light CADILLAC ESCALADE 2023 Manual Online

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-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
Driving and Operating 233
If equipped, use 4n, AUTO, or 4mto provide
additional traction when parking on a steep
grade with poor traction such as ice, snow,
mud, or gravel.
Shifting Into 4
n
1. The ignition must be on and the vehicle must be stopped or moving less than
5 km/h (3 mph) with the transmission in
N (Neutral). It is best for the vehicle to
be moving 1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Press 4
n. The actual 4x4 shift request is
only made after the button is released.
The 4x4 graphic will remain flashing
until the shift request has completed.
A DIC message displays to indicate that
the 4x4 transfer case has been requested
to shift to the new desired state.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the
DIC message disappears, the 4x4 graphic
stops flashing and the current setting is
indicated.
If vehicle speed is higher when shift request
occurs, a DIC message displays. Reduce
vehicle speed.
If the transmission is not in N (Neutral)
when shift request occurs, a DIC message
displays. The vehicle will allow 20 seconds for the shift to occur. After this time, a
graphic in the instrument cluster will
indicate that the transfer case is in 4
n.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear before
the requested mode indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage the
transfer case.
If the transmission is not shifted into
N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not slowed to
5 km/h (3 mph) within 20 seconds, the
transfer case will remain in its original state.
This will be indicated in the instrument
cluster.
With the vehicle moving less than
5 km/h (3 mph) and the transmission in
N (Neutral), attempt the shift again.
Shifting Out of 4
n
1. The vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 5 km/h (3 mph) with the
transmission in N (Neutral) and the
ignition on. It is best for the vehicle to
be moving 1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
2. Press 4
m, AUTO, or 2m. The actual 4x4
shift request is only made after the
button is released. The 4x4 graphic will remain flashing until the shift request
has completed. A DIC message displays
to indicate the state of the request.
Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the
DIC message disappears, the 4x4 graphic
stops flashing, and the current setting is
indicated.
If vehicle speed is higher when shift
request occurs, a DIC message displays.
Reduce vehicle speed.
If the transmission is not in N (Neutral)
when the shift request occurs, DIC messages
will display. The vehicle will allow
20 seconds for this shift to occur. After this
time, a graphic in the instrument cluster will
indicate that the transfer case is in 4
n.
Caution
Shifting the transmission into gear before
the requested mode indicator light has
stopped flashing could damage the
transfer case.
If the transmission is not shifted into
N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not slowed to
5 km/h (3 mph) within 20 seconds, the
transfer case will remain in its original state.
This will be indicated in the instrument
cluster.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
Driving and Operating 235
The settings are:
2
m(Two-Wheel Drive High) :Use for driving
on most streets and highways. The front
axle is not engaged. This setting provides
the best fuel economy.
4
m(Four-Wheel Drive High) : Use this
setting when extra traction is needed, such
as when driving on snowy or icy roads,
when off-roading, or when plowing snow.
AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive)
Use when road surface conditions are
variable. When driving in AUTO, the front
axle is engaged, and the vehicle's power is
sent to the front and rear wheels
automatically based on driving conditions.
This setting provides slightly lower fuel
economy than 2
m.
Shifts between 2
m, 4m, and AUTO
Any of these shifts can be made at normal
driving speed.
The actual 4x4 shift request is only made
after the button is released. The 4x4 graphic
will remain flashing until the shift request
has completed. A DIC message displays. Once the 4x4 shift has completed, the DIC
message disappears, the 4x4 graphic stops
flashing, and the current setting is indicated.
The actual 4x4 shift request is only made
after the button is released. The 4x4 graphic
will remain flashing until the shift request
has completed.
A DIC message displays. Once the 4x4 shift
has completed, the DIC message disappears,
the 4x4 graphic stops flashing, and the
current setting is indicated.
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost
Vehicles equipped with electric brake boost
have hydraulic brake circuits that are
electronically controlled when the brake
pedal is applied during normal operation.
The system performs routine tests and turns
off within a few minutes after the vehicle is
turned off. Noise may be heard during this
time. If the brake pedal is pressed during
the tests or when the electric brake boost
system is off, a noticeable change in pedal
force and travel may be felt. This is normal.
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. See
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 0117.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing and feeling ABS
operate is normal.

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.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
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-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
238 Driving and Operating
{Warning
Do not rely on this feature. It 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.
When Automatic Vehicle Hold (AVH) is
turned on and the vehicle is braked to a
stop, AVH prevents the vehicle from moving
during the transition from brake pedal
release to accelerator pedal apply. The
brakes release when the accelerator pedal is
applied. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on AVH to
hold the vehicle.
If the accelerator pedal is not applied within
a few minutes, the Electric Parking Brake
will apply. The parking brake will also apply
if the driver door is opened or the driver
seat belt is unfastened while AVH is holding
the vehicle.
AVH can be turned on by pressing AUTO
HOLD. The indicator light on the switch will
come on. The AVH light on the instrument panel will come on while AVH is actively
holding the vehicle. See
Automatic Vehicle
Hold (AVH) Light 0117.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC). These systems help limit
wheel spin and assist the driver in
maintaining control, especially on slippery
road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses any of the drive
wheels are spinning or beginning to lose
traction. When this happens, TCS applies the
brakes to the spinning wheels and reduces
engine power to limit wheel spin.
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to one or more of the
vehicle wheel brakes to assist the driver in
keeping the vehicle on the intended path. Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is also on
automatically when the vehicle is started.
See
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) 0322.
If cruise control is being used and traction
control or StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit
wheel spin, cruise control will disengage.
Cruise control may be turned back on when
road conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See If the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0215 and “Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this section.
When the transfer case (if equipped) is in
Four-Wheel Drive Low, the TCS and
StabiliTrak/ESC are automatically disabled,
g
comes on, and the appropriate message will
appear on the Driver Information
Center (DIC).

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-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
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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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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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