traction control CADILLAC ESCALADE 2010 3.G Owners Manual

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found onthe vehicle and what they mean. For more informationon the symbol, refer to the index.
0:Adjustable Pedals
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
g:Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
_:Tow/Haul Mode
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
v

Performance and Maintenance
StabiliTrak®
The vehicle may have a traction control system thatlimits wheel spin and the StabiliTrak system that assistswith directional control of the vehicle in difficult drivingconditions. Both systems turn on automatically everytime the vehicle is started.
.To turn off traction control, press and release5on
the instrument panel.Filluminates and the
appropriate DIC message displays. SeeDICWarnings and Messages on page 4!48.
.To turn off both traction control and Electronic
Stability Control, press and hold5untilF
illuminates and the appropriate DIC messagedisplays. SeeDIC Warnings and Messagesonpage 4!48.
.Press and release the button again to turn onboth systems.
For more information, seeStabiliTrak®Systemonp a g e 6!6.
Tire Pressure Monitor
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure MonitorSystem (TPMS).
The Tire Pressure Monitoralerts you when asignificant reduction inpressure occurs in one ormore of the vehicle’s tiresby illuminating the low tirepressure warning light onthe instrument cluster.
The warning light will remain on until the tire pressure iscorrected. The proper tire pressures for your vehicle arelisted on the Tire and Loading Information label locatedon the driver side center pillar (B pillar). SeeLoadingthe Vehicleon page 6!32.
You may notice during cooler conditions that the low tirepressure warning light will appear when the vehicle isfirst started and then turn off as you drive. This may bean early indicator that your tire pressures are gettinglow and the tires need to be inflated to the properpressure.
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The rear window wiper/washer will not operate if theliftgate or liftglass is open or ajar. If the liftgate orliftglass is opened while the rear wiper is on, the wiperwill return to the parked position and stop.
Cruise Control
{WARNING:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you
cannot drive safely at a steady speed. So, do not
use the cruise control on winding roads or in
heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery
roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire traction
can cause excessive wheel slip, and you could
lose control. Do not use cruise control on slippery
roads.
With cruise control, a speed of about 40 km/h (25 mph)or more can be maintained without keeping your foot onthe accelerator. Cruise control does not work at speedsbelow about 40 km/h (25 mph).
When the brakes are applied, cruise control isturned off.
For vehicles with an Allison®or Hydra!Matic 6!speedautomatic transmission, see“Grade Braking and CruiseGrade Braking (Allison Transmission) underTow/HaulModeon page 3!36for an explanation of how cruisecontrol interacts with the Range Selection Mode, tow/haul and grade braking systems.
If the vehicle has StabiliTrak®, and the system beginsto limit wheel spin, cruise control will automaticallydisengage. SeeStabiliTrak®Systemo n p a g e 6!6.When road conditions allow the cruise control to besafely used again, it can be turned back on.
Cruise Control shown withHeated Steering WheelButton (If Equipped)
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SERVICE STABILITRAK
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®and this messagedisplays, it means there may be a problem with theStabiliTrak system. If you see this message, try toreset the system. Stop; turn off the engine for at least15 seconds; then start the engine again. If this messagestill comes on, it means there is a problem. You shouldsee your dealer/retailer for service. The vehicle is safeto drive, however, you do not have the benefit ofStabiliTrak, so reduce your speed and drive accordingly.
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYSTEM
This message displays when the Road SensingSuspension (RSS) system is not operating properly.Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM
This message displays when there is a problem with thetheft-deterrent system. The vehicle may or may notrestart so you may want to take the vehicle to yourdealer/retailer before turning off the engine. SeePASS-Key®III+ Electronic Immobilizer Operationonpage 3!24for more information.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System(TPMS), this message displays if a part on the TPMS isnot working properly. The tire pressure light also flashesand then remains on during the same ignition cycle.SeeTire Pressure Lighton page 4!35. Severalconditions may cause this message to appear. SeeTirePressure Monitor Operationon page 7!68for moreinformation. If the warning comes on and stays on,there may be a problem with the TPMS. See yourdealer/retailer.
SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message displayswhen there is a problem with the Traction ControlSystem (TCS). When this message displays, thesystem will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your drivingaccordingly. See your dealer/retailer for service.SeeStabiliTrak®Systemo n p a g e 6!6for moreinformation.
SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM OFF
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)system, this message displays when the SBZA systemhas been turned off. SeeSide Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)on page 3!48andDIC Operation and Displaysonpage 4!41for more information.
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TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may display along with the check enginelight on the instrument panel cluster if the vehicle's fuelcap is not tightened properly. SeeMalfunction IndicatorLampon page 4!36. Reinstall the fuel cap fully. SeeFilling the Tankon page 7!11. The diagnostic systemcan determine if the fuel cap has been left off orimproperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap allowsfuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few drivingtrips with the cap properly installed should turn this lightand message off.
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System(TPMS), this message displays when the TPMS isre-learning the tire positions on your vehicle. The tirepositions must be re-learned after rotating the tires orafter replacing a tire or sensor. SeeTire Inspection andRotationon page 7!71,Tire Pressure Monitor Systemon page 7!67, andInflation - Tire Pressureonpage 7!65for more information.
TIRE LOW ADD AIR TO TIRE
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System(TPMS), this message displays when the pressure inone or more of the vehicle's tires is low. This messagealso displays LEFT FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, LEFTREAR, or RIGHT REAR to indicate which tire needs tobe checked. The low tire pressure warning light will alsocome on. SeeTire Pressure Lighton page 4!35. Youcan receive more than one tire pressure message at atime. To read the other messages that may have beensent at the same time, press the set/reset button. If atire pressure message appears on the DIC, stop assoon as you can. Have the tire pressures checked andset to those shown on the Tire Loading Informationlabel. SeeTireson page 7!58,Loading the Vehicleonpage 6!32, andInflation - Tire Pressureon page 7!65.The DIC also shows the tire pressure values. SeeDICOperation and Displays on page 4!41.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message displayswhen the Traction Control System (TCS) is turned off.Adjust your driving accordingly. SeeStabiliTrak®
Systemo n p a g e 6!6for more information.
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Features and Controls
Using the Navigation System
This section presents basic information needed tooperate the navigation system.
Use the hard keys located on the navigation systemalong with the available touch-sensitive screen buttonson the navigation screen to operate the system. SeeNavigation System Overviewo n p a g e 5!2for moreinformation.
Once the vehicle is moving, various functions aredisabled to reduce driver distractions.
Hard Keys
The following hard keys are located on the navigationsystem:
O/n(Power/Volume):Press to turn the systemon and off. Turn to increase or decrease the volume tothe audio system.
Press and hold for more than two seconds to turn offthe navigation system, the Rear Seat Entertainment(RSE), and Rear Seat Audio (RSA). If the vehicle hasnot been tuned off, the RSE and the RSA can be turnedback on by pressing this knob and continues play of thelast active source.
w(Tune):Turn to go to the next or previous radiostation or disc track or chapter. SeeNavigation AudioSystemon page 5!60,CD Playeron page 5!68,orDVD Playeron page 5!75for more information.
Z(DVD Map Disc Eject):Press to eject the DVDmap disc. This button is located next to the upper discslot. SeeMapson page 5!14for more information.
M(Load):Press to load CDs or audio/video DVDs. SeeCD Playeron page 5!68orDVD Playeron page 5!75for more information.
Z(CD/DVD Eject):Press to eject CDs or audio/videoDVDs. This button is located under the load button. SeeCD Playeron page 5!68orDVD Playeron page 5!75for more information.
M(Disc Up/Down):Press the up or down arrows to goto the next or previous disc.
AUDIO :Press access the full Audio screen to changeAM, FM, XM™Satellite Radio Service (if equipped),CD/DVD, and auxiliary input. See“Audio”underNavigation Audio Systemon page 5!60for moreinformation.
FAV (Favorite) :Press to access the preset stations.See“Storing Radio Station Presets”underNavigationAudio Systemon page 5!60for more information.
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If the system fails to turn on or activate, the StabiliTraklight along with one of the following messages will bedisplayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC):TRACTION CONTROL OFF, SERVICE TRACTIONCONTROL, STABILITRAK OFF, SERVICESTABILITRAK. If these DIC messages appear, makesure the StabiliTrak system has not been turned offusing the StabiliTrak on/off button. Then turn thesteering wheel clockwise from the nine o'clock positionto the three o'clock position. If this clears themessage(s), the vehicle does not need servicing.If this does not clear the message(s), then turn thevehicle off, wait 15 seconds, and then turn it back onagain to reset the system. If any of these messagesstill appear on the Driver Information Center (DIC), thevehicle should be taken in for service. For moreinformation on the DIC messages, seeDriverInformation Center (DIC) on page 4!41.
The StabiliTrak light willflash on the instrumentpanel cluster when thesystem is both onand activated.
The system may be heard or felt while it is working; thisis normal.
The traction controldisable button is locatedon the instrument panelbelow the climatecontrols.
The traction control part of StabiliTrak can be turnedoff by pressing and releasing the StabiliTrak button ifboth systems (traction control and StabiliTrak) werepreviously on. To disable both traction control andStabiliTrak, press and hold the button for five seconds.
Traction control and StabiliTrak can be turned on bypressing and releasing the StabiliTrak button if notautomatically shut off for any other reason.
When the TCS or StabiliTrak system is turned off,the StabiliTrak light and the appropriate TCS off orStabiliTrak off message will be displayed on the DIC towarn the driver. The vehicle will still have brake-tractioncontrol when traction control is off, but will not be ableto use the engine speed management system. See“Traction Control Operation”next for more information.
When the traction control system has been turned off,system noises may still be heard as a result of thebrake-traction control coming on.
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It is recommended to leave the system on for normaldriving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn thesystem off if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice orsnow, and you want to“rock”the vehicle to attempt tofree it. It may also be necessary to turn off the systemwhen driving in extreme off-road conditions where highwheel spin is required. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck inSand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 6!30.
Traction Control Operation
The traction control system is part of the StabiliTraksystem. Traction control limits wheel spin by reducingengine power to the wheels (engine speedmanagement) and by applying brakes to each individualwheel (brake-traction control) as necessary.
The traction control system is enabled automaticallywhen the vehicle is started. It will activate and theStabiliTrak light will flash if it senses that any of thewheels are spinning or beginning to lose tractionwhile driving. If traction control is turned off, only thebrake-traction control portion of traction control willwork. The engine speed management will be disabled.In this mode, engine power is not reduced automaticallyand the driven wheels can spin more freely. This cancause the brake-traction control to activate constantly.
Notice:If the wheel(s) of one axle is allowed to spinexcessively while the StabiliTrak, ABS and brakewarning lights and any relevant DIC messages aredisplayed, the transfer case could be damaged.The repairs would not be covered by the vehiclewarranty. Reduce engine power and do not spin thewheel(s) excessively while these lights andmessages are displayed.
The traction control system may activate on dry orrough roads or under conditions such as heavyacceleration while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshiftsof the transmission. When this happens, a reduction inacceleration may be noticed, or a noise or vibration maybe heard. This is normal.
If cruise control is being used when the systemactivates, the StabiliTrak light will flash and cruisecontrol will automatically disengage. Cruise control maybe reengaged when road conditions allow. SeeCruiseControl on page 4!8.
StabiliTrak may also turn off automatically if itdetermines that a problem exists with the system.If the problem does not clear itself after restarting thevehicle, see your dealer/retailer for service.
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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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Steering
Power Steering
If the vehicle is a Two!mode Hybrid, see the Two!modeHybrid manual for more information.
If power steering assist is lost because the engine stopsor the system is not functioning, the vehicle can besteered but it will take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tiresand the road surface, the angle at which the curve isbanked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed isthe one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before enteringthe curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through thecurve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait toaccelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerategently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effectivethan braking. For example, you come over a hill andfind a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pullsout from nowhere, or a child darts out from betweenparked cars and stops right in front of you. Theseproblems can be avoided by braking—if you can stopin time. But sometimes you cannot stop in time becausethere is no room. That is the time for evasiveaction—steering around the problem.
The vehicle can perform very well in emergencieslike these. First, apply the brakes. SeeBrakingonp a g e 6!4. It is better to remove as much speed aspossible from a collision. Then steer around theproblem, to the left or right depending on thespace available.
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