2020 CADILLAC ESCALADE Towing equipment 247

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
DRIVING AND OPERATING 167
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . 237
Driving Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . 251
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 253
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage.
Here are some driving tips to get the
best fuel economy possible:
. Set the climate controls to the
desired temperature after the
engine is started, or turn them off
when not required.
. Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
. Brake gradually and avoid abrupt
stops.
. Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
. When road and weather
conditions are appropriate, use
cruise control.
. Always follow posted speed limits
or drive more slowly when
conditions require.
. Keep vehicle tires properly
inflated. .
Combine several trips into a
single trip.
. Replace the vehicle's tires with the
same TPC Spec number molded
into the tire's sidewall near
the size.
. Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
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.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
182 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 0171.
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 0207.
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
0 247
.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
196 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking is only
enabled while the Tow/Haul Mode is
selected and the vehicle is not in the
Range Selection Mode. See“Tow/Haul
Mode ”listed previously and Manual
Mode 0194. Tow/Haul Mode Grade
Braking assists in maintaining desired
vehicle speeds when driving on
downhill grades by using the engine
and transmission to slow the vehicle.
To disable or enable Tow/Haul Grade
Braking within the current ignition
cycle, press and hold the Tow/Haul
button for five seconds. When the
button is released, the requested mode
change is made. A DIC message is
displayed.
See Towing Equipment 0247.
For other forms of grade braking, see
Automatic Transmission 0191 and
Cruise Control 0207.
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive
If equipped, four-wheel drive engages
the front axle for extra traction.
Caution
Do not drive on clean, dry
pavement in 4
mand 4n(if
equipped) for an extended period of
time. These conditions may cause
premature wear on the vehicle’s
powertrain.
Driving on clean, dry pavement in 4
m
or 4nmay:
. Cause a vibration to be felt in the
steering system.
. Cause tires to wear faster.
. Make the transfer case harder to
shift, and cause it to run noisier.
{Warning
If equipped with four-wheel drive,
the vehicle will be free to roll if the
transfer case is in N (Neutral), even
when the shift lever is in P (Park).
Be sure the transfer case is in a
drive gear —2
m, 4m, or 4n—not
in N (Neutral). See Shifting Into Park
0 188.
Caution
Extended high-speed operation in
4
nmay damage or shorten the life
of the drivetrain.
Engagement noise and bump when
shifting between 4
nand 4mor from
N (Neutral), with the engine running,
is normal.
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction
Control and StabiliTrak/ESC off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0203.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
DRIVING AND OPERATING 239
If equipped with Lane Change Alert
(LCA), the LCA detection zones that
extend back from the side of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed. Use caution
while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic
Alert (RCTA), use caution while
backing up when towing a trailer, as
the RCTA detection zones that extend
out from the back of the vehicle do
not move further back when a trailer
is towed.
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of the
vehicle and enter if the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most window
is open.
When towing a trailer:. Do not drive with the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window open.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Also adjust the climate
control system to a setting
that brings in only outside air.
See “Climate Control Systems ”
in the Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust
0 190.
Towing a trailer requires experience.
The combination of the vehicle and
trailer is longer and not as responsive
as the vehicle itself. Get used to the
handling and braking of the
combination by driving on a level road
surface before driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must be all be rated to carry
the intended cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the combination
to operate in an unexpected or unsafe
manner. Before driving, inspect all trailer hitch parts and attachments,
safety chains, electrical connectors,
lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing
Equipment 0247. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the
trailer brake controller to check the
trailer brakes work. During the trip,
occasionally check that the cargo and
trailer are secure and that the lamps
and any trailer brakes are working.
Towing with a Stability Control
System
When towing, the stability control
system might be heard. The system
reacts to vehicle movement caused by
the trailer, which mainly occurs
during cornering. This is normal when
towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving without a trailer. This can help
to avoid heavy braking and sudden
turns.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
DRIVING AND OPERATING 243
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity
for your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades,
outside temperature, dimensions of
the front of the trailer, and how
frequently the vehicle is used to tow a
trailer.
Trailering Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined
weight of the vehicle, vehicle contents,
trailer, and trailer contents must be
below all of the maximum weight
ratings for the vehicle, including:
. GCWR: Gross Combined Weight
Rating
. GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating
. Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
. GAWR-RR: Gross Axle Weight
Rating-Rear .
Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight
Rating
See “Weight-Distributing Hitch
Adjustment ”under Towing Equipment
0 247 to determine if equalizer bars
are required to obtain the maximum
trailer weight rating.
See “Trailer Brakes ”under Towing
Equipment 0247 to determine if
brakes are required based on your
trailer's weight.
The only way to be sure the weight is
not exceeding any of these ratings is
to weigh the tow vehicle and trailer
combination, fully loaded for the trip,
getting individual weights for each of
these items.
{Warning
You and others could be seriously
injured or killed if the trailer is too
heavy or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load. The vehicle
may be damaged, and the repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Only tow a trailer if all the steps in
this section have been followed. Ask
your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer.
Gross Combined Weight
Rating (GCWR)
GCWR is the total allowable weight of
the completely loaded vehicle and
trailer including any fuel, passengers,
cargo, equipment, and accessories. Do
not exceed the GCWR for your vehicle.
The GCWR for the vehicle is on the
Tow Rating Chart following.
To check that the weight of the
vehicle and trailer are within the
GCWR for the vehicle, follow these
steps:
.Start with the "curb weight" from
the trailering information label
. Add the weight of the trailer
loaded with cargo and ready for
the trip
. Add the weight of all passengers

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
DRIVING AND OPERATING 247
If a cargo carrier is used in the trailer
hitch receiver, choose a carrier that
positions the load as close to the
vehicle as possible. Make sure the
total weight, including the carrier, is
no more than half of the maximum
allowable tongue weight for the
vehicle or 227 kg (500 lb), whichever
is less.
Rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR-RR)
The GAWR-RR is the total weight that
can be supported by the rear axle of
the vehicle. Do not exceed the
GAWR-RR for the vehicle, with the
tow vehicle and trailer fully loaded for
the trip including the weight of the
trailer tongue. If using a
weight-distributing hitch, do not
exceed the GAWR-RR before applying
the weight distribution spring bars.Ask your dealer for trailering
information or assistance.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Always use the correct hitch
equipment for your vehicle.
Crosswinds, large trucks going by, and
rough roads can affect the trailer and
the hitch.Proper hitch equipment for your
vehicle helps maintain control of the
vehicle-trailer combination. Many
trailers can be towed using a
weight-carrying hitch which has a
coupler latched to the hitch ball, or a
tow eye latched to a pintle hook.
Other trailers may require a
weight-distributing hitch that uses
spring bars to distribute the trailer
tongue weight between your vehicle
and trailer axles. See
“Maximum
Trailer Tongue Weight Rating” under
Trailer Towing 0242 for weight limits
with various hitch types.
Never attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches. Only use
frame-mounted hitches that do not
attach to the bumper.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
252 DRIVING AND OPERATING
{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
trailer tires. SeeTowing Equipment
0 247 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.
{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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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
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.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
INDEX 383
E
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . 124
Electrical Equipment, Add-On . . . . . 253
Electrical SystemEngine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . 280
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285, 287
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Emergency
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Check Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . 260
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . 118
Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 Engine (cont'd)
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . . . 150
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . 155
F
Fan Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . 152
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336 Fluid
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . 264
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Four-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . .196, 274
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Front Seats Heated and Cooled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Fuel
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Economy, Driving for Better . . . . . 167
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . 128
Management, Active . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234