Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
202 Climate Controls
display. When locked the rear climate
control system cannot be adjusted from the
rear climate controls on the rear of the
center console.
Automatic Operation
Rear AUTO :Touch to turn on or off. The air
delivery and fan speed are controlled
automatically. The AUTO indicator appears
on the display on the rear of the center
console. If the Mode or fan control buttons
are manually adjusted, this cancels the
automatic operation.
Manual Operation
A«/ªAª: Touch or press the fan
controls on the rear climate display or on
the rear of the center console to increase or
decrease the airflow. Pressing
A «when
the system is off will turn the system on.
The air delivery mode remains in its
previous setting.
«/ª: Touch or press and hold the rear
temperature controls on the rear climate
display or on the rear of the center console
to adjust the rear passenger temperature.
Press
«for warmer air and pressªfor
cooler air.
Y/\/Y: Touch the desired mode on
the rear climate display or the MODE button
on the rear of the center console to change
the direction of the airflow in the rear
seating area.
MorL: If equipped, pressMorLto
heat the left or right outboard seat cushion.
See Heated Rear Seats 052.
Air Vents
Adjustable air vents are in the center and on
the side of the instrument panel.
1. Slider Knob Move the slider knob (1) to change the
direction of the airflow and to shut off the
air flow. The horizontal vanes rotate up and
down. A metallic click sounds every time
they pass through the horizontal position.
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves from
the air inlets at the base of the
windshield that could block the flow of
air into the vehicle.
.Clear snow off the hood to improve
visibility and help decrease moisture
drawn into the vehicle.
.When you enter a vehicle in cold
weather, press the fan up button to the
maximum fan level before driving. This
helps clear the intake ducts of snow and
moisture, and reduces the chance of
fogging the inside of the window.
.Keep the air path under the front seats
clear of objects to help circulate the air
inside of the vehicle more effectively.
.Use of non-GM approved hood deflectors
can adversely affect the performance of
the system. Check with your dealer
before adding equipment to the outside
of the vehicle.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
214 Driving and Operating
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or IceCaution
To avoid damage to the wheels and
brake components, always clear snow and
ice from inside the wheels and
underneath the vehicle before driving.
Snow or ice between the tires and the road
creates less traction or grip, so drive
carefully. Wet ice can occur at about 0 °C
(32 °F) when freezing rain begins to fall.
Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the
surface under the tires slick.
.Turn on Traction Control. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0238.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves
vehicle stability during hard stops, but
the brakes should be applied sooner than
when on dry pavement. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) 0235.
.Allow greater following distance and
watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can
occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded
areas. The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden
steering maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
Cold Weather Mode
In very low temperatures, a cold weather
message may display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The engine speed,
transmission shift patterns, and cabin fan
speed may operate differently to enable the
vehicle to warm up quicker. You can
manually override the cabin fan speed in
cold weather mode.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and signal
for help. Stay with the vehicle unless there
is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program
0 430. To get help and keep everyone in
the vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the
vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to
get inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on
the vehicle side that is away from the
wind, to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to
circulate the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See “Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0225.
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
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
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
298 Driving and Operating
Exceeding Indicated Speed Limit
If the indicated traffic sign speed limit is
exceeded by 5 km/h (3 mph) or more, the
permanently displayed traffic sign symbol
will flash until the vehicle speed is reduced
to or below the indicated speed limit.
System Reset
The content of the traffic sign display can
be cleared in the Traffic Sign Menu from the
Traffic Sign Memory page by selecting Reset
and confirmed by pressing the thumbwheel.
Upon successful reset, a(–)symbol displays
until the next traffic sign is detected or
provided by the navigation system map
data. In some cases, traffic sign memory is
cleared automatically by the system.
See Driver Information Center (DIC) 0124.
Navigation System Traffic Sign Detection
The currently displayed sign can either
originate from sign detection using the
camera, or from the navigation system map
data. If the currently displayed sign
originates from map data and the map
information changes, a new sign will be
displayed. This may lead to detection of a
new sign although no sign on the road may
have been passed.
Limitations
Traffic sign memory may not operate
correctly if:
.The area of the windshield, where the
front camera is located, is not clean or is
affected by foreign objects, e.g. stickers,
window tinting, etc.
.Traffic signs are completely or partially
covered, are too low or high or difficult to
discern.
.Traffic signs are incorrectly mounted or
are damaged.
.Traffic signs do not comply with the
approved traffic sign standards.
.The speed limit is displayed by certain
types of electronic speed signs.
.There are adverse environmental
conditions, e.g. heavy rain, snow, direct
sunlight or shadows.
.The headlights are dirty or not correctly
aligned when driving at night.
.The navigation map data is out of date.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
If equipped, LKA may help avoid crashes due
to unintentional lane departures. This
system uses a camera to detect lane
markings. The LKA system can be ready to assist at speeds between approximately
60 km/h (37 mph) and 180 km/h (112 mph).
On some vehicles, the system will instead
operate above 50 km/h (31 mph). LKA may
assist by gently turning the steering wheel
if the vehicle approaches a detected lane
marking. It may also provide a Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) alert if the vehicle
crosses a detected lane marking. This system
is not intended to keep the vehicle centered
in the lane. LKA will not assist and alert if
the turn signal is active in the direction of
lane departure, or if it detects that you are
accelerating, braking or actively steering.
LKA can be overridden by turning the
steering wheel. If the system detects you
are steering intentionally across a lane
marker, the LDW will not be given. Do not
expect the LDW to occur when you are
intentionally crossing a lane marker.
{Warning
The LKA system does not continuously
steer the vehicle. It may not keep the
vehicle in the lane or give a Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) alert, even if a
lane marking is detected.
(Continued)
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
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.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
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.