trailer CADILLAC ESCALADE 2009 3.G User Guide

SBZA does not operate when the left or right corners of
the rear bumper are covered with mud, dirt, snow,
ice, slush, or in heavy rainstorms. For cleaning
instructions, seeWashing Your Vehicle on page 6-98.If
the DIC still displays the SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEM
UNAVAILABLE message after cleaning the bumper, see
your dealer/retailer.
The SBZA displays may remain on if a trailer is attached
to the vehicle, or a bicycle or object is extending out
to either side of the vehicle.
When SBZA is disabled for any reason other than the
driver turning it off, the driver will not be able to turn
SBZA back on using the DIC. The SIDE BLIND ZONE
ALERT ON option will not be selectable if the
conditions for normal system operation are not met.
Until normal operating conditions for SBZA are met, you
should not rely upon SBZA while driving.SBZA Error Messages
The following messages may appear in the DIC:
SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM OFF:This
message indicates that the driver has turned the
system off.
SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE:This
message indicates that the SBZA system is disabled
either because the sensor is blocked and cannot detect
vehicles in your blind zone, or the vehicle is passing
through an open eld of view area, such as the desert,
where there is insufficient data for operation. The
sensor may be blocked by mud, dirt, snow, ice, slush,
or even heavy rainstorms. This message may also
activate during heavy rain or due to road spray. The
vehicle does not need service. For cleaning, see
Washing Your Vehicle on page 6-98.
SERVICE SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM:If this
message appears, both SBZA displays will remain on
indicating there is a problem with the SBZA system.
If these displays remain on after continued driving, the
system needs service. Take the vehicle to your
dealer/retailer.
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Reading Lamps
If the vehicle has reading lamps, press the button
located next to the lamp to turn it on or off.
The vehicle may also have reading lamps in other
locations. The lamps cannot be adjusted.
Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) that
estimates the battery’s temperature and state of
charge. It then adjusts the voltage for best performance
and extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage is
raised slightly to quickly bring the charge back up.
When the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered
slightly to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a
voltmeter gage or a voltage display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), you may see the voltage move
up or down. This is normal. If there is a problem, an
alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles. This is
because the generator (alternator) may not be
spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the power
that is needed for very high electrical loads.A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following are on, such as: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at
high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer
loads, and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output
and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase
engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands of
some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels of
corrective action, this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message
might be displayed, such as BATTERY SAVER ACTIVE,
BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or LOW BATTERY. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that the driver
reduce the electrical loads as much as possible. SeeDIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-54.
3-22

Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of the
vehicle or the replacement of the original tires
with other than those of the same Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) can affect the vehicle’s emission
controls and can cause this light to come on.
Modications to these systems could lead to costly
repairs not covered by the vehicle warranty. This
could also result in a failure to pass a required
Emission Inspection/Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications on page 6-3.
This light comes on during a malfunction in one of
two ways:
Light Flashing:A misre condition has been detected.
A misre increases vehicle emissions and could
damage the emission control system on the vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
To prevent more serious damage to the vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being
hauled as soon as it is possible.If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart
the engine. If the light is still ashing, follow the previous
steps and see your dealer/retailer for service as soon
as possible.
Light On Steady:An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on the vehicle. Diagnosis
and service might be required.
An emission system malfunction might be corrected by
doing the following:
Make sure the fuel cap is fully installed. SeeFilling
the Tank on page 6-9. The diagnostic system can
determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap
allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few
driving trips with the cap properly installed should
turn the light off.
If the vehicle has been driven through a deep
puddle of water, the vehicle’s electrical system
might be wet. The condition is usually corrected
when the electrical system dries out. A few driving
trips should turn the light off.
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Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle............5-2
Driving for Better Fuel Economy.......................5-2
Defensive Driving...........................................5-2
Drunk Driving.................................................5-3
Control of a Vehicle........................................5-3
Braking.........................................................5-4
Antilock Brake System (ABS)...........................5-5
Braking in Emergencies...................................5-6
StabiliTrak
®System........................................5-6
Magnetic Ride Control™..................................5-9
Road Sensing Suspension...............................5-9
Locking Rear Axle..........................................5-9
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System.........................5-9
Steering......................................................5-10
Off-Road Recovery.......................................5-11
Passing.......................................................5-12
Loss of Control.............................................5-12
Off-Road Driving...........................................5-13Driving at Night............................................5-24
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads..................5-25
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.......................5-26
Highway Hypnosis........................................5-26
Hill and Mountain Roads................................5-27
Winter Driving..............................................5-28
If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow.....................................5-30
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out.................5-30
Recovery Hooks...........................................5-31
Loading the Vehicle......................................5-32
Towing..........................................................5-38
Towing Your Vehicle.....................................5-38
Recreational Vehicle Towing...........................5-38
Level Control...............................................5-41
Autoride
®.....................................................5-42
Towing a Trailer...........................................5-42
Trailer Recommendations...............................5-55
Section 5 Driving Your Vehicle
5-1

Magnetic Ride Control™
The vehicle may have the MagneRide control system.
MagneRide constantly checks speed, wheel position,
lift/dive and steering of the vehicle. The damping force
for each shock absorber and adjustment level is
chosen for the best ride and handling.
MagneRide also works with the tow/haul switch that,
when engaged, will provide more rmness from
the shock absorbers. This added control gives better
ride and handling when carrying heavy loads or towing a
trailer. SeeTow/Haul Mode on page 2-33for more
information.
Road Sensing Suspension
The Road Sensing Suspension (RSS) feature provides
superior vehicle ride and handling under a variety of
passenger and loading conditions.
The system is fully automatic and uses a computer
controller to continuously monitor vehicle speed, wheel
to body position, lift/dive and steering position of the
vehicle. The controller then sends signals to each shock
absorber to independently adjust the damping level to
provide the optimum vehicle ride.RSS also interacts with the tow/haul mode that, when
engaged, will provide additional control of the shock
absorbers. This additional control results in better ride
and handling characteristics when the vehicle is
loaded or towing a trailer. See “Tow/Haul Mode” under
Towing a Trailer on page 5-42.
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.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
If the vehicle has this feature, engine power is sent to
all four wheels when extra traction is needed. This is like
four-wheel drive, but there is no separate lever or
switch to engage or disengage the front axle. It is fully
automatic, and adjusts itself as needed for road
conditions.
If your vehicle is a Two-Mode Hybrid, see “Four-Wheel
Drive” in the Two-Mode Hybrid Supplement.
5-9

The Tire and Loading Information label also shows
the size of the original equipment tires (C) and
the recommended cold tire ination pressures (D).
For more information on tires and ination see
Tires on page 6-56andInflation - Tire Pressure on
page 6-61.
There is also important loading information on the
vehicle Certication/Tire label. It tells you the
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and
the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the
front and rear axles. See “Certication/Tire Label”
later in this section.
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit
1.Locate the statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lbs” on your vehicle’s placard.
2.Determine the combined weight of the driver
and passengers that will be riding in your
vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the driver
and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4.The resulting gure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals
1400 lbs and there will be ve 150 lb
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs (1400−750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs).
5.Determine the combined weight of luggage
and cargo being loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, the load
from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how
this reduces the available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 5-42for important
information on towing a trailer, towing safety
rules and trailering tips.
5-33

The system is activated when the ignition key is
turned to RUN and will automatically adjust vehicle
height thereafter. The system may exhaust (lower
vehicle height) for up to 10 minutes after the ignition
key has been turned to LOCK. You may hear the air
compressor operating when the height is being
adjusted.
If a weight-distributing hitch is being used, it is
recommended to allow the shocks to inate,
thereby leveling the vehicle prior to adjusting the
height. See “Weight distributing Hitches and
Weight Carrying Hitches” underTowing a Trailer
on page 5-42
.
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
To avoid damage, the disabled vehicle should be towed
with all four wheels off the ground. Consult your
dealer/retailer or a professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed. SeeRoadside Service
on page 8-7.
To tow the vehicle behind another vehicle for
recreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),
see “Recreational Vehicle Towing” following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehicle
behind another vehicle – such as behind a motorhome.
The two most common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as “dinghy towing” (towing the vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground) and “dolly towing”
(towing the vehicle with two wheels on the ground
and two wheels up on a device known as a “dolly”).
Here are some important things to consider before
recreational vehicle towing:
What is the towing capacity of the towing vehicle?
Be sure to read the tow vehicle manufacturer’s
recommendations.
What is the distance that will be travelled? Some
vehicles have restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.
Is the proper towing equipment going to be used?
See your dealer/retailer or trailering professional
for additional advice and equipment
recommendations.
Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as preparing
the vehicle for a long trip, make sure the vehicle is
prepared to be towed. SeeBefore Leaving on a
Long Trip on page 5-26.
5-38

Autoride®
With this feature, improved vehicle ride and handling is
provided under a variety of passenger and loading
conditions.
The system is fully automatic and uses a computer
controller to continuously monitor vehicle speed, wheel
to body position, lift/dive and steering position of the
vehicle. The controller then sends signals to each shock
absorber to independently adjust the damping level to
provide the optimum vehicle ride.
Autoride also interacts with the tow/haul mode that,
when activated, will provide additional control of
the shock absorbers. This additional control results in
better ride and handling characteristics when the vehicle
is loaded or towing a trailer. See “Tow/Haul Mode”
underTowing a Trailer on page 5-42for more
information.
Towing a Trailer
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeNew Vehicle
Break-In on page 2-24for more information.
{CAUTION:
The driver can lose control when pulling a trailer if
the correct equipment is not used or the vehicle is
not driven properly. For example, if the trailer is
too heavy, the brakes may not work well — or
even at all. The driver and passengers could be
seriously injured. The vehicle may also be
damaged; the resulting repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Pull a trailer only
if all the steps in this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer/retailer for advice and information
about towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Notice:Pulling a trailer improperly can damage the
vehicle and result in costly repairs not covered
by the vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer correctly,
follow the advice in this section and see your
dealer/retailer for important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
To identify the trailering capacity of the vehicle, read the
information in “Weight of the Trailer” that appears
later in this section.
5-42

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.
So please read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.
Pulling A Trailer
Here are some important points:
There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
the rig will be legal, not only where you live but
also where you will be driving. A good source for
this information can be state or provincial police.
Consider using a sway control. See “Hitches” later
in this section.
Do not tow a trailer at all during the rst 500 miles
(800 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
Then, during the rst 500 miles (800 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps
the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission
to a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
The weight of the trailer
The weight of the trailer tongue
And the weight on the vehicle’s tires
5-43

Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how the rig is used. For example, speed,
altitude, road grades, outside temperature and how
much the vehicle is used to pull a trailer are all
important. It can depend on any special equipment on
the vehicle, and the amount of tongue weight the vehicle
can carry. See “Weight of the Trailer Tongue” later in
this section for more information.Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming only the
driver is in the tow vehicle and it has all the required
trailering equipment. The weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle
must be subtracted from the maximum trailer weight.
Use the following chart to determine how much the
vehicle can weigh, based upon the vehicle model and
options.
Vehicle Axle Ratio Maximum Trailer Weight GCWR*
Escalade 2WD 6.2L V8 3.42 8,300 lbs (3 765 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
Escalade AWD 6.2L V8 3.42 8,100 lbs (3 674 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
Escalade ESV 2WD 6.2L V8 3.42 7,600 lbs (3 447 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
Escalade ESV AWD 6.2L V8 3.42 7,800 lbs (3 538 kg) 14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
*The Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the total allowable weight of the completely loaded vehicle and
trailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. The GCWR for the vehicle should not be
exceeded.
Ask your dealer/retailer for our trailering information or
advice, or write us at our Customer Assistance
Offices. SeeCustomer Assistance Offices on page 8-5
for more information.
5-44