2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE ECO mode

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 259
20 seconds, the transfer case will
remain in its original state. This will
be indicated in the instrument cluster.
With the vehicle moving less than
5 km/h (3 mph) and the transmission
in N (Neutral), attempt the shift again.
Shifting Out of 4
n
1. The vehicle must be stopped ormoving less than 5 km/h (3 mph)
with the transmission in
N (Neutral) and the ignition on.
It is best for the vehicle to be
moving 1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Press 4
m, AUTO, or 2m. The actual
4x4 shift request is only made after
the button is released. The 4x4
graphic will remain flashing until
the shift request has completed.
A DIC message displays to indicate
the state of the request.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed,
the DIC message disappears, the
4x4 graphic stops flashing, and the
current setting is indicated.
If vehicle speed is higher when
shift request occurs, a DIC message
displays. Reduce vehicle speed. If the transmission is not in
N (Neutral) when the shift request
occurs, DIC messages will display. The
vehicle will allow 20 seconds for this
shift to occur. After this time, a
graphic in the instrument cluster will
indicate that the transfer case is in 4
n.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode indicator
light has stopped flashing could
damage the transfer case.
If the transmission is not shifted into
N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not
slowed to 5 km/h (3 mph) within
20 seconds, the transfer case will
remain in its original state. This will
be indicated in the instrument cluster.
With the vehicle moving less than
5 km/h (3 mph), and the transmission
in N (Neutral), attempt the shift again.
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
To shift into N (Neutral): 1. Start the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral). 3. Shift the transfer case to 2
m.
4. Apply the parking brake and/or brake pedal.
5. Press 2
mfive times in 10 seconds
until the N (Neutral) symbol starts
flashing in the instrument cluster.
When the shift is complete, the
graphic stops flashing. If the
parking brake and/or brake pedal is
not applied within 20 seconds, the
transfer case will remain in the
original state.
6. If the transmission is not shifted into N (Neutral) or the vehicle has
not slowed to 5 km/h (3 mph)
within 20 seconds, the transfer case
will remain in its original state.
This will be indicated in the
instrument cluster.
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift out of N (Neutral): 1. Turn the ignition on with the engine off. See Ignition Positions
0 245.
2. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0261.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 267
To activate each mode, press the
MODE button on the instrument
panel to the left of the steering wheel.
To activate Terrain Mode, press
g
button located next to the MODE
button.
Tour :Use for normal city and
highway driving to provide a smooth
ride. This setting provides balance
between comfort and handling. This is
the standard/default mode. There is
no persistent indicator in the
instrument cluster for this mode.
8Sport Mode : Use where road
conditions or personal preference
demand a more controlled response. When you enter this mode you will
immediately feel a down shift. In this
mode, the vehicle also monitors
driving behaviors and automatically
enables Performance Shift Features
when spirited driving is detected.
These features maintain lower
transmission gears to increase
available engine braking and improve
acceleration response. The vehicle will
exit these features and return to
normal operation after a short period
when no spirited driving is detected.
The steering will change to provide
more precise control. If the vehicle
has Magnetic Ride Control, the
suspension will change to provide
better cornering performance.
6Snow/Ice Mode :
Snow/Ice
improves vehicle acceleration on snow
and ice covered roads. When active,
Snow/Ice Mode will adjust
acceleration to optimize traction on
slippery surfaces. This can
compromise the acceleration on dry
asphalt. This feature is not intended
for use when the vehicle is stuck in
sand, mud, ice, snow, or gravel. If the
vehicle becomes stuck see If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0240.
7Off-Road Mode : Use this mode
for off-road recreational driving.
Off-Road Mode should be used to
improve driving at moderate speeds,
on grass, gravel, dirt, unpaved roads,
or snow-covered roads. The
accelerator pedal is tuned for off-road
use. This mode modifies pedal
mapping, All-Wheel Drive (AWD),
steering, ride height, Antilock Brake
System (ABS), StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC), and Traction
Control System (TCS) performance.
For more information on off-road
driving, see Off-Road Driving 0234.
_Tow/Haul Mode : For more
information on Tow/Haul Mode, see
Tow/Haul Mode 0256.
gTerrain Mode : Use this mode
when traveling on very rough roads at
very low speeds, such as a two-track
or heavily rutted road. This can also
be used for pulling a boat out of the
water on a trailer. When in Terrain
Mode, the vehicle will shift
automatically but will hold a lower
gear longer to maximize engine
torque. This mode has a unique pedal
map and transmission shift pattern

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
268 DRIVING AND OPERATING
for better control at lower speeds and
over rough terrain. This mode
modifies accelerator pedal mapping,
transmission shift pattern, ride height,
suspension, steering, AWD, Electronic
Limited-Slip Differential (eSLD), ESC
performance and TCS performance.
When the vehicle comes to a stop on
an upward grade, Automatic Vehicle
Hold is engaged until the driver
presses the accelerator pedal. Stop/
Start and cruise control are disabled
in Terrain Mode.
Active Braking during lift throttle will
be engaged. This feature automatically
applies light braking to simulate
heavy engine braking of
four-wheel-dive low. It also applies
light braking in D (Drive) until the
vehicle is at idle speeds. In M1 and
M2 light braking will typically bring
the vehicle to a stop. Active Braking
during lift throttle will also reduce
trailer braking.
Terrain Mode will automatically exit
to Tour Mode if the brake
temperatures become too hot,electronic parking brake becomes
inoperable or the vehicle cannot
perform braking or vehicle hold.
For more information on off-road
driving, see
Off-Road Driving 0234 and
Hill and Mountain Roads 0238.
Magnetic Ride Control
This vehicle may have a semi-active
damping system called Magnetic Ride
Control. With this feature, improved
vehicle ride and handling is provided
under a variety of passenger and
loading conditions.
Locking Rear Axle
Vehicles with a locking rear axle can
give more traction on snow, mud, ice,
sand, or gravel. It works like a
standard axle most of the time, but
when traction is low, this feature will
allow the rear wheel with the most
traction to move the vehicle.
Four Corner Air Suspension
System
The Four Corner Air Suspension
feature provides full time load leveling
capability along with the benefit of
adjusting ride height for increased
convenience and capability.
{Warning
To help avoid personal injury or
death, make sure the area
underneath the vehicle and inside
the wheel wells is clear when
lowering the vehicle.
{Warning
To help avoid personal injury or
death, always select the lowest ride
height for the current driving
conditions. Higher ride heights raise
the vehicle's center of gravity,
increasing the chance of a rollover
during extreme maneuvers.

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DRIVING AND OPERATING 273
.To increase vehicle speed in small
increments, press RES+ up briefly to
the first detent. For each press, the
vehicle goes about 1 km/h (1 mph)
faster.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster 0114.
The increment value used depends on
the units displayed.
Reducing Speed While Cruise
Control is at a Set Speed
If the cruise control system is already
activated:
.Press and hold SET− down until the
desired lower speed is reached, then
release it.
.To decrease the vehicle speed in
small increments, press SET− down
briefly. For each press, the vehicle
goes about 1 km/h (1 mph) slower.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster 0114.
The increment value used depends on
the units displayed. Passing Another Vehicle While
Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase
the vehicle speed. When you take your
foot off the pedal, the vehicle will slow
down to the previous set cruise speed.
While pressing the accelerator pedal
or shortly following the release to
override cruise, briefly applying the
SET−
control will result in cruise set
to the current vehicle speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works on
hills depends on the vehicle speed, the
load, and the steepness of the hills.
When going up steep hills, pressing
the accelerator pedal may be
necessary to maintain vehicle speed.
When going downhill, Cruise Grade
Braking helps maintain the driver
selected speed.
Cruise Grade Braking is enabled when
the vehicle is started and cruise
control is active. It is not enabled in
Range Selection Mode. It assists in
maintaining driver selected speed when driving on downhill grades by
using the engine and transmission to
slow the vehicle.
To disable and enable Cruise Grade
Braking for the current ignition cycle,
press and hold the Tow/Haul button
for five seconds. A Driver Information
Center (DIC) message displays.
For other forms of Grade Braking, see
Automatic Transmission
0251 and
Tow/Haul Mode 0256.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise
control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
.To turn off cruise control, pressJ.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased
from memory if
Jis pressed or if the
ignition is turned off.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 275
5:Press to turn the system on or off.
The indicator turns white on the
instrument cluster when ACC is
turned on.
RES+ : Press briefly to resume the
previous set speed or to increase
vehicle speed if ACC is already
activated. To increase speed by about
1 km/h (1 mph), press RES+ to the first
detent. To increase speed to the next
5 km/h (5 mph) mark on the
speedometer, press RES+ to the
second detent.
SET– :Press briefly to set the speed
and activate ACC or to decrease
vehicle speed if ACC is already
activated. To decrease speed by about 1 km/h (1 mph), press SET–
to the
first detent. To decrease speed to the
next 5 km/h (5 mph) mark on the
speedometer, press SET– to the
second detent.
*: Press to disengage ACC without
erasing the selected set speed.
[: Press to select a following gap
time (or distance) setting for ACC of
Far, Medium, or Near.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster 0114.
The increment value used depends on
the units displayed.
Switching Between ACC and
Regular Cruise Control
To switch between ACC and regular
cruise control, press and hold
*.
A Driver Information Center (DIC)
message displays.
ACC IndicatorRegular Cruise
Control Indicator
When ACC is engaged, a green
\
indicator will be lit on the instrument
cluster and the following gap will be
displayed. When the regular cruise
control is engaged, a green
J
indicator will be lit on the instrument
cluster; the following gap will not
display.
When the vehicle is turned on, the
cruise control mode will be set to the
last mode used before the vehicle was
turned off.
{Warning
Always check the cruise control
indicator on the instrument cluster
to determine which mode cruise
control is in before using the (Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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330 DRIVING AND OPERATING
assistance with preparing the vehicle
to tow a trailer. Read the entire
section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, seeTowing
the Vehicle 0428. To tow the vehicle
behind another vehicle such as a
motor home, see Recreational Vehicle
Towing 0429.
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing a
trailer if the correct equipment is
not used or the vehicle is not driven
properly. For example, if the trailer
is too heavy or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load, the vehicle
may not stop as expected. You and
others could be seriously injured.
The vehicle may also be damaged,
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Pull a trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been followed. Ask
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just driving
the vehicle by itself. Trailering means
changes in handling, acceleration,
braking, durability, and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct
equipment, and it has to be used
properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are
important for your safety and that of
your passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with and follow all
state and local laws that apply to
trailer towing. These requirements
vary from state to state.
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. Even if
not required, you should install extended side view mirrors if your
visibility is limited or restricted
while towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to
prevent damage to the engine, axle,
or other parts.
.It is recommended to perform the
first oil change before heavy towing.
.During the first 800 km (500 mi) of
trailer towing, do not drive over
80 km/h (50 mph) and do not make
starts at full throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Tow/
Haul Mode is recommended for
heavier trailers. See
Tow/Haul Mode
0 256. If the transmission
downshifts too often, a lower gear
may be selected using Manual
Mode. See Manual Mode 0255.
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be turned
off when towing a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking Assist (APA)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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334 DRIVING AND OPERATING
5. Gradually release the brake pedalto allow the chocks to absorb the
load of the trailer.
6. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
7. Release the brake pedal.
Pulling the Trailer from the Water 1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine and shift into a gear.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Let up on the brake pedal.
5. Drive slowly until the tires are clear of the chocks.
6. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
7. Slowly pull the trailer from the water.
8. Once the vehicle and trailer have been driven from the sloped part of
the boat ramp, the vehicle can be
shifted from four-wheel-drive high.
Shift into the drive mode that is
appropriate for the road conditions.Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin and
the vehicle begins to slide toward
the water, remove your foot from
the accelerator pedal and apply the
brake pedal. Seek help to have the
vehicle towed up the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more often
when used to tow trailers. See
Maintenance Schedule 0442. It is
especially important to check the
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system, and brake system
before and during each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling when Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
0 375.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To tow a trailer
correctly, follow the directions in
this section and see your dealer for
important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailering is different than just driving
the vehicle by itself. Trailering means
changes in handling, acceleration,
braking, durability, and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct
equipment, and it has to be used
properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are
important for your safety and that of
your passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 341
MeasurementHeight Example 1500 (mm)
H1 1000
H2 1050
H2-H1 50
(H2-H1)/2 25
H2- [(H2-H1)/2] 1025
Towing with the Four Corner Air
Suspension System 1. Adjust the vehicle air suspension to "Normal Ground Clearance Height."
2. Position the truck so that the trailer is ready to connect (Keep
trailer detached).
3. Enable air suspension ‘Service
Mode’ in the center infotainment
screen under Settings/Vehicle/
Suspension.
4. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening at the
fender to the ground (H1). 5. Attach the vehicle to the trailer, do
not attach weight distribution bars
at this time.
6. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the
fender to the ground (H2).
7. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars per the
manufacturers’ recommendations
so that the height of the front
fender is approximately H2-
[(H2-H1)/3] (1/3 between the two
measured ride heights, below the
secondary ride height {H2}). 8. Disable air suspension air
suspension "Service Mode."
9. Air suspension will automatically adjust ride height following step 8.
10. Visually inspect the trailer and weight-distributing hitch to ensure
that the manufacturers’
recommendations have been met.