
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 263
Before leaving the vehicle, check the
red EPB status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
If a message displays on the DIC
indicating the transmission is unable
to shift soon, the service electric
parking brake is on, and the EPB light
flashes at the same time, the system
must be reset. Start the vehicle, apply
the EPB, and then release it. The
message and light should turn off. See
Electric Parking Brake Light0125 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light
0 126.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Press the EPB switch.
The red EPB status light will flash and
then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red EPB 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 EPB status light is
flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service EPB warning light
is on, press the EPB switch. Continue
to hold the switch until the red EPB
status light remains on. If the amber
service EPB 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 as required by 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 EPB
status light is off.
If the amber service EPB warning light
is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red EPB
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 0336.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 265
When Automatic Vehicle Hold (AVH)
is turned on and the vehicle is braked
to a stop, AVH prevents the vehicle
from moving during the transition
from brake pedal release to accelerator
pedal apply. The brakes release when
the accelerator pedal is applied. The
brakes may also release under other
conditions. Do not rely on AVH to
hold the vehicle.
If the accelerator pedal is not applied
within a few minutes, the Electric
Parking Brake will apply. The parking
brake will also apply if the driver door
is opened or the driver seat belt is
unfastened while AVH is holding the
vehicle.
AVH can be turned on by pressing
AUTO HOLD. The indicator light on
the switch will come on. The AVH
light on the instrument panel will
come on while AVH is actively holding
the vehicle. SeeAutomatic Vehicle Hold
(AVH) Light 0126.Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control
System (TCS) and StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
These systems help limit wheel spin
and assist the driver in maintaining
control, especially on slippery road
conditions.
TCS activates if it senses any of the
drive wheels are spinning or beginning
to lose traction. When this happens,
TCS applies the brakes to the spinning
wheels and reduces engine power to
limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the
vehicle senses a difference between
the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is actually traveling.
StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to one or more of the
vehicle wheel brakes to assist the
driver in keeping the vehicle on the
intended path. Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is also on automatically when
the vehicle is started. See
Trailer Sway
Control (TSC) 0354.
If cruise control is being used and
traction control or StabiliTrak/ESC
begins to limit wheel spin, cruise
control will disengage. Cruise control
may be turned back on when road
conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically
when the vehicle is started and begins
to move. The systems may be heard or
felt while they are operating or while
performing diagnostic checks. This is
normal and does not mean there is a
problem with the vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both
systems on for normal driving
conditions, but it may be necessary to
turn TCS off if the vehicle gets stuck
in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0241 and “Turning
the Systems Off and On ”later in this
section.
When the transfer case (if equipped)
is in Four-Wheel Drive Low, the TCS
and StabiliTrak/ESC are automatically

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
266 DRIVING AND OPERATING
disabled,gcomes on, and the
appropriate message will appear on
the Driver Information Center (DIC).
The indicator light for both systems is
to the right of the center stack and
below the screen. This light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting
wheel spin
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is
activated
.Turn on and stay on when either
system is not working
See Traction Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak Light 0128.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on and stays on to indicate
that the system is inactive and is not
assisting the driver in maintaining
control. Adjust driving accordingly. If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine.
Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on and
stays on, see your dealer as soon as
possible.
Turning the Systems Off and On
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is off.
The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
To turn Traction (TSC) or Stability
(ESC) off and on, access the Traction
and Stability screen from the Vehicle
Information main screen in the
infotainment system. See Vehicle
Information 0136 for instructions on
navigating and selecting items.
Traction and Stability Screen
The current status of each system is
displayed next to the Traction and
Stability icons. To turn either system
off or on, select or touch the Traction
and Stability screen to access the
Traction and Stability menu screen.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 267
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 0128.
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 0128.
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) 0354 or
Hill Start Assist (HSA) 0264.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See Accessories
and Modifications 0369.
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control (DMC) allows the
driver to adjust the overall driving
experience to better suit preference by
adjusting multiple subsystems
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 mode,
Sport mode, Snow/Ice mode, Off-Road
mode, Tow/Haul mode, Terrain mode,
and My mode may be available.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 269
remain active. Otherwise, the vehicle
will start in Tour mode. Tow/Haul
mode turns on trailer sway control.
If equipped with a diesel engine,
exhaust braking is automatically
activated when Tow/Haul mode is
selected. The system will command
down shifts to reduce vehicle speed
when the brake is applied. The normal
tow/haul shift pattern will return once
the vehicle is on a low grade or when
the accelerator pedal is pressed. While
in the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
Mode (seeManual Mode 0256), grade
braking is deactivated, allowing the
driver to select a range, and limiting
the highest gear available.
For more information on trailer
weight specifications, see Towing
Equipment 0344.
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 mode can
also be used for pulling a boat out of
the water on a trailer. When in Terrain
mode, the vehicle shifts automatically,
but will hold a lower gear longer to
maximize engine torque. This mode has a unique pedal map and
transmission shift pattern for better
control at lower speeds and over
rough terrain. This mode modifies
accelerator pedal mapping,
transmission shift pattern, ride height,
and Electronic Limited-Slip
Differential (eSLD).
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-drive low. It also applies
light braking in D (Drive) until the
vehicle is at idle speeds. In L1 and L2
light braking will typically bring the
vehicle to a stop. Active Braking
during lift throttle also reduces trailer
braking.
Terrain mode automatically exits 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 0235 and
Hill and Mountain Roads 0239.
My Mode
My mode is used to personalize
everyday driving. This mode allows
the driver to configure the vehicle
system settings to their driving
preferences. My mode will remain
active every time the vehicle is
started. To customize My mode, see
“Drive Mode Customization.”
Drive Mode Customization
The vehicle is equipped to modify the
following settings based on vehicle
content. Through the center radio
display, select Vehicle Settings>Drive
Mode Customization to customize and
personalize My mode, or turn off or
on Visualization.
My Mode
These settings will be retained over
each key cycle, and do not have to be
reset each time the vehicle is started.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 275
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 0115.
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
0252 and
Driver Mode Control 0267. 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.
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,

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 283
ACC Automatically Disengages
ACC may automatically disengage and
the driver will need to manually apply
the brakes to slow the vehicle if:
.The sensors are blocked.
.The Traction Control System (TCS)
or Stabilitrack/ESC has activated or
been disabled.
.There is a fault in the system.
.The radar falsely reports blockage
when driving in a desert or remote
area with no other vehicles or
roadside objects.
.A DIC message may display to
indicate that ACC is temporarily
unavailable.
The ACC active symbol will turn white
when ACC is no longer active.
In some cases, when ACC is
temporarily unavailable, regular cruise
control may be used. See “Switching
Between ACC and Regular Cruise
Control ”previously in this section.
Always consider driving conditions
before using either cruise control
system. Notification to Resume ACC
ACC will maintain a following gap
behind a detected vehicle and slow
your vehicle to a stop behind that
vehicle.
If the stopped vehicle ahead has
driven away and ACC has not
resumed, the vehicle ahead indicator
will flash as a reminder to check
traffic ahead before proceeding. In
addition, the left and right sides of the
Safety Alert Seat will pulse three
times, or three beeps will sound. See
“Alert Type
”and “Adaptive Cruise Go
Notifier” in“Collision/Detection
Systems” underVehicle Personalization
0 140.
When the vehicle ahead drives away,
ACC resumes automatically if the stop
was brief. If necessary, press RES+ or
the accelerator pedal to resume ACC.
If stopped for more than two minutes
or if the driver door is opened and the
driver seat belt is unbuckled, the ACC
automatically applies the Electric
Parking Brake (EPB) to hold the
vehicle. The EPB status light will turn on. See
Electric Parking Brake 0262.
To release the EPB, press the
accelerator pedal.
A DIC warning message may display
indicating to shift to P (Park) before
exiting the vehicle. See Vehicle
Messages 0139.
{Warning
If ACC has stopped the vehicle, and
if ACC is disengaged, turned off,
or canceled, the vehicle will no
longer be held at a stop. The vehicle
can move. When ACC is holding the
vehicle at a stop, always be
prepared to manually apply the
brakes.
{Warning
Leaving the vehicle without placing
it in P (Park) can be dangerous. Do
not leave the vehicle while it is
being held at a stop by ACC. Always
place the vehicle in P (Park) and
turn off the ignition before leaving
the vehicle.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 285
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.
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
Do not use ACC when driving on steep
hills as ACC may not detect a vehicle
ahead.
Towing with ACC
If equipped when towing a trailer, ACC
driving characteristics such as
following gap, acceleration rates and
braking rates may be modified to
provide a better towing experience. ACC should not be used while towing
a trailer with an aftermarket trailer
brake controller. Aftermarket trailer
brake controllers may not function
properly with the ACC system.
ACC may be used when towing a
trailer when trailer attached is within
GM-approved allowable size and
weight limits. See
Trailer Towing
0 340.
When towing a trailer with ACC, it is
important to properly set the Trailer
Gain. See “Integrated Trailer Brake
Control System ”in Towing Equipment
0 344 for Trailer Gain Adjustment
Procedure.
Use Tow/Haul mode when driving
down steep hills or mountain grades,
or when hauling heavy loads. See
Driver Mode Control 0267.
Disengaging ACC
There are three ways to
disengage ACC:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Press5.