2019 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV tow

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
268 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Trailer Brakes
Loaded trailers over 900 kg (2,000 lb)
must be equipped with brake systems
and with brakes for each axle. Trailer
braking equipment conforming to
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
requirement CAN3-D313, or its
equivalent, is recommended.
State or local regulations may require
trailers to have their own braking
system if the loaded weight of the
trailer exceeds certain minimums that
can vary from state to state. Read and
follow the instructions for the trailer
brakes so they are installed, adjusted,
and maintained properly. Never
attempt to tap into your vehicle's
hydraulic brake system. If you do,
both the vehicle anti-lock brakes and
the trailer brakes may not function,
which could result in a crash.
Trailer Wiring Harness
The seven-pin trailer connector is
mounted in the bumper. This
connector can be plugged into a
seven-pin universal heavy-duty trailer
connector available through your
dealer.Use only a round, seven-wire
connector with flat blade terminals
meeting SAE J2863 specifications for
proper electrical connectivity.
The seven-wire harness contains the
following trailer circuits:
.
Yellow/Grey: Left Stop/Turn Signal
. Green/Violet: Right Stop/Turn
Signal
. Grey/Brown: Taillamps
. White: Ground
. White/Green: Back-up Lamps
. Red/Green: Battery Feed
. Dark Blue: Trailer Brake
To help charge a remote (non-vehicle)
battery, press the Tow/Haul Mode
button at the end of the shift lever.
If the trailer is too light for Tow/Haul
Mode, turn on the headlamps to help
charge the battery.
Electric Brake Control Wiring
Provisions
These wiring provisions are included
with the vehicle as part of the trailer
wiring package. These provisions are
for an electric brake controller.
The harness should be installed by
your dealer or a qualified service
center.
Refer to the aftermarket electric trailer
brake controller owner's manual to
determine wire color coding of the
electric trailer brake controller. The
wire colors on the brake controller
may be different from the vehicle.
Trailer Lamps
Always check all trailer lamps are
working at the beginning of each trip,
and periodically on longer trips.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer
turn signals should will illuminate to
indicate the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes, or stopping. When
towing a trailer, the arrows on the

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
DRIVING AND OPERATING 269
instrument cluster will illuminate
even if the trailer is not properly
connected or the bulbs are
burned out.
Tow/Haul Mode
For instructions on how to enter Tow/
Haul mode, seeTow/Haul Mode0213.
Tow/Haul assists when pulling a
heavy trailer or a large or heavy load.
Tow/Haul Mode is designed to be
most effective when the vehicle and
trailer combined weight is at least
75% of the vehicle's Gross Combined
Weight Rating (GCWR). See
“Maximum Trailer Weight ”under
Trailer Towing 0260.
Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when
towing a heavy trailer or carrying a
large or heavy load:
. through rolling terrain
. in stop-and-go traffic
. in busy parking lots
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul
Mode when lightly loaded or not
towing will not cause damage;
however, it is not recommended and may result in unpleasant engine and
transmission driving characteristics
and reduced fuel economy.
Integrated Trailer Brake Control
System
The vehicle may have an Integrated
Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system
for use with electric trailer brakes or
most electric over hydraulic trailer
brake systems. These instructions
apply to both types of electric trailer
brakes.
This symbol is on the Trailer Brake
Control Panel on vehicles with an
ITBC system. The power output to the
trailer brakes is proportional to the
amount of vehicle braking. This
available power output to the trailer
brakes can be adjusted to a wide
range of trailering situations.
The ITBC system is integrated with
the vehicle’s brake, anti-lock brake,
and StabiliTrak systems. In trailering
conditions that cause the vehicle’s
anti-lock brake or StabiliTrak systems
to activate, power sent to the trailer's
brakes will be automatically adjusted
to minimize trailer wheel lock-up.
This does not imply that the trailer
has StabiliTrak.
If the vehicle’s brake, anti-lock brake,
or StabiliTrak systems are not
functioning properly, the ITBC system
may not function fully or at all. Make
sure all of these systems are fully
operational to allow the ITBC system
to function properly.
The ITBC system is powered through
the vehicle's electrical system. Turning
the ignition off will also turn off the
ITBC system. The ITBC system is fully
functional only when the ignition is in
ON/RUN.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 271
.A trailer without electric brakes is
connected, no DIC message will
display
. A trailer with electric brakes has
become disconnected, a CHECK
TRAILER WIRING message
displays on the DIC
. There is a fault present in the
wiring to the trailer brakes, a
CHECK TRAILER WIRING
message displays on the DIC
. The ITBC system is not working
due to a fault, a SERVICE
TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM
message displays in the DIC
Manual Trailer Brake Apply Lever
Slide this lever left to apply the
trailer’s electric brakes independent of
the vehicle’s brakes. Use this lever to
adjust Trailer Gain to achieve the
proper power output to the trailer
brakes. The trailer's and the vehicle's
brake lamps will come on when either
vehicle brakes or manual trailer brakes
are applied and properly connected. Trailer Gain Adjustment Procedure
Trailer Gain should be set for a
specific trailering condition and it
must be readjusted anytime vehicle
loading, trailer loading, or road surface
conditions change.
{Warning
Trailer brakes that are over-gained
or under-gained may not stop the
vehicle and the trailer as intended
and can result in a crash. Always
follow the instructions to set the
Trailer Gain for the proper trailer
stopping performance.
To adjust Trailer Gain for each towing
condition: 1. Drive the vehicle with the trailer attached on a level road surface
representative of the towing
condition and free of traffic at
about 32 to 40 km/h (20 to
25 mph) and fully apply the
Manual Trailer Brake apply lever. Note
Adjusting Trailer Gain at speeds lower
than 32 to 40 km/h (20 to 25 mph)
may result in an incorrect gain
setting.
2. Adjust the Trailer Gain, using the Trailer Gain adjustment buttons,
to just below the point of trailer
wheel lock-up, indicated by
trailer wheel squeal or tire smoke
when a trailer wheel locks.
Note
Trailer wheel lock-up may not occur if
towing a heavily loaded trailer. In this
case, adjust the Trailer Gain to the
highest allowable setting for the
towing condition. 3. Readjust Trailer Gain any time vehicle loading, trailer loading,
or road surface conditions
change or if trailer wheel lock-up
is noticed at any time while
towing.
Other ITBC-Related DIC Messages
TRAILER CONNECTED: This message
will briefly display when a trailer with
electric brakes is first connected to

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
DRIVING AND OPERATING 273
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 towing. 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 equipped with
the Integrated Trailer Brake Control
(ITBC) system, and the trailer has an
electric brake system, StabiliTrak may
also apply the trailer brakes.
If TSC is enabled, the Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak warning
light will flash on the instrument
cluster. Reduce vehicle speed by
gradually removing your foot from the
accelerator. If trailer sway continues,
StabiliTrak can reduce engine torque
to help slow the vehicle. TSC will not
function if StabiliTrak is turned off.
SeeTraction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0221.
{Warning
Trailer sway can result in a crash
and in serious injury or death, even
if the vehicle is equipped with TSC.
If the trailer begins to sway, reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing
your foot from the accelerator. Then
pull over to check the trailer and
vehicle to help correct possible
causes, including an improperly or
overloaded trailer, unrestrained
cargo, improper trailer hitch
configuration, or improperly
inflated or incorrect vehicle or
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
trailer tires. SeeTowing Equipment
0 265 for trailer ratings and hitch
setup recommendations.
Aftermarket Electronic Trailer
Sway Control Devices
Some trailers may come equipped
with an electronic device designed to
reduce or control trailer sway.
Aftermarket equipment manufacturers
also offer similar devices that connect
to the wiring between the trailer and
the vehicle. These devices may
interfere with the vehicle’s trailer
brake systems or other systems,
including integrated anti-sway
systems, if equipped. Messages related
to trailer connections or trailer brakes
could appear on the DIC. The effects
of these aftermarket devices on
vehicle handling or trailer brake
performance is not known.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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VEHICLE CARE 277
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - NorthAmerica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . 346
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit your
dealer. You will receive genuine GM
parts and GM-trained and supported
service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these
marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
{Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this
one, as well as many of its service
parts and fluids, contain and/or
emit chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Engine exhaust, many parts
and systems, many fluids, and
some component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these
chemicals. For more information go
to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0293 and
Jump Starting - North America 0342
and the back cover.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
VEHICLE CARE 281
1. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump
Starting - North America 0342.
2. Battery - North America 0293.
3. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0286.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0285.
5. Remote Negative (–) Location (Out of View). See Jump Starting -
North America 0342.
6. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System 0286.
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to
Add Engine Oil” underEngine Oil
0 281.
8. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0281.
9. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid ”under Washer Fluid 0290.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake
Fluid 0292.
11. Engine Compartment Fuse Block
0301.Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine performance
and long life, careful attention must
be paid to engine oil. Following these
simple, but important steps will help
protect your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil” in
this section.
. Check the engine oil level regularly
and maintain the proper oil level.
See “Checking Engine Oil” and
“When to Add Engine Oil” in this
section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0283.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially prior
to a long trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine
Compartment Overview 0280 for the
location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may
be hot; it could burn you. Use a
towel or glove to touch the dipstick
handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays, check the oil
level.
Follow these guidelines:
. To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground. Check
the engine oil level after the
engine has been off for at least
two hours. Checking the engine oil
level on steep grades or too soon
after engine shutoff can result in
incorrect readings. Accuracy
improves when checking a cold
engine prior to starting. Remove
the dipstick and check the level.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
282 VEHICLE CARE
.If unable to wait two hours, the
engine must be off for at least
15 minutes if the engine is warm,
or at least 30 minutes if the
engine is not warm. Pull out the
dipstick, wipe it with a clean paper
towel or cloth, then push it back
in all the way. Remove it again,
keeping the tip down, and check
the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick and the
engine has been off for at least
15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of the
recommended oil and then recheck
the level. See “Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for an explanation of what kind of oil to use.
For engine oil crankcase capacity, see
Capacities and Specifications
0374.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil levels
above or below the acceptable
operating range shown on the
dipstick are harmful to the engine.
If the oil level is above the
operating range (i.e., the engine has
so much oil that the oil level gets
above the cross-hatched area that
shows the proper operating range),
the engine could be damaged. Drain
the excess oil or limit driving of the
vehicle, and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 280 for the location of the engine oil
fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil depends
on both the proper oil specification
and viscosity grade. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0370.
Specification
Use full synthetic engine oils that
meet the dexos1 specification. Engine
oils that have been approved by GM
as meeting the dexos1 specification
are marked with the dexos1 approved
logo. See www.gmdexos.com.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil or equivalent can result
in engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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VEHICLE CARE 289
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and engine
damage may occur. Be sure the cap
is properly and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak in the engine cooling system.
This can cause a loss of all coolant
and can damage the system and
vehicle. Have any leaks fixed
right away.
The vehicle has several indicators to
warn of engine overheating.
There is a coolant temperature gauge
in the vehicle's instrument cluster. See
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
0 137.
In addition, there are ENGINE
OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE,
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE, and ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
messages in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears, get
service help right away. See
Roadside
Service 0381.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is parked
on a level surface.
Check to see if the engine cooling
fan(s) are running. If the engine is
overheating, the fans should be
running. If they are not, do not
continue to run the engine. Have the
vehicle serviced.
If Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure cap,
even a little, can cause them to
come out at high speed and you (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
could be burned. Never turn the cap
when the cooling system, including
the pressure cap, is hot. Wait for
the cooling system and pressure
cap to cool.
If No Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
The ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE or the ENGINE
OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE message,
along with a low coolant condition,
can indicate a serious problem.
If there is an engine overheat warning,
but no steam is seen or heard, the
problem may not be too serious.
Sometimes the engine can get a little
too hot when the vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
. Stops after high-speed driving.
. Idles for long periods in traffic.
. Tows a trailer; see Trailer Towing
0 260.