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2023 Cadillac Escalade Owners Manual - Ride Control Systems



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) 0 322. 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 0 215 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).

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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 0 119. If either system fails to turn on or to activate, a message displays in the Driver Information Center (DIC), and d comes on and stays on to indicate that the system is inactive and is not assisting the driver in maintaining control. Adjust driving accordingly. If d comes 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 d comes 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 0 127 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 i displays in the instrument cluster. See Traction Off Light 0 118. If TCS is limiting wheel spin when disabled, the system will not turn off until the wheels stop spinning.

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To turn TCS back on, select or touch the Traction virtual button on the screen. The traction off light i displayed 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 g will display in the instrument cluster. See StabiliTrak OFF Light 0 119. 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) 0 322 or Hill Start Assist (HSA) 0 237. Adding accessories can affect the vehicle performance. See Accessories and Modifications 0 336.

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, pressg button 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. 8 Sport Mode : Use this mode where road conditions or personal preference demand a more controlled response. When in Sport mode the vehicle automatically down shifts.

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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. 6 Snow/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 0 215. 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.

7 Off-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 Driving 0 209. _ 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 0 229 or Manual Mode (V-Series) 0 230), 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 0 313. g Terrain 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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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, see Off-Road Driving 0 209 and Hill and Mountain Roads 0 213.

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.

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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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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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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 n and 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 0 240.

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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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.


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