2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Instructions
When the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV has All Wheel Drive (AWD), the engine is designed to give the car the best traction, stability, and control on a wide range of road conditions. The AWD system sends power to all four wheels without any problems. This improves grip and handling, whether you’re driving on rough ground, in bad weather, or just want to feel safer on the road in general. This complete guide is all about giving you clear instructions on how to use and get the most out of the 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV’s AWD system. This way, you can get the most out of this technology for a safe, comfortable, and capable driving experience anywhere.
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive
If equipped, four-wheel drive engages the front axle for extra traction. 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 to be felt in the steering system.
- It causes tires to wear faster.
Warning: With four-wheel drive, the vehicle will be free to 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 ↑, 4 ↑, or 4 ↓ — not in N (Neutral).
Caution: Extended high-speed operation in 4 ↓ may damage or shorten the life of the drivetrain.
An engagement noise and bump are normal when shifting between 4 ↓ and 4 ↑ or N (Neutral), with the engine running. Shifting into 4 n will turn Traction Control and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) off.
Automatic Transfer Case
Two-Speed Transfer Case
If equipped, the transfer case controls are used to shift into and out of four-wheel drive. To shift the transfer case, press the desired button. The graphic in the instrument cluster will flash while a shift is in progress. The graphic displayed will change to indicate the setting requested. When the shift is complete the graphic will stop flashing. The DIC message turns off once the shift is complete. If the transfer case cannot complete a shift request, it will go back to its last chosen setting.
The settings are:
- N (Neutral): Use only when the vehicle needs to be towed. Transporting a Disabled Vehicle.
- 2 ↑ (Two-Wheel Drive High): Use for driving on most streets and highways. The front axle is not engaged. This setting provides the best fuel economy.
- AUTO (Automatic Four-Wheel Drive): Use when road surface conditions are variable. When driving in AUTO, the front axle is engaged, and the vehicle’s power is sent to the front and rear wheels automatically based on driving conditions. This setting provides slightly lower fuel economy than 2 ↑.
- 4 ↑ (Four-Wheel Drive High): Use this position when extra traction is needed, such as when driving on snowy or icy roads, when off-roading, or when ploughing snow.
- 4 ↓ (Four-Wheel Drive Low): This setting engages the front axle and delivers extra torque. Choose 4 ↓when driving off-road in deep sand, deep mud, or deep snow, and while climbing or descending steep hills. While driving in 4 ↓, keep vehicle speed below 72 km/h (45 mph). Shifting into 4 n will turn Traction Control and StabiliTrak/ESC off.
Shifts between 2 ↑, 4 ↑, and AUTO
Any of these shifts can be made at normal driving speed. The actual 4×4 shift request is only made after the button is released. The 4×4 graphic will remain flashing until the shift request has been completed. A DIC message displays to indicate that the 4×4 transfer case has been requested to shift to the new desired state. Once the 4×4 shift has been completed, the DIC message disappears, the 4×4 graphic stops flashing, and the current setting is indicated. When a shift to 2 ↑ is completed successfully while in P (Park), the parking brake will engage. To resume driving, shift the transmission to the desired gear and manually release the parking brake or press the accelerator pedal to begin driving. If equipped, use 4 ↓, AUTO, or 4 ↑ to provide additional traction when parking on a steep grade with poor traction such as ice, snow, mud, or gravel.
Shifting Into 4 ↓
- The ignition must be on and the vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 5 km/h (3 mph) with the transmission in N (Neutral). It is best for the vehicle to be moving 1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
- Press 4 ↓. The actual 4×4 shift request is only made after the button is released. The 4×4 graphic will remain flashing until the shift request has been completed. A DIC message displays to indicate that the 4×4 transfer case has been requested to shift to the new desired state. Once the 4×4 shift has been completed, the DIC message disappears, the 4×4 graphic stops flashing and the current setting is indicated.
If vehicle speed is higher when a shift request occurs, a DIC message displays. Reduce vehicle speed. f the transmission is not in N (Neutral) when a shift request occurs, a DIC message displays. The vehicle will allow 20 seconds for the shift to occur. After this time, a graphic in the instrument cluster will indicate that the transfer case is in 4 ↓.
Caution: Shifting the transmission into gear before the requested mode indicator light has stopped flashing could damage the transfer case.
If the transmission is not shifted into N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not slowed to 5 km/h (3 mph) within 20 seconds, the transfer case will remain in its original state. This will be indicated in the instrument cluster. With the vehicle moving less than 5 km/h (3 mph) and the transmission in N (Neutral), attempt the shift again.
Shifting Out of 4 ↓
- The vehicle must be stopped or moving less than 5 km/h (3 mph) with the transmission in N (Neutral) and the ignition on. It is best for the vehicle to be moving 1.6 to 3.2 km/h (1 to 2 mph).
- Press 4 ↑, AUTO, or 2 ↑. The actual 4×4 shift request is only made after the button is released. The 4×4 graphic will remain flashing until the shift request has been completed. A DIC message displays to indicate the state of the request. Once the 4×4 shift has been completed, the DIC message disappears, the 4×4 graphic stops flashing, and the current setting is indicated. If vehicle speed is higher when a shift request occurs, a DIC message displays. Reduce vehicle speed.
If the transmission is not in N (Neutral) when the shift request occurs, DIC messages will display. The vehicle will allow 20 seconds for this shift to occur. After this time, a graphic in the instrument cluster will indicate that the transfer case is in 4↓.
Caution: Shifting the transmission into gear before the requested mode indicator light has stopped flashing could damage the transfer case.
If the transmission is not shifted into N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not slowed to 5 km/h (3 mph) within 20 seconds, the transfer case will remain in its original state. This will be indicated in the instrument cluster. With the vehicle moving less than 5 km/h (3 mph), and the transmission in N (Neutral), attempt the shift again.
Shifting Into N (Neutral)
To shift into N (Neutral):
- Start the vehicle.
- Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
- Shift the transfer case to 2 ↑.
- Apply the parking brake and/or brake pedal.
- Press 2 ↑ five times in 10 seconds until the N (Neutral) symbol starts flashing in the instrument cluster. When the shift is complete, the graphic stops flashing. If the parking brake and/or brake pedal is not applied within 20 seconds, the transfer case will remain in the original state.
- If the transmission is not shifted into N (Neutral) or the vehicle has not slowed to 5 km/h (3 mph) within 20 seconds, the transfer case will remain in its original state. This will be indicated in the instrument cluster.
Shifting Out of N (Neutral)
To shift out of N (Neutral):
- Turn the ignition on with the engine off.
- Set the parking brake.
- Shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
- Shift the transfer case to 2 ↑. Transfer case shifts out of N (Neutral) can only be made into 2 ↑. When the shift to 2 ↑ is complete, the graphic in the instrument cluster will stop flashing. If the transfer case cannot complete a shift, the graphic will return to the previously selected setting.
FAQ’s
A: The AWD system in the Escalade ESV is typically automatic and always engaged. There is no need for manual activation.
A: The AWD system engages automatically when the vehicle detects slip or reduced traction in any wheel, redistributing power to improve stability and control.
A: In most Escalade ESV models, the AWD system remains automatic, and there is no manual mode selection.
A: AWD provides enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions, such as rain, snow, gravel, and off-road terrain, improving overall handling and safety.
A: AWD can be used in most driving conditions. You do not need to manually switch it off, as the system will engage and disengage as needed.
A: AWD improves handling by distributing power to all wheels, reducing the risk of wheel spin, and providing better stability, especially in slippery conditions.
A: When faced with slippery or challenging conditions, maintain a steady and controlled driving pace, allowing the AWD system to work effectively.
A: Yes, you can tow a trailer with AWD engaged, but be sure to follow the recommended towing guidelines outlined in the owner’s manual.
A: Regular maintenance for the AWD system includes checking and changing the differential and transfer case fluids as specified in the owner’s manual.
A: AWD can be useful for off-road driving. Ensure you have appropriate tires, and exercise caution while off-roading to prevent damage to the vehicle.
A: If you suspect an issue with the AWD system, consult your Cadillac dealership for a diagnostic check and any necessary repairs.
A: The Escalade ESV may have driving modes that optimize AWD performance for specific conditions. Consult the owner’s manual for details on using these modes.
A: Maintain proper tire pressure, check for even tire wear, and replace tires as recommended to ensure optimal AWD performance.
A: When driving in severe weather, exercise caution, reduce speed, and leave extra space between vehicles to ensure safe handling even with AWD.
A: If wheels lose traction, avoid aggressive acceleration or braking. Maintain a steady pace to allow the AWD system to redistribute power and regain traction.
Useful Link
View Full PDF: 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV User Manual | Auto User Guide
2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV Transmission Instructions
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