Automatic Transmission
Base Model Shown, V-Series Similar
The shift pattern is displayed in the top of the shift lever. The selected gear position will illuminate red on the shift lever, while all others will be displayed in white. If the shift is not immediate, as in very cold conditions, the indicator on the shift lever may flash until it is fully engaged. The shift lever always starts from a center position, represented by an up/down arrow on the shift pattern. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position. The transmission does not operate when the vehicle is off.
If the vehicle is in accessory mode, the transmission can be shifted into P (Park). If the vehicle is turned off while at a relatively high vehicle speed, the transmission will automatically shift to N (Neutral). Once the vehicle is stopped, P (Park) is automatically selected.
P : This position locks the drive wheels. Use P (Park) when starting the engine to prevent the vehicle from moving easily.
Warning
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the transmission is not in P (Park) with the parking brake set. The vehicle can roll. Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is running. If the engine has been left running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and place the transmission into P (Park). See Shifting Into Park 0 223 and Electric Parking Brake 0 236.
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic controlled transmission. The shift lock release button is designed to prevent inadvertent shifting out of P (Park) unless the ignition is on, the brake pedal is applied, and the shift lock release button is pressed. When the vehicle is stopped, press ENGINE START/STOP to turn off the vehicle. The transmission will shift to P (Park) automatically, unless the vehicle is in N (Neutral). See “Car Wash Mode” later in this section. The vehicle will not shift into P (Park) if it is moving too fast. Stop the vehicle and shift into P (Park).
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
Driving and Operating 227
To shift in and out of P (Park), see Shifting Into Park 0 223 and Shifting out of Park 0 224.
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 0 215.
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 0 401.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
228 Driving and Operating
To shift into N (Neutral): 1. Move the shift lever forward to the first
detent from the center position. If the vehicle is in P (Park), apply the brake pedal and press the shift lock release button while moving the shift lever forward. N will illuminate in red.
2. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
To shift out of N (Neutral): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. 2. Shift to the desired gear. If shifting from
N (Neutral) to R (Reverse), press the shift lock release button.
3. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
Car Wash Mode
This vehicle includes a Car Wash Mode that allows the vehicle to remain in N (Neutral) for use in automatic car washes.
Car Wash Mode (Engine Off – Driver in Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the engine off and the vehicle occupied: 1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash. 2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Shift to N (Neutral). 4. Turn off the engine and release the
brake pedal. 5. The indicator should continue to show N.
If it does not, repeat Steps 2–4. 6. The vehicle is now ready for the
car wash.
Car Wash Mode (Engine Off – Driver Out of Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the engine off and the vehicle unoccupied: 1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash. 2. Apply the brake pedal. 3. Open the door. 4. Shift to N (Neutral). 5. Turn off the engine and release the
brake pedal. 6. The indicator should continue to show N.
If it does not, repeat Steps 2–5. 7. Exit the vehicle and close the door. The
vehicle is now ready for the car wash. 8. The vehicle may automatically shift to
P (Park) upon re-entry.
Car Wash Mode (Engine On – Driver in Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the engine on and the vehicle occupied: 1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash. 2. Apply the brake pedal. 3. Shift to N (Neutral). 4. Release the brake pedal. The vehicle is
now ready for the car wash.
Car Wash Mode (Engine On – Driver Out of Vehicle)
To place the vehicle in N (Neutral) with the engine on and the vehicle unoccupied: 1. Drive to the entrance of the car wash. 2. Apply the brake pedal. 3. Open the door. 4. Shift to N (Neutral), then release the
brake pedal. 5. The indicator should continue to show N.
If it does not, repeat Steps 2–4. 6. Exit the vehicle and close the door. The
vehicle is now ready for the car wash. 7. The vehicle may automatically shift to
P (Park) upon re-entry.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
Driving and Operating 229 Caution
A transmission hot message may display if the automatic transmission fluid is too hot. Driving under this condition can damage the vehicle. Stop and idle the engine to cool the automatic transmission fluid. This message clears when the transmission fluid has cooled sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving. If more power is needed for passing, press the accelerator pedal down. To shift into D (Drive): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop. 2. From the center position, move the shift
lever back. . If the vehicle is in P (Park) press the
shift lock release button while pulling the shift lever back.
. D will illuminate in red.
. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
To shift out of D (Drive): 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.
Downshifting the transmission on a slippery road could result in skidding. See “Skidding” under Loss of Control 0 209.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may damage the transmission. The repair will not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If the vehicle is stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
Manual Mode Electronic Range Select (ERS)
Caution
Driving with the engine at a high rpm without upshifting while using Tap Shift, could damage the vehicle. Always upshift when necessary while using Tap Shift.
Electronic Range Select (ERS), or Manual Mode, allows manual selection of gear positions. Use this mode when driving downhill or towing a trailer to limit the top gear and vehicle speed. The shift position indicator within the Driver Information Center (DIC) displays a number next to the L indicating the highest available gear. To enter ERS/Manual Mode: 1. With the vehicle in D (Drive), pull back the shift lever to activate L (Low). The L will illuminate red, and the D will turn white.
2. Tap the left steering wheel control to reduce the highest gear available, or the right control to increase the highest gear available.
3. To exit, pull back the shift lever a second time. The D will illuminate red, and the L will turn white.
When shifting to L (Low), the transmission shifts to a preset lower gear range. The highest gear available while in this range will be displayed next to the L (Low) in the DIC. See Driver Information Center (DIC) 0 124. All gears below are available to use. For example, when 4 (Fourth) is shown next to the L, 1 (First) through 4 (Fourth) gears are shifted automatically. To shift to 5 (Fifth) gear, tap the right steering wheel control or shift into D (Drive). L (Low) prevents shifting to a lower gear range if the engine speed is too high. If the vehicle speed is not reduced within the allotted time, the lower gear range shift will not complete. Slow the vehicle, then tap the left steering wheel control to the desired lower gear range. Cruise control can be used while in ERS.
Manual Mode (V-Series) Tap Shift
Caution
Driving with the engine at a high rpm without upshifting while using Tap Shift, could damage the vehicle. Always upshift when necessary while using Tap Shift.
If equipped, vehicles with Tap Shift have controls on the back of the steering wheel to manually shift the automatic transmission.
Permanent Tap Shift Mode
To enter Permanent Tap Shift Mode: 1. With the vehicle in D (Drive), pull back
on the shift lever to activate M (Manual Mode). The M in the shift pattern will illuminate in red, and the D will switch to white. While in Permanent Tap Shift Mode, the M on the instrument cluster will be highlighted and the current gear shown.
2. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
3. Pull the control toward you to shift. Pull the left control to downshift, and the right control to upshift. To shift to the lowest available gear, pull and hold the left control.
To exit Permanent Tap Shift Mode: 1. To exit M (Manual Mode) and return to
D (Drive), pull back on the shift lever. The D in the shift pattern will illuminate in red, and the M will switch to white.
2. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
M (Manual Mode) can be exited to return to D (Drive) at any speed by pulling the lever rearward from the center position. It is not
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
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necessary to stop the vehicle or shift to N (Neutral) or P (Park) prior to shifting back to D (Drive).
Temporary Tap Manual Shift Mode
To enter Temporary Tap Shift Mode: 1. With the transmission in D (Drive) and
not in Permanent Tap Shift Mode, the Tap Shift controls will activate a Temporary Tap Manual Shift Mode, allowing the transmission to be manually shifted. While in Temporary Tap Shift Mode, the D on the instrument cluster will be highlighted and the current gear shown.
2. To shift to the lowest available gear, press and hold the left control.
3. To deactivate, hold the right control briefly. Automatic shifts return after no manual shifts have been done for seven to 10 seconds.
While using Tap Shift, the vehicle will have firmer, quicker shifting. This can be used for sport driving or when climbing or descending hills, to stay in gear longer, or to downshift for more power or engine braking.
The transmission will only allow shifting into gears appropriate for the vehicle speed and engine revolutions per minute (rpm). The transmission will not automatically shift to the next higher gear if the engine rpm is too high. It will only automatically shift to the next lower gear if the engine rpm is too low.
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