engine CADILLAC ESCALADE 2023 Repair Manual

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

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 231
necessary to stop the vehicle or shift to
N (Neutral) or P (Park) prior to shifting back
to D (Drive).
Temporary Tap Manual Shift Mode
To enter Temporary Tap Shift Mode:1. With the transmission in D (Drive) and not in Permanent Tap Shift Mode, the
Tap Shift controls will activate a
Temporary Tap Manual Shift Mode,
allowing the transmission to be manually
shifted. While in Temporary Tap Shift
Mode, the D on the instrument cluster
will be highlighted and the current gear
shown.
2. To shift to the lowest available gear, press and hold the left control.
3. To deactivate, hold the right control briefly. Automatic shifts return after no
manual shifts have been done for seven
to 10 seconds.
While using Tap Shift, the vehicle will have
firmer, quicker shifting. This can be used for
sport driving or when climbing or
descending hills, to stay in gear longer,
or to downshift for more power or engine
braking. The transmission will only allow shifting
into gears appropriate for the vehicle speed
and engine revolutions per minute (rpm).
The transmission will not automatically shift
to the next higher gear if the engine rpm is
too high. It will only automatically shift to
the next lower gear if the engine rpm is
too low.
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive
If equipped, four-wheel drive engages the
front axle for extra traction.
Four-wheel drive engages the front axle for
extra traction.
Caution
Do not drive on clean, dry pavement in 4
mand 4n(if equipped) for an extended
period of time. These conditions may
cause premature wear on the vehicle’s
powertrain.
Driving on clean, dry pavement in 4
mor
4
nmay:
.Cause a vibration to be felt in the
steering system.
.Cause tires to wear faster.
{Warning
With four-wheel drive, the vehicle will be
free to roll if the transfer case is in
N (Neutral), even when the shift lever is
in P (Park). Be sure the transfer case is in
a drive gear —2
m, 4m, or 4n—not in
N (Neutral). See Shifting Into Park 0223.
Caution
Extended high-speed operation in 4n
may damage or shorten the life of the
drivetrain.
An engagement noise and bump is normal
when shifting between 4
nand 4mor
N (Neutral), with the engine running.
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction Control
and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) off. See Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0238.

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-
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238 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Do not rely on this feature. It does not
replace the need to pay attention and
drive safely. You may not hear or feel
alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage.
When Automatic Vehicle Hold (AVH) is
turned on and the vehicle is braked to a
stop, AVH prevents the vehicle from moving
during the transition from brake pedal
release to accelerator pedal apply. The
brakes release when the accelerator pedal is
applied. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on AVH to
hold the vehicle.
If the accelerator pedal is not applied within
a few minutes, the Electric Parking Brake
will apply. The parking brake will also apply
if the driver door is opened or the driver
seat belt is unfastened while AVH is holding
the vehicle.
AVH can be turned on by pressing AUTO
HOLD. The indicator light on the switch will
come on. The AVH light on the instrument panel will come on while AVH is actively
holding the vehicle. See
Automatic Vehicle
Hold (AVH) Light 0117.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC). These systems help limit
wheel spin and assist the driver in
maintaining control, especially on slippery
road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses any of the drive
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, TCS applies the
brakes to the spinning wheels and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to one or more of the
vehicle wheel brakes to assist the driver in
keeping the vehicle on the intended path. Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is also on
automatically when the vehicle is started.
See
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) 0322.
If cruise control is being used and traction
control or StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit
wheel spin, cruise control will disengage.
Cruise control may be turned back on when
road conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0215 and “Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this section.
When the transfer case (if equipped) is in
Four-Wheel Drive Low, the TCS and
StabiliTrak/ESC are automatically disabled,
g
comes on, and the appropriate message will
appear on the Driver Information
Center (DIC).

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 239
The indicator light for both systems is to
the right of the center stack and below the
screen. This light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is activated
.Turn on and stay on when either system
is not working
See Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
Light 0119.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on
and stays on to indicate that the system is
inactive and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. Adjust driving
accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine. Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on and stays
on, see your dealer as soon as possible.
Turning the Systems Off and On
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.
To turn Traction (TSC) or Stability (ESC) off
and on, access the Traction and Stability
screen from the Vehicle Information main
screen in the infotainment system. See
Vehicle Information 0127 for instructions on
navigating and selecting items.
Traction and Stability Screen The current status of each system is
displayed next to the Traction and Stability
icons. To turn either system off or on, select
or touch the Traction and Stability screen to
access the Traction and Stability menu
screen.
Traction and Stability Menu
To turn off TCS, select or touch the Traction
virtual button on the screen. The traction off
light
idisplays in the instrument cluster.
See Traction Off Light 0118.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when disabled,
the system will not turn off until the wheels
stop spinning.

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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.

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Driving and Operating 243
After the first launch the system will learn
what traction is available and adjust for
repeated runs. Re-entering V mode will reset
launch control targets to 100%. Launch
Control is designed for a closed course race
track and not intended for public roads. The
system is not intended to compensate for
lack of driver experience or familiarity with
the race track.
Drive Mode Customization
The vehicle is equipped to modify the
following settings based on vehicle content.
Through the center radio display, select
Vehicle > Settings > Drive Mode
Customization to customize and personalize
My mode or V mode, or turn on or off
Visualization.
These settings will be retained over each
key cycle, and do not have to be reset each
time the vehicle is started. The following
settings may be available depending on
region, trim level, and optional features.
Engine Sound :Engine sound settings adjust
the volume of engine noise. Engine sound is
quieter at lower settings and louder at
higher settings. Steering :
Steering settings adjust the effort
required to turn the steering wheel. Steering
feel is less responsive at lower settings and
more responsive at higher settings.
Suspension : Suspension settings adjust the
stiffness of the shocks and / or springs. The
ride is more comfortable at lower settings
and stiffer at higher settings for better
control.
Engine Shift : Engine shift settings adjust
the throttle response, gear shifting, and
engine performance. Throttle response
increases at higher settings and gear shifting
is more aggressive.
Brake Response : Brake response settings
adjust the brake pedal response. Brake pedal
feel is less sensitive at lower settings and
more sensitive at higher settings.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) : AWD settings
adjust the driveline system. Each setting is
tuned for optimal driving and handling
performance in different road conditions.
Magnetic Ride Control
This vehicle may have a semi-active damping
system called Magnetic Ride Control. With
this feature, improved vehicle ride and
handling is provided under a variety of
passenger and loading conditions.
Locking Rear Axle
Vehicles with a locking rear axle can give
more traction on snow, mud, ice, sand,
or gravel. It works like a standard axle most
of the time, but when traction is low, this
feature will allow the rear wheel with the
most traction to move the vehicle.
Four Corner Air Suspension
System
The Four Corner Air Suspension feature
provides full time load leveling capability
along with the benefit of adjusting ride
height for increased convenience and
capability.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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248 Driving and Operating
Reducing Speed While Cruise Control is at a
Set Speed
If the cruise control system is already
activated:
.Press and hold SET−down until the
desired lower speed is reached, then
release it.
.To decrease the vehicle speed in small
increments, press SET− down briefly. For
each press, the vehicle goes about 1 km/h
(1 mph) slower.
The speedometer reading can be displayed
in either English or metric units. See
Instrument Cluster 0107. The increment
value used depends on the units displayed.
Passing Another Vehicle While Using Cruise
Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase the
vehicle speed. When you take your foot off
the pedal, the vehicle will slow down to the
previous set cruise speed.
While pressing the accelerator pedal or
shortly following the release to override
cruise, briefly applying the SET− control will
result in cruise set to the current vehicle
speed. Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works on hills
depends on the vehicle speed, the load, and
the steepness of the hills. When going up
steep hills, pressing the accelerator pedal
may be necessary to maintain vehicle speed.
When going downhill, Cruise Grade Braking
helps maintain the driver selected speed.
Cruise Grade Braking is enabled when the
vehicle is started and cruise control is active.
It is not enabled in Range Selection Mode.
It assists in maintaining driver selected
speed when driving on downhill grades by
using the engine and transmission to slow
the vehicle.
To disable and enable Cruise Grade Braking
for the current ignition cycle, press and hold
the Tow/Haul button for five seconds.
A Driver Information Center (DIC) message
displays.
For other forms of Grade Braking, see
Automatic Transmission
0225 and
Driver Mode Control 0240.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
.To turn off cruise control, pressJ.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased from
memory if
Jis pressed or if the ignition is
turned off.
Adaptive Cruise Control
(Advanced)
If equipped, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
allows the cruise control set speed and
following gap to be selected. Read this
entire section before using this system. The
following gap is the following time (or
distance) between your vehicle and a vehicle
detected directly ahead in your path,
moving in the same direction. If no vehicle
is detected in your path, ACC works like
regular cruise control. ACC uses camera and
radar sensors. See Radio Frequency
Statement 0435.
If a vehicle is detected in your path, ACC can
speed up the vehicle or apply limited,
moderate braking to maintain the selected
following gap. To disengage ACC, apply the
brake. If the Traction Control System (TCS)
or StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) activates while ACC is engaged, ACC

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302 Driving and Operating
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel
GM recommends the use of TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline to keep the engine clean,
reduce engine deposits, and maintain
optimal vehicle performance. Look for the
TOP TIER Logo or see www.toptiergas.com
for a list of TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline
marketers and applicable countries.
Recommended Fuel
For diesel engine vehicles, see“Fuel for
Diesel Engines” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
Premium unleaded gasoline meeting ASTM
specification D4814 with a posted octane
rating (R+M)/2 of 91 or greater is
recommended. If unavailable, unleaded
gasoline with a posted octane rating of
87 may be used, but will result in reduced
performance and driveability. If heavy
knocking is heard when using gasoline rated
at 91 or greater, the engine needs service.
Do not use any fuel labeled E85 or FlexFuel.
Do not use gasoline with ethanol levels
greater than 15% by volume.
Prohibited Fuels
Caution
Do not use fuels with any of the
following conditions; doing so may
damage the vehicle and void its
warranty:
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.For vehicles that are not FlexFuel, fuel
labeled greater than 15% ethanol by
volume, such as mid-level ethanol
blends (16–50% ethanol), E85,
or FlexFuel.
.Fuel with any amount of methanol,
methylal, ferrocene, and aniline. These
fuels can corrode metal fuel system
parts or damage plastic and rubber
parts.
.Fuel containing metals such as
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT), which can damage
the emissions control system and
spark plugs.
.Fuel with a posted octane rating of
less than the recommended fuel. Using
this fuel will lower fuel economy and
performance, and may decrease the
life of the emissions catalyst.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico post fuel
octane ratings in anti-knock index (AKI). For
fuel not to use in a foreign country, see
Prohibited Fuels 0302.