CADILLAC ESCALADE 2023 Owners Manual

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 239
The indicator light for both systems is to
the right of the center stack and below the
screen. This light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is activated
.Turn on and stay on when either system
is not working
See Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
Light 0119.
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on
and stays on to indicate that the system is
inactive and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. Adjust driving
accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine. Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on and stays
on, see your dealer as soon as possible.
Turning the Systems Off and On
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.
To turn Traction (TSC) or Stability (ESC) off
and on, access the Traction and Stability
screen from the Vehicle Information main
screen in the infotainment system. See
Vehicle Information 0127 for instructions on
navigating and selecting items.
Traction and Stability Screen The current status of each system is
displayed next to the Traction and Stability
icons. To turn either system off or on, select
or touch the Traction and Stability screen to
access the Traction and Stability menu
screen.
Traction and Stability Menu
To turn off TCS, select or touch the Traction
virtual button on the screen. The traction off
light
idisplays in the instrument cluster.
See Traction Off Light 0118.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when disabled,
the system will not turn off until the wheels
stop spinning.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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240 Driving and Operating
To turn TCS back on, select or touch the
Traction virtual button on the screen. The
traction off light
idisplayed in the
instrument cluster will turn off.
To turn StabiliTrak/ESC off, first turn off TCS
to enable the Stability virtual button on the
screen, then select or touch the Stability
virtual button. The StabiliTrak/ESC off light
gwill display in the instrument cluster. See
StabiliTrak OFF Light 0119.
To turn StabiliTrak/ESC back on, select or
touch the Stability virtual button on the
screen. StabiliTrak/ESC will turn on, but TCS
will remain off.
TCS cannot be on when StabiliTrak/ESC is
off. If both systems are turned off, selecting
or touching the Traction virtual button will
turn both systems back on.
StabiliTrak/ESC will automatically turn on if
the vehicle exceeds 56 km/h (35 mph) and
cannot be turned off again until speed is
reduced. Traction control will remain off.
Vehicles equipped with the four corner air
suspension re-enable StabiliTrak/ESC at
32 km/h (20 mph). The vehicle has a Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
feature and a Hill Start Assist (HSA) feature.
See
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) 0322 or
Hill Start Assist (HSA) 0237.
Adding accessories can affect the vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications 0336.Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control (DMC) allows the driver
to adjust the overall driving experience to
better suit preference by adjusting multiple
subsystems simultaneously. Drive mode
availability and affected vehicle subsystems
are dependent upon vehicle trim level,
region, and optional features.
Tour will be the default mode at every
ignition cycle. A unique and persistent
indicator will be displayed in the instrument
cluster for each mode.
Depending on trim level, Tour mode, Sport
mode, Snow/Ice mode, Off-Road mode, Tow/
Haul mode, Terrain mode, My mode, and V
mode may be available.
To activate each mode, press the MODE
button on the instrument panel to the left
of the steering wheel. To activate Terrain
mode, press
gbutton 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.

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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242 Driving and Operating
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,
seeOff-Road Driving 0209 and
Hill and Mountain Roads 0213. V Mode
If equipped, to activate V mode, press the V
mode button on the center console.
V Mode and My Mode
V mode and 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 V mode or
My mode, see
“Drive Mode Customization.”
Launch Control (V-Series Only)
Launch Control is available within V mode
only to allow high levels of vehicle
acceleration in a straight line. Launch Control is a form of traction control that
manages tire spin while launching the
vehicle. This feature is intended for use
during closed course race events where up
to 97 km (60 mph) are desirable. Launch
Control is only available when the following
criteria are met:
‐
V mode is selected.
‐ The vehicle is not moving.
‐ The steering wheel is pointing straight.
‐ The brake pedal is firmly pressed to the
floor, equivalent to a panic brake event.
‐ The accelerator pedal is rapidly applied to
wide open throttle. If the vehicle rolls due
to wide open throttle, release the
throttle, press the brake pedal more
firmly, and reapply the accelerator to
wide open throttle.
Launch Control will initially limit vehicle
speed as rapidly applying the accelerator
pedal to a wide open throttle. Allow the
engine rpm to stabilize and wait for the
traction control light to begin flashing –this
indicates that the vehicle is ready to launch.
A smooth, quick release of the brake pedal,
while maintaining the fully pressed
accelerator pedal, will manage wheel slip.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 243
After the first launch the system will learn
what traction is available and adjust for
repeated runs. Re-entering V mode will reset
launch control targets to 100%. Launch
Control is designed for a closed course race
track and not intended for public roads. The
system is not intended to compensate for
lack of driver experience or familiarity with
the race track.
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 V mode, or turn on or off
Visualization.
These settings will be retained over each
key cycle, and do not have to be reset each
time the vehicle is started. The following
settings may be available depending on
region, trim level, and optional features.
Engine Sound :Engine sound settings adjust
the volume of engine noise. Engine sound is
quieter at lower settings and louder at
higher settings. Steering :
Steering settings adjust the effort
required to turn the steering wheel. Steering
feel is less responsive at lower settings and
more responsive at higher settings.
Suspension : Suspension settings adjust the
stiffness of the shocks and / or springs. The
ride is more comfortable at lower settings
and stiffer at higher settings for better
control.
Engine Shift : Engine shift settings adjust
the throttle response, gear shifting, and
engine performance. Throttle response
increases at higher settings and gear shifting
is more aggressive.
Brake Response : Brake response settings
adjust the brake pedal response. Brake pedal
feel is less sensitive at lower settings and
more sensitive at higher settings.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) : AWD settings
adjust the driveline system. Each setting is
tuned for optimal driving and handling
performance in different road conditions.
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.

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244 Driving and Operating
{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.
{Warning
Heavy loads on the roof rack will make
the vehicle's center of gravity higher,
increasing the possibility of a rollover. To
avoid losing control of the vehicle, always
select the normal height setting and
avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp
turns, sudden braking, or abrupt
maneuvers when carrying cargo on the
roof rack.Changing Ride Height
Press either
‘Up’or‘Down’ Ride Height
Button to open the Ride Height menu. Use
these buttons to select the desired ride
height in the menu. After a brief pause, the
menu will timeout and the selection will
finalize. Ride heights that are unavailable for
selection will be greyed out in the menu.
Ride Height Descriptions
Normal Height
Normal Height is the standard vehicle height
used for everyday driving. Entry/Exit Height
Entry/Exit Height is 50 mm (2 in) lower than
Normal Height. This ride height lowers the
vehicle for easy entry and exit from the
vehicle as well as providing a lower height
for loading and unloading cargo from any
door or the rear liftgate.
This ride height can be selected in the Ride
Height Menu at any vehicle speed. When
Entry/Exit Height is select at higher speeds,
the vehicle will wait to lower until the
vehicle slows to less than 12 km/h (7 mph).
The vehicle will automatically raise to
Normal Height from Entry/Exit Height when
speed increases above 8 km/h (5 mph). If no
door has been opened since lowering to
Entry/Exit Height, the vehicle will wait to
raise to Normal Height until 30 km/h
(19 mph). This gives the driver more
flexibility when lowering to Entry/Exit
Height for passenger pick up and drop off.
The driver can enable Automatic Entry/
Egress Mode to automatically lower to
Entry/Exit Height when the vehicle is shifted
to P (PARK). Automatic Entry/Egress Mode
may be enabled via the infotainment screen
under Settings/Vehicle/Ride Height. When
the vehicle is higher than Normal Height,
Automatic Entry/Egress Mode is disabled.

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Driving and Operating 245
When the vehicle is in Tow/Haul Driver
Mode, Off-Road Driver Mode, or it senses a
trailer is connected, Automatic Entry/Egress
Mode is disabled.
Increased Height
Increased Height is 25 mm (1 in) higher than
Normal Height. This ride height raises the
vehicle for off-road use, allows for higher
speeds than Maximum Height, and is only
available with specific optional content.
Increased Height can be selected in the Ride
Height Menu while vehicle speed is less
than 80 km/h (50 mph). If vehicle speed
exceeds 80 km/h (50 mph), the vehicle will
automatically lower to Normal Height.
Off-Road Driver Mode and Terrain Driver
Mode will automatically set Increased
Height when vehicle speed is less than
80 km/h (50 mph). If vehicle speed exceeds
80 km/h (50 mph), the vehicle will lower to
Normal Height. Normal Height will be
maintained until vehicle speed is slowed to
less than 16 km/h (10 mph) and then the
vehicle will automatically raise back to
Increased Height.The vehicle will automatically lower from
Increased Height to Normal Height to
provide improved stability if aggressive
maneuvers are detected.
Maximum Height
Maximum Height is 50 mm (2 in) higher
than Normal Height. This ride height raises
the vehicle for off-road use and is only
available with specific optional content.
To raise the vehicle to Maximum Height,
first shift the transfer case to 4
n. Once the
transfer case is in 4
nand vehicle speed is
less than 48 km/hr (30 mph), select
Maximum Height in the Ride Height Menu.
If vehicle speed exceeds 48 km/h, the
vehicle will automatically lower to Increased
Height.
The vehicle will automatically lower from
Maximum Height to Normal Height to
provide improved stability if aggressive
maneuvers are detected.
Aerodynamic Height
Aerodynamic Height is 20 mm (0.75 in)
lower than Normal Height. This ride height
lowers the vehicle at higher vehicle speeds
to improve aerodynamics. The vehicle will lower to Aerodynamic
Height when vehicle speed exceeds
105 km/h (65 mph) for a period of time. The
vehicle will raise to Normal Height when the
vehicle slows to less than 48 km/h
(30 mph).
Aerodynamic Height is automatically
disabled when a trailer is connected to the
vehicle or Tow/Haul Driver Mode is active.
Lowered Height (V-Series Only)
Lowered Height is 20 mm (0.75 in) lower
than Normal Height. This ride height lowers
the vehicle to enhance handling and is only
available with specific optional content.
V Mode will automatically set Lowered
Height when enabled. See
Driver Mode
Control 0240.
Suspension Modes
The air suspension has two special modes,
Service Mode and Alignment Mode, located
in the infotainment screen under Settings/
Vehicle/Suspension.
Service Mode
Service Mode will disable all air suspension
operation including raising and lowering the
vehicle and operation of the air compressor.

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246 Driving and Operating
This mode is useful when the vehicle is
being towed on a flat bed or when any
work under the vehicle is being performed.
Service Mode is automatically enabled when
the vehicle is put on a hoist or a floor jack
is used to raise a corner. Service Mode
automatically disables when vehicle speed
exceeds 16 km/h (10 mph).
Alignment Mode
Alignment Mode will optimize the vehicle
height to provide the most accurate wheel
alignment. This mode should be enabled
once the vehicle is driven onto the
alignment station.
To enable Alignment Mode, ensure the
vehicle is at Normal Height and shift the
vehicle to Neutral. Alignment Mode
automatically disables when vehicle speed
exceeds 16 km/h (10 mph).
Air Suspension Operation with Door(s) or
Hood Open
The air suspension will temporarily suspend
all height changes while the hood or any
door is open. The air suspension resumes
height changes once the hood and all doors
are closed. An open rear liftgate does not
suspend the air suspension operation.System Over-Temperature
If the air suspension is under heavy use, the
system may temporarily suspend all height
changes to allow compressor cooldown.
When this occurs and a height change is
requested, a
‘Leveling System Unavailable’
message will be displayed in the instrument
cluster.
Suspension Lowered for Stability
In the event of a loss of Electronic Stability
Control, the air suspension will lower the
vehicle at higher speeds to provide increased
stability. This will be accompanied by a
‘Vehicle Lowering for Stability’ message in
the instrument cluster.
Excessive Vehicle Loading
If the air suspension detects excessive
vehicle loading, it will not raise above
Normal Height.
Air Suspension Service
If a ‘Service Leveling System’ message is
displayed in the instrument cluster, see your
authorized dealer immediately.
Cruise Control
{
Warning
Cruise control can be dangerous where
you cannot drive safely at a steady
speed. Do not use cruise control on
winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on
slippery roads. On such roads, fast
changes in tire traction can cause
excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
If equipped with cruise control, a speed of
about 40 km/h (25 mph) or more can be
maintained without keeping your foot on
the accelerator. Cruise control does not work
at speeds below about 40 km/h (25 mph).
If the Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control system begins to limit wheel spin
while using cruise control, the cruise control
automatically disengages. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0238.
If a collision alert occurs when cruise control
is activated, cruise control is disengaged. See
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System 0287.

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Driving and Operating 247
When road conditions allow you to safely
use it again, the cruise control can be
turned back on.
If the brakes are applied, cruise control
disengages.
J:Press to turn the system on and off.
A white indicator appears in the instrument
cluster when cruise is turned on.
RES+ : If there is a set speed in memory,
press the control up briefly to resume that
speed or press and hold to accelerate. If the
cruise control is already active, use to
increase vehicle speed. SET−
:Press the control down briefly to set
the speed and activate cruise control. If the
cruise control is already active, use to
decrease vehicle speed.
*: Press to disengage cruise control
without erasing the set speed from memory.
Setting Cruise Control
If
Jis on when not in use, SET− or RES+
could get pressed and go into cruise when
not desired. Keep
Joff when cruise is not
being used.
To set cruise control:
1. Press
J.
2. Get up to the desired speed.
3. Press and release SET−.
4. Remove your foot from the accelerator.
When the cruise control has been set to the
desired speed, a green cruise control
indicator appears on the instrument cluster
and a cruise set speed message appears on
the Driver Information Center (DIC) and
Head-Up Display (HUD), if equipped. Resuming a Set Speed
If the cruise control is set at a desired speed
and then the brakes are applied or
*is
pressed, the cruise control is disengaged
without erasing the set speed from memory.
Once the vehicle speed reaches about
40 km/h (25 mph) or more, press RES+ up
briefly. The vehicle returns to the previous
set speed.
Increasing Speed While Cruise Control is at a
Set Speed
If the cruise control system is already
activated:
.Press and hold RES+ up until the vehicle
accelerates to the desired speed, then
release it.
.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 0107. The increment
value used depends on the units displayed.

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248 Driving and Operating
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 0107. 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
0225 and
Driver Mode Control 0240.
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, ACC works like
regular cruise control. ACC uses camera and
radar sensors. See Radio Frequency
Statement 0435.
If a vehicle is detected in your path, ACC can
speed up the vehicle or apply limited,
moderate braking to maintain the selected
following gap. To disengage ACC, apply the
brake. If the Traction Control System (TCS)
or StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) activates while ACC is engaged, ACC