2023 CADILLAC ESCALADE trailer

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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242 Driving and Operating
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,
seeOff-Road Driving 0209 and
Hill and Mountain Roads 0213. V Mode
If equipped, to activate V mode, press the V
mode button on the center console.
V Mode and My Mode
V mode and 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 V mode or
My mode, see
“Drive Mode Customization.”
Launch Control (V-Series Only)
Launch Control is available within V mode
only to allow high levels of vehicle
acceleration in a straight line. Launch Control is a form of traction control that
manages tire spin while launching the
vehicle. This feature is intended for use
during closed course race events where up
to 97 km (60 mph) are desirable. Launch
Control is only available when the following
criteria are met:
‐
V mode is selected.
‐ The vehicle is not moving.
‐ The steering wheel is pointing straight.
‐ The brake pedal is firmly pressed to the
floor, equivalent to a panic brake event.
‐ The accelerator pedal is rapidly applied to
wide open throttle. If the vehicle rolls due
to wide open throttle, release the
throttle, press the brake pedal more
firmly, and reapply the accelerator to
wide open throttle.
Launch Control will initially limit vehicle
speed as rapidly applying the accelerator
pedal to a wide open throttle. Allow the
engine rpm to stabilize and wait for the
traction control light to begin flashing –this
indicates that the vehicle is ready to launch.
A smooth, quick release of the brake pedal,
while maintaining the fully pressed
accelerator pedal, will manage wheel slip.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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-
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Driving and Operating 253
Near Gap Setting
If equipped, and a trailer is electrically
connected, the gap setting display will be as
follows:
Far Gap Setting with Trailer
Medium Gap Setting with Trailer
Near Gap Setting with Trailer
Since each gap setting corresponds to a
following time (Far, Medium, or Near), the
following distance will vary based on vehicle
speed. The faster the vehicle speed, the
further back your vehicle will follow a
vehicle detected ahead. Consider traffic and
weather conditions when selecting the following gap. The range of selectable gaps
may not be appropriate for all drivers and
driving conditions.
Changing the gap setting automatically
changes the alert timing sensitivity (Far,
Medium, or Near) for the Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) feature. See
Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) System 0287.
Courtesy Gap
Press and hold
[on the steering wheel
when vehicle is moving to temporarily
increase the gap with the vehicle ahead to
allow for merging traffic.
Press and hold
[when stopped to cancel
ACC from resuming automatically (if the
stop is brief) and remain stationary. This can
be used to allow traffic to merge between
you and the vehicle ahead. Press RES+ or
the accelerator pedal to resume ACC.
Following distance gap will return to the
original selection after hold.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 257
ACC may detect a vehicle that is not in your
lane and apply the brakes.
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 0309.
When towing a trailer with ACC, it is
important to properly set the Trailer Gain.
See “Integrated Trailer Brake Control
System” inTowing Equipment 0313 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 0240.
Disengaging ACC
There are three ways to disengage ACC:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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260 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
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.
.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. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Not when approaching an intersection
that is controlled with a traffic light,
stop sign, or other traffic control
device.
.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 that does
not meet GM approved guidelines.
.Not in a highway exit lane. When Super Cruise is Available
Super Cruise Indicator
Super Cruise is designed to operate
only when:
.ACC is on. See Adaptive Cruise Control
(Advanced) 0248.
.Teen Driver is not active.
.The GPS detects the vehicle is on a
compatible road.
.Both the camera and the radar sensors
are functioning and not covered,
obstructed, or damaged.
.The Driver Attention System (DAS) detects
the driver's head and eyes are directed
toward the road ahead.
.The lane markings are clearly visible and
able to be detected by the system.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 263
Change feature can be enabled or disabled
through the vehicle personalization menu.
Touch the Settings icon on the infotainment
home page. Select“Vehicle”to display the
list of available options and select “Super
Cruise Lane Change.”
Super Cruise Lane change is disabled when
attached trailer is detected.
Do not use Super Cruise Lane Change
feature when towing a trailer.
{Warning
Super Cruise Lane Change may not detect
a vehicle in an adjacent lane. Always
supervise the driving task and monitor
traffic conditions when using the Super
Cruise Lane Change feature. Only request
a lane change when traffic conditions are
safe for a lane change, and always be
ready to manually steer the vehicle. See
“Steering Manually and Changing Lanes”
listed previously in this section. Take Over Alert
{Warning
Super Cruise will not maintain the
vehicle’s speed while the steering wheel
light bar is flashing red. If the steering
wheel light bar flashes red, immediately
resume manual steering to prevent
serious injury or death. If you do not
resume manual steering, the vehicle will
begin to slow in the same lane and
eventually come to a complete stop on
the road.
Any time the steering wheel light bar
flashes red, resume manual steering
immediately.
To begin steering manually, hold the
steering wheel firmly (with both hands)
using the highlighted regions as shown in
the picture below.
The instrument cluster light^, will also
turn red and a message will display in the
Driver Information Center (DIC). In addition,
beeps will sound, or the Safety Alert Seat
will vibrate. To view Collision and Detection
options, touch the Settings icon on the
infotainment home page. Select “Vehicle”to
display the list of available options and
select “Collision/Detection Systems”. After
you begin steering manually, then Super
Cruise will disengage.
The red flashing steering wheel light bar
could occur under any of the following
conditions:
.Lane markings are poor, or visibility is
limited.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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266 Driving and Operating
Stationary or Very Slow-Moving Objects;
Cross-Traffic
{Warning
Super Cruise is not a crash avoidance
system. Super Cruise does not steer to
prevent a crash with stopped or slow
moving vehicles, or with vehicles crossing
the road such as those that are traveling
through intersections. 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.
Super Cruise may not detect your lane on
curves in the road. Super Cruise may not
detect the markings that show your lane. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 hand control back to the
driver more often driving around a sharp
curve while towing a trailer.
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.