2019 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV tow

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
186 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . 255
Driving Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . 273
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 275
Driving Information
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and
can take your focus from the task of
driving. Exercise good judgment and
do not let other activities divert your
attention away from the road. Many
local governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep your
eyes on the road, keep your hands on
the steering wheel, and focus your
attention on driving.
. Do not use a phone in demanding
driving situations. Use a
hands-free method to place or
receive necessary phone calls.
. Watch the road. Do not read, take
notes, or look up information on
phones or other electronic devices.
. Designate a front seat passenger
to handle potential distractions. .
Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio
stations and adjusting climate
control and seat settings. Program
all trip information into any
navigation device prior to driving.
. Wait until the vehicle is parked to
retrieve items that have fallen to
the floor.
. Stop or park the vehicle to tend to
children.
. Keep pets in an appropriate carrier
or restraint.
. Avoid stressful conversations
while driving, whether with a
passenger or on a cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
196 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Warning (Continued)
fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control
Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0208.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then
shut the engine off and partially close
the window. Moving about to keep
warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the
engine runs faster than the idle speed.
This keeps the battery charged to
restart the vehicle and to signal for
help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels
to free the vehicle when stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow. If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. See
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0221.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you or
others could be injured. The vehicle
can overheat, causing an engine
compartment fire or other damage.
Spin the wheels as little as possible
and avoid going above 56 km/h
(35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right
to clear the area around the front
wheels. Turn off any traction system.
Shift back and forth between
R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as
possible. To prevent transmission
wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears. Release
the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transmission is in
gear. Slowly spinning the wheels in
the forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get
the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the
vehicle does need to be towed out, see
Towing the Vehicle
0345.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how
much weight the vehicle can carry.
This weight is called the vehicle
capacity weight and includes the
weight of all occupants, cargo, and
all nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on the vehicle may
show how much weight it was
designed to carry, the Tire and
Loading Information label and the
Certification/Tire label.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
198 DRIVING AND OPERATING
3.Subtract the combined weight
of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals
the available amount of cargo
and luggage load capacity. For
example, if the "XXX" amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there
will be five 150 lb passengers
in your vehicle, the amount
of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) =
650 lbs.)
5.Determine the combined
weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing
a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to
your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine howthis reduces the available
cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.”
See
Trailer Towing 0260 for important
information on towing a trailer,
towing safety rules, and trailering tips.
Example 1
1. Maximum Vehicle Capacity
Weight for Example 1 =
453 kg (1,000 lbs)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 2 = 136 kg
(300 lbs)
3. Available Occupant and Cargo Weight = 317 kg (700 lbs)
Example 2
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for
Example 2 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 5 = 136 kg
(750 lbs)
3. Available Cargo Weight = 113 kg (250 lbs)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
200 DRIVING AND OPERATING
{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. There is also important loading
information for off-road driving in
this manual. See
“Loading the
Vehicle for Off-Road Driving”
under Off-Road Driving 0189.
Add-On Equipment
There may be a limit on how
many people can be inside the
vehicle when carrying removable
items. Be sure to weigh the vehicle
before buying and installing the
new equipment.
Caution
Overloading the vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do
not overload the vehicle.
Remember not to exceed the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
of the front or rear axle. Automatic Level Control
See
Automatic Level Control 0225.
If a weight-distributing hitch is
being used, it is recommended to
allow the shocks to inflate,
thereby leveling the vehicle prior
to adjusting the height. See
“Hitches” underTowing Equipment
0 265
.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
DRIVING AND OPERATING 201
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will
perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:. Keep the vehicle speed at
88 km/h (55 mph) or less for
the first 805 km (500 mi).
. Do not drive at any one
constant speed, fast or slow,
for the first 805 km (500 mi).
Do not make full-throttle
starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
. Avoid making hard stops for
the first 322 km (200 mi) or
so. During this time the new
brake linings are not yet
broken in. Hard stops with
new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
replacement. Follow this
breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake
linings.
. Do not tow a trailer during
break-in. See Trailer Towing
0 260 for the trailer towing
capabilities of the vehicle and
more information.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Adjustable Throttle and
Brake Pedal
If equipped, the position of the
throttle and brake pedals can be
changed.
The pedals can only be adjusted when
the vehicle is in P (Park).
Press the top of the switch to move
the pedals closer to your body. Press
the bottom of the switch to move the
pedals away.
Before you start driving, fully press
the brake pedal to confirm the
adjustment is right for you.
The vehicle may have a memory
function, which lets pedal settings be
saved and recalled. See Memory Seats
0 65.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
206 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
Some vehicle accessories may be used
after the ignition is turned off.
The power windows and sunroof,
if equipped, will continue to work for
up to 10 minutes or until any door is
opened.
The infotainment system will continue
to work for 10 minutes, until the
driver door is opened, or until the
ignition is turned on or placed in
ACC/ACCESSORY.
Shifting Into Park
{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. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, use the steps
that follow. If the vehicle has a
four-wheel-drive transfer case with
an N (Neutral) position, and the
transfer case is in N (Neutral), the
vehicle will be free to roll, even if
the shift lever is in P (Park). Be sure
the transfer case is in a drive gear.
If towing a trailer, seeDriving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 255.
1. Hold the brake pedal down, then set the parking brake.
See Parking Brake 0218 or
Electric Parking Brake 0219.
2. Move the shift lever into the P (Park) position by pulling the
shift lever toward you and
moving it up as far as it will go.
3. Be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear –not in N (Neutral).
4. Turn the ignition off.
Leaving the Vehicle with the
Engine Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
The vehicle could move suddenly if
the shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set.
If you have four-wheel drive and
the transfer case is in N (Neutral),
the vehicle will be free to roll, even
if the shift lever is in P (Park). So be
sure the transfer case is in a drive
gear –not in N (Neutral).
And, if you leave the vehicle with
the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch fire. You or
others could be injured. Do not
leave the vehicle with the engine
running unless you have to.
If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, be sure the
vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
DRIVING AND OPERATING 207
brake is firmly set before you leave it.
After you move the shift lever into
P (Park), hold the regular brake pedal
down. Then, see if you can move the
shift lever away from P (Park) without
first pulling it toward you. If you can,
it means that the shift lever was not
fully locked into P (Park).
Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do
not shift the transmission into
P (Park) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on
the parking pawl in the transmission.
You may find it difficult to pull the
shift lever out of P (Park). This is
called torque lock. To prevent torque
lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into P (Park) properly before you
leave the driver seat.
When you are ready to drive, move
the shift lever out of P (Park) before
you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may
need to have another vehicle push
yours a little uphill to take some of
the pressure from the parking pawl inthe transmission. You will then be
able to pull the shift lever out of
P (Park).
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an
electronic shift lock release system.
The shift lock release system is
designed to prevent movement of the
shift lever out of P (Park), unless the
ignition is on and the brake pedal is
applied.
The shift lock release is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less than
9 volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. See
Jump Starting - North
America 0342.
To shift out of P (Park): 1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Move the shift lever to the desired position. If you still are unable to shift out of
P (Park):
1. Ease the pressure on the shift lever.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, push the shift lever all the
way into P (Park).
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you are still having a problem
shifting, then have the vehicle
serviced soon.
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.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
DRIVING AND OPERATING 209
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 0206 and Engine
Exhaust 0208.
If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0255.
Automatic Transmission
If equipped, there is an electronic shift
lever position indicator within the
instrument cluster. This display comes
on when the ignition is on or in
service mode.
There are several different positions
for the shift lever.
See “Range Selection Mode ”under
Manual Mode 0212.
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 0206.