Black plate (34,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/119-34 Driving and OperatingAlso see “Tow/Haul Mode” underTowing Equipment on page 9‑65 formore information.The Tow/Haul Mode works with theAutoride ® feature, if the vehicle hasthis, to enhance the ride whentrailering or with a loaded vehicle.See Continuous Damping Control(CDC) on page 9‑40.Grade BrakingThe Grade Braking shift modes canbe activated by pressing the buttonon the end of the shift control lever.While in Range Selection Mode,Grade Braking is deactivatedallowing the driver to select adesired range of gears.Grade Braking is only active whilethe Tow/Haul Mode is selected andyou are not in the Range SelectionMode. See “Tow/Haul Mode” listedpreviously and Manual Mode onpage 9‑33 for more information onthe Range Selection Mode. GradeBraking assists in maintainingdesired vehicle speeds when drivingon downhill grades by automaticallyimplementing a shift schedule thatutilizes the engine and transmissionto slow the vehicle. This reduceswear on the braking system andincreases control of the vehicle.Grade Braking monitors vehiclespeed, acceleration, engine torqueand brake pedal usage. Using thisinformation, it detects when thevehicle is on a downhill grade andthe driver desires to slow the vehicleby pressing the brake.Also see Towing Equipment onpage 9‑65 for more information.Drive SystemsAll-Wheel DriveIf the vehicle has this feature,engine power is sent to all fourwheels when extra traction isneeded. This is like four-wheeldrive, but there is no separate leveror switch to engage or disengagethe front axle. It is fully automatic,and adjusts itself as needed for roadconditions.If the vehicle is a hybrid, see“Four-Wheel Drive” in the hybridsupplement.
