Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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.
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 259
4n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) :This
setting engages the front axle and
delivers extra torque. Choose 4
nwhen
driving off-road in deep sand, deep
mud, or deep snow, and while
climbing or descending steep hills.
While driving in 4
n, keep vehicle
speed below 72 km/h (45 mph).
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction
Control and StabiliTrak/ESC off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0265.
Shifts between 2
m, 4m, and AUTO
Any of these shifts can be made at
normal driving speed.
The actual 4x4 shift request is only
made after the button is released. The
4x4 graphic will remain flashing until
the shift request has completed. A DIC
message displays to indicate that the
4x4 transfer case has been requested
to shift to the new desired state.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the
DIC message disappears, the 4x4
graphic stops flashing, and the current
setting is indicated. When a shift to 2
mis completed
successfully while in P (Park), the
parking brake will engage. To resume
driving, shift the transmission to the
desired gear and manually release the
parking bake or press the accelerator
pedal to begin driving. See Electric
Parking Brake 0262.
If equipped, use 4
n, AUTO, or 4mto
provide additional traction when
parking on a steep grade with poor
traction such as ice, snow, mud,
or gravel.
Shifting Into 4
n
1. The ignition must be on and the vehicle must be stopped or moving
less than 5 km/h (3 mph) with the
transmission in N (Neutral). It is
best for the vehicle to be moving
1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Press 4
n. The actual 4x4 shift
request is only made after the
button is released. The 4x4 graphic
will remain flashing until the shift
request has completed. A DIC
message displays to indicate that the 4x4 transfer case has been
requested to shift to the new
desired state.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed,
the DIC message disappears, the
4x4 graphic stops flashing and the
current setting is indicated.
If vehicle speed is higher when shift
request occurs, a DIC message
displays. Reduce vehicle speed.
If the transmission is not in
N (Neutral) when shift request occurs,
a DIC message displays. The vehicle
will allow 20 seconds for the shift to
occur. After this time, a graphic in the
instrument cluster will indicate that
the transfer case is in 4
n.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode indicator
light has stopped flashing could
damage the transfer case.
If the transmission is not shifted into
N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not
slowed to 5 km/h (3 mph) within
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 261
3. Shift the transmission toN (Neutral).
4. Shift the transfer case to 2
m.
Transfer case shifts out of
N (Neutral) can only be made into
2
m. When the shift to 2mis
complete, the graphic in the
instrument cluster will stop
flashing. If the transfer case cannot
complete a shift, the graphic will
return to the previously selected
setting.
Single 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:
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.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High) : Use
this setting when extra traction is
needed, such as when driving on
snowy or icy roads, when off-roading,
or when plowing snow.
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.
Shifts between 2
m, 4m, and AUTO
Any of these shifts can be made at
normal driving speed.
The actual 4x4 shift request is only
made after the button is released. The
4x4 graphic will remain flashing until
the shift request has completed. A DIC
message displays.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the
DIC message disappears, the 4x4
graphic stops flashing, and the current
setting is indicated.
The actual 4x4 shift request is only
made after the button is released. The
4x4 graphic will remain flashing until
the shift request has completed.
A DIC message displays. Once the 4x4
shift has completed, the DIC message
disappears, the 4x4 graphic stops
flashing, and the current setting is
indicated.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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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340 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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.
5. Gradually release the brake pedal to 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 0455. 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
0 381.
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.