Cadillac Escalade Escalade 2019-2022 Four-Wheel Drive Car Owner Manuals

Four-Wheel Drive

If equipped, four-wheel drive engages the front axle for extra traction.

Caution

Do not drive on clean, dry pavement in 4 m and 4 n (if equipped) for an extended period of time. These conditions may cause premature wear on the vehicle’s powertrain. Driving on clean, dry pavement in 4 m or 4 n may:

• Cause a vibration in the steering system
• Cause tires to wear faster

Warning

With four-wheel drive, the vehicle will roll if the transfer case is in N (Neutral), even when the shift lever is in P (Park). Be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear — 2 m, 4 m, or 4 n — not in N (Neutral).

Caution

Extended high-speed operation in 4 n may damage or shorten drivetrain life. Engagement noise and bump is normal when shifting between 4 n, 4 m, or N (Neutral).

Shifting into 4 n will turn Traction Control and StabiliTrak/ESC off.

Automatic Transfer Case (Two-Speed)

Use the transfer case controls to shift into and out of four-wheel drive. Press the desired button; the graphic in the instrument cluster flashes while a shift is in progress. When complete, the graphic stops flashing and the DIC message turns off. If a shift cannot complete, it returns to the last chosen setting.

Transfer Case Settings:

• N (Neutral): Use only when the vehicle needs to be towed.
• 2 m (Two-Wheel Drive High): For most streets and highways; front axle not engaged for best fuel economy.
• AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive): Front axle engages automatically based on road conditions; slightly lower fuel economy than 2 m.
• 4 m (Four-Wheel Drive High): Use when extra traction is needed (snow, ice, off-road, plowing).
• 4 n (Four-Wheel Drive Low): Engages front axle with extra torque for deep sand, mud, snow, or steep hills. Keep speed below 72 km/h (45 mph). Turns Traction Control and StabiliTrak/ESC off.

Shifts Between 2 m, 4 m, and AUTO

Shifts can be made at normal driving speed. The actual 4x4 shift is only requested after releasing the button. A DIC message and flashing graphic indicate the shift. Once complete, the message disappears and the current setting is displayed.<