tow CADILLAC ESCALADE 2008 3.G Owner's Manual

Tow/Haul Mode
Your vehicle has a tow/haul mode. The tow/haul mode
adjusts the transmission shift pattern to reduce shift
cycling, providing increased performance, vehicle control,
and transmission cooling when towing or hauling
heavy loads.Press the button located on the end of the shift lever to
turn the tow/haul on or off. When the tow/haul is on,
a light on the instrument panel cluster will come on.
SeeTow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-47for more
information.
Also see “Tow Haul Mode” underTowing a Trailer on
page 4-44for more information.
The tow/haul mode works with the Autoride
®feature,
if the vehicle has this, to enhance the ride when
trailering or with a loaded vehicle. SeeAutoride
®on
page 4-43.
Grade Braking
Grade Braking assists when driving on a downhill grade.
It maintains the vehicle’s speed by automatically
implementing a shift schedule that uses the engine and
the transmission to slow the vehicle. This reduces
wear on the brakes system and increases control of the
vehicle. The system constantly monitors the vehicle’s
speed, acceleration, throttle position, and whether
the brake pedal is being pressed, and determines when
to keep the current vehicle speed or to slow down.
2-34

The system will then automatically command downshifts
that reduces the vehicles speed, until the brake pedal
is no longer being pressed. This indicates the desired
vehicle speed has been reached.
The tow/haul mode and grade braking shift modes can be
activated by pressing the button on the end of the shift
control stalk. While in the DSC mode, grade braking is
deactivated, allowing the driver to select a gear.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on page 2-30
for more information.
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot. Push down the parking
brake pedal with your left foot.
A chime sounds and the warning light ashes when the
parking brake is applied and the vehicle is moving at
least 5 mph (8 km/h).To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down. Then pull the bottom edge of the lever,
with the parking brake symbol and located above
the parking brake pedal.
If the ignition is on when the parking brake is released,
the brake system warning light goes off.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-44.
2-35

Shifting Into Park
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move,
even when you are on fairly level ground, use
the steps that follow. If you are pulling a trailer,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-44.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into the PARK (P) position by
pulling the shift lever toward you and moving it up
as far as it will go.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and the
parking brake is rmly set. After the shift lever is moved
into PARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down.
Then, see if you can move the shift lever away from
PARK (P) without rst pulling it toward you. If you can,
it means that the shift lever was not fully locked into
PARK (P).
2-36

Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-38.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Also see “If You Are Caught in a Blizzard”
underWinter Driving on page 4-30.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine
is running unless you have to. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured.
To be sure your vehicle will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground, always set
the parking brake and move the shift lever
to PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park on page 2-36.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-44.
2-39

Outside Temperature
Outside temperature is shown in the mirror display.
Temperature will be displayed in Fahrenheit or Celsius
based on the choice of English or metric in the
vehicle’s conguration menu.
If an abnormal temperature reading is displayed for
an extended period of time, please consult your
dealer/retailer. Under certain circumstances, a delay
in updating the temperature is normal.
Cleaning the Mirror
When cleaning the mirror, use a paper towel or similar
material dampened with glass cleaner. Do not spray
glass cleaner directly on the mirror as that may cause
the liquid cleaner to enter the mirror housing.
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with OnStar
®, Compass and
Temperature Display
Your vehicle has this feature. When on, the automatic
dimming mirror dims to the proper level to minimize
glare from lights behind you after dark.
The mirror has a dual display in the upper right corner
of the mirror face that shows the compass reading
and the outside temperature.
Control buttons for the OnStar
®system are at the bottom
of the mirror. SeeOnStar®System on page 2-51for more
information about the services OnStar®provides.
P(On/Off):This is the on/off button.
2-42

Compass Calibration
The compass may need calibration if one of the
following occurs:
After approximately ve seconds, the display does
not show a compass heading, N for North, for
example, there may be a strong magnetic eld
interfering with the compass. Such interference may
be caused by a magnetic antenna mount, magnetic
note pad holder, or a similar magnetic item.
The compass does not display the correct heading
and the compass zone variance is set correctly.
In order to calibrate, CAL must be displayed in the
mirror compass windows. If CAL is not displayed, push
the on/off button for approximately 12 seconds or
until CAL is displayed.
The compass can be calibrated by driving the vehicle in
circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until the display reads
a direction.
Cleaning the Mirror
When cleaning the mirror, use a paper towel or similar
material dampened with glass cleaner. Do not spray
glass cleaner directly on the mirror as that may cause
the liquid cleaner to enter the mirror housing.
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors
If your vehicle is equipped
with outside power
foldaway mirrors, the
controls are located on the
driver’s door armrest.
Press (A) to select the driver’s side mirror. Then
press the arrows located on the four-way control
pad to adjust the mirror. Press (A) again to deselect
the mirror.
Press (B) to select the passenger’s side mirror.
Then press the arrows located on the four-way
control pad to adjust the mirror. Press (B) again
to deselect the mirror.
Press (C) to fold the mirrors out to the driving
position.
Press (D) to fold the mirrors in to the folded
position.
2-45

The system can be
disabled by pressing the
rear park aid disable button
located next to the radio.
The indicator light will come on and PARKING ASSIST
OFF displays on the Driver Information Center (DIC)
to indicate that URPA is off, seeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-52for information about
clearing the message.
When the System Does Not Seem to
Work Properly
If the URPA system will not activate due to a temporary
condition, the message PARKING ASSIST OFF will be
displayed on the DIC and a red light will be shown on the
rear URPA display when the shift lever is moved into
R (Reverse). This occurs under the following conditions:
The driver disables the system.
The parking brake pedal is depressed.
The ultrasonic sensors are not clean. Keep the
vehicle’s rear bumper free of mud, dirt, snow, ice and
slush. For cleaning instructions, seeWashing Your
Vehicle on page 5-100.
A trailer was attached to the vehicle, or a bicycle or
an object was hanging out of the liftgate during the
last drive cycle, the red light may illuminate in the
rear display. Once the attached object is removed,
URPA will return to normal operation.
A tow bar is attached to the vehicle.
The vehicle’s bumper is damaged. Take the vehicle
to your dealer/retailer to repair the system.
Other conditions may affect system performance,
such as vibrations from a jackhammer or the
compression of air brakes on a very large truck.
If the system is still disabled, after driving forward at
least 15 mph (25 km/h), take the vehicle to your
dealer/retailer.
2-50

Cargo Cover
{CAUTION:
An improperly stored cargo cover could be
thrown about the vehicle during a collision or
sudden maneuver. You or others could be
injured. If the cover is removed, always store it
in the proper storage location. When it is
replaced, always be sure that it is securely
reattached.
If your vehicle has a cargo cover, you can use it to
cover items in the cargo area of your vehicle.
To use the cover, do the following:
1. Pull the cover handle toward the rear of the vehicle.
2. Latch the cover posts into the retaining sockets
on the cargo area trim panels.To return the cover to the retracted position, do the
following:
1. Pull up on the cover handle to release the cover
posts from the retaining sockets.
2. Let the cover move forward to the full retracted
position.
To remove the cover, from a regular wheelbase model,
do the following:
1. Let the cover go all the way into the holder.
2. Then, grasping the driver’s side cover end cap,
push the cover end cap toward the passenger’s
side of the vehicle.
3. Swing the cover rearward and take it out of the
vehicle.
To put the cover in the vehicle, do the following:
1. Make sure the cover slot in the holder faces
rearward with the round surface facing down.
2. Then, hold the cover at an angle and place the
cover end cap into the slot in the passenger’s
side trim panel.
2-64

Tire Pressure Light.......................................3-42
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-43
Oil Pressure Light.........................................3-45
Security Light...............................................3-46
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-46
Lights On Reminder......................................3-46
Cruise Control Light......................................3-46
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-47
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-47
Fuel Gage...................................................3-47
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-48
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-48
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-52
DIC Vehicle Customization.............................3-59Audio System(s).............................................3-68
Setting the Clock..........................................3-69
Radio(s)......................................................3-70
Using an MP3..............................................3-87
XM Radio Messages.....................................3-91
Navigation/Radio System...............................3-92
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System...........3-92
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-102
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-104
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-104
Radio Reception.........................................3-105
Rear Side Window Antenna..........................3-106
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-106
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-31.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-8.
C. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-34.
D. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
E. Shift Lever and Range Selection Mode. See
Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-30.
F. Tow/Haul Selector Button. SeeTow/Haul Mode
on page 2-34.
G. Driver Information Center Controls. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-48.
H. Analog Clock. SeeAnalog Clock on page 3-25.
I. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-68.
J. StabiliTrak
®Button. SeeStabiliTrak®System
on page 4-6. Rear Park Aid Disable Button.
SeeUltrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)
on page 2-48.
K. Tilt Wheel Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on page 3-6.L. Exterior Lamps Control. SeeExterior Lamps
on page 3-16.
M. Dome Lamp Override Button. SeeDome Lamp
Override on page 3-22. Instrument Panel Brightness
Control. SeeInstrument Panel Brightness
on page 3-22. Fog Lamp Button. SeeFog Lamps
on page 3-21.
N. Cruise Control Buttons. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-12.
O. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
P. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. SeeAudio Steering
Wheel Controls on page 3-104.
Q. Dual Automatic Climate Controls. SeeDual
Automatic Climate Control System on page 3-26.
R. Pedal Adjust Button. SeeAdjustable Throttle
and Brake Pedal on page 2-28. Heated Windshield
Washer Fluid Button. SeeWindshield Washer
on page 3-11. Power Running Boards Disable
Button (If Equipped). SeePower Running Boards
on page 2-17.
S. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-61.
3-5