2023 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESP

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 289
.Clean the outside of the windshield in
front of the rearview mirror.
.Clean the entire front of the vehicle.
.Clean the headlamps.
Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB)
If equipped, the AEB system may help avoid
or reduce the harm caused by front-end
crashes. AEB also includes Intelligent Brake
Assist (IBA). When the system detects a
vehicle ahead in your path that is traveling
in the same direction that you may be
about to crash into, it can provide a boost
to braking or automatically brake the
vehicle. This can help avoid or lessen the
severity of crashes when driving in a
forward gear. Depending on the situation,
the vehicle may automatically brake
moderately or hard. This Automatic
Emergency Braking can only occur if a
vehicle is detected. This is shown by the FCA
vehicle ahead indicator being lit. See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System0287.
The system works when driving in a forward
gear between 8 km/h (5 mph) and 80 km/h
(50 mph), or on vehicles with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) above 4 km/h (2 mph).
It can detect vehicles up to approximately
60 m (197 ft).
{Warning
AEB is an emergency crash preparation
feature and is not designed to avoid
crashes. Do not rely on AEB to brake the
vehicle. AEB will not brake outside of its
operating speed range and only responds
to detected vehicles.
AEB may not:
.Detect a vehicle ahead on winding or
hilly roads.
.Detect all vehicles, especially vehicles
with a trailer, tractors, muddy
vehicles, etc.
.Detect a vehicle when weather limits
visibility, such as in fog, rain, or snow.
.Detect a vehicle ahead if it is partially
blocked by pedestrians or other
objects.
Complete attention is always required
while driving, and you should be ready to
take action and apply the brakes and/or
steer the vehicle to avoid crashes. AEB may slow the vehicle to a complete
stop to try to avoid a potential crash. If this
happens, AEB may engage the Electric
Parking Brake (EPB) to hold the vehicle at a
stop. Release the EPB or firmly press the
accelerator pedal.
{Warning
AEB may automatically brake the vehicle
suddenly in situations where it is
unexpected and undesired. It could
respond to a turning vehicle ahead,
guardrails, signs, and other non-moving
objects. To override AEB, firmly press the
accelerator pedal, if it is safe to do so.
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
IBA may activate when the brake pedal is
applied quickly by providing a boost to
braking based on the speed of approach and
distance to a vehicle ahead.
Minor brake pedal pulsations or pedal
movement during this time is normal and
the brake pedal should continue to be
applied as needed. IBA will automatically
disengage only when the brake pedal is
released.

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290 Driving and Operating
{Warning
IBA may increase vehicle braking in
situations when it may not be necessary.
You could block the flow of traffic. If this
occurs, take your foot off the brake pedal
and then apply the brakes as needed.
AEB and IBA can be disabled. To view
available settings for this feature, touch the
Settings icon on the infotainment home
page. Select “Vehicle”to display the list of
available options and select “Collision/
Detection Systems”.
{Warning
Using AEB or IBA while towing a trailer
could cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and crash. Turn the system to
Alert or Off when towing a trailer.
A system unavailable message may
display if:
.The front of the vehicle or windshield is
not clean.
.Heavy rain or snow is interfering with
object detection.
.There is a problem with the StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.
The AEB system does not need service.
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
System
If equipped, the FPB system may help avoid
or reduce the harm caused by front-end
crashes with nearby pedestrians when
driving in a forward gear. FPB displays an
amber indicator,
~, when a nearby
pedestrian is detected ahead. When
approaching a detected pedestrian too
quickly, FPB provides a red flashing alert on
the windshield and rapidly beeps or pulses
the driver seat. FPB can provide a boost to
braking or automatically brake the vehicle.
This system includes Intelligent Brake Assist
(IBA), and the Automatic Emergency Braking
(AEB) system may also respond to
pedestrians. See Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB) 0289.
The FPB system can detect and alert to
pedestrians in a forward gear at speeds
between 8 km/h (5 mph) and 80 km/h
(50 mph). During daytime driving, the system detects pedestrians up to a distance
of approximately 40 m (131 ft). During
nighttime driving, system performance is
very limited. If equipped, during nighttime
driving, the Night Vision system can detect
and alert to pedestrians when the vehicle is
in a forward gear. See
Night Vision System
0 292.
{Warning
FPB does not provide an alert or
automatically brake the vehicle, unless it
detects a pedestrian. FPB may not detect
pedestrians, including children:
.When the pedestrian is not directly
ahead, fully visible, or standing
upright, or when part of a group.
.Due to poor visibility, including
nighttime conditions, fog, rain,
or snow.
.If the FPB sensor is blocked by dirt,
snow, or ice.
.If the headlamps or windshield are not
cleaned or in proper condition.
(Continued)

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294 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
pedestrian or large animal. The system
may not detect pedestrians, including
children, or animals:
.If they are less than 25 m (82 ft) away.
.If they are not directly ahead in the
sensor coverage area, fully visible,
standing upright, or part of a group.
.If the person or animal is moving too
quickly through the field of view, such
as a bicyclist.
.If the pedestrian is wearing insulated
clothing.
.If headlamps are off, except when
parked.
.If the outside temperature is above
30° c (86° f).
.Due to poor visibility, including in
heavy fog, rain, or snow.
.If the sensor is blocked by dirt, snow,
rain, or ice.
.When traveling faster than 112 km/h
(70 mph).(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Be ready to steer and apply the brakes.
For more information, seeDefensive
Driving 0207. Keep the Night Vision
sensor clean and in good repair.
Night Vision Detection Unavailable and icon
\is temporarily displayed when the Night
Vision system is unable to detect
pedestrians or animals. It may be caused by
high ambient temperatures or other
conditions. The message can be dismissed
and the system does not need service.
In rain, snow, or fog the image may not be
clear and the direction of the road ahead
may not be seen. In more severe weather
conditions, the image may be unclear and
unusable. The system does not need service.
Clean the night vision camera by activating
the front windshield washer five times. The
system will automatically try to clean itself
if a blockage is detected. If the Night Vision
image still looks blurry, use a soft wet cloth
to gently clean the sensor camera lens and
dry thoroughly. The night vision camera is
behind the lower front grille below the
driver side headlamp. If the vehicle displays SERVICE NIGHT
VISION, do not attempt to adjust camera
yourself. See your dealer.
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
If equipped, the SBZA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists drivers with
avoiding crashes that occur with moving
vehicles in the side blind zone, or blind spot
areas. When the vehicle is in a forward gear,
the left or right side mirror display will light
up if a moving vehicle is detected in that
blind zone. If the turn signal is activated and
a vehicle is also detected on the same side,
the display will flash as an extra warning
not to change lanes. Since this system is
part of the Lane Change Alert (LCA) system,
read the entire LCA section before using this
feature.
Lane Change Alert (LCA)
If equipped, the Lane Change Alert (LCA)
system is a lane-changing aid that can assist
drivers with avoiding lane change crashes
with moving vehicles in the side blind zone,
or blind spot areas or with vehicles rapidly
approaching these areas from behind. When
a vehicle is detected in the blind zone, the
LCA warning display will light up in the
corresponding side mirror and will flash if

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296 Driving and Operating
warning area starts at approximately 3 m
(10 ft) to the trailing edge of the vehicle and
goes back up to 21 m (69 ft) behind the
vehicle. The maximum trailer length is
12 m (39 ft).
How the System Works
The LCA/ESBZA symbol lights up in the side
mirrors when the system detects a moving
vehicle in the next lane over that is in the
extended side blind zone. This indicates it
may be unsafe to change lanes. Before
making a lane change, check the SBZA
display, check mirrors, glance over your
shoulder, and use the turn signals.
Left Side MirrorDisplayRight Side Mirror Display
When the vehicle is started, both outside
mirror LCA/ESBZA displays will briefly come
on to indicate the system is operating.
When the vehicle is in a forward gear, the
left- or right-side mirror display will light up
if a moving vehicle is detected in that blind zone. If the turn signal is activated in the
same direction as a detected vehicle, this
display will flash as an extra warning not to
change lanes.
LCA/ESBZA displays may not come on when
passing a vehicle quickly, or when passing a
stopped vehicle. LCA/ESBZA may alert to
objects attached to the vehicle, such as a
bicycle, or object extending out to either
side of the vehicle or trailer. This is normal
system operation; the vehicle does not need
service.
LCA/ESBZA can be disabled through vehicle
settings. To view available settings from the
infotainment screen, touch Settings >
Vehicle > Collision/Detection Systems.
If SBZA is disabled by the driver, the ESBZA
mirror displays will not light up.
When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
LCA/ESBZA displays may not come on when
passing a vehicle quickly, or when passing a
stopped vehicle. The LCA/ESBZA detection
zones that extend back from the side of the
vehicle do not move further back when a
trailer is towed. Use caution while changing
lanes when towing a trailer. LCA/ESBZA may
alert to objects attached to the vehicle, such
as a trailer, bicycle, or object extending out
to either side of the vehicle or trailer. This is
normal system operation; the vehicle does
not need service.
LCA/ESBZA may not always alert the driver
to vehicles in the side blind zone, especially
in wet conditions. The system does not need
to be serviced. The system may light up due
to guardrails, signs, trees, shrubs, and other
non-moving objects. This is normal system
operation; the vehicle does not need service.
LCA/ESBZA may not operate when the LCA/
ESBZA sensors in the left or right corners of
the rear bumper are covered with mud, dirt,
snow, ice, or slush, or in heavy rainstorms.
For cleaning instructions, see "Washing the
Vehicle" under
Exterior Care0406. If the
DIC displays the system unavailable message
after cleaning both sides of the vehicle
toward the rear corners of the vehicle, see
your dealer.
If the DIC displays the system unavailable
message after cleaning both sides of the
vehicle toward the rear corners of the
vehicle, see your dealer
If the LCA/ESBZA displays do not light up
when vehicles are in the blind zone and the
system is clean, the system may need
service. Take the vehicle to your dealer.

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Driving and Operating 297
When ESBZA is disabled for any reason
other than the driver turning it off, the
Extended Side Blind Zone Alert On option
will not be available on the
personalization menu.
Driving with a Trailer
Although this system is intended to help
drivers avoid lane change crashes, it does
not replace driver vision and therefore
should be considered a lane change aid.
Even with the ESBZA system, the driver
must check carefully for objects outside of
the reporting zone (e.g., a fast approaching
vehicle) or vehicle along the side of the
trailer before changing lanes.
Use caution while changing lanes when
towing a trailer.
Traffic Sign Assistant
Traffic sign assistant recognizes designated
traffic signs via the front camera located
behind the windshield in front of the
interior rear view mirror, and displays the
detected speed limit in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). Additionally, speed
limit information from the navigation
system map database may be used.
Caution
The system is intended to assist the
driver within a defined speed range to
discern certain traffic signs. Always pay
attention to posted speed limit signs.
Do not ignore traffic signs which are not
displayed by the system.
The system does not discern any signs
other than the conventional traffic signs
that might give or end a speed limit.
It may not detect some electronic speed
signs.
Depending on the weather conditions or
problems with traffic signs, a traffic sign
may not be recognized or a sign different
from the actual traffic sign may be
displayed.
Do not let this special feature tempt you
into taking risks when driving.
Always adapt vehicle speed to the road
conditions.
Driver assistance systems do not relieve
the driver from full responsibility for
vehicle operation.Traffic signs that are detected are:.Speed Limit
.Constraint Signs
Display Indication
The currently detected speed limit is
displayed in the DIC until the next speed
limit or end of speed limit sign is detected.
The current valid speed limit is displayed
permanently in the lower line of the DIC or
upper left of the instrument cluster,
depending on the vehicle. If a speed sign
with an add on sign is detected, a
1
symbol is also displayed.
The indication of multiple signs on the
display is possible. A
(–)symbol in a frame
indicates there is a sign detected which
cannot be clearly identified by the system.
See Driver Information Center (DIC) 0124.
Alert Function
The alert function can be turned on or off
from the Traffic Sign Memory page. See
Driver Information Center (DIC) 0124.
Once activated, and if the Traffic Sign
Memory page is currently not displayed, a
newly detected speed limit is briefly
displayed as a pop-up alert in the DIC.

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306 Driving and Operating
If equipped, the following driver assistance
features should be turned to alert or off
when towing a trailer, unless equipped with
Super Cruise:
.Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert (LCA),
the LCA detection zones that extend back
from the side of the vehicle do not move
further back when a trailer is towed. Use
caution while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic Alert RIM
(RCTA, RTCB, and RAB), these features will be
disabled when towing a trailer.
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust gases
may collect at the rear of the vehicle and
enter if the liftgate, trunk/hatch,
or rear-most window is open.
When towing a trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate, trunk/
hatch, or rear-most window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Also adjust the climate control system
to a setting that brings in only outside
air. See“Climate Control Systems” in
the Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust 0225.
Towing a trailer requires experience. The
combination of the vehicle and trailer is
longer and not as responsive as the vehicle
itself. Get used to the handling and braking
of the combination by driving on a level
road surface before driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must be all be rated to carry the
intended cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the combination to
operate in an unexpected or unsafe manner.
Before driving, inspect all trailer hitch parts
and attachments, safety chains, electrical
connectors, lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing Equipment 0313. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the trailer
brake controller to check the trailer brakes
work. During the trip, occasionally check that the cargo and trailer are secure and
that the lamps and any trailer brakes are
working.
Towing with a Stability Control System
When towing, the stability control system
might be heard. The system reacts to
vehicle movement caused by the trailer,
which mainly occurs during cornering. This is
normal when towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle
ahead as you would when driving without a
trailer. This can help to avoid heavy braking
and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination of the
vehicle and trailer will not accelerate as
quickly and is much longer than the vehicle
alone. It is necessary to go much farther
beyond the passed vehicle before returning
to the lane. Pass on level roadways. Avoid
passing on hills if possible.

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308 Driving and Operating
Launching and Retrieving a Boat
Backing the Trailer into the Water
{Warning
.Have all passengers get out of the
vehicle before backing onto the sloped
part of the ramp. Lower the driver and
passenger side windows before
backing onto the ramp. This will
provide a means of escape in the
unlikely event the vehicle slides into
the water.
.If the boat launch surface is slippery,
have the driver remain in the vehicle
with the brake pedal applied while the
boat is being launched. The boat
launch can be especially slippery at
low tide when part of the ramp was
previously submerged at high tide. Do
not back onto the ramp to launch the
boat if you are not sure the vehicle
can maintain traction.
.Do not move the vehicle if someone is
in the path of the trailer. Some parts
of the trailer might be underwater and
not visible to people who are assisting
in launching the boat.Disconnect the wiring to the trailer before
backing the trailer into the water to prevent
damage to the electrical circuits on the
trailer. Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after removing the trailer from the water.
If the trailer has electric brakes that can
function when the trailer is submerged, it
might help to leave the electrical trailer
connector attached to maintain trailer brake
functionality while on the boat ramp.
To back the trailer into the water:
1. If equipped, place the vehicle in Four-Wheel Drive High or Automatic
Four-Wheel Drive.
2. Slowly back down the boat ramp until the boat is floating, but no further than
necessary.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet.
4. Have someone place chocks under the front wheels of the vehicle.
5. Gradually release the brake pedal to allow the chocks to absorb the load of
the trailer.
6. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift into P (Park).
7. Release the brake pedal. Pulling the Trailer from the Water
1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine and shift into a gear.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Let up on the brake pedal.
5. Drive slowly until the tires are clear of the chocks.
6. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
7. Slowly pull the trailer from the water.
8. Once the vehicle and trailer have been driven from the sloped part of the boat
ramp, the vehicle can be shifted from
four-wheel-drive high. Shift into the drive
mode that is appropriate for the road
conditions.
Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin and the
vehicle begins to slide toward the water,
remove your foot from the accelerator
pedal and apply the brake pedal. Seek
help to have the vehicle towed up
the ramp.

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Driving and Operating 309
Maintenance when Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when
used to tow trailers. SeeMaintenance
Schedule 0415. It is especially important to
check the engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system, and brake system before
and during each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and bolts on
the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling when Trailer Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating conditions.
See Engine Overheating 0350.
Trailer Towing
If equipped with a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can damage
the vehicle and result in costly repairs
not covered by the vehicle warranty. To
tow a trailer correctly, follow the
directions in this section and see your
dealer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle. Trailering is different than just driving the
vehicle by itself. Trailering means changes in
handling, acceleration, braking, durability,
and fuel economy. Successful, safe trailering
takes correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips and
safety rules. Many of these are important
for your safety and that of your passengers.
Read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.
Trailer Weight
{Warning
Never exceed the towing capacity for
your vehicle.
Safe trailering requires monitoring the
weight, speed, altitude, road grades, outside
temperature, dimensions of the front of the
trailer, and how frequently the vehicle is
used to tow a trailer.
Trailering Weight Ratings
When towing a trailer, the combined weight
of the vehicle, vehicle contents, trailer, and
trailer contents must be below all of the
maximum weight ratings for the vehicle,
including:
.Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR)
.Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
.Maximum Trailer Weight Rating
.Gross Axle Weight Rating-Rear (GAWR-RR)
.Maximum Trailer Tongue Weight Rating
See “Weight-Distributing Hitch Adjustment”
under Towing Equipment 0313 to determine
if equalizer bars are required to obtain the
maximum trailer weight rating.
See “Trailer Brakes” underTowing
Equipment 0313 to determine if brakes are
required based on the trailer weight.
The only way to be sure the weight is not
exceeding any of these ratings is to weigh
the tow vehicle and trailer combination,
fully loaded for the trip, getting individual
weights for each of these items.