Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an elaborate break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if you follow these guidelines: . Do not drive at any one constant
speed, fast or slow, for the first 800 km (500 mi). Do not make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle.
. Avoid making hard stops for the first 300 km (200 mi) or so. During this time the new brake linings are not yet
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
broken in. Hard stops with new linings can mean premature wear and earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in guideline every time you get new brake linings.
. Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See Trailer Towing 0 309 for the trailer towing capabilities of the vehicle and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be gradually increased.
On new vehicles, the various mechanical and electrical systems experience a “break-in” period during the first 6 400 km (4,000 mi) of routine driving. As the vehicle is driven, the mechanical systems adjust to provide optimal fuel economy and transmission shift performance. Electrical systems will adapt and calibrate during the break-in period. A one-time occurrence of clicks and similar vehicle noises is normal during this process. Normal driving charges the vehicle’s battery to achieve the best operation of the vehicle, including fuel economy and the Stop/Start System. See Stop/Start System 0 222.
Ignition Positions
Vehicles equipped with Keyless Access have pushbutton starting. The Remote Key must be in the vehicle for the system to operate. If the pushbutton start is not working, the vehicle may be near a strong radio antenna signal causing interference to the Keyless Access system. See Remote Key Operation 0 8. To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be on or in Service Mode, and the brake pedal must be applied.
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) 0 222. 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 0 236. 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 0 221.
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
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
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. See Add-On Electrical Equipment 0 334.
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- 16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
222 Driving and Operating Stop/Start System
If equipped and enabled, the Stop/Start system will shut off the engine to help conserve fuel. It has components designed for the increased number of starts.
Warning
The automatic engine Stop/Start feature causes the engine to shut off while the vehicle is still on. Do not exit the vehicle before shifting to P (Park). The vehicle may restart and move unexpectedly. Always shift to P (Park), and then turn the ignition off before exiting the vehicle.
Auto Engine Stop/Start
When the brakes are applied and the vehicle is at a complete stop, the engine may turn off. When stopped, the tachometer displays AUTO STOP. See Tachometer 0 108. When the brake pedal is released or the accelerator pedal is pressed, the engine will restart. To maintain vehicle performance, other conditions may cause the engine to automatically restart before the brake pedal is released.
Auto Stops may not occur and/or Auto Starts may occur because: . The climate control settings require the
engine to be running to cool or heat the vehicle interior.
. The vehicle battery needs to charge.
. The vehicle battery has recently been disconnected.
. Minimum vehicle speed has not been reached since the last Auto Stop.
. The accelerator pedal is pressed.
. The engine or transmission is not at the required operating temperature.
. The outside temperature is not in the required operating range.
. The vehicle is shifted out of D (Drive) to any gear other than P (Park).
. Certain driver modes have been selected. See Driver Mode Control 0 240 and Four-Wheel Drive 0 231.
. The vehicle is on a steep hill or grade.
. The driver door has been opened or the driver seat belt has been unbuckled.
. The hood has been opened.
. The Auto Stop has reached the maximum allowed time.
Auto Stop Disable Switch
Uplevel Shown, Others Similar
The automatic engine Stop/Start feature can be disabled and enabled by pressingh. Auto Stop/Start is enabled each time you start the vehicle. When theh indicator is illuminated, the system is enabled.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
When the vehicle is turned from on to off, the following features (if equipped) will continue to function for up to 10 minutes, or until the driver door is opened. These features will also work when the vehicle is on or in accessory mode:
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
Driving and Operating 223
. Infotainment System . Power Windows (during RAP this
functionality will be lost when any door is opened)
. Sunroof (during RAP this functionality will be lost when any door is opened)
. Auxiliary Power Outlet
. Audio System
. OnStar System
Shifting Into Park
{ Warning
Parking on grades with poor traction such as ice, snow, mud, or gravel may cause the vehicle to unintentionally move and could result in injury, death, and/or vehicle damage. If equipped with four-wheel drive, use AUTO or 4 (HI) to provide additional traction. Be sure to apply the parking brake. See Electric Parking Brake 0 236 and Four-Wheel Drive 0 231.
Warning
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the vehicle is not in P (Park) with the parking brake set. The vehicle can roll. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow. If you are pulling a trailer, see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips 0 305.
To shift into P (Park): 1. Hold the brake pedal down and set the
Electric Parking Brake (EPB). See Electric Parking Brake 0 236.
2. Press the P (Park) switch on top of the shift lever.
3. Press ENGINE START/STOP to turn the vehicle off.
If the vehicle is shifted into P (Park) on a hill, the EPB may apply automatically. The driver may not be able to release the EPB using the EPB switch. It should automatically release when the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle with the Engine Running
Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the engine running. It could overheat and catch fire. It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the vehicle 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 you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and shift to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park 0 223. If you are towing a trailer, see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips 0 305.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running, the vehicle must be in P (Park) with the EPB set. Confirm that the vehicle is in P (Park).
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
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 0 56. 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 0 223 and Engine Exhaust 0 225. 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.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico- 16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
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