towing CADILLAC ESCALADE 2023 User Guide

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
232 Driving and Operating
Automatic Transfer Case
Two-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:
N (Neutral) :
Use only when the vehicle
needs to be towed. See Recreational Vehicle
Towing 0402 and
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle 0401.
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 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.
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.
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 0238.
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 0236.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 237
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 0305.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB automatically releases if the vehicle
is running, placed into gear, and an attempt
is made to drive. Avoid rapid acceleration
when the EPB is applied to preserve parking
brake lining life.
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking to
activate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to
apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. See Defensive Driving
0 207.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) temporarily prevents the
vehicle from rolling in an unintended
direction during the transition from brake pedal release to accelerator pedal apply. The
brakes release when the accelerator pedal is
applied or automatically release after a few
seconds. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold
the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Automatic Vehicle Hold (AVH)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 241
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 0215.
V-Series only: If traction control is disabled
when in Snow/Ice mode the transfer case
and the electronic limited slip differential
will operate in a more aggressive manner to
provide maximum traction.
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 Driving0209.
_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 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 (see
Manual Mode
0229 or
Manual Mode (V-Series) 0230), 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 0313.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.

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Driving and Operating 257
ACC may detect a vehicle that is not in your
lane and apply the brakes.
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.
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
Do not use ACC when driving on steep hills
as ACC may not detect a vehicle ahead. Towing with ACC
If equipped when towing a trailer, ACC
driving characteristics such as following gap,
acceleration rates and braking rates may be
modified to provide a better towing
experience.
ACC should not be used while towing a
trailer with an aftermarket trailer brake
controller. Aftermarket trailer brake
controllers may not function properly with
the ACC system.
ACC may be used when towing a trailer
when trailer attached is within GM-approved
allowable size and weight limits. See
Trailer
Towing 0309.
When towing a trailer with ACC, it is
important to properly set the Trailer Gain.
See “Integrated Trailer Brake Control
System” inTowing Equipment 0313 for
Trailer Gain Adjustment Procedure.
Use Tow/Haul mode when driving down
steep hills or mountain grades, or when
hauling heavy loads. See Driver Mode
Control 0240.
Disengaging ACC
There are three ways to disengage ACC:
.Step lightly on the brake pedal.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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260 Driving and Operating
Warning (Continued)
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.
.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. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Not when approaching an intersection
that is controlled with a traffic light,
stop sign, or other traffic control
device.
.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 that does
not meet GM approved guidelines.
.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) 0248.
.Teen Driver is not active.
.The GPS detects the vehicle is on a
compatible road.
.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 ahead.
.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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Driving and Operating 263
Change feature can be enabled or disabled
through the vehicle personalization menu.
Touch the Settings icon on the infotainment
home page. Select“Vehicle”to display the
list of available options and select “Super
Cruise Lane Change.”
Super Cruise Lane change is disabled when
attached trailer is detected.
Do not use Super Cruise Lane Change
feature when towing a trailer.
{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.
To begin steering manually, hold the
steering wheel firmly (with both hands)
using the highlighted regions as shown in
the picture below.
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. To view Collision and Detection
options, touch the Settings icon on the
infotainment home page. Select “Vehicle”to
display the list of available options and
select “Collision/Detection Systems”. 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.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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266 Driving and Operating
Stationary or Very Slow-Moving Objects;
Cross-Traffic
{Warning
Super Cruise is not a crash avoidance
system. Super Cruise does not steer to
prevent a crash with stopped or slow
moving vehicles, or with vehicles crossing
the road such as those that are traveling
through intersections. You must supervise
the driving task and may need to steer
and brake to prevent a crash, especially
in stop-and-go traffic or when a vehicle
suddenly enters your lane. Always pay
attention when using Super Cruise.
Failure to do so could result in a crash
involving serious injury or death.
Curves in the Road
{Warning
The vehicle could drift out of your lane of
travel. To prevent crashes, always be
ready to manually steer.
Super Cruise may not detect your lane on
curves in the road. Super Cruise may not
detect the markings that show your lane. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
You may not have time to react to a
vehicle in the lane next to your vehicle
while on curves in the road.
Super Cruise may hand control back to the
driver more often driving around a sharp
curve while towing a trailer.
Super Cruise may operate differently in
sharp curves. It may drift out of your lane
of travel if the curve is too sharp.
When entering a curve, Super Cruise may
not detect the lane markings and may not
adjust the steering enough to stay in your
lane of travel. When this happens, you will
need to steer the vehicle.
Super Cruise may detect other lane
markings that are not in your lane and may
or may not steer appropriately to maintain
your lane.
Super Cruise may occasionally provide an
alert and/or steering that is considered
unnecessary. It could respond to lane
markings 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.

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Driving and Operating 267
Other Vehicles Entering Your Lane
Super Cruise may not detect a vehicle that
enters your lane, or may not brake fast
enough to avoid a crash. You must manually
brake and steer the vehicle.
Intersections; Vehicles Crossing the Road
Ahead
Super Cruise will not brake the vehicle when
approaching an intersection that is
controlled by a traffic light or stop sign.
Super Cruise will not detect vehicles crossing
the road ahead, including at intersections,
and will not automatically steer or brake to
prevent a collision. You must manually
brake and steer the vehicle.Towing a Trailer
Super Cruise may be used when towing a
trailer when Trailer attached is within size
and weight limits designated in the Trailer
Towing section, see Trailer Towing.
When Super Cruise is used with vehicles
equipped with aftermarket trailer brake
controller, Super Cruise may not disengage
when manual trailer brake is applied.
Do not use Super Cruise Lane Change when
towing a trailer.
For additional information on towing a
trailer, see
Trailer Towing 0309.
Super Cruise on Hills
Super Cruise on Non-Divided Roads
Super Cruise may be available on
non-divided roads that are mapped, outside
of urbanized areas and have a road speed
limit above 28 km/h (45 mph).
Do not use Super Cruise while driving on
steep hills. Super Cruise Indicator Light SummaryThe steering wheel light bar and instrument
cluster light provide the following important
information about Super Cruise operation:

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Driving and Operating 271
Super Cruise Message Summary (cont'd)
Unavailable GPS Signal Lost.There is poor reception in isolated areas.
.Reception is being blocked by buildings or other large structures.
Unavailable You Have Taken Vehicle Control
.The brake pedal is being pressed.
.The Adaptive Cruise Control has been canceled or turned off.
Unavailable Sensor Blocked Clear snow, ice, dirt, or other contaminants from the front and rear
areas of the vehicle.
Unavailable Sharp Curve Some curves are too sharp to be navigated by the Super Cruise
system. Super Cruise will be available after the curve is traveled.
Unavailable Over Weight Limit Super Cruise has detected trailer is over allowable weight limit.
Unavailable Trailer Too Unstable Super Cruise has detected that trailer attached is causing unstable
condition. Check trailer and/or load.
Unavailable Trailer Too Large Trailer size (length/width) is larger than supported for Super Cruise
operation.
Unavailable Lane Too Narrow Super Cruise has detected lane width ahead is too narrow for Super
Cruise operation while towing a trailer.
Super Cruise Unavailable Super Cruise is unavailable for reasons not described in other
messages.
Super Cruise Locked Out See Owner’s Manual The driver did not take control of the vehicle when prompted by the
Super Cruise system. The Super Cruise system will be disabled until
the ignition is turned off and back on.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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278 Driving and Operating
display and select Rear Side View
with Available Articulation
Functionality. The view can be
closed by selecting X, Home
or Back.
.Picture-in-Picture Side View
Displays a rearward split view of
the left and right sides of the
vehicle and trailer with an overlay
view of the area behind the trailer
when a trailer is connected. The
feature requires user installation of
an accessory trailer camera on the
rear exterior surface of the trailer
per the accessory trailer camera
installation instructions (see your
dealer for accessory trailer
camera(s) and information). To
view, select Picture-in-Picture Side
View on the infotainment display
when the Camera App is active. To
access this view when in a forward
gear above 12 km/h (8 mph), select
CAMERA on the infotainment
display and select Picture-in-Picture
Side View. The view can be closed
by selecting X, Home or Back.Additional Views and Alerts
.Turn Signal Activated Views
Displays a rearward view of the left or
right side of the vehicle and trailer when
a trailer is connected. Views are provided
based on turn signal activation with the
right-side view being shown when the
right turn signal is active and the left side
view being shown when the left turn
signal is active. The feature can be
enabled or disabled. To view available
settings from the infotainment screen,
touch Settings > Vehicle > Collision/
Detection Systems. The view can be
closed early by selecting X, Home or Back.
A Trailer Length Indicator Overlay is
available in the Turn Signal Activated
Views when the trailer is relatively
straight behind the vehicle and a
compatible profile is configured and
selected via the Trailering App. The
overlay will not be visible when the
position of the trailer is too far to the left
or right. The overlay can be enabled or
disabled. To view available settings from
the infotainment screen, touch Settings >
Vehicle > Collision/Detection Systems.
.Trailer Angle Indicator
The vehicle may be equipped with a
Trailer Angle Indicator. The Trailer Angle
Indicator gives the driver a visual
representation of the trailer’s position
relative to the vehicle. (Available only in
Reverse, Guidelines On, Rear Trailering
Views).
{Warning
Use Hitch Guidance only to help back the
vehicle to a trailer hitch or, when
traveling above 12 km/h (8 mph), to
briefly check the status of your trailer. Do
not use for any other purpose, such as
making lane change decisions. Before
making a lane change, always check the
mirrors and glance over your shoulder.
Improper use could result in serious
injury to you or others.
HD Surround Vision with Trailer Camera
Provisions
If equipped, this feature provides additional
views to aid in trailering/towing. The
system shows multiple views in the
infotainment display using five cameras
mounted around the vehicle and up to two
additional accessory cameras that can be