CADILLAC ESCALADE 2023 Owners Manual

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
Driving and Operating 219
Caution
Overloading the vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not overload the
vehicle.
Remember not to exceed the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) of the front or
rear axle.
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the
long run if you follow these guidelines:
.Do not drive at any one constant
speed, fast or slow, for the first
800 km (500 mi). Do not make
full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting
to brake or slow the vehicle.
.Avoid making hard stops for the first
300 km (200 mi) or so. During this
time the new brake linings are not yet
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
broken in. Hard stops with new linings
can mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new
brake linings.
.Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
SeeTrailer Towing 0309 for the
trailer towing capabilities of the
vehicle and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load
can be gradually increased.
On new vehicles, the various mechanical and
electrical systems experience a “break-in”
period during the first 6 400 km (4,000 mi)
of routine driving. As the vehicle is driven,
the mechanical systems adjust to provide
optimal fuel economy and transmission shift
performance.
Electrical systems will adapt and calibrate
during the break-in period. A one-time
occurrence of clicks and similar vehicle
noises is normal during this process.
Normal driving charges the vehicle’s battery
to achieve the best operation of the vehicle,
including fuel economy and the Stop/Start
System. See Stop/Start System 0222.
Ignition Positions
Vehicles equipped with Keyless Access have
pushbutton starting.
The Remote Key must be in the vehicle for
the system to operate. If the pushbutton
start is not working, the vehicle may be
near a strong radio antenna signal causing
interference to the Keyless Access system.
See Remote Key Operation 08.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be
on or in Service Mode, and the brake pedal
must be applied.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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220 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while moving may
cause loss of power assist in the brake
and steering systems and disable the
airbags. While driving, only shut the
vehicle off in an emergency.
Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF (No Indicator
Lights) : When the vehicle is stopped, press
ENGINE START/STOP once to turn the
engine off.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the ignition will
turn off, and Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
will remain active. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0222.
If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the ignition
will return to accessory mode and display
the message SHIFT TO PARK in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). When the vehicle is
shifted into P (Park), the ignition system will
turn off.
The vehicle may have an electric steering
column lock. The lock is activated when the
ignition is turned off and either front door is
opened. A sound may be heard as the lock
actuates or releases. The steering column
lock may not release with the wheels turned
off center. If this happens, the vehicle may not start. Move the steering wheel from left
to right while attempting to start the
vehicle. If this does not work, the vehicle
needs service.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes repeatedly. This
may deplete power assist, requiring
increased brake pedal force.
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral). This can be done while the vehicle is moving.
After shifting to N (Neutral), firmly apply
the brakes and steer the vehicle to a
safe location.
3. Come to a complete stop.
4. Hold the brake pedal down and shift to P (Park). The shift lever must be in
P (Park) to turn the ignition off.
5. Continue to hold the brake pedal down.
6. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0236.
7. Press ENGINE START/STOP once to turn the ignition off.
8. Release the brake pedal. If the vehicle cannot be pulled over, and
must be shut off while driving, press and
hold ENGINE START/STOP for longer than
two seconds, or press twice in five seconds.
Accessory Mode (Amber Indicator Light) :
This mode allows some electrical accessories
to be used when the engine is off.
With the ignition off, pressing the button
one time without the brake pedal applied
will place the ignition system in
accessory mode.
The ignition will switch from accessory
mode to off after five minutes to prevent
battery rundown.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator Light) :
This
mode is for driving and starting. With the
ignition off, and the brake pedal applied,
pressing the button once will turn the
ignition on. Once engine cranking begins,
release the button. Engine cranking will
continue until the engine starts. See Starting
the Engine 0221.
Service Mode
This power mode is available for service and
diagnostics, and to verify the proper
operation of the malfunction indicator lamp
as may be required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and the

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Driving and Operating 221
brake pedal not applied, pressing and
holding the button for more than
five seconds will place the vehicle in Service
Mode. The instruments and audio systems
will operate as they do when the ignition is
on, but the vehicle will not be able to be
driven. The engine will not start in Service
Mode. Press the button again to turn the
ignition off.
Starting the Engine
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or accessories,
you could change the way the engine
operates. Any resulting damage would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
SeeAdd-On Electrical Equipment 0334.
Shift the vehicle into P (Park) or N (Neutral).
To restart the engine when the vehicle is
already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could
damage the transmission. Shift to P (Park)
only when the vehicle is stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. The remote key must be in the vehicle. Press ENGINE START/STOP with the brake
pedal applied. When the engine begins
cranking, let go of the button.
The idle speed will go down as the
engine gets warm. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transmission
gently to allow the oil to warm up and
lubricate all moving parts.
When the low fuel warning light is on
and the FUEL LEVEL LOW message is
displayed in the Driver Information
Center (DIC), press the ENGINE START/
STOP position to continue engine
cranking.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by trying to start the engine
immediately after cranking has ended,
can overheat and damage the cranking
motor, and drain the battery. Wait at
least 15 seconds between each try, to let
the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in very cold
weather (below −18 °C or 0 °F), it could
be flooded with too much gasoline. Try
pushing the accelerator pedal all the way
to the floor and holding it there while
pressing ENGINE START/STOP for up to a
maximum of 15 seconds. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down. When
the engine starts, let go of the button
and accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the
same thing. This clears the extra gasoline
from the engine. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate
the engine and transmission gently until
the oil warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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222 Driving and Operating
Stop/Start System
If equipped and enabled, the Stop/Start
system will shut off the engine to help
conserve fuel. It has components designed
for the increased number of starts.
{Warning
The automatic engine Stop/Start feature
causes the engine to shut off while the
vehicle is still on. Do not exit the vehicle
before shifting to P (Park). The vehicle
may restart and move unexpectedly.
Always shift to P (Park), and then turn
the ignition off before exiting the vehicle.
Auto Engine Stop/Start
When the brakes are applied and the vehicle
is at a complete stop, the engine may turn
off. When stopped, the tachometer displays
AUTO STOP. See Tachometer0108. When
the brake pedal is released or the
accelerator pedal is pressed, the engine will
restart.
To maintain vehicle performance, other
conditions may cause the engine to
automatically restart before the brake pedal
is released. Auto Stops may not occur and/or Auto
Starts may occur because:
.The climate control settings require the
engine to be running to cool or heat the
vehicle interior.
.The vehicle battery needs to charge.
.The vehicle battery has recently been
disconnected.
.Minimum vehicle speed has not been
reached since the last Auto Stop.
.The accelerator pedal is pressed.
.The engine or transmission is not at the
required operating temperature.
.The outside temperature is not in the
required operating range.
.The vehicle is shifted out of D (Drive) to
any gear other than P (Park).
.Certain driver modes have been selected.
See
Driver Mode Control 0240 and
Four-Wheel Drive 0231.
.The vehicle is on a steep hill or grade.
.The driver door has been opened or the
driver seat belt has been unbuckled.
.The hood has been opened.
.The Auto Stop has reached the maximum
allowed time. Auto Stop Disable Switch
Uplevel Shown, Others Similar
The automatic engine Stop/Start feature can
be disabled and enabled by pressing
h.
Auto Stop/Start is enabled each time you
start the vehicle.
When the
hindicator is illuminated, the
system is enabled.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
When the vehicle is turned from on to off,
the following features (if equipped) will
continue to function for up to 10 minutes,
or until the driver door is opened. These
features will also work when the vehicle is
on or in accessory mode:

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 223
.Infotainment System
.Power Windows (during RAP this
functionality will be lost when any door
is opened)
.Sunroof (during RAP this functionality will
be lost when any door is opened)
.Auxiliary Power Outlet
.Audio System
.OnStar System
Shifting Into Park
{Warning
Parking on grades with poor traction such
as ice, snow, mud, or gravel may cause
the vehicle to unintentionally move and
could result in injury, death, and/or
vehicle damage. If equipped with
four-wheel drive, use AUTO or 4 (HI) to
provide additional traction. Be sure to
apply the parking brake. SeeElectric
Parking Brake 0236 and
Four-Wheel Drive 0231.
{Warning
It can be dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the vehicle is not in P (Park)
with the parking brake 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 not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground, use
the steps that follow. If you are pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0305.
To shift into P (Park): 1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the Electric Parking Brake (EPB). See Electric
Parking Brake 0236.
2. Press the P (Park) switch on top of the shift lever.
3. Press ENGINE START/STOP to turn the vehicle off.
If the vehicle is shifted into P (Park) on a
hill, the EPB may apply automatically. The
driver may not be able to release the EPB
using the EPB switch. It should automatically
release when the vehicle is shifted out of
P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine
Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle
with the engine running. It could
overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the vehicle is not in P (Park) with the
parking brake 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 shift to
P (Park). See Shifting Into Park 0223.
If you are towing a trailer, see Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips 0305.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the
engine running, the vehicle must be in
P (Park) with the EPB set.
Confirm that the vehicle is in P (Park).

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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224 Driving and Operating
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic
transmission. The shift lock release button is
designed to prevent inadvertent shifting out
of P (Park).
To shift out of P (Park):1. Ensure the engine is running.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Press and hold the shift lock release button on the shift lever.
4. Move the shift lever to the desired position. For N (Neutral) hold the lever in
the N (Neutral) position until the N
indicator illuminates red.
5. The P indicator will turn white and the gear indicator on the shift lever will turn
red when the vehicle is no longer in
P (Park).
6. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
If equipped, the Buckle to Drive feature may
prevent shifting from P (Park). See Buckle To
Drive 056.
If the vehicle cannot shift from P (Park), a
Driver Information Center (DIC) message
may be displayed. Ensure the engine is
running, the brake pedal is applied, and the shift lock release button is pressed when
you are attempting to shift out of P (Park).
If all of these conditions are met but the
vehicle will not shift out of P (Park), see
your dealer for service.
Parking over Things That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch hot
exhaust parts under the vehicle and
ignite. Do not park over papers, leaves,
dry grass, or other things that can burn.
Dynamic Fuel Management
If equipped, Dynamic Fuel Management
allows the engine to operate in multiple
cylinder patterns, up to the full 8-cylinder
operation, depending on driving conditions.
When less power is required, such as
cruising at a constant vehicle speed, the
system will reduce any combination of
operating cylinders enabling the vehicle to
achieve better fuel economy. When greater
power is required, such as passing or
merging onto a freeway, the system will
maintain full 8-cylinder operation.
Extended Parking
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left running, be
sure it will not move and there is adequate
ventilation.
See
Shifting Into Park 0223 and
Engine Exhaust 0225.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the remote key outside the vehicle, it will
continue to run for up to 15 minutes.
If the vehicle is left parked and running with
the remote key inside the vehicle, it will
continue to run for up to 30 minutes.
The vehicle could turn off sooner if it is
parked on a hill, due to lack of
available fuel.
The timer will reset if the vehicle is taken
out of P (Park) while it is running.

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Driving and Operating 225
Engine Exhaust{
Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide
(CO), which cannot be seen or smelled.
Exposure to CO can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areas with poor
ventilation (parking garages, tunnels,
deep snow that may block underbody
airflow or tail pipes).
.The exhaust smells or sounds strange
or different.
.The exhaust system leaks due to
corrosion or damage.
.The vehicle exhaust system has been
modified, damaged, or improperly
repaired.
.There are holes or openings in the
vehicle body from damage or
aftermarket modifications that are not
completely sealed. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is
suspected that exhaust is coming into the
vehicle:
.Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
.Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine
running in an enclosed area such as a
garage or a building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine
running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine running,
follow the proper steps to be sure the
vehicle will not move. See Shifting Into Park
0 223 and Engine Exhaust 0225.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 305.
Automatic Transmission
Base Model Shown, V-Series Similar
The shift pattern is displayed in the top of
the shift lever. The selected gear position
will illuminate red on the shift lever, while
all others will be displayed in white. If the
shift is not immediate, as in very cold
conditions, the indicator on the shift lever
may flash until it is fully engaged.
The shift lever always starts from a center
position, represented by an up/down arrow
on the shift pattern. After releasing the shift
lever, it will return to the center position.
The transmission does not operate when the
vehicle is off.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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226 Driving and Operating
If the vehicle is in accessory mode, the
transmission can be shifted into P (Park).
If the vehicle is turned off while at a
relatively high vehicle speed, the
transmission will automatically shift to
N (Neutral). Once the vehicle is stopped,
P (Park) is automatically selected.
P :This position locks the drive wheels. Use
P (Park) when starting the engine to prevent
the vehicle from moving easily.
{Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle
if the transmission is not in P (Park) with
the parking brake set. The vehicle
can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine
is running. If the engine has been left
running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even
when on fairly level ground, always set
the parking brake and place the
transmission into P (Park). See Shifting
Into Park 0223 and
Electric Parking Brake 0236.
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic
controlled transmission. The shift lock
release button is designed to prevent
inadvertent shifting out of P (Park) unless
the ignition is on, the brake pedal is applied,
and the shift lock release button is pressed.
When the vehicle is stopped, press ENGINE
START/STOP to turn off the vehicle. The
transmission will shift to P (Park)
automatically, unless the vehicle is in
N (Neutral). See “Car Wash Mode” later in
this section.
The vehicle will not shift into P (Park) if it is
moving too fast. Stop the vehicle and shift
into P (Park).

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Driving and Operating 227
To shift in and out of P (Park), seeShifting
Into Park 0223 and
Shifting out of Park 0224.
Service Shift Lever Message
If the message SERVICE SHIFTER SEE
OWNER’S MANUAL appears in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), the shift lever
needs service. Have the vehicle serviced as
soon as possible. If the vehicle is
automatically shifting into P (Park), check to
see if the P (Park) button on top of the shift
lever is stuck. To operate the vehicle, hold
the shift lever in the desired gear,
R (Reverse) or D (Drive), until vehicle speed
exceeds 15 km/h (10 mph), then release the
shift lever.
R : Use this gear to back up.
If the vehicle is shifted from either
R (Reverse) to D (Drive) or L (Low), or L (Low)
or D (Drive) to R (Reverse) while the speed is
too high, the vehicle will shift to N (Neutral).
Reduce the vehicle speed and try the shift
again.
For V-Series models, if the vehicle is shifted
from either R (Reverse) to D (Drive) or
M (Manual Mode), or M (Manual Mode) or
D (Drive) to R (Reverse) while the speed is too high, the vehicle will shift to N (Neutral).
Reduce the vehicle speed and try the shift
again.
To shift into R (Reverse):
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Press and hold shift lock release button on the side of the shift lever.
3. From the center position, move the shift lever forward through the first detent to
the end of travel. R is illuminated in red.
4. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
To shift out of R (Reverse): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
At low vehicle speeds, R (Reverse) can be
used 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 0215.
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.
The vehicle is not designed to stay in
N (Neutral) for more than five minutes.
It may automatically shift into P (Park).
N (Neutral) is not intended for towing. If the
vehicle needs to be towed, see Transporting
a Disabled Vehicle 0401.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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228 Driving and Operating
To shift into N (Neutral):1. Move the shift lever forward to the first detent from the center position.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), apply the
brake pedal and press the shift lock
release button while moving the shift
lever forward. N will illuminate in red.
2. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
To shift out of N (Neutral): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear. If shifting from N (Neutral) to R (Reverse), press the shift
lock release button.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
Car Wash Mode
This vehicle includes a Car Wash Mode that
allows the vehicle to remain in N (Neutral)
for use in automatic car washes.
Car Wash Mode (Engine Off –Driver in
Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
engine off and the vehicle occupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal. 3. Shift to N (Neutral).
4. Turn off the engine and release the
brake pedal.
5. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, repeat Steps 2–4.
6. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
Car Wash Mode (Engine Off –Driver Out of
Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
engine off and the vehicle unoccupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Open the door.
4. Shift to N (Neutral).
5. Turn off the engine and release the brake pedal.
6. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, repeat Steps 2–5.
7. Exit the vehicle and close the door. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
8. The vehicle may automatically shift to P (Park) upon re-entry. Car Wash Mode (Engine On
–Driver in
Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
engine on and the vehicle occupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift to N (Neutral).
4. Release the brake pedal. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
Car Wash Mode (Engine On –Driver Out of
Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the
engine on and the vehicle unoccupied:
1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Open the door.
4. Shift to N (Neutral), then release the brake pedal.
5. The indicator should continue to show N. If it does not, repeat Steps 2–4.
6. Exit the vehicle and close the door. The vehicle is now ready for the car wash.
7. The vehicle may automatically shift to P (Park) upon re-entry.