trailer CADILLAC ESCALADE 2019 User Guide

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
DRIVING AND OPERATING 223
The vehicle has a Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) feature and a Hill Start Assist
(HSA) feature.
SeeTrailer Sway Control (TSC) 0273 or
Hill Start Assist (HSA) 0221.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See Accessories
and Modifications 0278.
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control attempts to add
a sportier feel, provide a more
comfortable ride, or assist in different
weather conditions or terrain. This
system simultaneously changes the
software settings of various
sub-systems. Depending on the option
package, available features, and mode
selected, the suspension, steering, and
powertrain will change settings to
achieve the desired mode
characteristics. If the vehicle is
equipped with Magnetic Ride Control,
selecting the various Driver Modes
adjusts the ride of the vehicle to
enhance the ride performance for the
road conditions and the
selected mode. The Driver Mode Control has four
modes: Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and
Tow/Haul.
Press the Tow/Haul button to activate
and deactivate the Tow/Haul Mode.
Press the MODE switch on the center
console to select Tour, Sport, or Snow/
Ice. Pressing the switch will display a
graphic of all available ride modes and
change to the next mode. The Tour
and Sport Modes will feel similar on a
smooth road. Select a new setting
whenever driving conditions change.
Tour Mode
Use for normal city and highway
driving to provide a smooth, soft ride.
When selected, there will be no
indication in the DIC.
Sport Mode
Use where road conditions or personal
preference demand a more controlled
response.
The steering will change to provide
more precise control. The Magnetic
Ride Control will change to provide
better cornering performance.When selected, the Sport Mode
indicator will display in the DIC.
Snow/Ice Mode
Use when more traction is needed
during slippery conditions.
The vehicle will upshift normally
when the vehicle is moving. The
acceleration will adjust to help provide
a smoother launch.
When selected, the Snow/Ice Mode
indicator will display in the DIC.
Tow/Haul Mode
Tow/Haul is a feature that assists
when pulling a heavy trailer or a large
or heavy load. See
Tow/Haul Mode
0 213.
Tow/Haul is designed to be most
effective when the vehicle and trailer
combined weight is at least 75 percent
of the vehicle’s Gross Combined
Weight Rating (GCWR). See “Weight
of the Trailer” underTrailer Towing
0 260.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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224 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Tow/Haul is most useful under the
following conditions:
.When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load through rolling
terrain
. When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load in stop-and-go
traffic
. When pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load in busy
parking lots where improved low
speed control of the vehicle is
desired
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul
when lightly loaded or with no trailer
at all will not cause damage. However,
there is no benefit to the selection of
Tow/Haul when the vehicle is
unloaded. Such a selection when
unloaded may result in unpleasant
engine and transmission driving
characteristics and reduced fuel
economy. Tow/Haul is recommended
only when pulling a heavy trailer or a
large or heavy load.
When selected, the Tow/Haul
indicator will display in the
instrument cluster.Magnetic Ride Control
The Magnetic Ride Control monitors
the suspension system.
Based on road conditions, steering
wheel angle, and vehicle speed, the
system automatically adjusts to
provide the best handling while
providing a smooth ride. The Tour and
Sport Modes will feel similar on a
smooth road.
Tour : Use for normal city and
highway driving. This setting provides
a smooth, soft ride.
8Sport : Use where road conditions
or personal preference demand more
control. This setting provides more
“feel,” or response to road conditions.
6Snow/Ice : Use when more
traction is needed during slippery
conditions.
The vehicle is normally in Tour Mode.
Sport Mode and Snow/Ice Mode are
engaged when the Magnetic Ride
Control MODE button on the center
stack is pressed. Press the button to
select the desired mode.
The Driver Information Center (DIC)
briefly displays the appropriate
message on vehicle startup or when a
new mode is selected.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 235
ACC may occasionally provide an alert
and/or braking that is considered
unnecessary. It could respond to
vehicles in different lanes, signs,
guardrails, and other stationary
objects when entering or exiting a
curve. This is normal operation. The
vehicle does not need service.
Other Vehicle Lane Changes
ACC will not detect a vehicle ahead
until it is completely in the lane. The
brakes may need to be manually
applied.Do Not Use ACC on Hills and When
Towing a Trailer
Do not use ACC when driving on steep
hills or when towing a trailer. ACC will
not detect a vehicle in the lane while
driving on steep hills. The driver will
often need to take over acceleration
and braking on steep hills, especially
when towing a trailer. If the brakes are
applied, the ACC disengages.
Disengaging ACC
There are three ways to
disengage ACC:
.
Step lightly on the brake pedal.
. Press
*.
. Press
J. Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased
from memory if
Jis pressed or if
the ignition is turned off.
Cleaning the Sensing System
The camera sensor on the windshield
ahead of the rearview mirror and the
radar sensors on the front of the
vehicle can become blocked by snow,
ice, dirt, or mud. These areas need to
be cleaned for ACC to operate
properly.
If ACC will not operate, regular Cruise
Control may be available. See
“Switching Between ACC and Regular
Cruise Control ”previously in this
section. Always consider driving
conditions before using either cruise
control system.
For cleaning instructions, see
“Washing the Vehicle ”under Exterior
Care 0350.
System operation may also be limited
under snow, heavy rain, or road spray
conditions.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 241
Parking Brake may be set. When it is
safe, press the accelerator pedal firmly
at any time to override RAB.
{Warning
There may be instances where
unexpected or undesired automatic
braking occurs. If this happens,
either press the brake pedal or
firmly press the accelerator pedal to
release the brakes from the RAB
system. Before releasing the brakes,
check the RVC and check the area
around the vehicle to make sure it
is safe to proceed.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
If equipped, when the vehicle is
shifted into R (Reverse), RCTA shows a
red warning triangle with a left or
right pointing arrow on the
infotainment display to warn of traffic
coming from the left or right. This
system detects objects coming from
up to 20 m (65 ft) from the left or
right side of the vehicle. When an
object is detected, either three beeps
sound from the left or right or three Safety Alert Seat pulses occur on the
left or right side, depending on the
direction of the detected vehicle.
Use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA
detection zones that extend out from
the back of the vehicle do not move
further back when a trailer is towed.
Turning the Features On or Off
PressXon the center stack to turn
on or off the Front and Rear Park
Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert,
Reverse Automatic Braking, and
Backing Warning System at the same
time. The indicator light next to the
button comes on when the features
are on and turns off when the features
have been disabled.
Front and Rear Park Assist can be set
to Off, On, or On with Towbar through
vehicle personalization. See “Park
Assist ”under Vehicle Personalization
0 155. If Park Assist is turned off
through vehicle personalization, the
Park Assist button will be disabled. To
turn Park Assist on again, select On in
the vehicle personalization menu. The On with Towbar setting allows for
Park Assist to work properly with the
trailer hitch.
Turn off Park Assist and Reverse
Automatic Braking when towing a
trailer.
To turn the RPA symbols, guidance
lines (on some models), or Rear Cross
Traffic Alert on or off, see
“Rear
Camera ”and “Collision/Detection
Systems” underVehicle Personalization
0 155. On some models, select the
guidance lines button on the
infotainment display to turn them on
or off.
On some vehicles the RCTA setting
can be turned off through “Collision/
Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0155.
Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
If equipped, APA searches for and
steers the vehicle into parallel and
perpendicular parking spots. When
using APA, you must still shift gears,
and control the brakes and
accelerator. A display and audible
beeps help to guide parking
maneuvers.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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246 DRIVING AND OPERATING
.Clean the headlamps.
For cleaning instructions, see
“Washing the Vehicle ”under Exterior
Care 0350.
System operation may also be limited
under snow, heavy rain, or road spray
conditions.
Forward Automatic
Braking (FAB)
If the vehicle has Forward Collision
Alert (FCA), it also has FAB, which
includes Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA).
When the system detects a vehicle
ahead in your path that is traveling in
the same direction that you may be
about to crash into, it can provide a
boost to braking or automatically
brake the vehicle. This can help avoid
or lessen the severity of crashes when
driving in a forward gear. Depending
on the situation, the vehicle may
automatically brake moderately or
hard. This forward automatic braking
can only occur if a vehicle is detected.
This is shown by the FCA vehicle
ahead indicator being lit. See Forward
Collision Alert (FCA) System 0243. The system works when driving in a
forward gear between 8 km/h (5 mph)
and 80 km/h (50 mph), or on vehicles
with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC),
above 4 km/h (2 mph). It can detect
vehicles up to approximately 60 m
(197 ft).
{Warning
FAB is an emergency crash
preparation feature and is not
designed to avoid crashes. Do not
rely on FAB to brake the vehicle.
FAB will not brake outside of its
operating speed range and only
responds to detected vehicles.
FAB may not:
. Detect a vehicle ahead on
winding or hilly roads.
. Detect all vehicles, especially
vehicles with a trailer,
tractors, muddy vehicles, etc.
. Detect a vehicle when
weather limits visibility, such
as in fog, rain, or snow.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Detect a vehicle ahead if it is
partially blocked by
pedestrians or other objects.
Complete attention is always
required while driving, and you
should be ready to take action and
apply the brakes and/or steer the
vehicle to avoid crashes.
FAB may slow the vehicle to a
complete stop to try to avoid a
potential crash. If this happens, FAB
may engage the Electric Parking Brake
(EPB) to hold the vehicle at a stop.
Release the EPB or firmly press the
accelerator pedal.
{Warning
FAB may automatically brake the
vehicle suddenly in situations
where it is unexpected and
undesired. It could respond to a
turning vehicle ahead, guardrails, (Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 247
Warning (Continued)
signs, and other non-moving
objects. To override FAB, firmly
press the accelerator pedal, if it is
safe to do so.
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
IBA may activate when the brake
pedal is applied quickly by providing a
boost to braking based on the speed
of approach and distance to a vehicle
ahead.
Minor brake pedal pulsations or pedal
movement during this time is normal
and the brake pedal should continue
to be applied as needed. IBA will
automatically disengage only when
the brake pedal is released.
{Warning
IBA may increase vehicle braking in
situations when it may not be
necessary. You could block the flow(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
of traffic. If this occurs, take your
foot off the brake pedal and then
apply the brakes as needed.
FAB and IBA can be disabled through
vehicle personalization. See “Collision/
Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0155.
{Warning
Using FAB or IBA while towing a
trailer could cause you to lose
control of the vehicle and crash.
Turn the system to Alert, or if the
vehicle has ACC to Off, when
towing a trailer.
A system unavailable message may
display if:
. The front of the vehicle or
windshield is not clean.
. Heavy rain or snow is interfering
with object detection. .
There is a problem with the
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system.
The FAB system does not need
service.
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA)
If equipped, the SBZA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists drivers
with avoiding crashes that occur with
moving vehicles in the side blind zone
(or spot) areas. When the vehicle is in
a forward gear, the left or right side
mirror display will light up if a moving
vehicle is detected in that blind zone.
If the turn signal is activated and a
vehicle is also detected on the same
side, the display will flash as an extra
warning not to change lanes. Since
this system is part of the Lane Change
Alert (LCA) system, read the entire
LCA section before using this feature.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 249
signal is activated in the same
direction as a detected vehicle, this
display will flash as an extra warning
not to change lanes.
LCA can be disabled. When you
disable LCA, Side Blind Zone Alert is
also disabled. See“Collision/Detection
Systems” underVehicle Personalization
0 155. If LCA is disabled by the driver,
the LCA mirror displays will not
light up.
When the System Does Not
Seem to Work Properly
The LCA system requires some driving
for the system to calibrate to
maximum performance. This
calibration may occur more quickly if
the vehicle is driving on a straight
highway road with traffic and roadside
objects (e.g., guardrails, barriers).
LCA displays may not come on when
passing a vehicle quickly, for a
stopped vehicle, or when towing a
trailer. The LCA detection zones that
extend back from the side of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed. Use caution
while changing lanes when towing a trailer. LCA may alert to objects
attached to the vehicle, such as a
trailer, bicycle, or object extending out
to either side of the vehicle. Attached
objects may also interfere with the
detection of vehicles. This is normal
system operation; the vehicle does not
need service.
LCA may not always alert the driver to
vehicles in the next lane over,
especially in wet conditions or when
driving on sharp curves. The system
does not need to be serviced. The
system may light up due to guardrails,
signs, trees, shrubs, and other
non-moving objects. This is normal
system operation; the vehicle does not
need service.
LCA may not operate when the LCA
sensors in the left or right corners of
the rear bumper are covered with
mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush, or in
heavy rainstorms. For cleaning
instructions, see "Washing the
Vehicle" under
Exterior Care0350.
If the DIC still displays the system
unavailable message after cleaning both sides of the vehicle toward the
rear corners of the vehicle, see your
dealer.
If the LCA displays do not light up
when moving vehicles are in the side
blind zone or are rapidly approaching
this zone and the system is clean, the
system may need service. Take the
vehicle to your dealer.
Radio Frequency Information
See
Radio Frequency Statement 0387.
Lane Departure
Warning (LDW)
If equipped, LDW may help avoid
crashes due to unintentional lane
departures. It may provide a warning
if the vehicle is crossing a detected
lane marking without using a turn
signal in the lane departure direction.
Since this system is part of the Lane
Keep Assist (LKA) system, read the
entire LKA section before using this
feature.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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250 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
If equipped, LKA may help avoid
crashes due to unintentional lane
departures. It may assist by gently
turning the steering wheel if the
vehicle approaches a detected lane
marking without using a turn signal in
that direction. It may also provide a
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
system alert as the lane marking is
crossed. The LKA system will not
assist or provide an LDW alert if it
detects that you are actively steering.
Override LKA by turning the steering
wheel. LKA uses a camera to detect
lane markings between 60 km/h (37
mph) and 180 km/h (112 mph).
{Warning
The LKA system does not
continuously steer the vehicle.
It may not keep the vehicle in the
lane or give a Lane Departure
Warning (LDW) alert, even if a lane
marking is detected.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
The LKA and LDW systems
may not:
. Provide an alert or enough
steering assist to avoid a lane
departure or crash.
. Detect lane markings under
poor weather or visibility
conditions. This can occur if
the windshield or headlamps
are blocked by dirt, snow,
or ice, if they are not in
proper condition, or if the sun
shines directly into the
camera.
. Detect road edges.
. Detect lanes on winding or
hilly roads.
If LKA only detects lane markings
on one side of the road, it will only
assist or provide an LDW alert
when approaching the lane on the
side where it has detected a lane
marking. Even with LKA and LDW, (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
you must steer the vehicle. Always
keep your attention on the road and
maintain proper vehicle position
within the lane, or vehicle damage,
injury, or death could occur. Always
keep the windshield, headlamps,
and camera sensors clean and in
good repair. Do not use LKA in bad
weather conditions.
{Warning
Using LKA while towing a trailer or
on slippery roads could cause loss
of control of the vehicle and a
crash. Turn the system off.
How the System Works
The LKA camera sensor is on the
windshield ahead of the rearview
mirror.
To turn LKA on and off, press
A
on the center stack.

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DRIVING AND OPERATING 255
3. Remove and clean the funneladapter and return to the storage
location.
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container
{Warning
Never fill a portable fuel container
while it is in the vehicle. Static
electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the fuel vapor.
You can be badly burned and the
vehicle damaged if this occurs. To
help avoid injury to you and others:
. Dispense fuel only into
approved containers.
. Do not fill a container while
it is inside a vehicle, in a
vehicle's trunk, pickup bed,
or on any surface other than
the ground.
. Bring the fill nozzle in
contact with the inside of the
fill opening before operating
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the nozzle. Contact should be
maintained until the filling is
complete.
. Do not smoke while
pumping fuel.
. Avoid using electronic
devices.
Trailer Towing
General Towing
Information
Only use towing equipment that has
been designed for the vehicle. Contact
your dealer or trailering dealer for
assistance with preparing the vehicle
to tow a trailer. Read the entire
section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, see Towing
the Vehicle 0345. To tow the vehicle
behind another vehicle such as a
motor home, see Recreational Vehicle
Towing 0346.
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing a
trailer if the correct equipment is
not used or the vehicle is not driven
properly. For example, if the trailer
is too heavy or the trailer brakes are
(Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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256 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Warning (Continued)
inadequate for the load, the vehicle
may not stop as expected. You and
others could be seriously injured.
The vehicle may also be damaged,
and the 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 for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
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 areimportant for your safety and that of
your passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.
Become familiar with and follow
all state and local laws that apply
to trailer towing. These
requirements vary from state to
state.
. State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. Even if
not required, you should install
extended side view mirrors if your
visibility is limited or restricted
while towing.
. Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi) of vehicle
use to prevent damage to the
engine, axle, or other parts.
. It is recommended to perform the
first oil change before heavy
towing.
. During the first 800 km (500 mi) of
trailer towing, do not drive over
80 km/h (50 mph) and do not
make starts at full throttle. .
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
Tow/Haul Mode is recommended
for heavier trailers. See Tow/Haul
Mode 0213. If the transmission
downshifts too often, a lower gear
may be selected using Manual
Mode. See Manual Mode 0212.
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be turned
off when towing a trailer:
. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
. Super Cruise Control
. Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
. Park Assist
. Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
. Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be turned
to alert or off when towing a trailer:
. Forward Automatic Braking
System (FAB)
. Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
. Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)