trailer CADILLAC ESCALADE 2010 3.G User Guide

SBZA is designed to ignore stationary objects; however,the system may occasionally light up due to guard rails,signs, trees, shrubs, and other stationary objects.This is normal system operation, the vehicle does notneed service.
SBZA does not operate when the left or right cornersof the rear bumper are covered with mud, dirt, snow,ice, slush, or in heavy rainstorms. For cleaninginstructions, seeWashing Your Vehicleon page 7!102.If the DIC still displays the SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEMUNAVAILABLE message after cleaning the bumper, seeyour dealer/retailer.
The SBZA displays may remain on if a trailer isattached to the vehicle, or a bicycle or object isextending out to either side of the vehicle.
When SBZA is disabled for any reason other than thedriver turning it off, the driver will not be able to turnSBZA back on using the DIC. The SIDE BLIND ZONEALERT ON option will not be selectable if the conditionsfor normal system operation are not met. Until normaloperating conditions for SBZA are met, you should notrely upon SBZA while driving.
SBZA Error Messages
The following messages may appear in the DIC:
SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM OFF :Thismessage indicates that the driver has turned thesystem off.
SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE :Thismessage indicates that the SBZA system is disabledeither because the sensor is blocked and cannot detectvehicles in your blind zone, or the vehicle is passingthrough an open field of view area, such as the desert,where there is insufficient data for operation. Thesensor may be blocked by mud, dirt, snow, ice, slush,or even heavy rainstorms. This message may alsoactivate during heavy rain or due to road spray. Thevehicle does not need service. For cleaning, seeWashing Your Vehicle on page 7!102.
SERVICE SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM :If thismessage appears, both SBZA displays will remain onindicating there is a problem with the SBZA system.If these displays remain on after continued driving,the system needs service. Take the vehicle toyour dealer/retailer.
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Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM) thatestimates the battery's temperature and state of charge.It then adjusts the voltage for best performance andextended life of the battery.
When the battery's state of charge is low, the voltage israised slightly to quickly bring the charge back up.When the state of charge is high, the voltage is loweredslightly to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has avoltmeter gage or a voltage display on the DriverInformation Center (DIC), you may see the voltagemove 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 electricalloads are very high. This is true for all vehicles. This isbecause the generator (alternator) may not be spinningfast enough at idle to produce all the power that isneeded for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of thefollowing are on, such as: headlamps, high beams, foglamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at highspeed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer loads,and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of thebattery. It does this by balancing the generator's outputand the vehicle's electrical needs. It can increaseengine idle speed to generate more power, wheneverneeded. It can temporarily reduce the power demandsof some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, withoutbeing noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels ofcorrective action, this action may be noticeable to thedriver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC) messagemight be displayed, such as BATTERY SAVERACTIVE, BATTERY VOLTAGE LOW, or LOWBATTERY. If this message is displayed, it isrecommended that the driver reduce the electrical loadsas much as possible. SeeDIC Warnings and Messageson page 4!48.
Battery Run-Down Protection
This feature shuts off the dome lamps if they areleft on for more than 10 minutes when the ignition is inLOCK/OFF. This helps to prevent the battery fromrunning down.
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This light comes on during a malfunction in one oftwo ways:
Light Flashing :A misfire condition has been detected.A misfire increases vehicle emissions and coulddamage 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 cargobeing hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to flash, 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 restartthe engine. If the light is still flashing, follow theprevious steps and see your dealer/retailer for serviceas soon as possible.
Light On Steady :An emission control systemmalfunction has been detected on the vehicle.Diagnosis and service might be required.
An emission system malfunction might be corrected bydoing the following:
.Make sure the fuel cap is fully installed. SeeFillingthe Tankon page 7!11. The diagnostic systemcan determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel capallows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A fewdriving trips with the cap properly installed shouldturn the light off.
.If the vehicle has been driven through a deeppuddle of water, the vehicle's electrical systemmight be wet. The condition is usually correctedwhen the electrical system dries out. A few drivingtrips should turn the light off.
.Make sure to fuel the vehicle with quality fuel.Poor fuel quality causes the engine not to run asefficiently as designed and can cause: stalling afterstart-up, stalling when the vehicle is changed intogear, misfiring, hesitation on acceleration,or stumbling on acceleration. These conditionsmight go away once the engine is warmed up.
If one or more of these conditions occurs, changethe fuel brand used. It will require at least one fulltank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 7!8.
If none of the above have made the light turn off, yourdealer/retailer can check the vehicle. The dealer/retailerhas the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to fixany mechanical or electrical problems that might havedeveloped.
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Section 6 Driving Your Vehicle
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle. . . . . . . . . . 6-2Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5Braking in Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6StabiliTrak®System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6Magnetic Ride Control™. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9Road Sensing Suspension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11Passing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13
Driving at Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-24Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-25Before Leaving on a Long Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-26Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-26Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-27Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-28If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice,or Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-30Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-30Recovery Hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-31Loading the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-32
Towing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-38Towing Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-38Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-38Level Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-41Autoride®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-42Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-42Trailer Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-55
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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 forcefor each shock absorber and adjustment level is chosenfor the best ride and handling.
MagneRide also works with the tow/haul switch that,when engaged, will provide more firmness from theshock absorbers. This added control gives better rideand handling when carrying heavy loads or towinga trailer. SeeTow/Haul Modeon page 3!36formore information.
Road Sensing Suspension
The Road Sensing Suspension (RSS) feature providessuperior vehicle ride and handling under a variety ofpassenger and loading conditions.
The system is fully automatic and uses a computercontroller to continuously monitor vehicle speed, wheelto body position, lift/dive and steering position of thevehicle. The controller then sends signals to each shockabsorber to independently adjust the damping level toprovide the optimum vehicle ride.
RSS also interacts with the tow/haul mode that, whenengaged, will provide additional control of the shockabsorbers. This additional control results in better rideand handling characteristics when the vehicle is loadedor towing a trailer. See“Tow/Haul Mode”underTowing aTrailer on page 6!42.
Locking Rear Axle
Vehicles with a locking rear axle can give more tractionon snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like astandard axle most of the time, but when traction is low,this feature will allow the rear wheel with the mosttraction to move the vehicle.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
If the vehicle has this feature, engine power is sent toall four wheels when extra traction is needed. This islike four-wheel drive, but there is no separate lever orswitch to engage or disengage the front axle. It is fullyautomatic, and adjusts itself as needed for roadconditions.
If the vehicle is a Two-mode Hybrid, see“Four-WheelDrive”in the Two-mode Hybrid Supplement.
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The Tire and Loading Information label also
shows the size of the original equipment
tires (C) and the recommended cold tire inflation
pressures (D). For more information on tires and
inflation seeTireson page 7!58andInflation - Tire
Pressureon page 7!65.
There is also important loading information on
the vehicle Certification/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“Certification/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 figure equals the available
amount of cargo and luggage load capacity.
For example, if the“XXX”amount equals
1400 lbs and there will be five 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 Traileron page 6!42for
important information on towing a trailer,
towing safety rules and trailering tips.
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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 inflate,
thereby leveling the vehicle prior to adjusting the
height. See“Weight distributing Hitches and
Weight Carrying Hitches”underTowing a Trailer
on page 6!42.
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
To avoid damage, the disabled vehicle should betowed with all four wheels off the ground. Consult yourdealer/retailer or a professional towing service if thedisabled vehicle must be towed. SeeRoadside Serviceo n p a g e 9!8.
To tow the vehicle behind another vehicle forrecreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),see“Recreational Vehicle Towing”following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
If the vehicle has a two–mode hybrid engine, see theTwo–mode Hybrid manual for more information.
Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehiclebehind another vehicle–such as behind a motorhome.The two most common types of recreational vehicletowing are known as“dinghy towing”(towing the vehiclewith all four wheels on the ground) and“dolly towing”(towing the vehicle with two wheels on the ground andtwo wheels up on a device known as a“dolly”).
Here are some important things to consider beforerecreational vehicle towing:
.What is the towing capacity of the towing vehicle?Be sure to read the tow vehicle manufacturer'srecommendations.
.What is the distance that will be travelled? Somevehicles have restrictions on how far and how longthey can tow.
.Is the proper towing equipment going to be used?See your dealer/retailer or trailering professionalfor additional advice and equipmentrecommendations.
.Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as preparingthe vehicle for a long trip, make sure the vehicle isprepared to be towed. SeeBefore Leaving on aLong Trip on page 6!26.
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If a weight!distributing hitch is being used, it isrecommended to allow the shocks to inflate, therebyleveling the vehicle prior to adjusting the hitch.
Autoride®
With this feature, improved vehicle ride and handling isprovided under a variety of passenger and loadingconditions.
The system is fully automatic and uses a computercontroller to continuously monitor vehicle speed, wheelto body position, lift/dive and steering position of thevehicle. The controller then sends signals to each shockabsorber to independently adjust the damping level toprovide the optimum vehicle ride.
Autoride also interacts with the tow/haul mode that,when activated, will provide additional control of theshock absorbers. This additional control results in betterride and handling characteristics when the vehicle isloaded or towing a trailer. See“Tow/Haul Mode”underTowing a Traileron page 6!42for more information.
Towing a Trailer
If the vehicle has a two–mode hybrid engine, see theTwo–mode Hybrid manual for more information.
Do not tow a trailer during break!in. SeeNew VehicleBreak-Inon page 3!26for more information.
{WARNING:
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 thevehicle and result in costly repairs not covered bythe vehicle warranty. To pull a trailer correctly,follow the advice in this section and see yourdealer/retailer for important information abouttowing a trailer with the vehicle.
To identify the trailering capacity of the vehicle, read theinformation in“Weight of the Trailer”that appears laterin this section.
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Trailering is different than just driving the vehicle byitself. Trailering means changes in handling,acceleration, braking, durability and fuel economy.Successful, safe trailering takes correct equipment, andit has to be used properly.
The following information has many time-tested,important trailering tips and safety rules. Many ofthese are important for your safety and that of yourpassengers. So please read this section carefully beforepulling a trailer.
Pulling A Trailer
Here are some important points:
.There are many different laws, including speedlimit restrictions, having to do with trailering.Make sure the rig will be legal, not only whereyou live but also where you will be driving.A good source for this information can bestate or provincial police.
.Consider using a sway control. See“Hitches”laterin this section.
.Do not tow a trailer at all during the first 500 miles(800 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,axle or other parts could be damaged.
.Then, during the first 500 miles (800 km) that atrailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)and do not make starts at full throttle. This helpsthe engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in atthe heavier loads.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift thetransmission to a lower gear if the transmissionshifts too often under heavy loads and/or hillyconditions.
.If the vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)system and it doesn't seem to be working properlywhile pulling a trailer, turn the system off. SeeSideBlind Zone Alert (SBZA)on page 3!48for moreinformation.
Important considerations that have to do with weight:
.The weight of the trailer
.The weight of the trailer tongue
.The weight on the vehicle's tires
.And the weight of the trailering combination
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Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It depends on how the rig is used. Speed, altitude, roadgrades, outside temperature and how much the vehicleis used to pull a trailer are all important. It can dependon any special equipment on the vehicle, and theamount of tongue weight the vehicle can carry. See“Weight of the Trailer Tongue”later in this section formore information.
Trailer weight rating (TWR) is calculated assuming thetow vehicle has only the driver but all required traileringequipment. Weight of additional optional equipment,passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle must besubtracted from the trailer weight rating.
Use the following chart to determine how much thevehicle can weigh, based upon the vehicle modeland options.
VehicleAxle Ratio Maximum Trailer WeightGCWR*
Escalade 2WD 6.2L V83.428,300 lbs (3 765 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
Escalade AWD 6.2L V83.428,100 lbs (3 674 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
Escalade ESV 2WD 6.2L V83.427,600 lbs (3 447 kg)14,000 lbs (6 350 kg)
Escalade ESV AWD 6.2L V83.427,800 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 andtrailer including any passengers, cargo, equipment and conversions. The GCWR for the vehicle should not beexceeded.
Ask your dealer/retailer for trailering information oradvice, or write us at our Customer Assistance Offices.SeeCustomer Assistance Officeso n p a g e 9!6formore information.
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