Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
258 DRIVING AND OPERATING
{Warning
With four-wheel drive, the vehicle
will be free to roll if the transfer
case is in N (Neutral), even when
the shift lever is in P (Park). Be
sure the transfer case is in a drive
gear—2
m, 4m, or 4n—not in
N (Neutral). See Shifting Into Park
0 250.
Caution
Extended high-speed operation in
4
nmay damage or shorten the life
of the drivetrain.
An engagement noise and bump is
normal when shifting between 4
nand
4
mor N (Neutral), with the engine
running.
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction
Control and StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0265.
Automatic Transfer Case
Two-Speed Transfer Case
If equipped, the transfer case controls
are used to shift into and out of
four-wheel drive.
To shift the transfer case, press the
desired button. The graphic in the
instrument cluster will flash while a
shift is in progress. The graphic
displayed will change to indicate the
setting requested.
When the shift is complete the
graphic will stop flashing. The DIC
message turns off once the shift is complete. If the transfer case cannot
complete a shift request, it will go
back to its last chosen setting.
The settings are:
N (Neutral) :
Use only when the
vehicle needs to be towed. See
Recreational Vehicle Towing 0440. See
Towing the Vehicle 0439.
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High) : Use for
driving on most streets and highways.
The front axle is not engaged. This
setting provides the best fuel
economy.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel
Drive) : Use when road surface
conditions are variable. When driving
in AUTO, the front axle is engaged,
and the vehicle's power is sent to the
front and rear wheels automatically
based on driving conditions. This
setting provides slightly lower fuel
economy than 2
m.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High) : Use
this position when extra traction is
needed, such as when driving on
snowy or icy roads, when off-roading,
or when plowing snow.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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262 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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
0 126.
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
be applied when the vehicle is on or
off. If there is not enough 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 EPB status light
and an amber service EPB warning
light. See Electric Parking Brake Light
0 125 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light
0 126. There are also parking
brake-related Driver Information
Center (DIC) messages.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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
264 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB automatically releases if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear,
and an attempt is made to drive.
Avoid rapid acceleration when the EPB
is applied to preserve parking brake
lining life.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional
braking to activate the Antilock Brake
System (ABS) if the brake pedal is not
pushed hard enough to activate ABS
normally. Minor noise, brake pedal
pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue
to apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist
disengages when the brake pedal is
released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature.
HSA does not replace the need to
pay attention and drive safely. You
may not hear or feel alerts or
warnings provided by this system.
Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. SeeDefensive
Driving 0232.
When the vehicle is stopped on a
grade, Hill Start Assist (HSA)
temporarily prevents the vehicle from
rolling in an unintended direction
during the transition from brake pedal
release to accelerator pedal apply. The
brakes release when the accelerator
pedal is applied or automatically
release after a few seconds. The brakes
may also release under other
conditions. Do not rely on HSA to
hold the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is
facing uphill in a forward gear,
or when facing downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must come to
a complete stop on a grade for HSA to
activate.Automatic Vehicle
Hold (AVH)
{Warning
Do not rely on this feature. It does
not replace the need to pay
attention and drive safely. You may
not hear or feel alerts or warnings
provided by this system. Failure to
use proper care when driving may
result in injury, death, or vehicle
damage.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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270 DRIVING AND OPERATING
The following settings may be
available depending on region, trim
level, and optional features.
Engine Sound :Engine sound settings
adjusts the volume of engine noise.
Engine sound is quieter at lower
settings and louder at higher settings.
Steering : Steering setting adjusts the
effort required to turn the steering
wheel. Steering feel is less responsive
at lower settings and more responsive
at higher settings.
Suspension : Suspension adjusts the
stiffness of the shocks and / or
springs. The ride is more comfortable
at lower settings and stiffer at higher
settings for better control.
Visualization
This feature shows handling and
performance settings on the
infotainment display when changing
drive modes.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.
{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
(Continued)
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 271
Warning (Continued)
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 from any door or
the rear liftgate.
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.
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).
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 273
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. The air
suspension resumes height changes
once the hood and all doors are
closed. An open rear liftgate does not
suspend the air suspension operation.
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 (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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).
If the Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control system begins to
limit wheel spin while using cruise
control, the cruise control
automatically disengages. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 265. If a collision alert occurs when
cruise control is activated, cruise
control is disengaged. See Forward
Collision Alert (FCA) System 0319.
When road conditions allow you to
safely use it again, the cruise control
can be turned back on.
If the brakes are applied, cruise
control disengages.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
276 DRIVING AND OPERATING
ACC works like regular cruise control.
ACC uses camera and radar sensors.
SeeRadio Frequency Statement 0481.
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 0265. When road conditions
allow ACC to be safely used, ACC can
be turned back on.
Disabling the TCS or StabiliTrak/ESC
system will disengage and prevent
engagement of ACC.
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” later 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 0232.
{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 poor due to rain,
snow, fog, dirt, insect residue,
or dust; when other foreign
objects obscure the camera and/
or radar; or when the vehicle in
front or oncoming traffic causes
additional environmental
obstructions, such as road spray.
ACC performance is limited
under these conditions.
.On slippery roads where fast
changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip.