service CADILLAC ESCALADE 2023 Workshop Manual

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
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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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 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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236 Driving and Operating
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can be
applied when the vehicle is on or off.
If there is not enough electrical power, the
EPB cannot be applied or released. To
prevent draining the battery, avoid
unnecessary repeated cycles of the EPB.
The system has a red EPB status light and
an amber service EPB warning light. See
Electric Parking Brake Light0116 and Service Electric Parking Brake Light
0116.
There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages.
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 Light 0116 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light 0116.
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 accessory mode.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.

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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)

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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.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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 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.

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Driving and Operating 259
Super Cruise uses the following to detect
the current lane position and lane markings
ahead on compatible roads under certain
conditions:
.Cameras
.Global Positioning System (GPS) sensing
.A high-precision map
.GPS-enhancement data downloaded
through OnStar
Super Cruise works with Adaptive Cruise
Control (ACC), which controls acceleration
and braking while Super Cruise is enabled
and operating. Review and understand both
this section and the ACC section before
using Super Cruise. See Adaptive Cruise
Control (Advanced) 0248.
An active Connected Service plan that
includes Super Cruise Services is required to
use Super Cruise.
{Warning
Super Cruise does not perform all aspects
of driving, nor does it do everything a
driver can do. Super Cruise only steers to
maintain vehicle position in the current (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
lane or, under some circumstances, to
change lanes. Super Cruise can only be
used with Adaptive Cruise Control.
Super Cruise does:
.Not prevent crashes or warn of
possible crashes.
.Not steer to avoid stopped or
slow-moving vehicles, cross-traffic,
construction barriers or cones,
motorcycles, children, pedestrians,
animals, or other objects on the road.
.Not steer in response to vehicles or
objects next to your vehicle, including
vehicles attempting to enter your lane.
.Not respond to traffic lights, stop
signs, or other traffic control devices.
.Not respond to crossing traffic.
.Not make turns.
.Not steer to merge onto or to exit
highways.
.Not steer to avoid, or steer through
construction zones.
.Not function on surface streets.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Not respond to oncoming traffic.
.Not function in city driving conditions.
{Warning
Some state and local laws may require
hands to be kept on the steering wheel
at all times. Only remove your hands
from the steering wheel if Super Cruise is
engaged, it is safe to do so, and it is
permitted by state and local laws.
{Warning
Failure to supervise the driving task and
to respond appropriately, even while
Super Cruise is operating, can cause a
crash. Super Cruise may not respond as
you would to all driving situations and
may not maintain lane position under all
conditions.
It is extremely important to pay
attention to the operation of the vehicle,
even while using Super Cruise. Do not
(Continued)