2018 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESP

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 201
Starting Procedure
1. With the Keyless Access system,the RKE transmitter must be in
the vehicle. Press ENGINE
START/STOP with the brake
pedal applied. When the engine
begins cranking, let go of the
button.
The idle speed will go down as
the engine gets warm. Do not
race the engine immediately
after starting it.
If the RKE transmitter is not in
the vehicle, if there is
interference, or if the RKE
battery is low, the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will
display a message.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in
very cold weather (below −18 °C
or 0 °F), it could be flooded with
too much gasoline. Try pushing
the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and holding it there
as you press ENGINE START/
STOP, for up to a maximum of
15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to
allow the cranking motor to cool
down. When the engine starts,
let go of the button, and the
accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do
the same thing. This clears the
extra gasoline from the engine.
Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Engine Heater
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block
heater while the vehicle is parked in
a garage or under a carport.
Property damage or personal injury
may result. Always park the vehicle
in a clear open area away from
buildings or structures.
If equipped, the engine heater can
provide easier starting and better fuel
economy during engine warm-up in
cold weather conditions at or below
−18 °C (0 °F). Vehicles with an engine
heater should be plugged in at least
four hours before starting. There may
be an internal thermostat in the plug
end of the cord, which will prevent
engine heater operation at
temperatures above −18 °C (0 °F).

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
206 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Warning (Continued)
.There are holes or openings
in the vehicle body from
damage or aftermarket
modifications that are not
completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or if
it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle: . Drive it only with the
windows completely down.
. Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed area
such as a garage or a building that
has no fresh air ventilation.
Running the Vehicle While
Parked
It is better not to park with the engine
running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine
running, follow the proper steps to be
sure the vehicle will not move.
See Shifting Into Park 0203 and Engine
Exhaust 0205.
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0252.
Automatic Transmission
If equipped, there is an electronic shift
lever position indicator within the
instrument cluster. This display comes
on when the ignition is turned on.
There are several different positions
for the shift lever.
See “Range Selection Mode ”under
Manual Mode 0209.
P : This position locks the drive
wheels. Use P (Park) when starting the
engine because the vehicle cannot
move easily. When parked on a hill,
especially when the vehicle has a
heavy load, you might notice an
increase in the effort to shift out of
P (Park). See “Torque Lock” under
Shifting Into Park 0203.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
218 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
This vehicle has a Hill Start Assist
(HSA) feature, which may be useful
when the vehicle is stopped on a
grade sufficient enough to activate
HSA. This feature is designed to
prevent the vehicle from rolling, either
forward or rearward, during vehicle
drive off. After the driver completely
stops and holds the vehicle in a
complete standstill on a grade, HSA
will be automatically activated. During
the transition period between when
the driver releases the brake pedal and
starts to accelerate to drive off on a
grade, HSA holds the braking pressure
for a maximum of two seconds to
ensure that there is no rolling. The
brakes will automatically release when
the accelerator pedal is applied within
the two-second window. It will not
activate if the vehicle is in a drive gear
and facing downhill, or if the vehicle
is facing uphill and in R (Reverse).
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak®, an
electronic stability control system.
These systems help limit wheel spin
and assist the driver in maintaining
control, especially on slippery road
conditions.
TCS activates if it senses any of the
drive wheels are spinning or beginning
to lose traction. When this happens,
TCS applies the brakes to the spinning
wheels and reduces engine power to
limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the
intended path and the direction the
vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak selectively applies braking
pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in
keeping the vehicle on the intended
path. Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is also on automatically when the
vehicle is started. See
Trailer Sway
Control (TSC) 0260.
If cruise control is being used and
traction control or StabiliTrak begins
to limit wheel spin, cruise control will
disengage. Cruise control may be
turned back on when road conditions
allow.
Both systems come on automatically
when the vehicle is started and begins
to move. The systems may be heard or
felt while they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This is
normal and does not mean there is a
problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary to
turn TCS off if the vehicle gets stuck
in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0193 and “Turning
the Systems Off and On ”later in this
section.
When the transfer case (if equipped)
is in Four-Wheel Drive Low, the
stability system is automatically
disabled,
gcomes on, and the

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
220 DRIVING AND OPERATING
The vehicle has a Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) feature and a Hill Start Assist
(HSA) feature.
SeeTrailer Sway Control (TSC) 0260 or
Hill Start Assist (HSA) 0218.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See Accessories
and Modifications 0265.
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control attempts to add
a sportier feel, provide a more
comfortable ride, or assist in different
weather conditions or terrain. This
system simultaneously changes the
software settings of various
sub-systems. Depending on the option
package, available features, and mode
selected, the suspension, steering, and
powertrain will change settings to
achieve the desired mode
characteristics. If the vehicle is
equipped with Magnetic Ride Control,
selecting the various Driver Modes
adjusts the ride of the vehicle to
enhance the ride performance for the
road conditions and the
selected mode. The Driver Mode Control has four
modes: Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and
Tow/Haul.
Press the Tow/Haul button to activate
and deactivate the Tow/Haul Mode.
Press the MODE switch on the center
console to select Tour, Sport, or Snow/
Ice. Pressing the switch will display a
graphic of all available ride modes and
change to the next mode. The Tour
and Sport Modes will feel similar on a
smooth road. Select a new setting
whenever driving conditions change.
Tour Mode
Use for normal city and highway
driving to provide a smooth, soft ride.
When selected, there will be no
indication in the DIC.
Sport Mode
Use where road conditions or personal
preference demand a more controlled
response.
The steering will change to provide
more precise control. The Magnetic
Ride Control will change to provide
better cornering performance.When selected, the Sport Mode
indicator will display in the DIC.
Snow/Ice Mode
Use when more traction is needed
during slippery conditions.
The vehicle will upshift normally
when the vehicle is moving. The
acceleration will adjust to help provide
a smoother launch.
When selected, the Snow/Ice Mode
indicator will display in the DIC.
Tow/Haul Mode
Tow/Haul is a feature that assists
when pulling a heavy trailer or a large
or heavy load. See
Tow/Haul Mode
0 210.
Tow/Haul is designed to be most
effective when the vehicle and trailer
combined weight is at least 75 percent
of the vehicle’s Gross Combined
Weight Rating (GCWR). See “Weight
of the Trailer” underTrailer Towing
0 255.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 221
Tow/Haul is most useful under the
following conditions:
.When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load through rolling
terrain
. When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load in stop-and-go
traffic
. When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load in busy
parking lots where improved low
speed control of the vehicle is
desired
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul
when lightly loaded or with no trailer
at all will not cause damage. However,
there is no benefit to the selection of
Tow/Haul when the vehicle is
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.
When selected, the Tow/Haul
indicator will display in the
instrument cluster.Magnetic Ride Control
The Magnetic Ride Control monitors
the suspension system.
Based on road conditions, steering
wheel angle, and vehicle speed, the
system automatically adjusts to
provide the best handling while
providing a smooth ride. The Tour and
Sport Modes will feel similar on a
smooth road.
Tour : Use for normal city and
highway driving. This setting provides
a smooth, soft ride.
8Sport : Use where road conditions
or personal preference demand more
control. This setting provides more
“feel,” or response to road conditions.
6Snow/Ice : Use when more
traction is needed during slippery
conditions.
The vehicle is normally in Tour Mode.
Sport Mode and Snow/Ice Mode are
engaged when the Magnetic Ride
Control MODE button on the center
stack is pressed. Press the button to
select the desired mode.
The Driver Information Center (DIC)
briefly displays the appropriate
message on vehicle startup or when a
new mode is selected.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
228 DRIVING AND OPERATING
When the accelerator pedal is
pressed, ACC will not brake
because it is overridden. The ACC
indicator will turn blue on the
instrument cluster.
. Press and hold +RES up until the
desired set speed appears on the
display, then release it.
. To increase speed in small
increments, briefly press +RES up.
For each press, the vehicle speed
increases by 1 km/h (1 mph).
. To increase speed in larger
increments, press and briefly hold
+RES up. For each press, the
vehicle speed increases by
5 km/h (5 mph).
When it is determined there is no
vehicle ahead or the vehicle ahead is
beyond the selected following gap, the
vehicle speed will increase to the set
speed.
The set speed can also be increased
while the vehicle is stopped.
. If stopped with the brake applied,
press RES+ until the desired set
speed is displayed. .
If ACC is holding the vehicle at a
stop and there is another vehicle
directly ahead, pressing RES+ will
increase the set speed. Pressing
RES+ when there is no longer a
vehicle ahead will cause ACC to
resume.
Reducing Speed While ACC is at a
Set Speed
Do one of the following:
. Use the brake to get to the desired
lower speed. Release the brake and
press SET– . The vehicle will now
cruise at the lower speed.
. Press and hold SET– down until
the desired lower speed is reached,
then release it.
. To decrease speed in smaller
increments, briefly press SET−
down. For each press, the vehicle
speed increases by 1 km/h (1 mph).
. To decrease speed in larger
increments, press and briefly hold
SET− down. For each press, the
vehicle speed decreases by
5 km/h (5 mph). .
To decrease speed while the
vehicle is stopped, press SET−
until the desired set speed is
displayed.
Selecting the Follow Distance Gap
When a slower moving vehicle is
detected ahead within the selected
following gap, ACC will adjust the
vehicle's speed and attempt to
maintain the follow distance gap
selected.
Press
[on the steering wheel to
adjust the following gap. Each press
cycles the gap button through three
settings: Far, Medium, or Near.
When pressed, the current gap setting
displays briefly on the DIC and HUD.
The gap setting will be maintained
until it is changed.
Since each gap setting corresponds to
a following time (Far, Medium,
or Near), the following distance will
vary based on vehicle speed. The
faster the vehicle speed, the further
back your vehicle will follow a vehicle
detected ahead. Consider traffic and
weather conditions when selecting the

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 229
following gap. The range of selectable
gaps may not be appropriate for all
drivers and driving conditions.
Changing the gap setting
automatically changes the alert timing
sensitivity (Far, Medium, or Near) for
the Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
feature. SeeForward Collision Alert
(FCA) System 0240.
Alerting the Driver
If ACC is engaged, driver action may
be required when ACC cannot apply
sufficient braking when approaching a
vehicle too rapidly.
When this condition occurs, the
collision alert symbol on the HUD will
flash on the windshield. Either eight
beeps will sound from the front,
or both sides of the Safety Alert Seat will pulse five times. See
“Collision/
Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0152.
See Defensive Driving 0184.
Approaching and Following a
Vehicle
The vehicle ahead indicator is in the
instrument cluster and HUD display.
This indicator only displays when a
vehicle is detected in your vehicle’s
path moving in the same direction.
If this indicator is not displaying, ACC
will not respond to or brake to
vehicles ahead.
ACC automatically slows the vehicle
down and adjusts vehicle speed to
follow the vehicle in front at the
selected following gap. The vehicle
speed increases or decreases to follow
the vehicle in front of you, but will not exceed the set speed. It may apply
limited braking, if necessary. When
braking is active, the brake lights will
come on. The automatic braking may
feel or sound different than if the
brakes were applied manually. This is
normal.
Stationary or Very Slow-Moving
Objects
{Warning
ACC may not detect and react to
stopped or slow-moving vehicles
ahead of you. For example, the
system may not brake for a vehicle
it has never detected moving. This
can occur in stop-and-go traffic or
when a vehicle suddenly appears
due to a vehicle ahead changing
lanes. Your vehicle may not stop
and could cause a crash. Use
caution when using ACC. Your
complete attention is always
required while driving and you
should be ready to take action and
apply the brakes.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 231
ACC Override
If using the accelerator pedal while
ACC is active, the ACC indicator turns
blue on the instrument cluster. ACC
will resume operation when the
accelerator pedal is not being pressed.
{Warning
The ACC will not automatically
apply the brakes if your foot is
resting on the accelerator pedal.
You could crash into a vehicle
ahead of you.
Curves in the Road
{Warning
On curves, ACC may not detect a
vehicle ahead in your lane. You
could be startled if the vehicle
accelerates up to the set speed,
especially when following a vehicle
exiting or entering exit ramps. You
could lose control of the vehicle or
crash. Do not use ACC while driving (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
on an entrance or exit ramp. Always
be ready to use the brakes if
necessary.
{Warning
On curves, ACC may respond to a
vehicle in another lane, or may not
have time to react to a vehicle in
your lane. You could crash into a
vehicle ahead of you, or lose control
of your vehicle. Give extra attention
in curves and be ready to use the
brakes if necessary. Select an
appropriate speed while driving in
curves.
ACC may operate differently in a
sharp curve. It may reduce the vehicle
speed if the curve is too sharp.
When following a vehicle and entering
a curve, ACC may not detect the
vehicle ahead and accelerate to the set
speed. When this happens, the vehicle
ahead indicator will not appear.
ACC may detect a vehicle that is not
in your lane and apply the brakes.