2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE tow

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
266 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Traction and Stability Menu
To turn off TCS, select or touch the
Traction virtual button on the screen.
The traction off light
idisplays in
the instrument cluster. See Traction
Off Light 0127.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
disabled, the system will not turn off
until the wheels stop spinning.
To turn TCS back on, select or touch
the Traction virtual button on the
screen. The traction off light
i
displayed in the instrument cluster
will turn off. To turn StabiliTrak/ESC off, first turn
off TCS to enable the Stability virtual
button on the screen, then select or
touch the Stability virtual button. The
StabiliTrak/ESC off light
gwill display
in the instrument cluster. See
StabiliTrak OFF Light 0127.
To turn StabiliTrak/ESC back on,
select or touch the Stability virtual
button on the screen. StabiliTrak/ESC
will turn on, but TCS will remain off.
TCS cannot be on when StabiliTrak/
ESC is off. If both systems are turned
off, selecting or touching the Traction
virtual button will turn both systems
back on.
StabiliTrak/ESC will automatically
turn on if the vehicle exceeds 56 km/h
(35 mph) and cannot be turned off
again until speed is reduced. Traction
control will remain off. Vehicles
equipped with the four corner air
suspension re-enable StabiliTrak/ESC
at 32 km/h (20 mph). The vehicle has a Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) feature and a Hill Start Assist
(HSA) feature. See
Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) 0347 or
Hill Start Assist (HSA) 0263.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See Accessories
and Modifications 0364.
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control (DMC) allows the
driver to adjust the overall driving
experience to better suit preference by
adjusting multiple sub-system
simultaneously. Drive mode
availability and affected vehicle
subsystems are dependent upon
vehicle trim level, region, and optional
features.
Tour will be the default mode at every
ignition cycle. A unique and persistent
indicator will be displayed in the
instrument cluster for each mode.
Depending on trim level, Tour, Sport,
Snow/Ice, Off-Road, Tow/Haul, and
Terrain modes may be available.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
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
DRIVING AND OPERATING 269
{Warning
Heavy loads on the roof rack will
make the vehicle's center of gravity
higher, increasing the possibility of
a rollover. To avoid losing control of
the vehicle, always select the
normal height setting and avoid
high speeds, sudden starts, sharp
turns, sudden braking, or abrupt
maneuvers when carrying cargo on
the roof rack.
Changing Ride Height
Press either ‘Up’or‘Down’ Ride Height
Button to open the Ride Height menu.
Use these buttons to select the desired
ride height in the menu. After a brief
pause, the menu will timeout and the
selection will finalize. Ride heights
that are unavailable for selection will
be greyed out in the menu.
Ride Height Descriptions
Normal Height
Normal Height is the standard vehicle
height used for everyday driving.
Entry/Exit Height
Entry/Exit Height is 50 mm (2 in)
lower than Normal Height. This ride
height lowers the vehicle for easy
entry and exit from the vehicle as well
as providing a lower height for loading
and unloading cargo.
This ride height can be selected in the
Ride Height Menu at any vehicle
speed. When Entry/Exit Height is
select at higher speeds, the vehicle
will wait to lower until the vehicle
slows to less than 12 km/h (7 mph). The vehicle will automatically raise to
Normal Height from Entry/Exit Height
when speed increases above 8 km/h
(5 mph). If no door has been opened
since lowering to Entry/Exit Height,
the vehicle will wait to raise to
Normal Height until 30 km/h
(19 mph). This gives the driver more
flexibility when lowering to Entry/Exit
Height for passenger pick up and
drop off.
The driver can enable Automatic
Entry/Egress Mode to automatically
lower to Entry/Exit Height when the
vehicle is shifted to P (PARK).
Automatic Entry/Egress Mode may be
enabled via the infotainment screen
under Settings/Vehicle/Ride Height.
When the vehicle is higher than
Normal Height, Automatic Entry/
Egress Mode is disabled. When the
vehicle is in Tow/Haul Driver Mode,
Off-Road Driver Mode, or it senses a
trailer is connected, Automatic Entry/
Egress Mode is disabled.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
270 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Increased Height
Increased Height is 25 mm (1 in)
higher than Normal Height. This ride
height raises the vehicle for off-road
use, allows for higher speeds than
Maximum Height, and is only
available with specific optional
content.
Increased Height can be selected in
the Ride Height Menu while vehicle
speed is less than 80 km/h (50 mph).
If vehicle speed exceeds 80 km/h
(50 mph), the vehicle will
automatically lower to Normal Height.
Off-Road Driver Mode and Terrain
Driver Mode will automatically set
Increased Height when vehicle speed
is less than 80 km/h (50 mph).
If vehicle speed exceeds 80 km/h
(50 mph), the vehicle will lower to
Normal Height. Normal Height will be
maintained until vehicle speed is
slowed to less than 16 km/h (10 mph)
and then the vehicle will
automatically raise back to Increased
Height.The vehicle will automatically lower
from Increased Height to Normal
Height to provide improved stability if
aggressive maneuvers are detected.
Maximum Height
Maximum Height is 50 mm (2 in)
higher than Normal Height. This ride
height raises the vehicle for off-road
use and is only available with specific
optional content.
To raise the vehicle to Maximum
Height, first shift the transfer case to
4
n. Once the transfer case is in 4n
and vehicle speed is less than
48 km/hr (30 mph), select Maximum
Height in the Ride Height Menu.
If vehicle speed exceeds 48 km/h, the
vehicle will automatically lower to
Increased Height.
The vehicle will automatically lower
from Maximum Height to Normal
Height to provide improved stability if
aggressive maneuvers are detected.
Aerodynamic Height
Aerodynamic Height is 20 mm
(0.75 in) lower than Normal Height.
This ride height lowers the vehicle at
higher vehicle speeds to improve
aerodynamics.
The vehicle will lower to Aerodynamic
Height when vehicle speed exceeds
105 km/h (65 mph) for a period of
time. The vehicle will raise to Normal
Height when the vehicle slows to less
than 48 km/h (30 mph).
Aerodynamic Height is automatically
disabled when a trailer is connected to
the vehicle or Tow/Haul Driver Mode
is active.
Suspension Modes
The air suspension has two special
modes, Service Mode and Alignment
Mode, located in the infotainment
screen under Settings/Vehicle/
Suspension.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 271
Service Mode
Service Mode will disable all air
suspension operation including raising
and lowering the vehicle and
operation of the air compressor. This
mode is useful when the vehicle is
being towed on a flat bed or when any
work under the vehicle is being
performed.
Service Mode is automatically enabled
when the vehicle is put on a hoist or a
floor jack is used to raise a corner.
Service Mode automatically disables
when vehicle speed exceeds 16 km/h
(10 mph).
Alignment Mode
Alignment Mode will optimize the
vehicle height to provide the most
accurate wheel alignment. This mode
should be enabled once the vehicle is
driven onto the alignment station.
To enable Alignment Mode, ensure
the vehicle is at Normal Height and
shift the vehicle to Neutral. Alignment
Mode automatically disables when
vehicle speed exceeds 16 km/h
(10 mph).Air Suspension Operation with
Door(s) or Hood Open
The air suspension will temporarily
suspend all height changes while the
hood or any door is open.
System Over-Temperature
If the air suspension is under heavy
use, the system may temporarily
suspend all height changes to allow
compressor cooldown. When this
occurs and a height change is
requested, a
‘Leveling System
Unavailable’ message will be displayed
in the instrument cluster.
Suspension Lowered for Stability
In the event of a loss of Electronic
Stability Control, the air suspension
will lower the vehicle at higher speeds
to provide increased stability. This will
be accompanied by a ‘Vehicle
Lowering for Stability’ message in the
instrument cluster.
Excessive Vehicle Loading
If the air suspension detects excessive
vehicle loading, it will not raise above
Normal Height. Air Suspension Service
If a
‘Service Leveling System’ message
is displayed in the instrument cluster,
see your authorized dealer
immediately.
Cruise Control
{
Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous
where you cannot drive safely at a
steady speed. Do not use cruise
control on winding roads or in
heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could
lose control. Do not use cruise
control on slippery roads.
If equipped with cruise control, a
speed of about 40 km/h (25 mph) or
more can be maintained without
keeping your foot on the accelerator.
Cruise control does not work at speeds
below about 40 km/h (25 mph).

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
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-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
274 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Adaptive Cruise Control
(Advanced)
If equipped, Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) allows the cruise control set
speed and following gap to be
selected. Read this entire section
before using this system. The
following gap is the following time (or
distance) between your vehicle and a
vehicle detected directly ahead in your
path, moving in the same direction.
If no vehicle is detected in your path,
ACC works like regular cruise control.
ACC uses camera and radar sensors.
SeeRadio Frequency Statement 0467.
If a vehicle is detected in your path,
ACC can speed up the vehicle or apply
limited, moderate braking to maintain
the selected following gap. To
disengage ACC, apply the brake. If the
Traction Control System (TCS) or
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) activates while ACC is engaged,
ACC may automatically disengage. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0264. When road conditions
allow ACC to be safely used, ACC can
be turned back on. Turning off the TCS or StabiliTrak/
ESC system will disengage the cruise
control.
ACC can reduce the need for you to
frequently brake and accelerate,
especially when used on expressways,
freeways, and interstate highways.
When used on other roads, you may
need to take over the control of
braking or acceleration more often.
{Warning
ACC has limited braking ability and
may not have time to slow the
vehicle down enough to avoid a
collision with another vehicle you
are following. This can occur when
vehicles suddenly slow or stop
ahead, or enter your lane. Also see
“Alerting the Driver”
in this section.
Complete attention is always
required while driving and you
should be ready to take action and
apply the brakes. See Defensive
Driving 0231.
{Warning
ACC will not detect or brake for
children, pedestrians, animals,
or other objects.
Do not use ACC when:
.On winding and hilly roads or
when the sensors are blocked by
snow, ice, or dirt. The system
may not detect a vehicle ahead.
Keep the entire front of the
vehicle clean.
.Visibility is low, such as in fog,
rain, or snow conditions. ACC
performance is limited under
these conditions.
.On slippery roads where fast
changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip.
.When towing a trailer.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
282 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Other Vehicle Lane Changes
ACC will not detect a vehicle ahead
until it is completely in the lane. The
brakes may need to be manually
applied.
Objects Not Directly in Front of Your
Vehicle
The detection of objects in front of
the vehicle may not be possible if:
.The vehicle or object ahead is not
within your lane.
.The vehicle ahead is shifted, not
centered, or is shifted to one side of
the lane.Driving in Narrow Lanes
Vehicles in adjacent traffic lanes or
roadside objects may be incorrectly
detected when located along the
roadway.
Do Not Use ACC on Hills and When
Towing a Trailer
Do not use ACC when driving on steep
hills or when towing a trailer. ACC will
not detect a vehicle in the lane while
driving on steep hills. If the brakes are
applied, the ACC disengages.
Disengaging ACC
There are three ways to
disengage ACC:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Press5.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased
from memory if
5is pressed or if the
ignition is turned off.
Weather Conditions Affecting ACC
System operation may be limited
under snow, heavy rain, or road spray
conditions.
Accessory Installations and Vehicle
Modifications
Do not install or place any object
around the front camera windshield
area that would obstruct the front
camera view.
Do not install objects on top of the
vehicle that overhang and obstruct the
front camera, such as a canoe, kayak,
or other items that can be transported
on a roof rack system. See Roof Rack
System 0101.