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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)
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 333
2. Have someone place chocks underthe trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake
pedal to allow the chocks to absorb
the load of the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into a gear.
.Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Launching and Retrieving a Boat
Backing the Trailer into the Water
{Warning
.Have all passengers get out of
the vehicle before backing onto
the sloped part of the ramp.
Lower the driver and passenger
side windows before backing
onto the ramp. This will provide
a means of escape in the unlikely
event the vehicle slides into the
water.
.If the boat launch surface is
slippery, have the driver remain
in the vehicle with the brake
pedal applied while the boat is
being launched. The boat launch
can be especially slippery at low
tide when part of the ramp was
previously submerged at high
tide. Do not back onto the ramp
to launch the boat if you are not
sure the vehicle can maintain
traction.
.Do not move the vehicle if
someone is in the path of the
trailer. Some parts of the trailer
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
might be underwater and not
visible to people who are
assisting in launching the boat.
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before backing the trailer into the
water to prevent damage to the
electrical circuits on the trailer.
Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after removing the trailer from the
water. If the trailer has electric brakes
that can function when the trailer is
submerged, it might help to leave the
electrical trailer connector attached to
maintain trailer brake functionality
while on the boat ramp.
To back the trailer into the water: 1. If equipped, place the vehicle in four-wheel-drive high.
2. Slowly back down the boat ramp until the boat is floating, but no
further than necessary.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet.
4. Have someone place chocks under the front wheels of the vehicle.
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.
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 343
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, change drive mode to Tow
Haul. 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.
If equipped, the Trailering App will
monitor the RH turn/brake lamp
circuit, LH turn/brake lamp circuit,
running lamp circuit, and reverse
lamp circuits on the trailer. DIC
messages and Trailering App alerts
may be displayed if lighting circuit
issues are detected on the trailer. Pressing START LIGHT TEST in the
Trailering App automatically activates
trailer lamps. The Trailering App is
not a substitute for manually
inspecting your trailer lamps. See
Trailering App
0349.
Trailer Connection and Lamp
Messages
When a trailer is properly connected
and working, no trailer connection or
lamp messages appear on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). However; if
the vehicle detects an issue with a
trailer connection or lamp, you may
see the following DIC message(s):
.TRAILER DISCONNECTED CHECK
CONNECTION appears when a
connected trailer is disconnected.
It appears immediately when the
vehicle is on, or upon the next
start-up if the trailer was
disconnected while the vehicle was
off. Check the trailer connection as
appropriate.
.CHECK TRAILER XXX LAMP
appears when there is a detected
lamp or wiring fault on the trailer.
Check the trailer wiring and lamps.
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Warning (Continued)
(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.
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.If the vehicle is equipped with a trailer
tire pressure monitoring system, see
the trailer tire pressure monitoring
system description and the
trailering app.
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).
Trailering App
Trailer Lights App
If equipped, the Trailer Lights App is
on the Home Page of the infotainment
display.
Touch Start to cycle the trailer lamps
on and off to determine if they are
working. The test follows this
sequence:
1. The running lights turn on first and remain on throughout the
sequence.
2. The brake lights turn on for about two seconds.
3. The left turn signal light flashes three times.
4. The right turn signal light flashes three times.
5. The reverse lights turn on for about two seconds.
6. Steps 2–5 repeat for approximately one minute and 45 seconds,
or until the test deactivates.
Touch Stop to stop the test. The test
will automatically end after
one minute and 45 seconds.
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 351
Trailer Feature Setup
Tow/Haul Mode Reminder
To turn the Tow/Haul Mode Reminder
setting on, touch Yes. To turn it off,
touch No.
Trailer Tire Pressure Setup
If the Trailer Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TTPMS) is detected, touch
the Tire Pressure Monitoring icon to
set up tire pressure monitoring. Touch
Yes to set up the sensors or touch No
to return to the previous screen.
The trailer tire pressure sensors can
transmit up to 7 m (23 ft) from the
hitch receiver of the vehicle.
A trailer must be electrically
connected to the vehicle before
starting the sensor-to-vehicle learn
process.
After selecting Start from the Learn
Sensors screen, use the Tool Method
or the Manual Method (described
below) to learn each tire sensor,
during which the current tire number
will be highlighted.Each sensor has a minimum of
two minutes to learn, shown by a
timer. After a sensor is learned, a
checkmark appears next to the tire,
the vehicle horn will sound, the
vehicle’s brake lamps will flash, and
all working trailer lamps will flash.
It then moves to the next sensor.
To cancel the process touch Stop.
The recommended tire pressure must
be entered for the trailer tires. This
allows the vehicle to alert when the
tire pressure is high or low.
TTPMS must learn the location of the
installed tire sensors to show correct
air pressure and temperature for each
tire. To set up, use one of the
following options or see a tire or
trailer dealer for service. The learning
process must be repeated when the
trailer tires are rotated or replaced.
See
“Editing a Trailer Profile ”later in
this section for tire pressure sensor
relearn information.
Tool Method: A TTPMS activation tool
can be purchased separately to learn
the sensor locations. Manual Method: Without the tool, the
air pressure can be increased or
decreased in each tire for 10 seconds.
Do not exceed the maximum inflation
pressure found on the tire sidewalls.
Make sure to re-adjust tire pressure to
the recommended level when the
process is complete.
Sensor Learning Steps
To complete the sensor-to-vehicle
learn process:
1. Touch Start on the Learn Sensors screen. The horn chirps twice and
the Learning Active screen appears
on the infotainment display.
2. Start with the driver side front trailer tire.
3. Activate the tool near the valve stem or adjust the air pressure of
this tire until the horn chirps and
all working vehicle and trailer
lights flash.
The process stops without saving
the sensor locations if this step
takes more than two minutes.
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Connections
1. Trailer Electrical Diagnostics
2. Light Test Start Button
Connections: OK
If a trailer connection is detected
without any faults, the view will
display OK.
Trailer Connections Status
When a trailer is connected, the
Trailering App System detects the
trailer connection using the Stop/Turn
Signal lighting circuits and alerts the
driver by requesting a trailer profile
setup through the Trailering App
System on the infotainment screen.
The Trailer Detection Alert setting
must be enabled for the alert to
display when a trailer is connected.When a trailer is connected and the
ignition is off, the Trailering App
System will periodically pulse the
lighting circuits of the trailer to verify
it is still connected. The trailer lights
may periodically flash as a result of
this trailer connection detection.
These flashes may be more visible in
dark ambient light environments. The
flashing or flickering lights are a
normal condition and the Trailering
App System has built-in protections to
prevent the battery from draining.
When Theft Alert is also enabled the
frequency and pattern of this flashing
will change.
Connection Problem
If any of the trailer connections are
lost, a message about the connection
issue will appear on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The
infotainment display will also show
the connection issue in the
Connection Status view.
If a trailer connection is not detected,
the Trailering App will not display the
Connection Status screen.
Connection Trailer Lighting Faults
Detected
The Trailering App System monitors
for electrical faults on the trailer
lights. A message about the lighting
issue will appear on the DIC. The
infotainment display will also show
the lighting issue in the Connection
Status view. Repair your trailer lights
if needed. A trailer lighting issue is
not covered by your GM warranty.
Diagnose View
Touch Diagnose to see more
information about the connection
problem.
This view will display the names of
the trailer connector pins, a graphic of
the trailer connector, and a graphic of
the back of the trailer.
Any connector pin that failed will be
amber color, and the location of the
corresponding connection will be
highlighted on the graphic of the back
of the trailer.
The Running Lights connection may
not detect partial outages. Activate
the light test to check all trailer
lamps. See
“Light Test”following.
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354 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Light Test
Touch Start Light Test to cycle the
trailer lights on and off to determine if
they are working. The test follows this
sequence:1. The running lights turn on first and remain on throughout the
sequence.
2. The brake lights turn on for about two seconds.
3. The left turn signal light flashes three times.
4. The right turn signal light flashes three times.
5. The reverse lights turn on for about two seconds.
6. Steps 2–5 repeat for approximately one minute and 45 seconds,
or until the test deactivates.
Touch Stop to stop the test. The test
will automatically end after
one minute and 45 seconds.
The sequence also deactivates when
any of the following occur:
.The ignition is turned off.
.The transmission is shifted out of
P (Park).
.The brake pedal is pressed.
.The turn signal is activated.
.The hazard warning lights are
activated.
Tires
1. Trailer Tire Pressure/Temperature
Tire Pressure and Temperature
If the TTPMS sensor-to-vehicle learn
process was completed, the status
view will display the current tire
pressure and temperature of the
trailer tires related to the active
Trailer Profile. If a tire’s pressure is
low or high, the color of the pressure
value will be amber. If a sensor
malfunctions, the values are dashed
lines. If the screen displays “ServiceTire Pressure Monitoring System
”, the
vehicle needs to be taken to a dealer
for service.
Maintenance
1. List of Maintenance Reminders
2. Add a New Maintenance Reminder
The Maintenance Status view displays
reminders. Touch a reminder to edit.
Touch + New Maintenance Reminder
to go to the Select New
Reminder view.
The progress bar turns yellow when
the maintenance item reaches 90%
complete.
The progress bar turns red when the
maintenance item reaches 100%
complete.