2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE service

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 261
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake
boost have hydraulic brake circuits
that are electronically controlled when
the brake pedal is applied during
normal operation. The system
performs routine tests and turns off
within a few minutes after the vehicle
is turned off. Noise may be heard
during this time. If the brake pedal is
pressed during the tests or when the
electric brake boost system is off, a
noticeable change in pedal force and
travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake
System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS)
helps prevent a braking skid and
maintain steering while braking hard.
If there is a problem with ABS, this
warning light stays on. SeeAntilock
Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
0 125.
ABS does not change the time needed
to get a foot on the brake pedal and
does not always decrease stopping
distance. If you get too close to the
vehicle ahead, there will not be
enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops.
Always leave enough room ahead to
stop, even with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the
brake pedal down firmly. Hearing and
feeling ABS operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the
same time. In many emergencies,
steering can help even more than
braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can
always be applied, even if the vehicle
is off. In case of insufficient electrical
power, the EPB cannot be applied or
released. To prevent draining the
battery, avoid unnecessary repeated
cycles of the EPB.
The system has a red parking brake
status light and an amber service
parking brake warning light. See
Electric Parking Brake Light 0124 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light
0 125. There are also parking
brake-related Driver Information
Center (DIC) messages.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
262 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Before leaving the vehicle, check the
red parking brake status light to
ensure that the parking brake is
applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will
flash and then stay on once the EPB is
fully applied. If the red parking brake
status light flashes continuously, then
the EPB is only partially applied or
there is a problem with the EPB.
A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again.
If the light does not come on, or keeps
flashing, have the vehicle serviced. Do
not drive the vehicle if the red parking
brake status light is flashing. See your
dealer.
If the amber service parking brake
warning light is on, press the EPB
switch. Continue to hold the switch
until the red parking brake status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is on, see
your dealer.
If the EPB is applied while the vehicle
is moving, the vehicle will decelerate
as long as the switch is pressed. If the
switch is pressed until the vehicle
comes to a stop, the EPB will remain
applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply
the EPB in some situations when the
vehicle is not moving. This is normal,
and is done to periodically check the
correct operation of the EPB system,
or at the request of other safety
functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red
parking brake status light is off. If the amber service parking brake
warning light is on, release the EPB by
pressing and holding the EPB switch.
Continue to hold the switch until the
red parking brake status light is off.
If either light stays on after release is
attempted, see your dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system and
cause premature wear or damage to
brake system parts. Make sure that
the parking brake is fully released
and the brake warning light is off
before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and parking
on a hill, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0330.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if
the vehicle is running, placed into
gear, and an attempt is made to drive
away. Avoid rapid acceleration when
the EPB is applied, to preserve parking
brake lining life.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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-
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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-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 281
Curves in the Road
{Warning
On curves, ACC may not detect a
vehicle ahead in your lane. You
could be startled if the vehicle
accelerates up to the set speed,
especially when following a vehicle
exiting or entering exit ramps. You
could lose control of the vehicle or
crash. Do not use ACC while driving
on an entrance or exit ramp. Always
be ready to use the brakes if
necessary.
{Warning
On curves, ACC may respond to a
vehicle in another lane, or may not
have time to react to a vehicle in
your lane. You could crash into a
vehicle ahead of you, or lose control
of your vehicle. Give extra attention
in curves and be ready to use the
brakes if necessary. Select an
appropriate speed while driving in
curves.ACC may operate differently in a
sharp curve. It may reduce the vehicle
speed if the curve is too sharp.
The curve speed control indicator
n
may illuminate green when ACC is
actively controlling the vehicle speed
and detects a sharp curve on the road
ahead.
ACC automatically slows the vehicle
down while navigating the curve and
may increase speed out of the curve,
but will not exceed the set speed.
When following a vehicle and entering
a curve, ACC may not detect the
vehicle ahead and accelerate to the set
speed. When this happens, the vehicle
ahead indicator will not appear.
ACC may detect a vehicle that is not
in your lane and apply the brakes.
ACC may occasionally provide an alert
and/or braking that is considered
unnecessary. It could respond to
vehicles in different lanes, signs,
guardrails, and other stationary
objects when entering or exiting a
curve. This is normal operation. The
vehicle does not need service.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 283
Do not modify the hood, headlamps,
or fog lamps, as this may limit the
camera’s ability to detect an object.
Cleaning the Sensing System
The camera sensor on the windshield
behind the rearview mirror and the
radar sensors on the front of the
vehicle can become blocked by snow,
ice, dirt, mud, or debris. These areas
need to be cleaned for ACC to operate
properly.
If ACC will not operate, regular cruise
control may be available. See
“Switching Between ACC and Regular
Cruise Control”previously in this
section. Always consider driving
conditions before using either cruise
control system.
For cleaning instructions, see
“Washing the Vehicle ”under Exterior
Care 0432.
System operation may also be limited
under snow, heavy rain, or road spray
conditions.Super Cruise
If equipped, Super Cruise can steer to
maintain lane position under certain
conditions on Super Cruise-enabled
roads that are separated from
opposing traffic.
Super Cruise can also steer to perform
a lane change under certain
conditions on Super Cruise-enabled
roads when a lane change is initiated
by the driver using the turn signal
lever. See “Super Cruise Lane Change ”
later in this section and Turn and
Lane-Change Signals 0153.
{Warning
Super Cruise can only assist to
maintain lane position, or steer to
change lanes, when driving on
compatible roads. You must
supervise the driving task and
monitor the road conditions. You
may need to respond to traffic
events by steering, braking,
or accelerating. See Defensive
Driving.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Super Cruise is:
.Not a self-driving system
.Not a crash avoidance or warning
system
.Not a substitute for proper
supervision of the driving task.
Super Cruise uses the following to
detect the current lane position and
lane markings ahead on compatible
roads under certain conditions:
.Cameras
.Global Positioning System (GPS)
sensing
.A high-precision map
.GPS-enhancement data downloaded
through Connected Services
Super Cruise works with Adaptive
Cruise Control (ACC), which controls
acceleration and braking while Super
Cruise is enabled and operating.
Review and understand both this
section and the ACC section before
using Super Cruise. See Adaptive
Cruise Control (Advanced) 0274.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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284 DRIVING AND OPERATING
An active Super Cruise service plan is
required to use Super Cruise.
{Warning
Super Cruise does not perform all
aspects of driving, nor does it do
everything a driver can do. Super
Cruise only steers to maintain
vehicle position in the current lane
or, under some circumstances, to
change lanes. Super Cruise can only
be used with Adaptive Cruise
Control.
Super Cruise does:
.Not prevent crashes or warn of
possible crashes.
.Not steer to avoid stopped or
slow-moving vehicles,
cross-traffic, construction
barriers or cones, motorcycles,
children, pedestrians, animals,
or other objects on the road.
.Not steer in response to vehicles
or objects next to your vehicle,
including vehicles attempting to
enter your lane.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Not respond to traffic lights, stop
signs, or other traffic control
devices.
.Not respond to crossing traffic.
.Not make turns.
.Not steer to merge onto or to
exit highways.
.Not detect, steer to avoid,
or steer through construction
zones.
.Not function on surface streets.
.Not respond to crossing or
oncoming traffic.
.Not function in city driving
conditions.
{Warning
Some state and local laws may
require hands to be kept on the
steering wheel at all times. Only
remove your hands from the
steering wheel if Super Cruise is
engaged, it is safe to do so, and it is
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
permitted by state and local laws.
Failure to do so may result in a
crash involving serious injury or
death.
{Warning
Failure to supervise the driving task
and to respond appropriately, even
while Super Cruise is operating, can
cause a crash. Super Cruise may not
respond as you would to all driving
situations and may not maintain
lane position under all conditions.
It is extremely important to pay
attention to the operation of the
vehicle, even while using Super
Cruise. Do not use a hand-held
device while driving, even with
Super Cruise engaged. To prevent
serious injury or death:
.Always remain properly seated in
the driver seat with your seat
belt fastened.(Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 285
Warning (Continued)
.Never remove your hands from
the steering wheel when Super
Cruise is not operating.
.Always make sure traffic
conditions are safe before using
Super Cruise.
.Always keep the entire vehicle
and the sensors clean. Sensors
are on the front, sides, and rear
of the vehicle.
.Always observe posted speed
limits. Only use Super Cruise at
or below the posted speed limit.
Super Cruise should not be used in
complex or uncertain driving
conditions, including:
.Not in construction zones.
.Not when approaching or exiting
toll plazas.
.Not when approaching an
intersection that is controlled
with a traffic light, stop sign,
or other traffic control device. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Not when lane markings are not
present or cannot be detected.
For example, there is too much
glare, weather conditions are
poor, or lanes are poorly marked.
.Not on slippery or icy roads.
.Not in adverse weather
conditions, including rain, sleet,
fog, ice, or snow.
.Not on winding or hilly roads.
.Not for city driving.
.Not during heavy or emergency
braking.
.Not on surface streets.
.Not on a road shoulder, service
drive, or under an elevated
freeway.
.Not when towing a trailer.
.Not in a highway exit lane. When Super Cruise is Available
Super Cruise Indicator
Super Cruise is designed to operate
only when:
.ACC is on. See Adaptive Cruise
Control (Advanced) 0274.
.Teen Driver is not active.
.The GPS detects the vehicle is on a
compatible highway.
.Both the camera and the radar
sensors are functioning and not
covered, obstructed, or damaged.
.The Driver Attention System (DAS)
detects the driver's head and eyes
are directed toward the road.
.The lane markings are clearly visible
and able to be detected by the
system.