traction control CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV 2011 Owners Manual

Black plate (5,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Introduction vVehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the Index.
0 : Adjustable Pedals
9 : Airbag Readiness Light
# : Air Conditioning
! : Antilock Brake System (ABS)
% : Audio Steering Wheel Controls
or OnStar ®
$ : Brake System Warning Light " : Charging System
I : Cruise Control
B : Engine Coolant Temperature
O : Exterior Lamps
# : Fog Lamps
. : Fuel Gauge
+ : Fuses
3 : Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
( : Heated Steering Wheel
j : LATCH System Child
Restraints * : Malfunction Indicator Lamp
: : Oil Pressure
g : Outside Power Foldaway
Mirrors
} : Power
/ : Remote Vehicle Start
> : Safety Belt Reminders
7 : Tire Pressure Monitor
_ : Tow/Haul Mode
F : Traction Control
M : Windshield Washer Fluid

Black plate (21,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
In Brief 1-21
Power Outlets The accessory power outlets can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
The vehicle has three accessory
power outlets located: .
Inside the floor console
storage bin. .
On the rear of the floor console. .
In the rear cargo area on the
passenger side.
The accessory power outlets are
powered, even when the ignition is
in LOCK/OFF. Continuing to use
power outlets while the ignition is in
LOCK/OFF may cause the vehicle's
battery to run down.
See Power Outlets on page 5 ‑ 9 .Universal Remote System
This system provides a way to
replace up to three remote control
transmitters used to activate
devices such as garage door
openers, security systems, and
home automation devices.
Read the instructions completely
before attempting to program the
transmitter. Because of the steps
involved, it may be helpful to have
another person assist with
programming the transmitter.
See Universal Remote System on
page 5 ‑ 50 .Performance and
Maintenance StabiliTrak ®
System The vehicle has a traction control
system that limits wheel spin and
the StabiliTrak system that assists
with directional control of the vehicle
in difficult driving conditions. Both
systems turn on automatically every
time the vehicle is started. .
To turn off traction control, press
and release
5 on the instrument
panel.
F illuminates and the
appropriate DIC message
displays. See Ride Control
System Messages on page 5 ‑ 37 . .
To turn off both traction control
and StabiliTrak, press and hold
5 until
F illuminates and the
appropriate DIC message
displays. See Ride Control
System Messages on page 5 ‑ 37 . .
Press and release
5 again to
turn on both systems.

Black plate (37,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Instruments and Controls 5-37For cleaning instructions, see
“ Washing Your Vehicle ” in Exterior
Care on page 10 ‑ 90 . See Side Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA) on page 9 ‑ 56 for
more information.
Ride Control System
Messages SERVICE STABILITRAK If your vehicle has StabiliTrak and
this message displays, it means
there may be a problem with the
StabiliTrak system. If you see this
message, try to reset the system.
Stop; turn off the engine for at least
15 seconds; then start the engine
again. If this message still comes
on, it means there is a problem. You
should see your dealer for service.
The vehicle is safe to drive,
however, you do not have the
benefit of StabiliTrak, so reduce
your speed and drive accordingly. SERVICE SUSPENSION
SYSTEM This message displays when the
Road Sensing Suspension (RSS)
system is not operating properly.
Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer.
SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this
message displays when there is a
problem with the Traction Control
System (TCS). When this message
displays, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly. See your dealer for
service. See StabiliTrak ®
System on
page 9 ‑ 47 for more information. STABILITRAK OFF If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this
message displays when you turn off
StabiliTrak, or when the stability
control has been automatically
disabled. To limit wheel spin and
realize the full benefits of the
stability enhancement system, you
should normally leave StabiliTrak
on. However, you should turn
StabiliTrak off if your vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow
and you want to rock your vehicle
to attempt to free it, or if you are
driving in extreme off-road
conditions and require more wheel
spin. See If the Vehicle is Stuck on
page 9 ‑ 23 . To turn the StabiliTrak
system on or off, see StabiliTrak ®
System on page 9 ‑ 47 .

Black plate (38,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
5-38 Instruments and Controls There are several conditions that
can cause this message to appear. .
One condition is overheating,
which could occur if StabiliTrak
activates continuously for an
extended period of time. .
The message also displays if the
brake system warning light is on.
See Brake System Warning
Light on page 5 ‑ 21 ..
The message could display if
the stability system takes longer
than usual to complete its
diagnostic checks due to driving
conditions. .
The message displays if an
engine or vehicle related
problem has been detected
and the vehicle needs service.
See your dealer.
The message turns off as soon
as the conditions that caused the
message to be displayed are no
longer present. TRACTION CONTROL OFF If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this
message displays when the Traction
Control System (TCS) is turned off.
Adjust your driving accordingly. See
StabiliTrak ®
System on page 9 ‑ 47
for more information.
Airbag System Messages SERVICE AIR BAG This message displays if there is a
problem with the airbag system.
Have your dealer inspect the
system for problems. See Airbag
Readiness Light on page 5 ‑ 16 and
Airbag System on page 3 ‑ 35 for
more information. Anti-Theft Alarm System
Messages SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT
SYSTEM This message displays when there
is a problem with the theft-deterrent
system. The vehicle may or may not
restart so you may want to take the
vehicle to your dealer before turning
off the engine. See Immobilizer
Operation on page 2 ‑ 15 for more
information.

Black plate (31,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Infotainment System 7-31
q r (Folder/Artist/Album):
1. Select the left or right arrow to
go to the previous or next folder,
artist, or album on the disc.
2. Press the middle screen button,
with the folder, artist, or album
name, to sort the MP3 by folder,
artist, or album. It may take a
few minutes for the system to
sort the MP3.
y © ¨ z (Seek):
1. To seek tracks, press the up
arrow to go to the next track.
2. Press the down arrow to go to
the start of the current track,
if more than eight seconds
have played. 3. If either arrow is pressed more
than once, the player continues
moving backward or forward
through the CD. The sound
mutes while seeking.
w (Tuning Knob):
1. Turn counterclockwise one notch
to go to the start of the current
track, turn it again to go to the
previous track.
2. Turn clockwise to go to the next
track.
When playing an MP3 the rear seat
operator can power on the RSE
video screen and use the remote
control to navigate through the MP3. Auxiliary Devices Using the Auxiliary Input Jack The navigation system has an
auxiliary input jack located on the
right side of the faceplate. This is
not an audio output; do not plug
the headphone set into the front
auxiliary input jack. An external
audio device such as an iPod,
laptop computer, MP3 player, CD
player, or cassette tape player, etc.
can be connected to the auxiliary
input jack for use as another audio
source.
Drivers are encouraged to set up
any auxiliary device while the
vehicle is in P (Park). See Defensive
Driving on page 9 ‑ 2 for more
information on driver distraction.

Black plate (32,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
7-32 Infotainment System To use a portable audio player,
connect a 1/8 in (3.5 mm) cable to
the radio's front auxiliary input jack.
When a device is connected, press
AUDIO, then press AUDIO again
until AUX is selected or press the
AUX screen button to begin playing
audio from the device over the
vehicle speakers.
For optimal sound quality, increase
the portable audio device's volume
to the loudest level.
It is always best to power the
portable audio device through its
own battery while playing.
The vehicle may have a rear
entertainment system (RSE) with a
second and third row screen. The
RSE has audio adapters to allow
you to connect auxiliary devices.
The audio can be heard through the
speakers or through the wireless or
wired headphones. See the Rear
Seat Infotainment user guide for
more information. Drivers are encouraged to set
up any auxiliary device while
the vehicle is in P (Park). See
Defensive Driving on page 9 ‑ 2 for
more information on driver
distraction.
To switch the RSE system to use an
auxiliary device:
1. Connect the auxiliary device to
the RSE system, for the second
or third row. 2. Press AUDIO then press
AUDIO again, repeatedly until
AUX (auxiliary) is selected or
press the AUX screen button.
An auxiliary device must be
connected for the AUX screen
button to appear as an option to
select.
3. For the second row display
select the Rear AUX screen
button next to Rear Display
1 and for the third row display
select the Rear AUX screen
button next to Rear Display 2.
Each screen works
independently of the other.
The second row screen can
watch a DVD while the third
row screen can use the
auxiliary device.
The rear seat passengers can also
use the remote control to change
the functions of the RSE. See the
Rear Seat Infotainment user guide
for more information.

Black plate (103,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Infotainment System 7-103
Phone Bluetooth For vehicles equipped with
Bluetooth capability, the system
can interact with many cell phones,
allowing: .
Placement and receipt of calls in
a hands-free mode. .
Sharing of the cell phone ’ s
address book or contact list with
the vehicle.
To minimize driver distraction,
before driving, and with the vehicle
parked: .
Become familiar with the
features of the cell phone.
Organize the phone book and
contact lists clearly and delete
duplicate or rarely used entries.
If possible, program speed dial
or other shortcuts. .
Review the controls and
operation of the infotainment
and navigation system. .
Pair cell phone(s) to the vehicle.
The system may not work with
all cell phones. See “ Pairing ” in
this section for more information. .
If the cell phone has voice
dialing capability, learn to use
that feature to access the
address book or contact list. See
“ Voice Pass-Thru ” in this section
for more information. .
See “ Storing and Deleting Phone
Numbers ” in this section for
more information.
{ WARNING
When using a cell phone, it can
be distracting to look too long or
too often at the screen of the
phone or the infotainment
(navigation) system. Taking your
eyes off the road too long or
too often could cause a crash
resulting in injury or death. Focus
your attention on driving. A Bluetooth system can use a
Bluetooth ‐ capable cell phone with a
Hands ‐ Free Profile to make and
receive phone calls. The system
can be used while the key is in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY
position. The range of the Bluetooth
system can be up to 9.1 m (30 ft).
Not all phones support all functions,
and not all phones are guaranteed
to work with the in-vehicle Bluetooth
system. See www.gm.com/bluetooth
for more information on compatible
phones.
Voice Recognition The Bluetooth system uses voice
recognition to interpret voice
commands to dial phone numbers
and name tags.
For additional information, say
“ Help ” while you are in a voice
recognition menu.
Noise: Keep interior noise levels to
a minimum. The system may not
recognize voice commands if there
is too much background noise.

Black plate (5,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-5
Steering Power Steering If the vehicle is a hybrid, see
the hybrid supplement for more
information.
If power steering assist is lost
because the engine stops or the
power steering system is not
functioning, the vehicle can be
steered but it will take more effort.
Steering Tips It is important to take curves at a
reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the
condition of the tires and the road
surface, the angle at which the
curve is banked, and vehicle speed.
While in a curve, speed is the one
factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed,
do it before entering the curve, while
the front wheels are straight. Try to adjust the speed so you can
drive through the curve. Maintain a
reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until out of the curve, and
then accelerate gently into the
straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies There are times when steering can
be more effective than braking. For
example, you come over a hill and
find a truck stopped in your lane,
or a car suddenly pulls out from
nowhere, or a child darts out from
between parked cars and stops right
in front of you. These problems can
be avoided by braking — if you can
stop in time. But sometimes you
cannot stop in time because there
is no room. That is the time for
evasive action — steering around
the problem.
The vehicle can perform very well
in emergencies like these. First,
apply the brakes. See Braking on
page 9 ‑ 4 . It is better to remove as
much speed as possible from a collision. Then steer around
the problem, to the left or right
depending on the space available.
An emergency like this requires
close attention and a quick decision.
If holding the steering wheel at the
recommended 9 and 3 o'clock
positions, it can be turned a full
180 degrees very quickly without
removing either hand. But you have
to act fast, steer quickly, and just as
quickly straighten the wheel once
you have avoided the object.

Black plate (7,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-7Of course, traction is reduced when
water, snow, ice, gravel, or other
material is on the road. For safety,
slow down and adjust your driving to
these conditions. It is important to
slow down on slippery surfaces
because stopping distance is longer
and vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with
reduced traction, try to avoid
sudden steering, acceleration,
or braking, including reducing
vehicle speed by shifting to a lower
gear. Any sudden changes could
cause the tires to slide. You might
not realize the surface is slippery
until the vehicle is skidding. Learn to
recognize warning clues — such as
enough water, ice, or packed snow
on the road to make a mirrored
surface — and slow down when
you have any doubt.
Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid. Off-Road Driving Vehicles with all ‐ wheel drive can be
used for off ‐ road driving. Vehicles
without all ‐ wheel drive and vehicles
with 22 ‐ inch tire/wheel assemblies
should not be driven off-road except
on a level, solid surface.
Many of the vehicle design features
that help make the vehicle more
responsive on paved roads during
poor weather conditions also help
make it better suited for off ‐ road
use than conventional passenger
vehicles. The vehicle does not
have features usually thought to be
necessary for extended or severe
off ‐ road use such as special
underbody shielding and transfer
case low gear range.
The airbag system is designed to
work properly under a wide range of
conditions, including off ‐ road usage.
Always wear your safety belt and
observe safe driving speeds,
especially on rough terrain. Drinking and driving can be very
dangerous on any road and this is
certainly true for off-road driving.
At the very time you need special
alertness and driving skills, your
reflexes, perceptions, and judgment
can be affected by even a small
amount of alcohol. You could have a
serious — or even fatal — accident
if you drink and drive or ride with a
driver who has been drinking.
Off-roading can be great fun but has
some definite hazards. The greatest
of these is the terrain itself. When
off-road driving, traffic lanes are not
marked, curves are not banked, and
there are no road signs. Surfaces
can be slippery, rough, uphill,
or downhill.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
maneuvers. Failure to operate the
vehicle correctly off ‐ road could
result in loss of vehicle control or
vehicle rollover.

Black plate (11,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Driving and Operating 9-11.
The vehicle has more bounce
when driving over obstacles. .
More braking distance is
needed, especially on an
unpaved surface.
{ WARNINGWhen you are driving off-road,
bouncing and quick changes in
direction can easily throw you
out of position. This could cause
you to lose control and crash.
So, whether you are driving
on or off the road, you and
your passengers should wear
safety belts. Scanning the Terrain Off-road driving can take you over
many different kinds of terrain. Be
familiar with the terrain and its many
different features.
Surface Conditions: Off-roading
surfaces can be hard-packed dirt,
gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud,
snow, or ice. Each of these
surfaces affects the vehicle's
steering, acceleration, and braking
in different ways. Depending on the
surface, slipping, sliding, wheel
spinning, delayed acceleration,
poor traction, and longer braking
distances can occur. Surface Obstacles: Unseen or
hidden obstacles can be hazardous.
A rock, log, hole, rut, or bump can
startle you if you are not prepared
for them. Often these obstacles are
hidden by grass, bushes, snow,
or even the rise and fall of the
terrain itself.
Some things to consider: .
Is the path ahead clear? .
Will the surface texture change
abruptly up ahead? .
Does the travel take you uphill or
downhill? .
Will you have to stop suddenly
or change direction quickly?