
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
186 Infotainment System
About
Shows the infotainment system software
information.
Display Optimization
Touch to adjust the screen for best quality.
Running Applications
Shows a complete list of applications that
are currently running on the infotainment
system.
Return to Factory Settings
Allows resetting the infotainment system
settings in the vehicle.
Vehicle
The menu may contain the following:
Valet Mode
This will lock the infotainment system and
steering wheel controls. It may also limit
access to vehicle storage locations,
if equipped.
To enable valet mode:1. Enter a four-digit code on the keypad.
2. Select Enter to go to the confirmation screen.
3. Re-enter the four-digit code. Touch Lock or Unlock to lock or unlock the
system. Touch Back to go back to the
previous menu.
Teen Driver
See
Teen Driver 0187.
Rear Seat Reminder
Allows for a chime and a message when the
rear door has been opened before or during
operation of the vehicle.
Buckle to Drive
This feature can prevent shifting out of Park
when the driver, and if applicable the front
passenger, seat belt is not buckled. See
Buckle To Drive 056.
Super Cruise Lane Change
See Super Cruise 0258.
Driver Mode Customization
See “Driver Mode Customization” inDriver
Mode Control 0240.
Climate
Adjusts different climate settings.
Collision/Detection Systems
Adjusts different driver assistance system
settings. Comfort and Convenience
Adjusts different comfort and convenience
settings.
Lighting
Adjusts different lighting settings.
Power Door Locks
Adjusts different door lock settings.
Remote Lock, Unlock, and Start
Adjusts different remote lock settings.
Ride Height
Adjusts different ride height settings.
Running Boards
Adjusts different running board settings.
Seating Position
Adjusts different seat settings.
Suspension
Adjusts different suspension settings.
Remote Key Relearn
This sets up a new or forgotten key for use
in the vehicle. Place the key in the
transmitter pocket. Make sure vehicle is
parked and touch Start.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
Driving and Operating 205
Driving and Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . 206
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . 222
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . 224
Dynamic Fuel Management . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . 225
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Manual Mode (V-Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Automatic Vehicle Hold (AVH) . . . . . . . . . 237
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic StabilityControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Magnetic Ride Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Four Corner Air Suspension System . . . 243
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Adaptive Cruise Control (Advanced) . . . 248
Super Cruise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Surround Vision System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Park Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Automatic Parking Assist (APA) . . . . . . . . 282
Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) . . . . . . 284
Rear Pedestrian Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . 287
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Night Vision System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . 294
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Traffic Sign Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Surround Vision Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
Driving and Operating 209
2. Turn the steering wheel aboutone-eighth of a turn, until the right front
tire contacts the pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three control
systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not rolling.
.Steering or Cornering Skid —too much
speed or steering in a curve causes tires
to slip and lose cornering force.
.Acceleration Skid —too much throttle
causes the driving wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking
reasonable care suited to existing conditions,
and by not overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these
suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal
and steer the way you want the vehicle
to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be
ready for a second skid if it occurs.
.Slow down and adjust your driving
according to weather conditions. Stopping
distance can be longer and vehicle control
can be affected when traction is reduced
by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
material on the road. Learn to recognize
warning clues —such as enough water,
ice, or packed snow on the road to make
a mirrored surface —and slow down
when you have any doubt.
.Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing vehicle
speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any
sudden changes could cause the tires to
slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only
the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
Four-wheel-drive vehicles can be used for
off-road driving. Vehicles without four-wheel
drive and vehicles not equipped with All
Terrain (AT) or On-Off Road (OOR) tires must
not be driven off-road except on a level,
solid surface. For contact information about
the original equipment tires, see the
warranty manual.
One of the best ways for successful off-road
driving is to control the speed.
{Warning
When driving off-road, bouncing and
quick changes in direction can easily
throw you out of position. This could
cause you to lose control and crash. You
and your passengers should always wear
seat belts.
Before Driving Off-Road
.Have all necessary maintenance and
service work completed.
.Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels, and check
inflation pressure in all tires, including the
spare, if equipped.
.Read all the information about
four-wheel-drive vehicles in this manual.
.Know the local laws that apply to off-road
driving.
Loading the Vehicle for Off-Road Driving
{Warning
.Unsecured cargo on the load floor can
be tossed about when driving over
rough terrain. You or your passengers
can be struck by flying objects. Secure
the cargo properly. (Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
212 Driving and Operating
Driving in Mud, Sand, Snow, or Ice
Use a low gear when driving in mud—the
deeper the mud, the lower the gear. Keep
the vehicle moving to avoid getting stuck.
Traction changes when driving on sand. On
loose sand, such as on beaches or sand
dunes, the tires tend to sink into the sand.
This affects steering, accelerating, and
braking. Drive at a reduced speed and avoid
sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers.
Traction is reduced on hard packed snow
and ice and it is easy to lose control. Reduce
vehicle speed when driving on hard packed
snow and ice.
{Warning
Driving on frozen lakes, ponds, or rivers
can be dangerous. Ice conditions vary
greatly and the vehicle could fall through
the ice; you and your passengers could
drown. Drive your vehicle on safe
surfaces only.
Driving in Water
{Warning
Driving through rushing water can be
dangerous. Deep water can sweep your
vehicle downstream and you and your
passengers could drown. If it is only
shallow water, it can still wash away the
ground from under your tires. Traction
could be lost, and the vehicle could roll
over. Do not drive through rushing water.
Caution
Do not drive through standing water if it
is deep enough to cover the wheel hubs,
axles, or exhaust pipe. Deep water can
damage the axle and other vehicle parts.
If the standing water is not too deep, drive
through it slowly. At faster speeds, water
can get into the engine and cause it to stall.
Stalling can occur if the exhaust pipe is
under water. Do not turn off the ignition
when driving through water. If the exhaust
pipe is under water, the engine will not
start. When going through water, the brakes
get wet and it may take longer to stop. See
“Driving on Wet Roads” later in this section.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has
collected on the underbody or chassis,
or under the hood. These accumulations can
be a fire hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have the
brake linings cleaned and checked. These
substances can cause glazing and uneven
braking. Check the body structure, driveline,
steering, suspension, wheels, tires, and
exhaust system for damage and check the
fuel lines and cooling system for any
leakage.
More frequent maintenance service is
required. See theMaintenance Schedule
0 415.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle
traction and affect your ability to stop and
accelerate. Always drive slower in these
types of driving conditions and avoid driving
through large puddles and deep-standing or
flowing water.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
Driving and Operating 215
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the
window. Moving about to keep warm also
helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive, when
running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than
the idle speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to signal
for help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to
free the vehicle when stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow.
The Traction Control System (TCS) can often
help to free a stuck vehicle. SeeTraction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0238.
If TCS cannot free the vehicle, turn TCS off
and use the rocking method. See “Rocking
the Vehicle to Get it Out” following.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high speed,
they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can
overheat, causing an engine compartment
fire or other damage. Spin the wheels as
little as possible and avoid going above
56 km/h (35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right to
clear the area around the front wheels. Turn
off any traction system. Shift back and forth
between R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as possible. To
prevent transmission wear, wait until the
wheels stop spinning before shifting gears.
Release the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear. Slowly
spinning the wheels in the forward and
reverse directions causes a rocking motion
that could free the vehicle. If that does not
get the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the vehicle
does need to be towed out, see Transporting
a Disabled Vehicle 0401.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how much
weight the vehicle can carry. This
weight is called the vehicle capacity
weight and includes the weight of all
occupants, cargo, and all
nonfactory-installed options. Two labels
on the vehicle may show how much
weight it was designed to carry, the
Tire and Loading Information label and
the Certification/Tire label.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any heavier
than the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR), or either the maximum
front or rear Gross Axle Weight
Rating (GAWR). This can cause
systems to break and change the
way the vehicle handles. This could
cause loss of control and a crash.
Overloading can also reduce stopping
performance, damage the tires, and
shorten the life of the vehicle.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
232 Driving and Operating
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 0402 and
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle 0401.
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.
4
n(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 0238.
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 0236.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
234 Driving and Operating
With the vehicle moving less than 5 km/h
(3 mph), and the transmission in N (Neutral),
attempt the shift again.
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
To shift into N (Neutral):1. Start the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
3. Shift the transfer case to 2
m.
4. Apply the parking brake and/or brake pedal.
5. Press 2
mfive times in 10 seconds until
the N (Neutral) symbol starts flashing in
the instrument cluster. When the shift is
complete, the graphic stops flashing.
If the parking brake and/or brake pedal
is not applied within 20 seconds, the
transfer case will remain in the original
state.
6. If the transmission is not shifted into N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not slowed
to 5 km/h (3 mph) within 20 seconds, the
transfer case will remain in its original
state. This will be indicated in the
instrument cluster. Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift out of N (Neutral):
1. Turn the ignition on with the engine off. See Ignition Positions 0219.
2. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0236.
3. Shift the transmission to N (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.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
Driving and Operating 235
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.
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. See
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 0117.
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.