Cadillac Escalade: StabiliTrak® System - Ride Control Systems - Driving and Operating - Cadillac Escalade Owner's ManualCadillac Escalade: StabiliTrak® System

The vehicle has a vehicle stability enhancement system called StabiliTrak. It is an advanced computer-controlled system that assists the driver with directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving conditions.

StabiliTrak activates when the computer senses a discrepancy between the intended path and the direction the vehicle is actually traveling. StabiliTrak selectively applies braking pressure at any one of the vehicle's brakes to assist the driver with keeping the vehicle on the intended path.

StabiliTrak is on automatically whenever the vehicle is started. To assist with directional control of the vehicle, the system should always be left on. Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is also on automatically when the vehicle is started. See Trailer Sway Control (TSC)   for more information.

When the vehicle is started and begins to move, the system performs several diagnostic checks to insure there are no problems. The system may be heard or felt while it is working. This is normal and does not mean there is a problem with the vehicle. The system should initialize before the vehicle reaches 32 km/h (20 mph). In some cases, it may take approximately 3.2 km (2 mi) of driving before the system initializes.

If cruise control is being used when StabiliTrak activates, the cruise control automatically disengages. The cruise control can be re-engaged when road conditions allow. See Cruise Control  .

If the system fails to turn on or activate, the StabiliTrak light along with a message will be displayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC).

If a DIC message appears, make sure the StabiliTrak system has not been turned off using the Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak button. Then turn the vehicle off, wait 15 seconds, and then turn it back on again to reset the system. If any of the messages still appear on the DIC, the vehicle should be taken in for service. For more information on the DIC messages, see Ride Control System Messages  .

The StabiliTrak light will flash on the instrument panel cluster when the system

The StabiliTrak light will flash on the instrument panel cluster when the system or the TSC feature is both on and activated.

The system may be heard or felt while it is working; this is normal.

The TCS/StabiliTrak button is located on the instrument panel.

The TCS/StabiliTrak button is located on the instrument panel.

The traction control part of StabiliTrak can be turned off by pressing and releasing the TCS/ StabiliTrak button if both systems (traction control and StabiliTrak) were previously on.

To disable both TCS and StabiliTrak, press and hold the TCS/StabiliTrak button

To disable both TCS and StabiliTrak, press and hold the TCS/StabiliTrak button until the StabiliTrak OFF light illuminates and the appropriate DIC message displays. This will also disable the TSC feature.

Traction control and StabiliTrak can be turned on by pressing and releasing the TCS/StabiliTrak button if they are not automatically shut off for any other reason. This will also enable the TSC feature.

When the TCS or StabiliTrak system is turned off, the StabiliTrak light and the appropriate TCS off or StabiliTrak off message will be displayed on the DIC to warn the driver. The vehicle will still have brake-traction control when traction control is off, but will not be able to use the engine speed management system. See “Traction Control Operation” next for more information.

When TCS has been turned off, system noises may still be heard as a result of the brake-traction control coming on.

It is recommended to leave the system on for normal driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn the system off if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice or snow, and you want to “rock” the vehicle to attempt to free it. It may also be necessary to turn off the system when driving in extreme off-road conditions where high wheel spin is required. See If the Vehicle Is Stuck  .

Traction Control Operation
TCS is part of the StabiliTrak system. Traction control limits wheel spin by reducing engine power to the wheels (engine speed management) and by applying brakes to each individual wheel (brake-trac ...

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