Starting and Operating Instructions
. . . 268
GRADE BRAKING AND CRUISE
GRADE BRAKING
This feature is designed to assist
you when driving on a downhill
grade.
Grade braking maintains the
vehicle's speed by automatically
implementing a shift schedule
that uses the engine and the
transmission to slow the vehicle.
Grade braking reduces wear on
the brake system and increases
control of the vehicle.
The system constantly monitors
the vehicle’s speed, acceleration,
engine torque, and brake pedal
usage and detects when the
vehicle is on a downhill grade.
To turn grade braking on or off,
press and release the tow/haul
button located at the end of the
shift lever.
Pressing the button at the end
of the lever turns grade braking
and tow/haul mode on and
off together. They cannot be
activated or deactivated
separately.
Grade braking also operates if
cruise control is used while
tow/haul mode is active.
Cruise grade braking monitors
vehicle acceleration and deviation
from the cruise set speed to
determine the correct gear for the
current driving conditions.
If the vehicle is accelerating on a
downhill grade, cruise grade
braking will automatically
downshift to slow the vehicle.
If the vehicle speed is near or
below the cruise set speed, cruise
grade braking will automatically
upshift the transmission to
increase vehicle speed.
See "Cruise Control" in Section 1
for more information.
If the shift lever is moved to the
M
(Manual Mode) position,
grade braking is automatically
deactivated to allow the driver to
select a desired gear.
See the following for more infor-
mation:
• Automatic Transmission
• Trailer Towing
• Tow/Haul Mode
$10araEscalade.fm Page 268 Wednesday, October 14, 2009 9:52 AM