Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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250 DRIVING AND OPERATING
When thehindicator is illuminated,
the system is enabled.
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
When the ignition is turned from on
to off, the following features (if
equipped) will continue to function
for up to 10 minutes, or until the
driver door is opened. These features
will also work when the ignition is in
RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY:
.Infotainment System
.Power Windows (during RAP this
functionality will be lost when any
door is opened)
.Sunroof (during RAP this
functionality will be lost when any
door is opened)
.Auxiliary Power Outlet
.Audio System
.OnStar System
Shifting Into Park
{Warning
It can be dangerous to get out of
the vehicle if the vehicle is not in
P (Park) with the parking brake set.
The vehicle can roll. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others could
be injured. To be sure the vehicle
will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, use the steps
that follow. If you are pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0336.
To shift into P (Park): 1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the Electric Parking Brake (EPB).
See Electric Parking Brake 0262.
2. Press the P (Park) switch on top of the shift lever.
3. Press ENGINE START/STOP to turn the vehicle off.
If the vehicle is shifted into P (Park)
on a hill, the EPB may apply
automatically. The driver may not be
able to release the EPB using the EPB switch. It should automatically release
when the vehicle is shifted out of
P (Park).Leaving the Vehicle with the
Engine Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
It could overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the vehicle is not in
P (Park) with the parking brake set.
The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others could
be injured. To be sure the vehicle
will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, always set
the parking brake and shift to
P (Park). See
Shifting Into Park 0250
. If you are towing a trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0336.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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252 DRIVING AND OPERATING
The timer will reset if the vehicle is
taken out of P (Park) while it is
running.
Engine Exhaust{
Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areas with
poor ventilation (parking garages,
tunnels, deep snow that may
block underbody airf low or tail
pipes).
.The exhaust smells or sounds
strange or different.
.The exhaust system leaks due to
corrosion or damage.
.The vehicle exhaust system has
been modified, damaged,
or improperly repaired. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.There are holes or openings in
the vehicle body from damage or
aftermarket modifications that
are not completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or if
it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle:
.Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
.Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed area
such as a garage or a building that
has no fresh air ventilation.
Running the Vehicle While
Parked
It is better not to park with the engine
running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine
running, follow the proper steps to be
sure the vehicle will not move. See
Shifting Into Park 0250 and
Engine Exhaust 0252. If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0336.
Automatic Transmission
The shift pattern is displayed in the
top of the shift lever. The selected
gear position will illuminate red on
the shift lever, while all others will be
displayed in white. If the shift is not
immediate, as in very cold conditions,
the indicator on the shift lever may
flash until it is fully engaged.
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 255
intended for towing. If the vehicle
needs to be towed, seeTowing the
Vehicle 0439.
To shift into N (Neutral): 1. Move the shift lever forward to the first detent from the center
position.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), apply
the brake pedal and press the shift
lock release button while moving
the shift lever forward. N will
illuminate in red.
2. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
To shift out of N (Neutral): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear. If shifting from N (Neutral) to R (Reverse),
press the shift lock release button.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
Car Wash Mode
This vehicle includes a Car Wash
Mode that allows the vehicle to
remain in N (Neutral) for use in
automatic car washes. Car Wash Mode (Engine Off
–Driver
in Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral)
with the engine off and the vehicle
occupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift to N (Neutral).
4. Turn off the engine and release the brake pedal.
5. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, repeat
Steps 2–4.
6. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
Car Wash Mode (Engine Off –Driver
Out of Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral)
with the engine off and the vehicle
unoccupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Open the door. 4. Shift to N (Neutral).
5. Turn off the engine and release the
brake pedal.
6. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, repeat
Steps 2–5.
7. Exit the vehicle and close the door. The vehicle is now ready for the
car wash.
8. The vehicle may automatically shift to P (Park) upon re-entry.
Car Wash Mode (Engine On –Driver
in Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral)
with the engine on and the vehicle
occupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift to N (Neutral).
4. Release the brake pedal. The vehicle is now ready for the
car wash.
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 257
Electronic Range Select (ERS),
or Manual Mode, allows manual
selection of gear positions. Use this
mode when driving downhill or
towing a trailer to limit the top gear
and vehicle speed. The shift position
indicator within the Driver
Information Center (DIC) displays a
number next to the L indicating the
highest available gear.
To enter ERS/Manual Mode:1. With the vehicle in D (Drive), pull back the shift lever to activate
L (Low). The L will illuminate red,
and the D will turn white. 2. Tap the left steering wheel control
to reduce the highest gear
available, or the right control to
increase the highest gear available.
3. To exit, pull back the shift lever a second time. The D will illuminate
red, and the L will turn white.
When shifting to L (Low), the
transmission shifts to a preset lower
gear range. The highest gear available
while in this range will be displayed
next to the L (Low) in the DIC. See
Driver Information Center (DIC) 0133.
All gears below are available to use.
For example, when 4 (Fourth) is
shown next to the L, 1 (First) through
4 (Fourth) gears are shifted
automatically. To shift to 5 (Fifth)
gear, tap the right steering wheel
control or shift into D (Drive).
L (Low) prevents shifting to a lower
gear range if the engine speed is too
high. If the vehicle speed is not
reduced within the allotted time, the
lower gear range shift will not
complete. Slow the vehicle, then tap
the left steering wheel control to the
desired lower gear range. Cruise control can be used while
in ERS.
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive
If equipped, four-wheel drive engages
the front axle for extra traction.
Four-wheel drive engages the front
axle for extra traction.
Caution
Do not drive on clean, dry
pavement in 4
mand 4n(if
equipped) for an extended period
of time. These conditions may
cause premature wear on the
vehicle’s powertrain.
Driving on clean, dry pavement in 4
m
or 4nmay:
.Cause a vibration to be felt in the
steering system.
.Cause tires to wear faster.
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 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.
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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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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.