four wheel drive CADILLAC ESCALADE 2018 Owner's Manual

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
IN BRIEF 5
In Brief
Instrument Panel
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Initial Drive Information
Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Third Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Heated and Cooled Front Seats . . . 14
Head Restraint Adjustment . . . . . . . 14
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . 15
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . 16
Throttle and Brake Pedal Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . 18
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Vehicle Features
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . 21
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Forward Automatic Braking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . 22
Surround Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . 23
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Automatic Parking Assist (APA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . 24
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Performance and Maintenance
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
E85 or FlexFuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Driving for Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Roadside Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
IN BRIEF 7
1.Air Vents 0179.
2. Head-Up Display (HUD) 0147 (If
Equipped).
3. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals 0168.
Windshield Wiper/Washer 0121.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
0 123.
4. Hazard Warning Flashers 0168.
5. Instrument Cluster 0130.
6. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission 0206.
Tow/Haul Mode Selector Button.
See Tow/Haul Mode 0210.
Range Selection Mode Buttons (If
Equipped). See Manual Mode
0 209.
7. Magnetic Ride Control Button. See Magnetic Ride Control 0221.
Pedal Adjust Switch (If
Equipped). See Adjustable Throttle
and Brake Pedal 0198.
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control 0218. 8. Light Sensor. See
Automatic
Headlamp System 0167.
9. Infotainment 0172.
10. Glove Box Button. See Glove Box
0 116.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) 0246 (If
Equipped).
Parking Assist Button. See
Assistance Systems for Parking or
Backing 0233.
11. Dual Automatic Climate Control
System 0173.
Instrument Panel Storage 0116.
12. CD Player. See the infotainment manual.
13. ENGINE START/STOP Button. SeeIgnition Positions 0199.
14. Steering Wheel Controls 0121.
Driver Information Center (DIC)
Controls. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) 0145.
15. Horn 0121.
16. Steering Wheel Adjustment 0121.
17. Hood Release. See Hood0266. 18.
Cruise Control 0222 (If
Equipped).
Adaptive Cruise Control 0225 (If
Equipped).
Forward Collision Alert (FCA)
System 0240 (If Equipped).
Heated Steering Wheel 0121 (If
Equipped).
Phone Button. See the
infotainment manual.
19. Automatic Transfer Case Knob (If Equipped). See Four-Wheel Drive
0 211.
20. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of View). See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp (Check Engine
Light) 0137.
21. Electric Parking Brake 0216 (If
Equipped).
22. Exterior Lamp Controls 0164.
23. Instrument Panel Illumination
Control 0169.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
20 IN BRIEF
2. Press the plus/minus buttons onthe shift lever to select the
desired range of gears for current
driving conditions. See Manual
Mode 0209.
While using Range Selection Mode,
cruise control and the Tow/Haul Mode
can be used.
Grade Braking is not available when
Range Selection Mode is active. See
Tow/Haul Mode 0210.
Four-Wheel Drive
If equipped with four-wheel drive, the
engine's driving power can be sent to
all four wheels for extra traction. Automatic Transfer CaseThis transfer case knob is to the left
of the steering column.
The different drive options that may
be available are the following:
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High) :
This
setting is used for driving in most
street and highway situations.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel
Drive) : This setting is ideal for use
when road surface traction conditions
are variable. Do not use AUTO mode to park on a
steep grade with poor traction such as
ice, snow, mud or gravel. In AUTO
mode only the rear wheels will hold
the vehicle from sliding when parked.
If parking on a steep grade, use 4
mto
keep all four wheels engaged.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High) : Use
this setting when extra traction is
needed, such as on snowy or icy roads
or in most off-road situations.
N (Neutral) : Shift to this setting only
when towing the vehicle. See Trailer
Towing 0255.
4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) : Choose
4
nwhen driving in deep sand, mud,
or snow, and while climbing or
descending steep hills.
See Four-Wheel Drive 0211.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 153
Rear Seat Reminder
This allows for a chime and a message
when the rear door has been opened
before or during operation of the
vehicle.
Select Off or On.
Language
Select Language, then select from the
available language(s).
The selected language will display on
the system, and voice recognition will
reflect the selected language.
Video Voice-Over
When activated, the RSI will read
aloud menu titles, menu listings,
pop-ups, alerts, and file titles from
audio and video media.
Select Off or On.
Valet Mode
This will lock the infotainment system
and steering wheel controls. It may
also limit access to vehicle storage
locations, if equipped.To enable valet mode:
1. Enter a four-digit code on the keypad.
2. Select Enter to go to the confirmation screen.
3. Re-enter the four-digit code.
Touch LOCK or UNLOCK to lock or
unlock the system. Touch Back to go
back to the previous menu.
Teen Driver
See “Teen Driver” under“Settings ”in
the infotainment manual.
Radio
Select to display the Radio menu and
the following may display:
. Manage Favorites
. Number of Favorites Shown
. Audible Touch Feedback
. Bose AudioPilot
. Auto Volume
. Maximum Startup Volume
. Audio Cue Volume Manage Favorites
This allows favorites to be edited. See
“Manage Favorites
”in “Settings” under
“Radio ”in the infotainment manual.
Number of Favorites Shown
Touch to set the number of favorites
to display.
Select the desired number or select
Auto and the infotainment system will
automatically adjust the number of
favorites shown.
Audible Touch Feedback
This allows Audible Touch Feedback
to be turned on or off.
Select Off or On.
Bose AudioPilot
This allows Bose AudioPilot to be
turned on or off.
Select Off or On.
Auto Volume
This feature adjusts the volume based
on vehicle speed and ambient noise.
Select Off, Low, Medium-Low,
Medium, Medium-High, or High.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
182 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 191
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Adjustable Throttle and BrakePedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203 Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Active Fuel Management . . . . . . . . 205
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Running the Vehicle While
Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . 206
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . 215
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/ElectronicStability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Magnetic Ride Control . . . . . . . . . . . 221 Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Automatic Level Control . . . . . . . . . 222
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . 225
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . 233
Assistance Systems for Parking
or Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Forward Automatic Braking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . 244
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . 244
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . 246
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
California Fuel Requirements . . . . 249
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . 249
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
186 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that
correspond to the vehicle's three
control systems:
.Braking Skid —wheels are not
rolling.
. Steering or Cornering Skid —too
much speed or steering in a curve
causes tires to slip and lose
cornering force.
. Acceleration Skid —too much
throttle causes the driving wheels
to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by
taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
. Ease your foot off the accelerator
pedal and steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. The vehicle may
straighten out. Be ready for a
second skid if it occurs. .
Slow down and adjust your driving
according to weather conditions.
Stopping distance can be longer
and vehicle control can be affected
when traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other material
on the road. Learn to recognize
warning clues —such as enough
water, ice, or packed snow on the
road to make a mirrored surface
— and slow down when you have
any doubt.
. Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking, including
reducing vehicle speed by shifting
to a lower gear. Any sudden
changes could cause the tires to
slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid
only the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
Four-wheel-drive vehicles can be used
for off-road driving. Vehicles without
four-wheel drive and vehicles not
equipped with All Terrain (AT) or
On-Off Road (OOR) tires must not be
driven off-road except on a level, solid surface. For contact information about
the original equipment tires, see the
warranty manual.
One of the best ways for successful
off-road driving is to control the
speed.
{Warning
When driving off-road, bouncing
and quick changes in direction can
easily throw you out of position.
This could cause you to lose control
and crash. You and your passengers
should always wear seat belts.
Before Driving Off-Road
.
Have all necessary maintenance
and service work completed.
. Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels,
and check inflation pressure in all
tires, including the spare,
if equipped.
. Read all the information about
four-wheel-drive vehicles in this
manual.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 203
Retained Accessory
Power (RAP)
Some vehicle accessories may be used
after the ignition is turned off.
The power windows and sunroof,
if equipped, will continue to work for
up to 10 minutes or until any door is
opened.
The infotainment system will continue
to work for 10 minutes, until the
driver door is opened, or until the
ignition is turned on or placed in
ACC/ACCESSORY.
Shifting Into Park
{Warning
It can be dangerous to get out of
the vehicle if the shift lever is not
fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set. The vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine
running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
not move, even when you are on
fairly level ground, use the steps
that follow. If the vehicle has a
four-wheel-drive transfer case with
a N (Neutral) position, and the
transfer case is in N (Neutral), the
vehicle will be free to roll, even if
the shift lever is in P (Park). Be sure
the transfer case is in a drive gear.
If towing a trailer, seeDriving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 252.
1. Hold the brake pedal down, then set the parking brake.
See Parking Brake 0215 or
Electric Parking Brake 0216.
2. Move the shift lever into the P (Park) position by pulling the
shift lever toward you and
moving it up as far as it will go.
3. Be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear –not in N (Neutral).
4. Turn the ignition off.
Leaving the Vehicle with the
Engine Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
The vehicle could move suddenly if
the shift lever is not fully in
P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set.
If you have four-wheel drive and
the transfer case is in N (Neutral),
the vehicle will be free to roll, even
if the shift lever is in P (Park). So be
sure the transfer case is in a drive
gear –not in N (Neutral).
And, if you leave the vehicle with
the engine running, it could
overheat and even catch fire. You or
others could be injured. Do not
leave the vehicle with the engine
running unless you have to.
If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, be sure the
vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 207
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the shift lever is not fully
in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the
engine is running. If you have left
the engine running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others could
be injured. To be sure the vehicle
will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, always set
the parking brake and move the
shift lever to P (Park).
SeeShifting Into Park 0203 and
Driving Characteristics and Towing
Tips 0252.
{Warning
If you have four-wheel drive, the
vehicle will be free to roll —even if
the shift lever is in P (Park) —if the
transfer case is in N (Neutral). So,
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
be sure the transfer case is in a
drive gear, Two-Wheel Drive High
or Four-Wheel Drive High or
Four-Wheel Drive Low—not in
N (Neutral). See Shifting Into Park
0 203.
R : Use this gear to back up.
Caution
Shifting to R (Reverse) while the
vehicle is moving forward could
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Shift to
R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is
stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to
get out of snow, ice, or sand without
damaging the transmission, see If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0193. N :
In this position, the engine does
not connect with the wheels. To
restart the engine when the vehicle is
already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
{Warning
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into
a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed.
Caution
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine running
at high speed may damage the
transmission. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Be sure the engine is not running at
high speed when shifting the
vehicle.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
DRIVING AND OPERATING 211
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking
Tow/Haul Mode Grade Braking is only
enabled while the Tow/Haul Mode is
selected and the vehicle is not in the
Range Selection Mode. See“Tow/Haul
Mode ”listed previously and Manual
Mode 0209. Tow/Haul Mode Grade
Braking assists in maintaining desired
vehicle speeds when driving on
downhill grades by using the engine
and transmission to slow the vehicle.
To disable or enable Tow/Haul Grade
Braking within the current ignition
cycle, press and hold the Tow/Haul
button for five seconds. When the
button is released, the requested mode
change is made. A DIC message is
displayed.
See Towing Equipment 0258.
For other forms of grade braking, see
Automatic Transmission 0206 and
Cruise Control 0222.
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive
If equipped, 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
m
or 4nmay:
. Cause a vibration to be felt in the
steering system.
. Cause tires to wear faster.
. Make the transfer case harder to
shift, and cause it to run noisier.
{Warning
If equipped 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
0 203.
Caution
Extended high-speed operation in
4
nmay damage or shorten the life
of the drivetrain.
Engagement noise and bump when
shifting between 4
nand 4mor from
N (Neutral), with the engine running,
is normal.
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction
Control and StabiliTrak off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0218.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
212 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Automatic Transfer Case
If equipped, use the transfer case knob
next to the steering wheel to shift into
and out of four-wheel drive.
All of the lights will blink on then off
momentarily when the ignition is
turned on. The light that remains on
will indicate the state of the
transfer case.
If the indicator mark on the switch
does not match up with the light then
that likely means the switch was
moved when the ignition was off.The indicator mark on the switch
must line up with the indicator light
before a shift can be commanded. To
command a shift rotate the transfer
case switch to the new desired
position. The light will blink meaning
that the shift is in progress. When the
shift is completed the new position
will be illuminated. If the transfer case
cannot complete a shift command, it
will go back to its last chosen setting.
The settings are:
N (Neutral) :
Use only when the
vehicle needs to be towed.
See Recreational Vehicle Towing 0333
or Towing the Vehicle 0332.
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High) : Use for
driving on most streets and highways.
The front axle is not engaged. This
setting provides the best fuel
economy.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel
Drive) : Use when road surface
traction conditions are variable. When
driving in AUTO, the front axle is
engaged, and the vehicle's power is
sent to the front and rear wheels automatically based on driving
conditions. This setting provides
slightly lower fuel economy than 2
m.
Do not use AUTO mode, if equipped,
to park on a steep grade with poor
traction such as ice, snow, mud,
or gravel. In AUTO mode only the rear
wheels will hold the vehicle from
sliding when parked. If parking on a
steep grade, use 4
mto keep all four
wheels engaged.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High) : Use
this position when extra traction is
needed, such as when driving on
snowy or icy roads, when off-roading,
or when plowing snow.
4
n(Four-Wheel Drive Low) : This
setting engages the front axle and
delivers extra torque. Choose 4
nwhen
driving off-road in deep sand, deep
mud, or deep snow, and while
climbing or descending steep hills.
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction
Control and StabiliTrak off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0218.