Driving and Operating
Shifting into 4nwill turn Traction
Control and StabiliTrak off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control on page 9-42.
Shifting Into 4
mor AUTO
Turn the knob to the 4
mor AUTO
position at any speed, except from
4
n. The indicator light will flash
while shifting and will remain on
when the shift is completed.
Shifting Into 2
m
Turn the knob to 2mat any speed,
except when shifting from 4
n. The
indicator light will flash while shifting
and will remain on when the shift is
completed. Shifting Into 4
n
When 4nis engaged, keep vehicle
speed below 72 km/h (45 mph).
To shift into 4
n:
1. The ignition must be in ON/RUN and the vehicle must be stopped
or moving less than 5 km/h
(3 mph) with the transmission in
N (Neutral). It is best for the
vehicle to be moving
1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Turn the knob to 4
n. Wait for the
4
nindicator light to stop flashing
before shifting the transmission
into gear.
{Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode
indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case. If the transmission is in gear and/or
moving more than 5 km/h (3 mph),
the 4
nindicator light will flash for
30 seconds and not complete the
shift. After 30 seconds the transfer
case will shift to 4
m. Turn the knob
to 4
mto display the indicator. With
the vehicle moving less than 5 km/h
(3 mph), and the transmission in
N (Neutral), attempt the shift again.
Shifting Out of 4
n
To shift:
1. The vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 5 km/h (3 mph)
with the transmission in
N (Neutral) and the ignition in
ON/RUN. It is best for the
vehicle to be moving
1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Turn the knob to 4
m, AUTO, or
2
m. Wait for the 4m, AUTO, or
2
mindicator light to stop flashing
before shifting the transmission
into gear.
Black plate (37,1)Cadillac 2015i Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431501) - 2015 - CRC - 2/10/15
Driving and Operating 9-37
{Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode
indicator light has stopped
flashing could damage the
transfer case.
If the transmission is in gear and/or
moving more than 5 km/h (3 mph),
the 4
m, AUTO, or 2mindicator light
will flash for 30 seconds but will not
complete the shift. With the vehicle
moving less than 5 km/h (3 mph),
and the transmission in N (Neutral),
attempt the shift again.
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
To shift:
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. Set the parking brake and press and hold the brake pedal. See
Parking Brake on page 9-39.
3. Start the vehicle or turn the ignition to ON/RUN. 4. Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
5. Shift the transfer case to 2
m.
6. Turn the transfer case knob clockwise to N (Neutral) until it
stops and hold it there until the
N (Neutral) light starts blinking.
This will take at least
10 seconds. Then slowly release
the dial to the 4
nposition. The
N (Neutral) light will come on
when the transfer case shift to
N (Neutral) is complete.
7. With the engine running, verify that the transfer case is in
N (Neutral) by shifting the
transmission to R (Reverse),
then shift the transmission to
D (Drive). There should be no
movement of the vehicle while
shifting the transmission.
8. Turn the engine off, and the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY. 9. Place the transmission shift
lever in P (Park). See
Recreational Vehicle Towing on
page 10-75.
10. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift:
1. Set the parking brake and apply the brake pedal.
2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off.
3. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
4. Turn the transfer case knob to the desired setting.
After the transfer case has
shifted out of N (Neutral), the
N (Neutral) light will go out.
5. Release the parking brake.
6. Start the engine and shift the transmission to the desired gear.
Black plate (47,1)Cadillac 2015i Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431501) - 2015 - CRC - 2/10/15
Driving and Operating 9-47
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. SeeInstrument Cluster on
page 5-11. The increment value
used depends on the units
displayed.
Reducing Speed While Cruise
Control is at a Set Speed
If the cruise control system is
already activated:
.Press and hold SET− down until
the desired lower speed is
reached, then release it.
.To decrease the vehicle speed in
small increments, press SET−
down briefly. For each press, the
vehicle goes about 1.6 km/h
(1 mph) slower.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster on
page 5-11. The increment value
used depends on the units
displayed. Passing Another Vehicle While
Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to
increase the vehicle speed. When
you take your foot off the pedal, the
vehicle will slow down to the
previous set cruise speed.
While pressing the accelerator pedal
or shortly following the release to
override cruise, briefly applying the
SET−
control will result in cruise set
to the current vehicle speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works
on hills depends on the vehicle
speed, the load, and the steepness
of the hills. When going up steep
hills, pressing the accelerator pedal
may be necessary to maintain
vehicle speed. When going
downhill, Cruise Grade Braking
helps maintain the driver selected
speed.
Cruise Grade Braking is enabled
when the vehicle is started and
cruise control is active. It is not enabled in Range Selection Mode.
It assists in maintaining driver
selected speed when driving on
downhill grades by using the engine
and transmission to slow the
vehicle.
To disable and enable Cruise Grade
Braking for the current ignition key
cycle, press and hold the Tow/Haul
button for five seconds. A Driver
Information Center (DIC) message
displays. See
Transmission
Messages on page 5-44.
For other forms of Grade Braking,
see Automatic Transmission on
page 9-28, and Tow/Haul Mode on
page 9-33.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise
control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
Black plate (78,1)Cadillac 2015i Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-8431501) - 2015 - CRC - 2/10/15
9-78 Driving and Operating
Trailering is different than just
driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking,
durability and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are
important for your safety and that of
your passengers. So please read
this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how the rig is used.
Speed, altitude, road grades,
outside temperature, and how much
the vehicle is used to pull a trailer
are all important. It can depend on
any special equipment on the
vehicle, and the amount of tongue
weight the vehicle can carry. See
“Weight of the Trailer Tongue”later
in this section.
Trailer Weight Rating (TWR) is
calculated assuming the tow vehicle
has only the driver but all required
trailering equipment. Weight of
additional optional equipment,
passengers, and cargo in the tow
vehicle must be subtracted from
the TWR. Use the following chart to determine
how much the vehicle can weigh,
based upon the vehicle model and
options.