ignition CADILLAC ESCALADE 2008 3.G Owner's Manual

The system will then automatically command downshifts
that reduces the vehicles speed, until the brake pedal
is no longer being pressed. This indicates the desired
vehicle speed has been reached.
The tow/haul mode and grade braking shift modes can be
activated by pressing the button on the end of the shift
control stalk. While in the DSC mode, grade braking is
deactivated, allowing the driver to select a gear.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on page 2-30
for more information.
Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot. Push down the parking
brake pedal with your left foot.
A chime sounds and the warning light ashes when the
parking brake is applied and the vehicle is moving at
least 5 mph (8 km/h).To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down. Then pull the bottom edge of the lever,
with the parking brake symbol and located above
the parking brake pedal.
If the ignition is on when the parking brake is released,
the brake system warning light goes off.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Make sure
that the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-44.
2-35

Shifting Into Park
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move,
even when you are on fairly level ground, use
the steps that follow. If you are pulling a trailer,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-44.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into the PARK (P) position by
pulling the shift lever toward you and moving it up
as far as it will go.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the
Engine Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and the
parking brake is rmly set. After the shift lever is moved
into PARK (P), hold the regular brake pedal down.
Then, see if you can move the shift lever away from
PARK (P) without rst pulling it toward you. If you can,
it means that the shift lever was not fully locked into
PARK (P).
2-36

Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your
transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle can put too much force on the parking pawl
in the transmission. It might be difficult to pull the shift
lever out of PARK (P). This is called torque lock.
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then
shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the
driver’s seat. To nd out how, seeShifting Into Park
on page 2-36.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) before releasing the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you might need to have
another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of
the pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission.
Then you should be able to pull the shift lever out
of PARK (P).
Shifting Out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever
is in PARK (P) with the shift lever button fully
released, and
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of PARK (P),
unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal is applied.
The shift lock release is always functional except in the
case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If your vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery with
low voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery.
SeeJump Starting on page 5-39for more information.
To shift out of PARK (P) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of PARK (P):
1. Ease the pressure on the shift lever.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the
shift lever all the way into PARK (P).
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you are still having a problem shifting, then have your
vehicle serviced soon.
2-37

Mirrors
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
with Intellibeam
®, OnStar®,
Compass, and Temperature Display
Your vehicle may have an automatic dimming rearview
mirror with Intellibeam®, OnStar®, compass and
temperature display. For more information on OnStar®,
seeOnStar®System on page 2-51. For more
information on Intellibeam®, see “Intellibeam®Intelligent
High-Beam Headlamp Control System” underExterior
Lamps on page 3-16.
The mirror includes an eight-point compass display in
the upper right corner of the mirror face. When on,
the compass automatically calibrates as the vehicle is
driven. Outside temperature is also shown in the display.
Automatic Dimming
Your vehicle has an inside automatic dimming rearview
mirror. The automatic dimming feature is activated
whenever the vehicle is turned on and dims only during
nighttime driving.
Compass Operation
AUTO3:Press and hold the “auto highbeam” button
for about three seconds to turn the compass/temperature
display on or off.
When the ignition and the display features are on,
the display will show two character boxes for about
two seconds. After two seconds, the mirror will display
the compass heading and temperature.
Compass Calibration
If after two seconds the display does not show the
correct direction, (N for North for example), there may
be a strong magnetic eld interfering with the compass.
Such interference may be caused by a magnetic
antenna mount, magnetic note pad holder, or a similar
magnetic item.
The compass can be placed in calibration mode
manually by pressing and holding the “auto highbeam”
button for about nine seconds until CAL is shown in
the compass display.
The mirror can then be calibrated by driving the vehicle
in circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until the display
reads the correct direction.
2-40

Temperature and Compass Display
Press the on/off button, located to the far left, briey to
turn the compass/temperature display on or off.
If the display reads CAL, the compass needs to be
calibrated. For more information, see “Compass
Calibration” following.
To adjust between Fahrenheit and Celsius, do the
following:
1. Press and hold the on/off button for approximately
four seconds until either a ashing F or C appears.
2. Press the button again to change the display to the
desired unit of measurement. After approximately
four seconds of inactivity, the new unit will be locked
in and the compass/temperature display will return.
If an abnormal temperature reading is displayed for an
extended period of time, please see your GM dealer.
Under certain circumstances, a delay in updating
the temperature is normal.
Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation
The automatic dimming mirror function is turned
on automatically each time the ignition is started.
To operate the automatic dimming mirror, do the
following:
1. Make sure the green indicator light, located to the
left of the on/off button, is lit. If it is not, press and
hold the on/off button for approximately six seconds
until the green light comes on, indicating that the
mirror is in automatic dimming mode.
2. Turn off the automatic dimming mirror function
by pressing and holding the on/off button for
approximately six seconds, until the green indicator
light turns off.
2-43

The passenger’s and/or driver’s mirror will return to its
original position when the vehicle is shifted out of
REVERSE (R), or the ignition is turned off or to
OFF/LOCK.
This feature can be turned on or off through the
Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Vehicle
Customization on page 3-59.
Heated Mirrors
The button to turn the heated mirrors on or off is located
on the climate control panel. Press this button to
warm the driver’s and passenger’s outside rearview
mirrors to help clear them of ice, snow, and
condensation.
See “Rear Window Defogger” underDual Automatic
Climate Control System on page 3-26for more
information.
Convex Mirror
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
The passenger’s side mirror may have convex glass.
A convex mirror’s surface is curved so more can
be seen from the driver’s seat.
Your vehicle may also have a turn signal indicator on
the mirror. An arrow on the mirror will ash in the
direction of the turn or lane change.
2-47

3. Move the other end of the cover forward and
hold it next to the driver’s side trim panel slot.
4. Press the end caps in, this will allow the cover to t
into the trim slot.
5. Lightly pull on the cover holder to make sure it
is secure.
On the extended wheelbase models there are
two cover positions. The slots furthest forward allow
the cover to be used if the third seat is removed
or folded down. The cover can be installed
and removed from either side.
Cargo Tie Downs
Your vehicle may have cargo tie downs in the rear
cargo area that allow you to strap cargo in and keep it
from moving inside the vehicle.
Sunroof
Your vehicle may be equipped with a power sliding
sunroof. To open or close the sunroof, the ignition needs
to be turned to ON, or Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
must be active. When RAP is active, the sunroof will work
for 10 minutes after the ignition is turned off, or until a
front door is opened. SeeRetained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 2-26for more information.
There are two switches in
the overhead console that
operate the sunroof.
Manual-Open/Manual-Close:To open the sunroof
press and hold the rear of the driver’s side switch until
the sunroof reaches the desired position. To close
the sunroof, press and hold the front of the driver’s side
switch until the sunroof reaches the desired position.
The sunshade will open automatically with the sunroof,
but can also be opened manually.
2-65

Hazard Warning Flashers
The hazard warning ashers warn others. They also let
the police and other emergency vehicles know you
have a problem.
The hazard warning
asher button is
located on top of the
steering column.
Press the button to make the front and rear turn signal
lamps ash on and off. Press the button again to
turn the ashers off.
The hazard warning ashers work no matter what
ignition position the key is in, and even if the key is not
in the ignition.
When the hazard warning ashers are on, your vehicle’s
turn signals will not work.
Other Warning Devices
If you carry reective triangles, you can set them up at
the side of the road about 300 feet (100 m) behind
your vehicle.
Horn
To sound the horn, press the center pad on the
steering wheel.
Tilt Wheel
Your vehicle has a tilt wheel, that lets you adjust the
steering wheel before driving. Raising it to the highest
level gives more room to exit and enter your vehicle.
3-6

When Rainsense™ II is active, the headlamps will
turn on automatically after approximately eight wipes.
The headlamps will turn off if the wiper switch is set to
a delay position, and there have been no wipes for
approximately three minutes, or if the wiper switch is
turned to the off position. If it is dark outside, the
headlamps will remain on.
Notice:Going through an automatic car wash with
the wipers on can damage them. Turn the wipers
off when going through an automatic car wash.
Windshield Washer
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your washer
until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the
washer uid can form ice on the windshield,
blocking your vision.
L(Washer Fluid):There is a paddle marked with the
windshield washer symbol at the top of the multifunction
lever. To spray washer uid on the windshield, push
the paddle. The wipers will clear the window and then
either stop or return to your preset speed.
Heated Windshield Washer
The heated windshield washer uid system may be
used to help clear ice, snow, tree sap, or bugs from
your windshield.
The button is located in
the switchbank under
the climate controls.
Push the heated washer uid button while the ignition
is turned on to activate the heated windshield washer
uid system. The indicator light will ash. This activation
will initiate four heated wash/wipe cycles. The rst
heated wash/wipe cycle may take up to 40 seconds
to occur, depending on outside temperature. After the
rst wash/wipe cycle, it may take up to 20 seconds
for each of the remaining cycles to begin. Press
the button again to turn off the heated windshield
washer uid system or it will automatically turn off
after four wash/wipe cycles have been completed.
When the heated windshield washer uid system is
activated under certain outside temperature conditions,
steam may ow out of the washer nozzles for a
short period of time before washer uid is sprayed.
This is a normal condition.
3-11

Reducing Speed While Using
Cruise Control
To reduce your speed while using cruise control:
Press and hold the SET– button on the steering
wheel until the desired lower speed is reached,
then release it.
To slow down in very small amounts, press the
SET– button on the steering wheel briey.
Each time you do this, the vehicle will go about
1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower.
Passing Another Vehicle While
Using Cruise Control
Use the accelerator pedal to increase your speed.
When you take your foot off the pedal, your vehicle will
slow down to the previous set cruise speed.
Using Cruise Control on Hills
How well your cruise control will work on hills depends
upon your speed, load, and the steepness of the
hills. When going up steep hills, you may have to step
on the accelerator pedal to maintain the vehicle’s speed.
When going downhill, you may have to brake or shift
to a lower gear to keep the vehicle’s speed down.
Of course, applying the brake takes you out of cruise
control. Many drivers nd this to be too much trouble
and do not use cruise control on steep hills.
Ending Cruise Control
There are three ways to end cruise control:
Step lightly on the brake pedal.
Press the cancel button on the steering wheel.
Press the On/Off button on the steering wheel.
Erasing Speed Memory
When you turn off the cruise control or the ignition,
the cruise control set speed memory is erased.
3-15