2019 CADILLAC ESCALADE trailer

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-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
270 DRIVING AND OPERATING
{Warning
Connecting a trailer that has an air
brake system may result in reduced
or complete loss of trailer braking,
including increased stopping
distance or trailer instability which
could result in serious injury, death,
or property damage. Only use the
ITBC system with electric or electric
over hydraulic trailer brake systems.
Trailer Brake Control Panel
1. Manual Trailer Brake Apply Lever 2. Trailer Gain Adjustment
Buttons
The ITBC control panel is on the
instrument panel to the left of the
steering column. See Instrument Panel
0 6. The control panel allows
adjustment to the amount of output,
referred to as Trailer Gain, available to
the trailer brakes and allows manual
application of the trailer brakes. Use
the ITBC control panel and the DIC
trailer brake display page to adjust
and display power output to the
trailer brakes.
Trailer Brake DIC Display Page
The ITBC display page indicates:
. Trailer Gain setting
. Output to the trailer brakes
. Trailer connection
. System operational status.
To display:
. Scroll through the DIC menu
pages
. Press a Trailer Gain (+) or (−)
button .
Activate the Manual Trailer Brake
Apply Lever
TRAILER GAIN:
Press a Trailer Gain button to recall
the current Trailer Gain setting. Each
press and release of the gain buttons
will then change the Trailer Gain
setting. Press the Trailer Gain (+) or
(−) to adjust. Press and hold to
continuously adjust the Trailer Gain.
To turn the output to the trailer off,
adjust the Trailer Gain setting to 0.0.
This setting can be adjusted from 0.0
to 10.0 with a trailer connected or
disconnected.
TRAILER OUTPUT: This displays
anytime a trailer with electric brakes
is connected. Output to the trailer
brakes is based on the amount of
vehicle braking present and relative to
the Trailer Gain setting. Output is
displayed from 0 to 100% for each
gain setting.
The Trailer Output will indicate “- - - -
- -” on the Trailer Brake Display Page
whenever the following occur:
. No trailer is connected.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
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
272 DRIVING AND OPERATING
the vehicle. This message will
automatically turn off in about
10 seconds. This message can be
acknowledged before it automatically
turns off.
CHECK TRAILER WIRING: This
message will display if:
.The ITBC system first determines
connection to a trailer with
electric brakes and then the trailer
harness becomes disconnected the
vehicle.
If the disconnect occurs while the
vehicle is stationary, this message
will automatically turn off in
about 30 seconds. This message
will also turn off if it is
acknowledged or if the trailer
harness is reconnected.
If the disconnect occurs while the
vehicle is moving, this message
will continue until the ignition is
turned off. This message will also
turn off if it is acknowledged or if
the trailer harness is reconnected.
. There is an electrical fault in the
wiring to the trailer brakes. This
message will continue as long as there is an electrical fault in the
trailer wiring. This message will
also turn off if it is acknowledged.
To determine whether the electrical
fault is on the vehicle side or trailer
side of the trailer wiring harness
connection: 1. Disconnect the trailer wiring harness from the vehicle.
2. Turn the ignition off.
3. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the ignition back to RUN.
4. If the CHECK TRAILER WIRING message reappears, the electrical
fault is on the vehicle side.
If the CHECK TRAILER WIRING
message only reappears when
connecting the trailer wiring
harness to the vehicle, the
electrical fault is on the
trailer side.
SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM:
This message will display when there
is a problem with the ITBC system.
If this message continues over multiple ignition cycles, there is a
problem with the ITBC system. Have
the vehicle serviced.
If either the CHECK TRAILER WIRING
or SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM
message displays while driving, the
ITBC system may not be fully
functional or may not function at all.
When traffic conditions allow,
carefully pull the vehicle over to the
side of the road and turn the ignition
off. Check the wiring connection to
the trailer and turn the ignition back
on. If either of these messages
continues, either the vehicle or trailer
needs service.
A GM dealer may be able to diagnose
and repair problems with the trailer.
However, any diagnosis and repair of
the trailer is not covered under the
vehicle warranty. Contact your trailer
dealer for assistance with trailer
repairs and trailer warranty
information.

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-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
274 DRIVING AND OPERATING
{Warning
Use of aftermarket electronic trailer
sway control devices could result in
reduced trailer brake performance,
loss of trailer brakes, or other
malfunctions, and result in a crash.
You or others could be seriously
injured or killed. Before using one
of these devices:. Ask the device or trailer
manufacturer if the device
has been thoroughly tested
for compatibility with the
make, model, and year of
your vehicle and any optional
equipment installed on your
vehicle.
. Before driving, check the
trailer brakes are working
properly, if equipped. Drive
the vehicle with the trailer
attached on a level road
surface that is free of traffic
at about 32-40 km/h
(20-25 mph) and fully apply
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the manual trailer brake apply
lever. Also, check the trailer
brake lamps and other lamps
are functioning correctly.
. If the trailer brakes are not
operating properly at any
time, or if a DIC message
indicates problems with the
trailer connections or trailer
brakes, carefully pull the
vehicle over to the side of the
road when traffic conditions
allow.
Trailer Tires
Special Trailer (ST) tires differ from
vehicle tires. Trailer tires are designed
with stiff sidewalls to help prevent
sway and to support heavy loads.
These features can make it difficult to
determine if the trailer tire pressures
are low only based on a visual
inspection. Always check all trailer tire pressures
before each trip when the tires are
cool. Low trailer tire pressure is a
leading cause of trailer tire blow-outs.
Trailer tires deteriorate over time. The
trailer tire sidewall will show the week
and year the tire was manufactured.
Many trailer tire manufacturers
recommend replacing tires more than
six years old.
Overloading is another leading cause
of trailer tire blow-outs. Never load
your trailer with more weight than the
tires are designed to support. The load
rating is located on the trailer tire
sidewall.
Always know the maximum speed
rating for the trailer tires before
driving. This may be significantly
lower than the vehicle tire speed
rating. The speed rating may be on
the trailer tire sidewall. If the speed
rating is not shown, the default trailer
tire speed rating is 105 km/h (65 mph).

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
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.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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290 VEHICLE CARE
If the ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE or the ENGINE
OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE message
appears with no sign of steam, try this
for a minute or so:1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest
fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral), and let the
engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge is no longer in the overheat
zone or an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally
and have the cooling system checked
for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle right away. If there is still no sign of steam and
the vehicle is equipped with an engine
driven cooling fan, push down the
accelerator until the engine speed is
about twice as fast as normal idle
speed for at least five minutes while
the vehicle is parked. If the warning is
still there, turn off the engine and get
everyone out of the vehicle until it
cools down.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for five minutes while parked.
If the warning is still displayed, turn
off the engine until it cools down.
Engine Fan
If the vehicle has electric cooling fans,
the fans may be heard spinning at low
speed during most everyday driving.
The fans may turn off if no cooling is
required. Under heavy vehicle loading,
trailer towing, high outside
temperatures, or operation of the air
conditioning system, the fans may
change to high speed and an increase
in fan noise may be heard. This is
normal and indicates that the cooling
system is functioning properly. The
fans will change to low speed when
additional cooling is no longer
required.
The electric engine cooling fans may
run after the engine has been turned.
off. This is normal and no service is
required.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid needs
to be added, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. Use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing in an area
where the temperature may fall below
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The vehicle has a low washer fluid
message on the DIC that comes on
when the washer fluid is low. The
message is displayed for 15 seconds at
the start of each ignition cycle. When
the WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID
message displays, washer fluid will
need to be added to the windshield
washer fluid reservoir.