light CADILLAC ESCALADE 2021 Owners Manual

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
268 DRIVING AND OPERATING
for better control at lower speeds and
over rough terrain. This mode
modifies accelerator pedal mapping,
transmission shift pattern, ride height,
suspension, steering, AWD, Electronic
Limited-Slip Differential (eSLD), ESC
performance and TCS performance.
When the vehicle comes to a stop on
an upward grade, Automatic Vehicle
Hold is engaged until the driver
presses the accelerator pedal. Stop/
Start and cruise control are disabled
in Terrain Mode.
Active Braking during lift throttle will
be engaged. This feature automatically
applies light braking to simulate
heavy engine braking of
four-wheel-dive low. It also applies
light braking in D (Drive) until the
vehicle is at idle speeds. In M1 and
M2 light braking will typically bring
the vehicle to a stop. Active Braking
during lift throttle will also reduce
trailer braking.
Terrain Mode will automatically exit
to Tour Mode if the brake
temperatures become too hot,electronic parking brake becomes
inoperable or the vehicle cannot
perform braking or vehicle hold.
For more information on off-road
driving, see
Off-Road Driving 0234 and
Hill and Mountain Roads 0238.
Magnetic Ride Control
This vehicle may have a semi-active
damping system called Magnetic Ride
Control. With this feature, improved
vehicle ride and handling is provided
under a variety of passenger and
loading conditions.
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.
Four Corner Air Suspension
System
The Four Corner Air Suspension
feature provides full time load leveling
capability along with the benefit of
adjusting ride height for increased
convenience and capability.
{Warning
To help avoid personal injury or
death, make sure the area
underneath the vehicle and inside
the wheel wells is clear when
lowering the vehicle.
{Warning
To help avoid personal injury or
death, always select the lowest ride
height for the current driving
conditions. Higher ride heights raise
the vehicle's center of gravity,
increasing the chance of a rollover
during extreme maneuvers.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 273
.To increase vehicle speed in small
increments, press RES+ up briefly to
the first detent. For each press, the
vehicle goes about 1 km/h (1 mph)
faster.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster 0114.
The increment value used depends on
the units displayed.
Reducing Speed While Cruise
Control is at a Set Speed
If the cruise control system is already
activated:
.Press and hold SET− down until the
desired lower speed is reached, then
release it.
.To decrease the vehicle speed in
small increments, press SET− down
briefly. For each press, the vehicle
goes about 1 km/h (1 mph) slower.
The speedometer reading can be
displayed in either English or metric
units. See Instrument Cluster 0114.
The increment value used depends on
the units displayed. Passing Another Vehicle While
Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase
the vehicle speed. When you take your
foot off the pedal, the vehicle will slow
down to the previous set cruise speed.
While pressing the accelerator pedal
or shortly following the release to
override cruise, briefly applying the
SET−
control will result in cruise set
to the current vehicle speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well the cruise control works on
hills depends on the vehicle speed, the
load, and the steepness of the hills.
When going up steep hills, pressing
the accelerator pedal may be
necessary to maintain vehicle speed.
When going downhill, Cruise Grade
Braking helps maintain the driver
selected speed.
Cruise Grade Braking is enabled when
the vehicle is started and cruise
control is active. It is not enabled in
Range Selection Mode. It assists in
maintaining driver selected speed when driving on downhill grades by
using the engine and transmission to
slow the vehicle.
To disable and enable Cruise Grade
Braking for the current ignition cycle,
press and hold the Tow/Haul button
for five seconds. A Driver Information
Center (DIC) message displays.
For other forms of Grade Braking, see
Automatic Transmission
0251 and
Tow/Haul Mode 0256.
Ending Cruise Control
There are four ways to end cruise
control:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Shift the transmission to
N (Neutral).
.To turn off cruise control, pressJ.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased
from memory if
Jis pressed or if the
ignition is turned off.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
280 DRIVING AND OPERATING
In some cases, when ACC is
temporarily unavailable, regular cruise
control may be used. See“Switching
Between ACC and Regular Cruise
Control ”previously in this section.
Always consider driving conditions
before using either cruise control
system.
Notification to Resume ACC
ACC will maintain a following gap
behind a detected vehicle and slow
your vehicle to a stop behind that
vehicle.
If the stopped vehicle ahead has
driven away and ACC has not
resumed, the vehicle ahead indicator
will flash as a reminder to check
traffic ahead before proceeding. In
addition, the left and right sides of the
Safety Alert Seat will pulse three
times, or three beeps will sound. See
“Alert Type ”and “Adaptive Cruise Go
Notifier” in“Collision/Detection
Systems” underVehicle Personalization
0 138.
When the vehicle ahead drives away,
ACC resumes automatically if the stop
was brief. If necessary, press RES+ or
the accelerator pedal to resume ACC. If stopped for more than two minutes
or if the driver door is opened and the
driver seat belt is unbuckled, the ACC
automatically applies the Electric
Parking Brake (EPB) to hold the
vehicle. The EPB status light will turn
on. See
Electric Parking Brake 0261.
To release the EPB, press the
accelerator pedal.
A DIC warning message may display
indicating to shift to P (Park) before
exiting the vehicle. See Vehicle
Messages 0138.
{Warning
If ACC has stopped the vehicle, and
if ACC is disengaged, turned off,
or canceled, the vehicle will no
longer be held at a stop. The vehicle
can move. When ACC is holding the
vehicle at a stop, always be
prepared to manually apply the
brakes.
{Warning
Leaving the vehicle without placing
it in P (Park) can be dangerous. Do
not leave the vehicle while it is
being held at a stop by ACC. Always
place the vehicle in P (Park) and
turn off the ignition before leaving
the vehicle.
ACC Override
If using the accelerator pedal while
ACC is active, the ACC indicator turns
blue on the instrument cluster and in
the HUD (if equipped) indicating ACC
braking will not occur. ACC will
resume operation when the
accelerator pedal is not being pressed.
{Warning
The ACC will not automatically
apply the brakes if your foot is
resting on the accelerator pedal.
You could crash into a vehicle
ahead of you.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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282 DRIVING AND OPERATING
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.
Objects Not Directly in Front of Your
Vehicle
The detection of objects in front of
the vehicle may not be possible if:
.The vehicle or object ahead is not
within your lane.
.The vehicle ahead is shifted, not
centered, or is shifted to one side of
the lane.Driving in Narrow Lanes
Vehicles in adjacent traffic lanes or
roadside objects may be incorrectly
detected when located along the
roadway.
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. If the brakes are
applied, the ACC disengages.
Disengaging ACC
There are three ways to
disengage ACC:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.
.Press*.
.Press5.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed is erased
from memory if
5is pressed or if the
ignition is turned off.
Weather Conditions Affecting ACC
System operation may be limited
under snow, heavy rain, or road spray
conditions.
Accessory Installations and Vehicle
Modifications
Do not install or place any object
around the front camera windshield
area that would obstruct the front
camera view.
Do not install objects on top of the
vehicle that overhang and obstruct the
front camera, such as a canoe, kayak,
or other items that can be transported
on a roof rack system. See Roof Rack
System 0101.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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284 DRIVING AND OPERATING
An active Super Cruise service plan is
required to use Super Cruise.
{Warning
Super Cruise does not perform all
aspects of driving, nor does it do
everything a driver can do. Super
Cruise only steers to maintain
vehicle position in the current lane
or, under some circumstances, to
change lanes. Super Cruise can only
be used with Adaptive Cruise
Control.
Super Cruise does:
.Not prevent crashes or warn of
possible crashes.
.Not steer to avoid stopped or
slow-moving vehicles,
cross-traffic, construction
barriers or cones, motorcycles,
children, pedestrians, animals,
or other objects on the road.
.Not steer in response to vehicles
or objects next to your vehicle,
including vehicles attempting to
enter your lane.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Not respond to traffic lights, stop
signs, or other traffic control
devices.
.Not respond to crossing traffic.
.Not make turns.
.Not steer to merge onto or to
exit highways.
.Not detect, steer to avoid,
or steer through construction
zones.
.Not function on surface streets.
.Not respond to crossing or
oncoming traffic.
.Not function in city driving
conditions.
{Warning
Some state and local laws may
require hands to be kept on the
steering wheel at all times. Only
remove your hands from the
steering wheel if Super Cruise is
engaged, it is safe to do so, and it is
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
permitted by state and local laws.
Failure to do so may result in a
crash involving serious injury or
death.
{Warning
Failure to supervise the driving task
and to respond appropriately, even
while Super Cruise is operating, can
cause a crash. Super Cruise may not
respond as you would to all driving
situations and may not maintain
lane position under all conditions.
It is extremely important to pay
attention to the operation of the
vehicle, even while using Super
Cruise. Do not use a hand-held
device while driving, even with
Super Cruise engaged. To prevent
serious injury or death:
.Always remain properly seated in
the driver seat with your seat
belt fastened.(Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 285
Warning (Continued)
.Never remove your hands from
the steering wheel when Super
Cruise is not operating.
.Always make sure traffic
conditions are safe before using
Super Cruise.
.Always keep the entire vehicle
and the sensors clean. Sensors
are on the front, sides, and rear
of the vehicle.
.Always observe posted speed
limits. Only use Super Cruise at
or below the posted speed limit.
Super Cruise should not be used in
complex or uncertain driving
conditions, including:
.Not in construction zones.
.Not when approaching or exiting
toll plazas.
.Not when approaching an
intersection that is controlled
with a traffic light, stop sign,
or other traffic control device. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Not when lane markings are not
present or cannot be detected.
For example, there is too much
glare, weather conditions are
poor, or lanes are poorly marked.
.Not on slippery or icy roads.
.Not in adverse weather
conditions, including rain, sleet,
fog, ice, or snow.
.Not on winding or hilly roads.
.Not for city driving.
.Not during heavy or emergency
braking.
.Not on surface streets.
.Not on a road shoulder, service
drive, or under an elevated
freeway.
.Not when towing a trailer.
.Not in a highway exit lane. When Super Cruise is Available
Super Cruise Indicator
Super Cruise is designed to operate
only when:
.ACC is on. See Adaptive Cruise
Control (Advanced) 0274.
.Teen Driver is not active.
.The GPS detects the vehicle is on a
compatible highway.
.Both the camera and the radar
sensors are functioning and not
covered, obstructed, or damaged.
.The Driver Attention System (DAS)
detects the driver's head and eyes
are directed toward the road.
.The lane markings are clearly visible
and able to be detected by the
system.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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286 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Poor Conditions
Poor ConditionsUsing Super Cruise
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death:
.Always check that Super Cruise
is available
^before
pressing
].
.Only remove your hands from
the steering wheel if the steering
wheel light bar,
^, and\are
green. Super Cruise may not
begin steering immediately, even
when Super Cruise is available
and
]has been pressed.
To engage:
.PressJto turn on ACC. Make sure
the white
\indicator displays in
the instrument cluster. See Adaptive
Cruise Control (Advanced) 0274.
.When Super Cruise is available, the
white
^will display in the
instrument cluster.
.Press]. ACC will set the speed at
the current vehicle speed. If ACC
has a previously set speed, it may
resume at that speed.
.Super Cruise, when engaged, will
change Forward Collision System
customization to Alert and Brake.
When engaged and not steering the
vehicle, the steering wheel light bar
flashes blue, and
^will be blue. The
driver is in control of steering and
Super Cruise is not steering the
vehicle.
When the vehicle is positioned in the
center of the lane, the steering wheel
light bar and
^display will turn
green, indicating Super Cruise is
steering the vehicle.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 287
When Super Cruise controls the
steering, traffic and other conditions
and laws permit, and it is safe to do
so, your hands can be taken off the
steering wheel.
Always pay attention to the road and
the operation of the vehicle. Always
monitor and be attentive of
surrounding traffic, including vehicles
that may cross the road in front of
your vehicle.
Super Cruise steering can be
overridden with manual steering at
any time. When Super Cruise is
engaged, always be prepared to take
immediate action—including
steering, accelerating, and braking
quickly, if necessary.
Steering Manually and Changing
Lanes
The vehicle can always be manually
steered, even with Super Cruise
engaged; for example, when changing
lanes. When the steering wheel is moved
manually, the steering wheel light bar
pulses blue and
^on the instrument
cluster turns blue to indicate Super
Cruise is not steering the vehicle.
When ready to allow Super Cruise to
resume steering again, position the
vehicle in the center of the lane, hold
the steering wheel until the steering
wheel light bar turns green, and then
release the steering wheel when it is
safe to do so.
Super Cruise does not respond to
vehicles in other lanes near your
vehicle.
{Warning
To help prevent crashes before
making a lane change:
.Always check mirrors.
.Glance over your shoulder.
.Use the turn signals. Super Cruise Lane Change
Super Cruise can steer to perform a
single lane change under certain
conditions when requested by the
driver.
To request a lane change:
1. Verify the lane next to your vehicle is clear and conditions are safe to
make a lane change.
2. Use the turn signal lever to activate the turn signal in the direction of
the desired lane change.
3. Return the turn signal lever to the neutral position after the lane
change. See Turn and Lane-Change
Signals 0153.
If Super Cruise detects that traffic
is clear, Super Cruise will steer the
vehicle to perform the lane change.
A message appears on the Driver
Information Center (DIC) during
the lane change to provide more
information on the status of the
lane change.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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288 DRIVING AND OPERATING
To cancel a lane change, return the
turn signal lever to the neutral
position or move the turn signal lever.
The Super Cruise Lane Change feature
can be enabled or disabled through
the vehicle personalization menu. See
“Super Cruise Lane Change”under
Vehicle Personalization 0138.
{Warning
Super Cruise Lane Change may not
detect a vehicle in an adjacent lane.
Always supervise the driving task
and monitor traffic conditions when
using the Super Cruise Lane Change
feature. Only request a lane change
when traffic conditions are safe for
a lane change, and always be ready
to manually steer the vehicle. See
“Steering Manually and Changing
Lanes” listed previously in this
section. Take Over Alert
{Warning
Super Cruise will not maintain the
vehicle’s speed while the steering
wheel light bar is flashing red.
If the steering wheel light bar
flashes red, immediately resume
manual steering to prevent serious
injury or death. If you do not
resume manual steering, the vehicle
will begin to slow in the same lane
and eventually come to a complete
stop on the road.
Any time the steering wheel light bar
flashes red, resume manual steering
immediately. The instrument cluster
light
^, will also turn red and a
message will display in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). In addition,
beeps will sound, or the Safety Alert
Seat will vibrate. See “Collision/
Detection Systems” underVehicle
Personalization 0138. After you begin
steering manually, then Super Cruise
will disengage. The red flashing steering wheel light
bar could occur under any of the
following conditions:
.Lane markings are poor, or visibility
is limited.
.The Driver Attention System (DAS)
does not detect that the driver's
head and eyes are directed toward
the road.
.ACC is canceled.
.The vehicle is on a tight curve,
or the lanes are too wide, or the
vehicle goes into a curve too fast.
.The compatible road ends.
.The vehicle is approaching an
intersection controlled by a traffic
light, stop sign, or other traffic
control device.
.A Super Cruise system fault occurs.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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290 DRIVING AND OPERATING
First Alert
.If the steering wheel light bar flashes green, the system has detected that your head and eyes
may not be directed toward the road.
.The flashing will stop when the system detects that your head and eyes appear to be directed
toward the road.
Second Alert
.If the steering wheel light bar flashes green for too long, Super Cruise will alert the driver to
take control of steering immediately by flashing the light bar red. Also, either beeps will sound
or the Safety Alert Seat will vibrate. See “Collision/Detection Systems”underVehicle
Personalization 0138.
.Take over steering, then Super Cruise will disengage.
.To re-engage Super Cruise, press]. See “Using Super Cruise ”previously in this section.
Third Alert
.If the steering wheel light bar flashes red for too long, a voice command will tell you to take
control of the vehicle.
.Take control of the steering immediately; ACC and Super Cruise will disengage.
.A DIC message will indicate that Super Cruise is locked out. Super Cruise cannot be re-engaged
until the next ignition cycle.
.Continued failure to take over steering will cause the vehicle to brake to a stop and OnStar will
be called. The brake lamps and hazard warning flashers will come on.
.Take control of the vehicle and continue driving.