Cadillac Escalade: Traction Control Operation - StabiliTrak® System - Ride Control Systems - Driving and Operating - Cadillac Escalade Owner's ManualCadillac Escalade: 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-traction control) as necessary.

TCS is enabled automatically when the vehicle is started. It will activate and the StabiliTrak light will flash if it senses that any of the wheels are spinning or beginning to lose traction while driving. If traction control is turned off, only the brake-traction control portion of traction control will work. The engine speed management will be disabled. In this mode, engine power is not reduced automatically and the driven wheels can spin more freely. This can cause the brake-traction control to activate constantly.

Notice: If the wheel(s) of one axle is allowed to spin excessively while the StabiliTrak®, ABS, brake warning lights, and any relevant DIC messages are displayed, the transfer case could be damaged. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Reduce engine power and do not spin the wheel(s) excessively while these lights and messages are displayed.

TCS may activate on dry or rough roads or under conditions such as heavy acceleration while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshifts of the transmission. When this happens, a reduction in acceleration may be noticed, or a noise or vibration may be heard. This is normal.

If cruise control is being used when the system activates, the StabiliTrak light will flash and cruise control will automatically disengage. Cruise control may be reengaged when road conditions allow. See Cruise Control  .

StabiliTrak may also turn off automatically if it determines that a problem exists with the system. If the problem does not clear itself after restarting the vehicle, see your dealer for service.

Non-hybrid vehicles with StabiliTrak have a Trailer Sway Control (TSC) feature. See Trailer Sway Control (TSC)  .

Non-hybrid vehicles with StabiliTrak have a Hill Start Assist (HSA) feature. See Hill Start Assist (HSA)  .

Adding non-dealer accessories can affect the vehicle's performance. See Accessories and Modifications  .

    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 d ...

    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 rea ...

    See also:

    Rear media control from the touch screen
    When the main rear media control screen is displayed on the touch screen, the rear media remote control will be locked out. No part of the rear media system will operate until it is turned on via ...

    Trailer direction indicators (green)
    Illuminates as a bulb check when the ignition is switched on and extinguishes when the engine is started. If a trailer is attached, the warning lamp will flash in conjunction with the direction ...

    Important safety notes
    WARNING   When leaving the vehicle, always remove the SmartKey from the ignition lock. Always take the SmartKey with you and lock the vehicle. Do not leave children unattended in the ve ...