2023 CADILLAC ESCALADE suspension

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
218 Driving and Operating
Certification/Tire Label
Label Example
A vehicle specific Certification/Tire label
is attached to the B-pillar. The label
may show the size of the vehicle's
original tires and the inflation pressures
needed to obtain the gross weight
capacity of the vehicle. This is called
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
The GVWR includes the weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, fuel, and cargo.
The Certification/Tire label may also
show the maximum weights for the
front and rear axles, called Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out theactual loads on the front and rear axles,
weigh the vehicle at a weigh station.
Your dealer can help with this. Be sure
to spread the load equally on both
sides of the center line.
The warranty does not cover parts or
components that fail because of
overloading.
The label will help determine how much
cargo and installed equipment the
vehicle can carry.
Using heavier suspension components
to get added durability might not
change the weight ratings. Ask your
dealer to help load the vehicle properly.
{Warning
Things you put inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a sudden
stop or turn, or in a crash.
.Put things in the cargo area of the
vehicle. Try to spread the weight
evenly.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so
that some of them are above the
tops of the seats.
.Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in the vehicle.
.When you carry something inside
the vehicle, secure it whenever
you can.
.Do not leave a seat folded down
unless you need to.
There is also important loading
information for off-road driving in this
manual. See “Loading the Vehicle for
Off-Road Driving” underOff-Road
Driving 0209.
Add-On Equipment
There may be a limit on how many
people can be inside the vehicle when
carrying removable items. Be sure to
weigh the vehicle before buying and
installing the new equipment.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
240 Driving and Operating
To turn TCS back on, select or touch the
Traction virtual button on the screen. The
traction off light
idisplayed 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 0119.
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) 0322 or
Hill Start Assist (HSA) 0237.
Adding accessories can affect the vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications 0336.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, My mode, and V
mode may be available.
To activate each mode, press the MODE
button on the instrument panel to the left
of the steering wheel. To activate Terrain
mode, press
gbutton located next to
the MODE button.
Tour Mode : Use this mode for normal city
and highway driving to provide a smooth
ride. This setting provides balance between
comfort and handling. This is the standard/
default mode. There is no persistent
indicator in the instrument cluster for
this mode.
8Sport Mode : Use this mode where road
conditions or personal preference demand a
more controlled response. When in Sport
mode the vehicle automatically down shifts.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
Driving and Operating 241
In this mode, the vehicle also monitors
driving behaviors and automatically enables
Performance Shift Features when spirited
driving is detected. These features maintain
lower transmission gears to increase
available engine braking and improve
acceleration response. The vehicle resumes
normal operation after a short period when
no spirited driving is detected. The steering
changes to provide more precise control.
If the vehicle has Magnetic Ride Control, the
suspension changes to provide better
cornering performance.
6Snow/Ice Mode :Use this mode to
improve vehicle acceleration on snow and
ice covered roads. When active, Snow/Ice
Mode adjusts acceleration to optimize
traction on slippery surfaces. This can
compromise the acceleration on dry asphalt.
This feature is not intended for use when
the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice, snow,
or gravel. If the vehicle becomes stuck, see If
the Vehicle Is Stuck 0215.
V-Series only: If traction control is disabled
when in Snow/Ice mode the transfer case
and the electronic limited slip differential
will operate in a more aggressive manner to
provide maximum traction.
7Off-Road Mode : Use this mode for
off-road recreational driving. Off-Road mode
should be used to improve driving at
moderate speeds, on grass, gravel, dirt,
unpaved roads, or snow-covered roads. The
accelerator pedal is tuned for off-road use.
If equipped with the following features,
Off-Road mode modifies pedal mapping, ride
height, and Traction Control System (TCS)
performance. For more information on
off-road driving, see Off-Road Driving0209.
_Tow/Haul Mode : Use this mode
when hauling heavy loads for increased
performance and vehicle control. Tow/Haul
Mode adjusts the transmission shift pattern,
steering, and Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) performance.
If the vehicle is turned off while in Tow/
Haul mode and then restarted within four
hours or less, it will 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 (see
Manual Mode
0229 or
Manual Mode (V-Series) 0230), 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 0313.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.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 243
After the first launch the system will learn
what traction is available and adjust for
repeated runs. Re-entering V mode will reset
launch control targets to 100%. Launch
Control is designed for a closed course race
track and not intended for public roads. The
system is not intended to compensate for
lack of driver experience or familiarity with
the race track.
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 V mode, or turn on or off
Visualization.
These settings will be retained over each
key cycle, and do not have to be reset each
time the vehicle is started. The following
settings may be available depending on
region, trim level, and optional features.
Engine Sound :Engine sound settings adjust
the volume of engine noise. Engine sound is
quieter at lower settings and louder at
higher settings. Steering :
Steering settings adjust the effort
required to turn the steering wheel. Steering
feel is less responsive at lower settings and
more responsive at higher settings.
Suspension : Suspension settings adjust the
stiffness of the shocks and / or springs. The
ride is more comfortable at lower settings
and stiffer at higher settings for better
control.
Engine Shift : Engine shift settings adjust
the throttle response, gear shifting, and
engine performance. Throttle response
increases at higher settings and gear shifting
is more aggressive.
Brake Response : Brake response settings
adjust the brake pedal response. Brake pedal
feel is less sensitive at lower settings and
more sensitive at higher settings.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) : AWD settings
adjust the driveline system. Each setting is
tuned for optimal driving and handling
performance in different road conditions.
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.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
Driving and Operating 245
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). 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 4
nand 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.
Lowered Height (V-Series Only)
Lowered Height is 20 mm (0.75 in) lower
than Normal Height. This ride height lowers
the vehicle to enhance handling and is only
available with specific optional content.
V Mode will automatically set Lowered
Height when enabled. See
Driver Mode
Control 0240.
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.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
246 Driving and Operating
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.
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
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 0238.
If a collision alert occurs when cruise control
is activated, cruise control is disengaged. See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System 0287.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
284 Driving and Operating
How to Cancel Automatic Parking or
Automatic Unparking
To cancel automatic parking or automatic
unparking at any time, press
Oor "X" on
the infotainment display and be prepared to
resume control of the vehicle. APA holds the
vehicle until the parking brake or brake is
applied, or the vehicle is shifted into
P (Park). To start driving away, press the
brakes and shift into D (Drive).
Certain vehicle conditions and driver
interferences may also cancel automatic
parking:
.The driver manually steers the vehicle.
.The maximum allowed speed is exceeded.
.There is a failure with the APA system.
.Electronic stability control or antilock
brakes are activated.
.The parking brake is applied or vehicle is
shifted into Park (P).
.Driver unbuckles seat belt and
opens door.
System Limitations
Automatic Parking Assist has certain
limitations. The system cannot:
.Maneuver the vehicle at speeds exceeding
5 km/h (3 mph).
.Maneuver the vehicle on a steep hill.
.Detect whether a parking space is legal or
restricted.
.Detect pavement markings or lines
.Park the vehicle closely lined up with the
vehicle next to it, particularly if the spot
is approached at an angle or if the
parking space is angled.
.Park exactly centered in a very large spot.
.Always detect short curbs.
.Operate while towing any trailer.
.Function the vehicle is raised or lowered
by air suspension (if equipped).
.Detect or automatically react to
approaching traffic when exiting a
parallel spot
When the System Does Not Seem to Work
Properly
If the vehicle does not reverse into the
expected parking space, the system could be
maneuvering the vehicle into a previously
detected space.
Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
Backing Warning and Reverse Automatic
Braking (RAB)
If equipped, vehicles with Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC) have the Backing Warning
System and Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
system. When in R (Reverse), Backing
Warning alerts of rear objects at vehicle
speeds greater than 8 km/h (5 mph), and
RAB may automatically brake hard at speeds
between 1–32 km/h (0.5–20 mph).
The Backing Warning System will beep once
from the rear when an object is first
detected, or pulse twice on both sides of the
Safety Alert Seat. When the system detects
a potential crash, beeps will be heard from
the rear, or five pulses will be felt on both
sides of the Safety Alert Seat. There may
also be a brief, sharp application of the
brakes.
{Warning
The Backing Warning System only
operates at speeds greater than 8 km/h
(5 mph). It does not detect children,
pedestrians, bicyclists, animals, or objects (Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
316 Driving and Operating
MeasurementHeight Example 1500 (mm)
H1 1000
H2 1050
H2-H1 50
(H2-H1)/2 25
H2- [(H2-H1)/2] 1025
Towing with the Four Corner Air Suspension
System 1. Adjust the vehicle air suspension to "Normal Ground Clearance Height."
2. Position the vehicle so that the trailer is ready to connect (Keep trailer detached).
3. Enable air suspension “Service Mode”in
the center infotainment screen under
Settings > Vehicle > Suspension.
4. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening at the fender to the
ground (H1). 5. Attach the vehicle to the trailer, do not
attach weight distribution bars at
this time.
6. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the fender to
the ground (H2).
7. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars per the
manufacturer’s recommendations so that
the height of the front fender is
approximately H2- [(H2-H1)/3] (1/3
between the two measured ride heights,
below the secondary ride height {H2}). 8. Disable air suspension air suspension
"Service Mode."
9. Air suspension will automatically adjust ride height following Step 8.
10. Visually inspect the trailer and weight-distributing hitch to ensure that
the manufacturer’s recommendations
have been met.