2018 CADILLAC ESCALADE ABS

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 215
Brakes
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
This vehicle has an Antilock Brake
System (ABS), an advanced electronic
braking system that helps prevent a
braking skid.
When the vehicle begins to drive
away, ABS checks itself. A momentary
motor or clicking noise may be heard
while this test is going on, and it may
even be noticed that the brake pedal
moves a little. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 140. If driving safely on a wet road and it
becomes necessary to slam on the
brakes and continue braking to avoid
a sudden obstacle, a computer senses
the wheels are slowing down. If one of
the wheels is about to stop rolling, the
computer will separately work the
brakes at each wheel.
ABS can change the brake pressure to
each wheel, as required, faster than
any driver could. This can help you
steer around the obstacle while
braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the
computer keeps receiving updates on
wheel speed and controls braking
pressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the
time needed to get a foot up to the
brake pedal or always decrease
stopping distance. If you get too close
to the vehicle in front of you, there
will not be enough time to apply the
brakes if that vehicle suddenly slows
or stops. Always leave enough room
up ahead to stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the
brake pedal down firmly and let ABS
work. You may hear the ABS pump or
motor operating and feel the brake
pedal pulsate. This is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brake at
the same time. In many emergencies,
steering can help more than even the
very best braking.
Parking Brake

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 217
If the8light is on, press the EPB
switch and hold it. Continue to hold
the switch until the
Yor PARK light
remains on. If the
8light remains on,
see your dealer.
If the EPB is applied while the vehicle
is moving, the vehicle will decelerate
as long as the switch is pressed. If the
switch is pressed until the vehicle
comes to a stop, the EPB will remain
applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply
the EPB in some situations when the
vehicle is not moving. This is normal,
and is done to periodically check the
correct operation of the EPB system.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily. The EPB is released when the
Yor
PARK light is off.
If the
8light is on, release the EPB by
pressing and holding the EPB switch.
Continue to hold the switch until
the
Yor PARK light is off. If either
light stays on after release is
attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system and
cause premature wear or damage to
brake system parts. Make sure that
the parking brake is fully released
and the brake warning light is off
before driving.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if
the vehicle is running, placed into
gear, and an attempt is made to drive
away. Avoid rapid acceleration when
the EPB is applied, to preserve parking
brake lining life.
Brake Assist
The Brake Assist feature is designed to
assist the driver in stopping or
decreasing vehicle speed in emergency
driving conditions. This feature uses
the stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under conditions
where the driver has quickly and
forcefully applied the brake pedal in
an attempt to quickly stop or slow
down the vehicle. The stability system
hydraulic brake control module
increases brake pressure at each
corner of the vehicle until the ABS
activates. Minor brake pedal pulsation
or pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should continue
to apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. The Brake Assist
feature will automatically disengage
when the brake pedal is released or
brake pedal pressure is quickly
decreased.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
254 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
beforestarting 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
0 210.
When towing at high altitude on steep
uphill grades, consider the following:
Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal altitudes.
If the engine is turned off immediately
after towing at high altitude on steep
uphill grades, the vehicle may show
signs similar to engine overheating. To
avoid this, let the engine run while
parked, preferably on level ground,
with the transmission in P (Park) for a
few minutes before turning the engine
off. If the overheat warning comes on,
see Engine Overheating 0276.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both the
vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the
wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under 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.
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 is
clear 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
Maintenance Schedule 0347. 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.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
280 VEHICLE CARE
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic
system. Have the brake hydraulic
system fixed. With a leak, the
brakes will not work well.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir
cap and the area around the cap
before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding
fluid does not correct a leak. If fluid is
added when the linings are worn,
there will be too much fluid when
new brake linings are installed. Add or
remove fluid, as necessary, only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You or
others could be burned, and the
vehicle could be damaged. Add
brake fluid only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system. When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See
Brake System Warning Light
0 138.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid at
the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0347.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3 brake
fluid from a clean, sealed container.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0355.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the paint
finish can be damaged. Immediately
wash off any painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the
cap and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview 0267
for battery location.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
(Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
VEHICLE CARE 337
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0355.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash
it often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they
can damage the vehicle's paint,
metal, or plastic parts. If damage
occurs, it would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Approved
cleaning products can be obtained
from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and appropriate
disposal of any vehicle care
product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes
closer than 30 cm (12 in) to the
surface of the vehicle. Use of power
washers exceeding 8,274 kPa
(1,200 psi) can result in damage or
removal of paint and decals.
Caution
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this
e
symbol.
This could cause damage that
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using an automatic car wash, follow
the car wash instructions. The
windshield wiper and rear window
wiper, if equipped, must be off.
Remove any accessories that may be
damaged or interfere with the car
wash equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing
and after, to remove all cleaning
agents completely. If they are allowed
to dry on the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat
sealant/wax materials is not
recommended. If painted surfaces are
damaged, see your dealer to have the
damage assessed and repaired. Foreign
materials such as calcium chloride
and other salts, ice melting agents,
road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial
chimneys, etc., can damage the
vehicle's finish if they remain on
painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
INDEX 387
IndexA
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . 265
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Active Fuel Management . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . 262
Additional InformationOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . 272
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173, 178
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Airbag System
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . 88
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . 90
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . 88
What Will You See after anAirbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Airbag System (cont'd)
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Airbags Adding Equipment to the
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . 135
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . 244
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . 215 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Armrest Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . 240
Assistance Systems for Parking
and Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
392 INDEX
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
LampsCornering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . 166
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . 166
Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Lane Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
LATCH System
Replacing Parts after a Crash . . . . 110
LATCH, Lower Anchors and
Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Level Control Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222 Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Lighter, Cigarette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Lighting
Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . 166
Lane Keep Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 Lights (cont'd)
Service Electric Parking Brake . . . 139
Sport Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Winter Driving Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) . . . . . . . . 103
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
M
Magnetic Ride Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221