Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
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-
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
272 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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.
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.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
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
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.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 287
Warning (Continued)
events by steering, braking,
or accelerating. See Defensive
Driving.
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 OnStar
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) 0275.
An active Connected Service plan that
includes Super Cruise Services 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. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Not steer in response to vehicles
or objects next to your vehicle,
including vehicles attempting to
enter your lane.
.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 steer to avoid, or steer
through construction zones.
.Not function on surface streets.
.Not respond to 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
(Continued)
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
288 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Warning (Continued)
steering wheel if Super Cruise is
engaged, it is safe to do so, and it is
permitted by state and local laws.
{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)
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.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 295
Stationary or Very Slow-Moving
Objects; Cross-Traffic
{Warning
Super Cruise is not a crash
avoidance system and will not steer
or brake to avoid a crash. Super
Cruise does not steer to prevent a
crash with stopped or slow-moving
vehicles. You must supervise the
driving task and may need to steer
and brake to prevent a crash,
especially in stop-and-go traffic or
when a vehicle suddenly enters
your lane. Always pay attention
when using Super Cruise. Failure to
do so could result in a crash
involving serious injury or death.
Curves in the Road
{Warning
The vehicle could drift out of your
lane of travel. To prevent crashes,
always be ready to manually steer. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Super Cruise may not detect your
lane on curves in the road. Super
Cruise may not detect the markings
that show your lane. You may not
have time to react to a vehicle in
the lane next to your vehicle while
on curves in the road.
Super Cruise may operate differently
in sharp curves. It may drift out of
your lane of travel if the curve is too
sharp.
When entering a curve, Super Cruise
may not detect the lane markings and
may not adjust the steering enough to stay in your lane of travel. When this
happens, you will need to steer the
vehicle.
Super Cruise may detect other lane
markings that are not in your lane
and may or may not steer
appropriately to maintain your lane.
Super Cruise may occasionally provide
an alert and/or steering that is
considered unnecessary. It could
respond to lane markings 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.