Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293077) -
2017 - crc - 8/24/16
DRIVING AND OPERATING 195
weight of the driver, passengers,
and cargo should never exceed the
vehicle's capacity weight.
Certification/Tire Label
Label Example
A vehicle specific Certification/
Tire label is attached to the
B-pillar. The label may show the
size of the vehicle's original tires
and the inflation pressures needed
to obtain the gross weight
capacity of the 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 may
also show the maximum weights
for the front and rear axles, called
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
To find out the actual loads on
the front and rear axles, weigh the
vehicle at a weigh station. Your
dealer can help with this. Be sure
to spread the load equally on both
sides of the center line.
The warranty does not cover parts
or components that fail because of
overloading.
The label will help determine how
much cargo and installed
equipment the vehicle can carry.
Using heavier suspension
components to get added
durability might not change the
weight ratings. Ask your dealer to
help load the vehicle properly.
{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.
.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.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293077) -
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206 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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.
L :This position allows selection of a
range of gears appropriate for current
driving conditions. If equipped, see
“Range Selection Mode ”under Manual
Mode 0206.
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 0152.
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 0152.
For other forms of grade braking, see
Tow/Haul Mode 0208 and Cruise
Control 0220.
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 L (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.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293077) -
2017 - crc - 8/24/16
DRIVING AND OPERATING 207
When the shift lever is moved from
D (Drive) to L (Manual Mode), a
number displays next to the L,
indicating the current transmission
range.
This number is the highest gear that
the transmission will command while
operating in L (Manual Mode). All
gears below that number are available.
As driving conditions change, the
transmission can automatically shift
to lower gears. For example, when
5 (Fifth) is selected, 1 (First) through
5 (Fifth) gears are automatically
shifted by the transmission, but
6 (Sixth) cannot be used until the
plus/minus button on the shift lever is
used to change to the range.
In vehicles with gasoline engines,
when the shift lever is moved from
D (Drive) to L (Manual Mode), a
downshift may occur. The gear that
the transmission is operating in when
the shift lever is moved from D (Drive)
to L (Manual Mode) determines if a
downshift occurs. See the following
chart.Gear before shifting
from D (Drive) to
L (Manual Mode)
8th 7th 6th 5th 4th 3rd 2nd 1st
Range after shifting
from D (Drive) to
L (Manual Mode) –
Tow/Haul not
engaged L6 L6 L5 L4 L3 L3 L2 L1
Range after shifting
from D (Drive) to
L (Manual Mode) –
Tow/Haul engaged L6 L5 L4 L3 L3 L3 L2 L1
Grade Braking is not available when
Range Selection Mode is active. See
Tow/Haul Mode 0208.
While using Range Selection Mode,
cruise control and the Tow/Haul Mode
can be used.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill using
only the accelerator pedal may
damage the transmission. The (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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.
Low Traction Mode
Low Traction Mode assists in vehicle
acceleration when road conditions are
slippery, such as with ice or snow.
While the vehicle is at a stop, select
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293077) -
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208 DRIVING AND OPERATING
L2 using Range Selection Mode. This
will limit torque to the wheels and
help to prevent the tires from
spinning.
Tow/Haul Mode
The Tow/Haul Mode adjusts the
transmission shift pattern to reduce
shift cycling. This provides increased
performance, vehicle control, and
enhanced transmission and engine
cooling when driving down steep hills
or mountain grades, towing,
or hauling heavy loads.The selector button is on the end of
the shift lever. Turn the Tow/Haul
Mode on and off by pressing the
button. When the Tow/Haul Mode is
enabled, a light on the instrument
cluster will come on.
See
Tow/Haul Mode Light 0133 and
Hill and Mountain Roads 0190.
Also see “Tow/Haul Mode ”under
Driver Mode Control 0217.
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking is only
enabled while the Tow/Haul Mode is
selected and the vehicle is not in the
Range Selection Mode. See “Tow/Haul
Mode ”listed previously and Manual
Mode 0206. Tow/Haul Mode Grade
Braking assists in maintaining desired
vehicle speeds when driving on
downhill grades by using the engine
and transmission to slow the vehicle.
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 0152.
See Towing Equipment 0249.
For other forms of grade braking, see
Automatic Transmission 0204 and
Cruise Control 0220.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293077) -
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 209
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive
If equipped, four-wheel drive engages
the front axle for extra traction.
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 4HI
or 4LO 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 0213.
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.
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction
Control and StabiliTrak®off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0216.
Automatic Transfer Case
If equipped, use the transfer case knob
next to the steering wheel to shift into
and out of four-wheel drive.
All of the lights will blink on then off
momentarily when the ignition is
moved to the ON/RUN position. The
light that remains on will indicate the
state of the Transfer Case.
If the indicator mark on the switch
does not match up with the light then
that likely means the switch was
moved when the ignition was off.
The indicator mark on the switch
must line up with the indicator light
before a shift can be commanded. To
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293077) -
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246 DRIVING AND OPERATING
itself. Get acquainted with the
handling and braking of the rig before
setting out for the open road.
The structure, tires, and brakes of the
trailer must be rated to carry the load.
Inadequate trailer equipment can
cause the combination to operate in
an unexpected or unsafe manner.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch
parts and attachments, safety chains,
electrical connectors, lamps, tires, and
mirrors. Get familiar with the
handling and braking of the rig. If the
trailer has electric brakes, start the
combination moving and then apply
the trailer brake controller by hand to
be sure the brakes work.
During the trip, check occasionally to
be sure that the load is secure and the
lamps and any trailer brakes
still work.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination will
not accelerate as quickly and is longer
so it is necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before
returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel
with one hand. To move the trailer to
the left, move that hand to the left. To
move the trailer to the right, move
your hand to the right. Always back
up slowly and, if possible, have
someone guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Making very sharp turns while
trailering could cause the trailer to
come in contact with the vehicle.
The vehicle could be damaged.
Avoid making very sharp turns
while trailering. When turning with a trailer, make
wider turns than normal. Do this so
the trailer will not strike soft
shoulders, curbs, road signs, trees,
or other objects. Avoid jerky or sudden
maneuvers. Signal well in advance.
If the trailer turn signal bulbs burn
out, the arrows on the instrument
cluster will still flash for turns. It is
important to check occasionally to be
sure the trailer bulbs are still working.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before
starting down a long or steep
downgrade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes might get hot
and no longer work well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing, use the Tow/Haul Mode
to prevent damage to the engine or
transmission. See Tow/Haul
Mode 0208.
When towing at high altitude on steep
uphill grades, consider the following:
Engine coolant will boil at a lower
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293077) -
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 249
Hitch TypeMaximum Tongue Weight
Weight Carrying 124 kg
Do not exceed the maximum
allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle. Choose the shortest hitch
extension that will position the hitch
ball closest to the vehicle. This will
help reduce the effect of trailer tongue
weight on the rear axle.
Trailer rating may be limited by the
vehicle's ability to carry tongue
weight. Tongue or kingpin weight
cannot cause the vehicle to exceed the
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
or the RGAWR (Rear Gross Axle
Weight Rating). See “Total Weight on
the Vehicle's Tires ”following.
After loading the trailer, weigh the
trailer and then the tongue,
separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they are not, adjustments
might be made by moving some items
around in the trailer.
If a cargo carrier is used in the trailer
hitch receiver, choose a carrier that
positions the load as close to the vehicle as possible. Make sure the
total weight, including the carrier, is
no more than half of the maximum
allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle or 227 kg (500 lb), whichever
is less.
Total Weight on the Vehicle's
Tires
Be sure the vehicle's tires are inflated
to the inflation pressures found on
the Certification label on the driver
side rear door or see
Vehicle Load
Limits 0192. Make sure not to exceed
the GVWR limit for the vehicle, or the
RGAWR, with the tow vehicle and
trailer fully loaded for the trip
including the weight of the trailer
tongue.
Weight of the Trailering
Combination
It is important that the combination
of the tow vehicle and trailer does not
exceed any of its weight ratings —GCWR, GVWR, RGAWR, Trailer
Weight Rating, or Tongue Weight. The
only way to be sure it is not exceeding
any of these ratings is to weigh the
tow vehicle and trailer combination,
fully loaded for the trip, getting
individual weights for each of these
items.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
The correct hitch equipment helps
maintain combination control. Most
small-to-medium trailers can be towed
with a weight-carrying hitch which
simply features a coupler latched to
the hitch ball. Larger trailers may
require a weight-distributing hitch
that uses spring bars to distribute the
trailer tongue weight among the two
vehicle and trailer axles. See
“Weight
of the Trailer Tongue ”in Trailer
Towing 0247 for rating limits with
various hitch types.
Consider using sway controls with any
trailer. Ask a trailering professional
about sway controls or refer to the
trailer manufacturer's
recommendations and instructions.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293077) -
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252 DRIVING AND OPERATING
unloaded. Such a selection when
unloaded may result in unpleasant
engine and transmission driving
characteristics and reduced fuel
economy. Tow/Haul is recommended
only when pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak have a
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) feature.
Trailer sway is unintended side-to-side
motion of a trailer while being towed.
If the vehicle is towing a trailer and
the TSC detects that sway is
increasing, the vehicle brakes are
selectively applied at each wheel, to
help reduce excessive trailer sway.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak warning
light will flash on the instrument
cluster. Vehicle speed must be
reduced. If trailer sway continues,
StabiliTrak can reduce engine torque
to help slow the vehicle. SeeTraction
Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0216.
{Warning
Even if the vehicle is equipped with
TSC, trailer sway could result in
loss of control and the vehicle could
crash. If excessive trailer sway is
detected, slow down to a safe speed.
Check the trailer and vehicle to help
correct possible causes. These could
include an improperly or overloaded
trailer, unrestrained cargo, improper
trailer hitch configuration, excessive
vehicle-trailer speed, or improperly
inflated or incorrect vehicle or
trailer tires. See Towing Equipment
0 249 for trailer ratings and hitch
setup recommendations.
Adding non-dealer accessories can
affect the vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications 0255.
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. See Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0130.
A device connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle systems.
This could affect vehicle operation
and cause a crash. Such devices
may also access information stored
in the vehicle’s systems.