climate control CADILLAC ESCALADE 2021 User Guide

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
CLIMATE CONTROLS 221
Automatic Operation
The system automatically controls the
fan speed, air delivery, air
conditioning, and recirculation in
order to heat or cool the vehicle to the
desired temperature.
When AUTO is underlined, the system
is in full automatic operation. If the
air delivery mode or fan setting is
manually adjusted, the auto indicator
turns off and the display will show the
selected settings. Auto operation can
be turned off individually for climate
settings.
For automatic operation:1. Press AUTO.
2. Set the temperature. Allow the system time to stabilize. Then
adjust the temperature as needed
for best comfort.
To improve fuel efficiency and to cool
the vehicle faster, recirculation may be
automatically selected in warm
weather. The recirculation light will
not come on. Press
@to select
recirculation; press it again to select
outside air. English units can be changed to
metric units through the instrument
cluster. See
“Cluster Options Menu ”
under Instrument Cluster 0114.
OFF : Press OFF to turn the fan on or
off. When off is selected, the system
will stop air from flowing into the
cabin. If on is selected or any other
buttons are pressed, the climate
control system will turn on and
operate at the current setting.
y/z: The temperature can be
adjusted separately for the driver and
the passenger. Press to decrease or lift
to increase the temperature. Press or
lift and hold to rapidly increase or
decrease the temperature.
SYNC : Touch SYNC on the climate
control display to link all climate zone
settings to the driver settings. Adjust
the driver side temperature control to
change the linked temperature. When
the passenger setting is adjusted, the
SYNC underline turns off.
Rear : Touch Rear on the
infotainment screen to open the rear
climate control screen. The rear climate control settings can now be
adjusted from the front
passenger area.
Manual Operation
z 9 y:
Press to decrease or lift to
increase the fan speed. Press or lift
and hold the fan controls to adjust
speed more quickly. The fan speed
setting displays. Any adjustment of
the fan speed cancels automatic fan
control and the fan can be controlled
manually. Press AUTO to return to
automatic operation.
To turn off the fan and climate
control system, press OFF on the
center stack climate controls. The
airf low will be blocked from entering
in all air delivery modes, except
defrost.
The maximum automatic fan speed
can be set to low, medium, or high. To
adjust Auto Fan Speed, see “Climate
and Air Quality” underVehicle
Personalization 0138.
Air Delivery Mode Control : When
the climate information is displayed,
press the desired air delivery mode on
the climate control display to change

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
222 CLIMATE CONTROLS
the direction of the airf low. The
selected air delivery mode button is
lit. Pressing any of the air delivery
buttons cancels automatic air delivery
control and the direction of the
airf low can be controlled manually.
Press AUTO to return to automatic
operation.
To change the current mode, select
one of the following:
z:Air is directed to the windshield,
outboard a/c outlets, and side window
outlets.
Y: Air is directed to the instrument
panel outlets.
[: Air is directed to the floor
outlets.
d: Clears the windshield of fog or
frost more quickly. Air is directed to
the windshield. Press
dto turn on or
off. Changing the air delivery mode
also turns the defrost off.
A/C : Touch AC on the climate control
display to turn the automatic air
conditioning on or off. If the fan is turned off or the outside temperature
falls below freezing, the air
conditioner will not run.
Press AUTO to return to automatic
operation and the air conditioner runs
as needed.
Automatic Air Recirculation :
When
the AUTO indicator light is on, the air
is automatically recirculated as
needed to help quickly cool the inside
of the vehicle.
@: Press to alternate between
recirculating air inside the vehicle or
pulling in outside air. The indicator
light on the button is lit when
recirculation mode is active. This
helps to quickly cool the air inside the
vehicle and reduce the entry of
outside air and odors.
Pressing this button cancels automatic
recirculation. Press AUTO to return to
automatic operation; recirculation
runs automatically as needed.
Manual recirculation mode is not
available when in Defrost or some air
distribution modes with air to the
windshield. Auto Defog :
The climate control
system uses a sensor to automatically
detect high humidity inside the
vehicle. When high humidity is
detected, the climate control system
may adjust to outside air supply, turn
on the air conditioner, and direct
more air to the windshield. If the
climate control system does not
detect possible window fogging, it
returns to normal operation. To turn
Auto Defog off or on, see “Climate and
Air Quality” underVehicle
Personalization 0138.
Rear Window Defogger
K:Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light
on the button comes on to show that
the rear window defogger is on.
The rear window defogger only works
when the ignition is on. The defogger
turns off if the ignition is turned off
or to ACC/ACCESSORY.
The rear window defogger can be set
to automatic operation. When Auto
Rear Defog is selected, the rear
window defogger turns on
automatically when the vehicle is first

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
CLIMATE CONTROLS 223
started in cold weather and turns off
when the vehicle is warmed. To turn
Auto Rear Defog on or off, see
“Climate and Air Quality”under
Vehicle Personalization 0138.
The heated outside rearview mirrors
turn on when the rear window
defogger button is on and help to
clear fog or frost from the surface of
the mirrors.
Caution
Do not try to clear frost or other
material from the inside of the
front windshield and rear window
with a razor blade or anything else
that is sharp. This may damage the
rear window defogger grid and
affect the radio's ability to pick up
stations clearly. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Driver and Passenger Heated and
Cooled Seats : Press
Ior+to heat
the driver or passenger seatback only.
Press
Jorzto heat the driver or
passenger seat cushion and seatback. Press
Cor{to cool the driver or
passenger seat.
There are also auto heated and cooled
seats, for more information see Heated
and Ventilated Front Seats 048.
Remote Start Climate Control
Operation : The climate control
system may run when the vehicle is
started remotely. The system uses the
driver’s previous settings to heat or
cool the inside of the vehicle. The rear
defog may come on during remote
start based on cold ambient
conditions. The rear defog indicator
light does not come on during a
remote start. If equipped with heated
or cooled seats, they may come on
during a remote start. See Remote
Vehicle Start 014 and
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats 048.Sensor
The solar sensor, on top of the
instrument panel near the windshield,
monitors the solar heat.
The climate control system uses the
sensor information to adjust the
temperature, fan speed, recirculation,
and air delivery mode for best
comfort.
If the sensor is covered, the automatic
climate control system may not work
properly.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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224 CLIMATE CONTROLS
Rear Climate Control System
The rear climate control system is on the rear of the center console. The settings
can be adjusted with the rear climate controls and the rear climate display.
Rear Climate Controls
1. Heated Rear Seats
2. Air Delivery Mode Control
3. Fan Control 4. Temperature Control
5. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
O
(On/Off)
Rear Climate Display
1. Temperature Setting
2. Air Delivery Mode Control
3. Fan Control
4. SYNC (Synchronized Temperatures)
5. Rear Control Lockout
6. Rear AUTO (Automatic Operation)
7. REAR
O(On/Off)
8. Temperature Control
Rear : Touch to open the rear climate
control screen. The rear climate
control settings can now be adjusted
from the front passenger area.
O: PressOor REAROto turn the
rear climate control system on or off.
If the rear climate control system is
turned off using REAR
Oon the rear

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
CLIMATE CONTROLS 225
climate display, theObutton and the
temperature or air delivery mode
buttons on the rear climate controls
must be pressed within five seconds
to turn it back on.
SYNC : Touch SYNC on the rear
climate display to match the rear
climate control temperature to the
front climate control driver
temperature. The SYNC button will be
lit. Press the temperature, MODE,
or AUTO button to unlink the set
driver and rear temperatures. The
SYNC button turns off.
Rear Control Lockout : Touch Rear
Control Lockout on the rear climate
display to lock or unlock control of
the rear climate control system from
the front climate control display.
When locked the rear climate control
system cannot be adjusted from the
rear climate controls on the rear of
the center console.
Automatic Operation
Rear AUTO : Touch to turn on or off.
The air delivery and fan speed are
controlled automatically. The AUTO
indicator appears on the display on the rear of the center console. If the
Mode or fan control buttons are
manually adjusted, this cancels the
automatic operation.
Manual Operation
A«/ªAª:
Touch or press the
fan controls on the rear climate
display or on the rear of the center
console to increase or decrease the
airf low. Pressing
A «when the
system is off will turn the system on.
The air delivery mode remains in its
previous setting.
«/ª: Touch or press and hold the
rear temperature controls on the rear
climate display or on the rear of the
center console to adjust the rear
passenger temperature. Press
«for
warmer air and press
ªfor cooler air.
Y/\/Y: Touch the desired mode
on the rear climate display or the
MODE button on the rear of the
center console to change the direction
of the airflow in the rear seating area.
MorL: PressMorLto heat the left
or right outboard seat cushion. See
Heated Rear Seats 050.
Air Vents
Adjustable air vents are in the center
and on the side of the instrument
panel.
1. Slider Knob
Move the slider knobs (1) to change
the direction of the airf low and to
shut off the air flow. The horizontal
vanes can rotate up and down.
A metallic click sound will be heard
every time they pass through the
horizontal position.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
226 CLIMATE CONTROLS
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves
from the air inlets at the base of the
windshield that could block the
flow of air into the vehicle.
.Clear snow off the hood to improve
visibility and help decrease moisture
drawn into the vehicle.
.When you enter a vehicle in cold
weather, press the fan up button to
the maximum fan level before
driving. This helps clear the intake
ducts of snow and moisture, and
reduces the chance of fogging the
inside of the window.
.Keep the air path under the front
seats clear of objects to help
circulate the air inside of the vehicle
more effectively.
.Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect the
performance of the system. Check
with your dealer before adding
equipment to the outside of the
vehicle.Rear System Air Vents
This vehicle has four round or
rectangular air vents in the headliner
above the second and third row seats.
Press on the center vane rear edge to
open the round outlet. Use the center
vane to rotate the outlet and change
the direction of the airf low. Press on
the center vane leading edge to shut
off the air flow.
Move the slider knob and rotate the
outlet barrel left to right to change the
direction of the air flow and to shut
off the air flow.
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The filter reduces the dust, pollen, and
other airborne irritants from outside
air that is pulled into the vehicle.
The filter should be replaced as part
of routine scheduled maintenance. To
find out what type of filter to use, see
Maintenance Replacement Parts
0452.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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CLIMATE CONTROLS 227
1. Open the glove box doorcompletely.
2. Press the sides of the glove box bininward to clear the stoppers and
rotate downward to lower the bin.
3. Unhook the string dampener tofully remove the glove box bin.
4. Pull the lever (1) on the left side ofthe filter door and slide left (2),
then remove the door. Remove the
old filter.
5. Install the new air filter.
6. Reinstall the filter door.
7. Reverse the steps to reinstall the glove box.
See your dealer if additional
assistance is needed.
Service
All vehicles have a label underhood
that identifies the refrigerant used in
the vehicle. The refrigerant system
should only be serviced by trained and

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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228 CLIMATE CONTROLS
certified technicians. The air
conditioning evaporator should never
be repaired or replaced by one from a
salvage vehicle. It should only be
replaced by a new evaporator to
ensure proper and safe operation.
During service, all refrigerants should
be reclaimed with proper equipment.
Venting refrigerants directly to the
atmosphere is harmful to the
environment and may also create
unsafe conditions based on inhalation,
combustion, frostbite, or other
health-based concerns.
The air conditioning system requires
periodic maintenance. See
Maintenance Schedule0442.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
230 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . 327
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . 329
Driving Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . 347
Trailering App . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 360
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage.
Here are some driving tips to get the
best fuel economy possible:
.Set the climate controls to the
desired temperature after the engine
is started, or turn them off when
not required.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate
smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid abrupt
stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long
periods of time.
.When road and weather conditions
are appropriate, use cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed limits or
drive more slowly when conditions
require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.Combine several trips into a
single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with the
same TPC Spec number molded into
the tire's sidewall near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and
can take your focus from the task of
driving. Exercise good judgment and
do not let other activities divert your
attention away from the road. Many
local governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep your
eyes on the road, keep your hands on
the steering wheel, and focus your
attention on driving.
.Do not use a phone in demanding
driving situations. Use a hands-free
method to place or receive
necessary phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read, take
notes, or look up information on
phones or other electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat passenger to
handle potential distractions.

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DRIVING AND OPERATING 231
.Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio stations
and adjusting climate control and
seat settings. Program all trip
information into any navigation
device prior to driving.
.Wait until the vehicle is parked to
retrieve items that have fallen to
the floor.
.Stop or park the vehicle to tend to
children.
.Keep pets in an appropriate carrier
or restraint.
.Avoid stressful conversations while
driving, whether with a passenger or
on a cell phone.
{Warning
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.
Refer to the infotainment section for
more information on using that
system and the navigation system,
if equipped, including pairing and
using a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always
expect the unexpected.” The first step
in driving defensively is to wear the
seat belt. See Seat Belts058.
.Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and other
drivers) are going to be careless and
make mistakes. Anticipate what
they may do and be ready.
.Allow enough following distance
between you and the driver in front
of you.
.Focus on the task of driving.
Impaired Driving
Death and injury associated with
impaired driving is a global tragedy.
{Warning
Drinking alcohol or taking drugs
and then driving is very dangerous.
Your reflexes, perceptions,
attentiveness, and judgment can be
affected by even a small amount of
alcohol or drugs. You can have a
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
serious—or even fatal —collision
if you drive after drinking or taking
drugs.
Do not drive while under the
influence of alcohol or drugs,
or ride with a driver who has been
drinking or is impaired by drugs.
Find alternate transportation home;
or if you are with a group, designate
a driver who will remain sober.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating are
important factors in helping to control
a vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is about
three-quarters of a second. In that
time, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h