2023 CADILLAC ESCALADE Owners Manual

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
Driving and Operating 223
.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
Parking on grades with poor traction such
as ice, snow, mud, or gravel may cause
the vehicle to unintentionally move and
could result in injury, death, and/or
vehicle damage. If equipped with
four-wheel drive, use AUTO or 4 (HI) to
provide additional traction. Be sure to
apply the parking brake. SeeElectric
Parking Brake 0236 and
Four-Wheel Drive 0231.
{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 0305.
To shift into P (Park): 1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the Electric Parking Brake (EPB). See Electric
Parking Brake 0236.
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 0223.
If you are towing a trailer, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips 0305.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the
engine running, the vehicle must be in
P (Park) with the EPB set.
Confirm that the vehicle is in P (Park).

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
224 Driving and Operating
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic
transmission. The shift lock release button is
designed to prevent inadvertent shifting out
of P (Park).
To shift out of P (Park):1. Ensure the engine is running.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Press and hold the shift lock release button on the shift lever.
4. Move the shift lever to the desired position. For N (Neutral) hold the lever in
the N (Neutral) position until the N
indicator illuminates red.
5. The P indicator will turn white and the gear indicator on the shift lever will turn
red when the vehicle is no longer in
P (Park).
6. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
If equipped, the Buckle to Drive feature may
prevent shifting from P (Park). See Buckle To
Drive 056.
If the vehicle cannot shift from P (Park), a
Driver Information Center (DIC) message
may be displayed. Ensure the engine is
running, the brake pedal is applied, and the shift lock release button is pressed when
you are attempting to shift out of P (Park).
If all of these conditions are met but the
vehicle will not shift out of P (Park), see
your dealer for service.
Parking over Things That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch hot
exhaust parts under the vehicle and
ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves,
dry grass, or other things that can burn.
Dynamic Fuel Management
If equipped, Dynamic Fuel Management
allows the engine to operate in multiple
cylinder patterns, up to the full 8-cylinder
operation, depending on driving conditions.
When less power is required, such as
cruising at a constant vehicle speed, the
system will reduce any combination of
operating cylinders enabling the vehicle to
achieve better fuel economy. When greater
power is required, such as passing or
merging onto a freeway, the system will
maintain full 8-cylinder operation.
Extended Parking
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left running, be
sure it will not move and there is adequate
ventilation.
See
Shifting Into Park 0223 and
Engine Exhaust 0225.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the remote key outside the vehicle, it will
continue to run for up to 15 minutes.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the remote key inside the vehicle, it will
continue to run for up to 30 minutes.
The vehicle could turn off sooner if it is
parked on a hill, due to lack of
available fuel.
The timer will reset if the vehicle is taken
out of P (Park) while it is running.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
Driving and Operating 225
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
airflow 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.
.There are holes or openings in the
vehicle body from damage or
aftermarket modifications that are not
completely sealed. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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
0 223 and Engine Exhaust 0225.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 305.
Automatic Transmission
Base Model Shown, V-Series Similar
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.
The shift lever always starts from a center
position, represented by an up/down arrow
on the shift pattern. After releasing the shift
lever, it will return to the center position.
The transmission does not operate when the
vehicle is off.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
226 Driving and Operating
If the vehicle is in accessory mode, the
transmission can be shifted into P (Park).
If the vehicle is turned off while at a
relatively high vehicle speed, the
transmission will automatically shift to
N (Neutral). Once the vehicle is stopped,
P (Park) is automatically selected.
P :This position locks the drive wheels. Use
P (Park) when starting the engine to prevent
the vehicle from moving easily.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the transmission 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 the engine has been left
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when on fairly level ground, always set
the parking brake and place the
transmission into P (Park). See Shifting
Into Park 0223 and
Electric Parking Brake 0236.
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic
controlled transmission. The shift lock
release button is designed to prevent
inadvertent shifting out of P (Park) unless
the ignition is on, the brake pedal is applied,
and the shift lock release button is pressed.
When the vehicle is stopped, press ENGINE
START/STOP to turn off the vehicle. The
transmission will shift to P (Park)
automatically, unless the vehicle is in
N (Neutral). See “Car Wash Mode” later in
this section.
The vehicle will not shift into P (Park) if it is
moving too fast. Stop the vehicle and shift
into P (Park).

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
Driving and Operating 227
To shift in and out of P (Park), seeShifting
Into Park 0223 and
Shifting out of Park 0224.
Service Shift Lever Message
If the message SERVICE SHIFTER SEE
OWNER’S MANUAL appears in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), the shift lever
needs service. Have the vehicle serviced as
soon as possible. If the vehicle is
automatically shifting into P (Park), check to
see if the P (Park) button on top of the shift
lever is stuck. To operate the vehicle, hold
the shift lever in the desired gear,
R (Reverse) or D (Drive), until vehicle speed
exceeds 15 km/h (10 mph), then release the
shift lever.
R : Use this gear to back up.
If the vehicle is shifted from either
R (Reverse) to D (Drive) or L (Low), or L (Low)
or D (Drive) to R (Reverse) while the speed is
too high, the vehicle will shift to N (Neutral).
Reduce the vehicle speed and try the shift
again.
For V-Series models, if the vehicle is shifted
from either R (Reverse) to D (Drive) or
M (Manual Mode), or M (Manual Mode) or
D (Drive) to R (Reverse) while the speed is too high, the vehicle will shift to N (Neutral).
Reduce the vehicle speed and try the shift
again.
To shift into R (Reverse):
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Press and hold shift lock release button on the side of the shift lever.
3. From the center position, move the shift lever forward through the first detent to
the end of travel. R is illuminated in red.
4. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
To shift out of R (Reverse): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
At low vehicle speeds, R (Reverse) can be
used to rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission. See If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0215.
N : In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the
engine when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on
the brake pedal, the vehicle could move
very rapidly. You could lose control and
hit people or objects. Do not shift into a
drive gear while the engine is running at
high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting the
vehicle.
The vehicle is not designed to stay in
N (Neutral) for more than five minutes.
It may automatically shift into P (Park).
N (Neutral) is not intended for towing. If the
vehicle needs to be towed, see Transporting
a Disabled Vehicle 0401.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
228 Driving and Operating
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.
Car Wash Mode (Engine On –Driver Out of
Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
engine on 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), then release the brake pedal.
5. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, repeat Steps 2–4.
6. Exit the vehicle and close the door. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
7. The vehicle may automatically shift to P (Park) upon re-entry.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
Driving and Operating 229
Caution
A transmission hot message may display
if the automatic transmission fluid is too
hot. Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle the
engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message clears
when the transmission fluid has cooled
sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing, press
the accelerator pedal down.
To shift into D (Drive):
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. From the center position, move the shift lever back.
.If the vehicle is in P (Park) press the
shift lock release button while pulling
the shift lever back.
.D will illuminate in red.
.After releasing the shift lever, it will
return to the center position.
To shift out of D (Drive): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear. 3. After releasing the shift lever, it will
return to the center position.
Downshifting the transmission on a slippery
road could result in skidding. See “Skidding”
under Loss of Control 0209.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage the
transmission. The repair will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. If the
vehicle is stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select (ERS)
Caution
Driving with the engine at a high rpm
without upshifting while using Tap Shift,
could damage the vehicle. Always upshift
when necessary while using Tap Shift.
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.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
230 Driving and Operating
2. Tap the left steering wheel control toreduce 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)
0 124. 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.Manual Mode (V-Series)
Tap Shift
Caution
Driving with the engine at a high rpm
without upshifting while using Tap Shift,
could damage the vehicle. Always upshift
when necessary while using Tap Shift.
If equipped, vehicles with Tap Shift have
controls on the back of the steering wheel
to manually shift the automatic
transmission. Permanent Tap Shift Mode
To enter Permanent Tap Shift Mode:
1. With the vehicle in D (Drive), pull back on the shift lever to activate M (Manual
Mode). The M in the shift pattern will
illuminate in red, and the D will switch
to white. While in Permanent Tap Shift
Mode, the M on the instrument cluster
will be highlighted and the current gear
shown.
2. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
3. Pull the control toward you to shift. Pull the left control to downshift, and the
right control to upshift. To shift to the
lowest available gear, pull and hold the
left control.
To exit Permanent Tap Shift Mode: 1. To exit M (Manual Mode) and return to D (Drive), pull back on the shift lever.
The D in the shift pattern will illuminate
in red, and the M will switch to white.
2. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
M (Manual Mode) can be exited to return to
D (Drive) at any speed by pulling the lever
rearward from the center position. It is not