transmission CADILLAC ESCALADE 2022 Owner's Guide

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 259
4n(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.
While driving in 4
n, keep vehicle
speed below 72 km/h (45 mph).
Shifting into 4
nwill turn Traction
Control and StabiliTrak/ESC off. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0265.
Shifts between 2
m, 4m, and AUTO
Any of these shifts can be made at
normal driving speed.
The actual 4x4 shift request is only
made after the button is released. The
4x4 graphic will remain flashing until
the shift request has completed. A DIC
message displays to indicate that the
4x4 transfer case has been requested
to shift to the new desired state.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the
DIC message disappears, the 4x4
graphic stops flashing, and the current
setting is indicated. When a shift to 2
mis completed
successfully while in P (Park), the
parking brake will engage. To resume
driving, shift the transmission to the
desired gear and manually release the
parking bake or press the accelerator
pedal to begin driving. See Electric
Parking Brake 0262.
If equipped, use 4
n, AUTO, or 4mto
provide additional traction when
parking on a steep grade with poor
traction such as ice, snow, mud,
or gravel.
Shifting Into 4
n
1. The ignition must be on and the vehicle must be stopped or moving
less than 5 km/h (3 mph) with the
transmission in N (Neutral). It is
best for the vehicle to be moving
1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Press 4
n. The actual 4x4 shift
request is only made after the
button is released. The 4x4 graphic
will remain flashing until the shift
request has completed. A DIC
message displays to indicate that the 4x4 transfer case has been
requested to shift to the new
desired state.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed,
the DIC message disappears, the
4x4 graphic stops flashing and the
current setting is indicated.
If vehicle speed is higher when shift
request occurs, a DIC message
displays. Reduce vehicle speed.
If the transmission is not in
N (Neutral) when shift request occurs,
a DIC message displays. The vehicle
will allow 20 seconds for the shift to
occur. After this time, a graphic in the
instrument cluster will indicate that
the transfer case is in 4
n.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode indicator
light has stopped flashing could
damage the transfer case.
If the transmission is not shifted into
N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not
slowed to 5 km/h (3 mph) within

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
260 DRIVING AND OPERATING
20 seconds, the transfer case will
remain in its original state. This will
be indicated in the instrument cluster.
With the vehicle moving less than
5 km/h (3 mph) and the transmission
in N (Neutral), attempt the shift again.
Shifting Out of 4
n
1. The vehicle must be stopped ormoving less than 5 km/h (3 mph)
with the transmission in
N (Neutral) and the ignition on.
It is best for the vehicle to be
moving 1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Press 4
m, AUTO, or 2m. The actual
4x4 shift request is only made after
the button is released. The 4x4
graphic will remain flashing until
the shift request has completed.
A DIC message displays to indicate
the state of the request.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed,
the DIC message disappears, the
4x4 graphic stops flashing, and the
current setting is indicated.
If vehicle speed is higher when
shift request occurs, a DIC message
displays. Reduce vehicle speed. If the transmission is not in
N (Neutral) when the shift request
occurs, DIC messages will display. The
vehicle will allow 20 seconds for this
shift to occur. After this time, a
graphic in the instrument cluster will
indicate that the transfer case is in 4
n.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear
before the requested mode indicator
light has stopped flashing could
damage the transfer case.
If the transmission is not shifted into
N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not
slowed to 5 km/h (3 mph) within
20 seconds, the transfer case will
remain in its original state. This will
be indicated in the instrument cluster.
With the vehicle moving less than
5 km/h (3 mph), and the transmission
in N (Neutral), attempt the shift again.
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
To shift into N (Neutral): 1. Start the vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission to N (Neutral). 3. Shift the transfer case to 2
m.
4. Apply the parking brake and/or brake pedal.
5. Press 2
mfive times in 10 seconds
until the N (Neutral) symbol starts
flashing in the instrument cluster.
When the shift is complete, the
graphic stops flashing. If the
parking brake and/or brake pedal is
not applied within 20 seconds, the
transfer case will remain in the
original state.
6. If the transmission is not shifted into N (Neutral) or the vehicle has
not slowed to 5 km/h (3 mph)
within 20 seconds, the transfer case
will remain in its original state.
This will be indicated in the
instrument cluster.
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift out of N (Neutral): 1. Turn the ignition on with the engine off. See Ignition Positions
0 246.
2. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0262.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 261
3. Shift the transmission toN (Neutral).
4. Shift the transfer case to 2
m.
Transfer case shifts out of
N (Neutral) can only be made into
2
m. When the shift to 2mis
complete, the graphic in the
instrument cluster will stop
flashing. If the transfer case cannot
complete a shift, the graphic will
return to the previously selected
setting.
Single Speed Transfer Case
If equipped, the transfer case controls
are used to shift into and out of
four-wheel drive. To shift the transfer case, press the
desired button. The graphic in the
instrument cluster will flash while a
shift is in progress. The graphic
displayed will change to indicate the
setting requested.
When the shift is complete the
graphic will stop flashing. The DIC
message turns off once the shift is
complete. If the transfer case cannot
complete a shift request, it will go
back to its last chosen setting.
The settings are:
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.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High) : Use
this setting when extra traction is
needed, such as when driving on
snowy or icy roads, when off-roading,
or when plowing snow.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive)
Use when road surface 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.
Shifts between 2
m, 4m, and AUTO
Any of these shifts can be made at
normal driving speed.
The actual 4x4 shift request is only
made after the button is released. The
4x4 graphic will remain flashing until
the shift request has completed. A DIC
message displays.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the
DIC message disappears, the 4x4
graphic stops flashing, and the current
setting is indicated.
The actual 4x4 shift request is only
made after the button is released. The
4x4 graphic will remain flashing until
the shift request has completed.
A DIC message displays. Once the 4x4
shift has completed, the DIC message
disappears, the 4x4 graphic stops
flashing, and the current setting is
indicated.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 263
Before leaving the vehicle, check the
red EPB status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
If a message displays on the DIC
indicating the transmission is unable
to shift soon, the service electric
parking brake is on, and the EPB light
flashes at the same time, the system
must be reset. Start the vehicle, apply
the EPB, and then release it. The
message and light should turn off. See
Electric Parking Brake Light0125 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light
0 126.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Press the EPB switch.
The red EPB status light will flash and
then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red EPB status light
flashes continuously, then the EPB is
only partially applied or there is a
problem with the EPB. A DIC message
will display. Release the EPB and try
to apply it again. If the light does not
come on, or keeps flashing, have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red EPB status light is
flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service EPB warning light
is on, press the EPB switch. Continue
to hold the switch until the red EPB
status light remains on. If the amber
service EPB warning light is on, see
your dealer.
If the EPB is applied while the vehicle
is moving, the vehicle will decelerate
as long as the switch is pressed. If the
switch is pressed until the vehicle
comes to a stop, the EPB will remain
applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply
the EPB in some situations when the
vehicle is not moving. This is normal,
and is done to periodically check the
correct operation of the EPB system,
or as required by other safety
functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red EPB
status light is off.
If the amber service EPB warning light
is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red EPB
status light is off. If either light stays
on after release is attempted, see your
dealer.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system and
cause premature wear or damage to
brake system parts. Make sure that
the parking brake is fully released
and the brake warning light is off
before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and parking
on a hill, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0336.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
268 DRIVING AND OPERATING
To activate each mode, press the
MODE button on the instrument
panel to the left of the steering wheel.
To activate Terrain Mode, press
g
button located next to the MODE
button.
Tour Mode :Use this mode for
normal city and highway driving to
provide a smooth ride. This setting
provides balance between comfort and
handling. This is the standard/default
mode. There is no persistent indicator
in the instrument cluster for
this mode.
8Sport Mode : Use this mode where
road conditions or personal preference
demand a more controlled response.
When in Sport mode the vehicle
automatically down shifts. In this
mode, the vehicle also monitors
driving behaviors and automatically
enables Performance Shift Features
when spirited driving is detected.
These features maintain lower
transmission gears to increase
available engine braking and improve
acceleration response. The vehicle
resumes normal operation after a
short period when no spirited driving
is detected. The steering changes to
provide more precise control. If the
vehicle has Magnetic Ride Control, the
suspension changes to provide better
cornering performance.
6Snow/Ice Mode : Use this mode to
improve vehicle acceleration on snow
and ice covered roads. When active,
Snow/Ice Mode adjusts acceleration to
optimize traction on slippery surfaces.
This can compromise the acceleration
on dry asphalt. This feature is not
intended for use when the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice, snow,
or gravel. If the vehicle becomes stuck,
see
If the Vehicle Is Stuck 0241.
7Off-Road Mode : Use this mode
for off-road recreational driving.
Off-Road mode should be used to
improve driving at moderate speeds,
on grass, gravel, dirt, unpaved roads,
or snow-covered roads. The
accelerator pedal is tuned for off-road
use. If equipped with the following
features, Off-Road mode modifies
pedal mapping, ride height, and
Traction Control System (TCS)
performance. For more information on
off-road driving, see Off-Road Driving
0 235.
_Tow/Haul Mode : Use this mode
when hauling heavy loads for
increased performance and vehicle
control. Tow/Haul Mode adjusts the
transmission shift pattern, steering,
and Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
performance.
If the vehicle is turned off while in
Tow/Haul mode and then restarted
within four hours or less, it will

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 269
remain active. Otherwise, the vehicle
will start in Tour mode. Tow/Haul
mode turns on trailer sway control.
If equipped with a diesel engine,
exhaust braking is automatically
activated when Tow/Haul mode is
selected. The system will command
down shifts to reduce vehicle speed
when the brake is applied. The normal
tow/haul shift pattern will return once
the vehicle is on a low grade or when
the accelerator pedal is pressed. While
in the Electronic Range Select (ERS)
Mode (seeManual Mode 0256), grade
braking is deactivated, allowing the
driver to select a range, and limiting
the highest gear available.
For more information on trailer
weight specifications, see Towing
Equipment 0344.
gTerrain Mode : Use this mode
when traveling on very rough roads at
very low speeds, such as a two-track
or heavily rutted road. This mode can
also be used for pulling a boat out of
the water on a trailer. When in Terrain
mode, the vehicle shifts automatically,
but will hold a lower gear longer to
maximize engine torque. This mode has a unique pedal map and
transmission shift pattern for better
control at lower speeds and over
rough terrain. This mode modifies
accelerator pedal mapping,
transmission shift pattern, ride height,
and Electronic Limited-Slip
Differential (eSLD).
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-drive low. It also applies
light braking in D (Drive) until the
vehicle is at idle speeds. In L1 and L2
light braking will typically bring the
vehicle to a stop. Active Braking
during lift throttle also reduces trailer
braking.
Terrain mode automatically exits 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 0235 and
Hill and Mountain Roads 0239.
My Mode
My mode is used to personalize
everyday driving. This mode allows
the driver to configure the vehicle
system settings to their driving
preferences. My mode will remain
active every time the vehicle is
started. To customize My mode, see
“Drive Mode Customization.”
Drive Mode Customization
The vehicle is equipped to modify the
following settings based on vehicle
content. Through the center radio
display, select Vehicle Settings>Drive
Mode Customization to customize and
personalize My mode, or turn off or
on Visualization.
My Mode
These settings will be retained over
each key cycle, and do not have to be
reset each time the vehicle is started.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 275
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 0115.
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
0252 and
Driver Mode Control 0267. 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.
Adaptive Cruise Control
(Advanced)
If equipped, Adaptive Cruise Control
(ACC) allows the cruise control set
speed and following gap to be
selected. Read this entire section
before using this system. The
following gap is the following time (or
distance) between your vehicle and a
vehicle detected directly ahead in your
path, moving in the same direction.
If no vehicle is detected in your path,

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 337
.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. SeeDriver Mode
Control 0267. If the transmission
downshifts too often, a lower gear
may be selected using Manual
Mode. See Manual Mode 0256.
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be turned
off when towing a trailer:
.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,
unless equipped with Super Cruise:
.Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert
(LCA), 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.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic
Alert (RCTA), 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.
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of the
vehicle and enter if the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most window
is open.
When towing a trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on or
under the instrument panel.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Also adjust the climate control
system to a setting that brings in
only outside air. See“Climate
Control Systems” in the Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust
0 252.
Towing a trailer requires experience.
The combination of the vehicle and
trailer is longer and not as responsive
as the vehicle itself. Get used to the
handling and braking of the
combination by driving on a level road
surface before driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must be all be rated to carry
the intended cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the combination
to operate in an unexpected or unsafe
manner. Before driving, inspect all
trailer hitch parts and attachments,
safety chains, electrical connectors,
lamps, tires, and mirrors. See Towing
Equipment 0344. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
338 DRIVING AND OPERATING
trailer brake controller to check the
trailer brakes work. During the trip,
occasionally check that the cargo and
trailer are secure and that the lamps
and any trailer brakes are working.
Towing with a Stability Control
System
When towing, the stability control
system might be heard. The system
reacts to vehicle movement caused by
the trailer, which mainly occurs
during cornering. This is normal when
towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving without a trailer. This can help
to avoid heavy braking and sudden
turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination of
the vehicle and trailer will not
accelerate as quickly and is much
longer than the vehicle alone. It is
necessary to go much farther beyondthe passed vehicle before returning to
the lane. Pass on level roadways.
Avoid passing on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel
with one hand. To move the trailer to
the left, move that hand to the left. To
move the trailer to the right, move
that hand to the right. Always back up
slowly and, if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making Turns
Caution
Turn more slowly and make wider
arcs when towing a trailer to
prevent damage to your vehicle.
Making very sharp turns could
cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when
towing, so trailer will not go over soft
shoulders, over curbs, or strike road
signs, trees, or other objects. Always
signal turns well in advance. Do not
steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes may
overheat and result in reduced braking
efficiency.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing at higher altitudes,
engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at lower altitudes.
If the engine is turned off immediately
after towing at high altitude on steep
uphill grades, the vehicle could show
signs similar to engine overheating. To
avoid this, let the engine run,
preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few
minutes before turning the engine off.
If the overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating 0381.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
350 DRIVING AND OPERATING
start-up if the trailer was
disconnected while the vehicle was
off. Check the trailer connection as
appropriate.
.CHECK TRAILER XXX LAMP
appears when there is a detected
lamp or wiring fault on the trailer.
Check the trailer wiring and lamps.
Turn Signals When Towing a
Trailer
When properly connected, the trailer
turn signals should will illuminate to
indicate the vehicle is turning,
changing lanes, or stopping. When
towing a trailer, the arrows on the
instrument cluster will illuminate
even if the trailer is not properly
connected or the bulbs are
burned out.
Tow/Haul Mode
For instructions on how to enter
Tow/Haul mode, seeDriver Mode
Control 0267.
Tow/Haul assists when pulling a
heavy trailer or a large or heavy load. Tow/Haul Mode is designed to be
most effective when the vehicle and
trailer combined weight is at least
75% of the vehicle's Gross Combined
Weight Rating (GCWR). See
“Maximum Trailer Weight
”under
Trailer Towing 0340.
Tow/Haul Mode is most useful when
towing a heavy trailer or carrying a
large or heavy load:
.through rolling terrain
.in stop-and-go traffic
.in busy parking lots
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul
Mode when lightly loaded or not
towing will not cause damage;
however, it is not recommended and
may result in unpleasant engine and
transmission driving characteristics
and reduced fuel economy.
Integrated Trailer Brake Control
System
The vehicle may have an Integrated
Trailer Brake Control (ITBC) system
for use with electric trailer brakes or
most electric over hydraulic trailer brake systems. These instructions
apply to both types of electric trailer
brakes.
This symbol is on the Trailer Brake
Control Panel on vehicles with an
ITBC system. The power output to the
trailer brakes is proportional to the
amount of vehicle braking. This
available power output to the trailer
brakes can be adjusted to a wide
range of trailering situations.
The ITBC system is integrated with
the vehicle’s brake, anti-lock brake,
and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) systems. In trailering
conditions that cause the vehicle’s
anti-lock brake or StabiliTrak/ESC
systems to activate, power sent to the
trailer's brakes will be automatically
adjusted to minimize trailer wheel
lock-up. This does not imply that the
trailer has StabiliTrak/ESC.