tow CADILLAC ESCALADE 2021 Manual Online

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
352 DRIVING AND OPERATING
4. Move to the next tire and repeatStep 3 for each sensor. The horn
chirps twice when all sensors are
completed.
5. Return to the vehicle to complete the setup.
Maintenance Reminders
To set up maintenance reminders,
touch the Trailer Maintenance icon.
Select Yes to set up the maintenance
reminders for the Trailer Profile.
Follow the on-screen prompts. The
maximum number of reminders is 50.
Select No to return to the previous
screen.
Towing Assistance
To set up towing assistance features,
if equipped, touch the Towing
Assistance icon.
Touch Yes to begin set up or touch No
to return to the previous screen.
1. Select the number of axles on the trailer.
2. Enter trailer dimensions 3. Follow the on-screen instructions
to complete setup for available
features.
Rear Trailer Guidance Setup (if
equipped)
A rear trailer camera must be
mounted on the trailer and electrically
connected to the vehicle before
transparent trailer feature can be
used. See Assistance Systems for
Parking or Backing 0299,
1. If trailer dimensions are out of range, this feature will be
unavailable.
2. Ensure rear trailer camera is connected.
3. Follow instructions to drive forward to complete calibration.
.Trailer Length: 300 cm
(118.1 in) –1300 cm (511.8 in).
Measure from center of coupler
to furthest rear point on the
trailer.
Trailer Length Indicator Setup
1. Follow instructions to drive forward to complete calibration.
Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert
Setup
Trailer dimensions must be in range
to enable this feature.
.Trailer Length: 300 cm (118.1 in) –
1200 cm (472.4 in). Measure from
center of coupler to furthest rear
point on the trailer.
If trailer dimensions are out of range,
this feature will be unavailable.
Status View
The Status view shows:
.Vehicle
.Connections
.Tires
.Maintenance
.Cameras
Upon entry, the most recent items will
be shown. Select MORE to view all
options.

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Accessory/No Trailer
Status View
If the Accessory/No Trailer profile is
active, trailer status information is not
available.
Checklist View
This view shows the recommended
steps to take before towing a trailer.
Touch the box next to each item if
that step has been completed.
Touch
pto access a detailed view
of each step. Within each detailed
view, touch Next and Previous to
navigate between steps.
Touch Clear All to clear the completed
statuses from all items in the current
checklist.
Custom Checklist Items
For each of the Trailer Profile
checklists, there is an option to create
custom items to view in the checklist.
The custom item will appear at the
bottom of the checklist.
Guest Trailer and No Trailer
Connected
If Guest Trailer Profile is active or if
no trailer is connected, the checklist
will show all of the checklists
associated with Custom Trailer
Profiles in addition to default
checklists.
Trailers View
Touch the Trailers tab to view,
activate, create, edit, or delete Trailer
Profiles.
If a trailer is connected, touch the
Trailer Profile name to activate a
Trailer Profile.
There can be up to five Custom Trailer
Profiles on the vehicle.
The Custom Trailer Profiles and Guest
Trailer are in order of the most
frequently used. The Accessory/No
Trailer profile is shown below the
Custom Trailer Profiles and Guest
Trailer Profile. All personalization features are based
on the settings for each driver in
vehicle personalization. The list of
Trailer Profiles is based on vehicle
personalization settings.
Guest Trailer
If the Guest Trailer Profile is the
active Trailer Profile, trailer detection,
connections status, theft, and the
Tow/Haul reminder alerts can be sent.
The system will not track total
mileage or fuel economy, but the
system will track trip mileage and fuel
economy if the Guest Trailer Profile is
active. The Trailer Tire Pressure
Monitoring System or maintenance
reminders cannot be set up for a
Guest Trailer Profile. The Guest Trailer
Profile cannot be edited.
Touch
pto learn more about the
Guest Trailer option.
Accessory/No Trailer
If the Accessory/No Trailer Profile is
active, alerts will not be sent and the
system will not track mileage or fuel
economy. The Trailer Tire Pressure
Monitoring System or maintenance
reminders cannot be set up for the

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Accessory/No Trailer Profile. The
Accessory/No Trailer profile cannot be
edited.
No Trailer Connected
When there is no trailer connected,
Trailer Profiles cannot be activated
but most options can be edited.
Trailer Brake Gain Memory
The system can memorize the brake
gain setting of a Trailer Profile or a
Guest Trailer Profile. When a Trailer
Profile or Guest Trailer Profile is
selected, and a brake gain setting is
set for that Trailer Profile, a quick
notice will appear to indicate that the
system has recalled that profile’s
brake gain setting.
If a Trailer Profile is already active
and the brake gain setting had been
set for that Trailer Profile, the quick
notice will trigger whenever the
ignition is turned on.
If there was an error in setting the
brake gain for a Trailer Profile, there
will be a notification. This pop-up will
not appear if the Guest Trailer Profile
is active or if there is no trailer
connected.Trailer brake gain should be set for a
specific trailering condition and must
be adjusted anytime vehicle loading,
trailer loading, or road surface
conditions change.
Editing a Trailer Profile
Trailer Profile View
Touch to edit any of the following
options in the Trailer Profile view:
.Trailer Name
.Towing Assistance Setup,
if equipped
.Tire Pressure Setup, if equipped
.Trailer Maintenance
.Edit Mileage
.Reset Average Fuel Economy
Touch Save to save the new value to
the Trailer Profile. Touching Back will
still save the previously entered
information.
Trailer Name
Touch to edit the Trailer Profile’s
name. Use at least one character and
no spaces. Touch Save. Towing Assistance Setup
A trailer should be connected to
complete this portion of profile setup.
Touch to set up towing assistance
features for the Trailer Profile. See
"Towing Assistance" for details on the
setup.
Tire Pressure Setup
Touch to set up the Trailer Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TTPMS)
for the Trailer Profile. See
“Trailer Tire
Pressure Setup ”previously in this
section for details on the setup. Also,
touch Tire Pressure Setup if the trailer
tires were rotated or if the tire
pressure sensors in the tires were
replaced for this Trailer Profile. The
vehicle will need to relearn the tire
sensors and their locations.
If TTPMS had been set up previously,
the Select Number of Sensors screen
will appear after touching Tire
Pressure Setup. If the number of
sensors has changed, select the
number and touch Next.
If a new number of sensors is selected,
the Relearn Sensors pop-up will
appear. Touch Cancel to go back or

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On the pop-up, touch Remove to
remove the Trailer Profile from the
vehicle. Touch Cancel to dismiss the
pop-up and return to the
previous view.
Remove will be displayed if there is a
connected OnStar plan active with the
vehicle. Removing a trailer profile will
remove the profile from the vehicle
but the profile will still be associated
with the user account. However,
if there is not a connected OnStar
plan then the remove button will read
DELETE and the profile will be deleted
permanently
Settings View
Within the Trailering App, touch the
Settings tab to modify the following
settings:
.Trailer Detection Alert
.Maintenance Alerts
.Theft Alert
.Tow/Haul Mode Reminder
.Trailer Length Indicator
Trailer Detection Alert
The Trailer Detection Alert setting will
be on by default. Turn it off to disable
the Trailer Detection pop-up from
displaying when a trailer is connected.
The Guest Trailer Profile will become
the active Trailer Profile, unless
another Trailer Profile is selected
manually through the Trailering App.
If this setting is disabled while a
Custom Trailer Profile is active, that
Trailer Profile will remain the active
profile until the trailer is
disconnected.
Maintenance Alerts
Touch Maintenance Alerts to view the
Maintenance Alerts settings page.
These alerts are based on the Trailer
Profile, so the settings for each Trailer
Profile must be turned on or off.
Touch a profile to view more
information or adjust the setting for
that profile.
The setting will be on by default for
each profile. All Maintenance Alerts
for that active Trailer Profile will be
received.Turn a setting off to not receive any
of the Maintenance Alerts when that
Trailer Profile is active.
Theft Alert
A theft alert can be set if a trailer is
connected and the alert is enabled.
When the trailer is disconnected and
the vehicle is off, an alarm will sound.
Touch Theft Alert in Settings to view
the Theft Alert settings page. These
alerts are based on the Trailer Profile,
so the settings for each Trailer Profile
must be turned on or off. Touch a
profile to view more information or
adjust the setting for that profile.
This setting will be off by default for
each Trailer Profile, including the
Guest Trailer Profile.
A smartphone will receive a
notification that the trailer related to
the selected Trailer Profile is
disconnected from the vehicle, if the
setting is on for the active Trailer
Profile, the vehicle has an OnStar or
connected service plan and the
smartphone number has been added
to the account for this notification.

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360 DRIVING AND OPERATING
If the setting is turned off for a given
Trailer Profile, the smartphone will
not receive this security notification
even if the Trailer Profile is active.
Tow/Haul Mode Reminder
This is a reminder to turn on the Tow/
Haul Mode when towing a trailer. See
Tow/Haul Mode0256.
Touch Tow/Haul Mode Reminder in
Settings to view the Tow/Haul Mode
Reminder settings page. These alerts
are based on the Trailer Profile, so the
settings for each Trailer Profile must
be turned on or off. Touch a profile to
view more information or to adjust
the setting for that profile.
This setting will default to OFF for
each Trailer Profile, including the
Guest Trailer Profile.
If Tow/Haul Mode is off and this
setting is on for a Trailer Profile, each
time the ignition is turned on a
reminder will appear to turn on Tow/
Haul Mode when the Trailer Profile is
active. If Tow/Haul Mode is on and this
setting is on for a Trailer Profile, the
reminder will not appear when the
Trailer Profile is active.
Trailer Length Indicator
Touch Trailer Length Indicator to view
the Trailer Length Indicator settings
page. If this setting is ON a guideline
is displayed in the side mirror camera
view to indicate the rear of the
attached trailer. If this setting is OFF
the guideline will not be displayed.
This setting will default to OFF if the
trailer length indicator feature is not
set up. See "Towing Assistance" for
details on the setup.
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. See
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0122.
A device connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle systems.
This could affect vehicle operation
and cause a crash. Such devices
may also access information stored
in the vehicle’s systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and would (Continued)

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VEHICLE CARE 363
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 428
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . 429
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 432
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 437
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit your
dealer. You will receive genuine GM
parts and GM-trained and supported
service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these
marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
{Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this
one, as well as many of its service
parts and fluids, contain and/or
emit chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Engine exhaust, many parts
and systems, many fluids, and
some component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these
chemicals. For more information go
to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0380 and
Jump Starting - North America 0425
and the back cover.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag initiators,
seat belt pretensioners, and lithium
batteries contained in electronic keys,

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VEHICLE CARE 365
Hood
{Warning
For vehicles with auto engine stop/
start, turn the vehicle off before
opening the hood. If the vehicle is
on, the engine will start when the
hood is opened. You or others could
be injured.
{Warning
Components under the hood can
get hot from running the engine. To
help avoid the risk of burning
unprotected skin, never touch these
components until they have cooled,
and always use a glove or towel to
avoid direct skin contact.
Clear any snow from the hood before
opening.
To open the hood: 1. Pull the hood release lever with the
isymbol. It is on the lower left
side of the instrument panel.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle and locate the secondary release lever
under the front center of the hood.
Push the secondary hood release
lever to the right to release.
3. After you have partially lifted the hood, the gas strut system will
automatically lift the hood and
hold it in the fully open position.
To close the hood: 1. Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on properly, and all
tools are removed.
2. Pull the hood down until the strut system is no longer holding up
the hood. 3. Allow the hood to fall. Check to
make sure the hood is latched
completely. Repeat this process
with additional force if necessary.
{Warning
Do not drive the vehicle if the hood
is not latched completely. The hood
could open fully, block your vision,
and cause a crash. You or others
could be injured. Always close the
hood completely before driving.
The Driver Information Center (DIC)
will display a message if the hood is
not fully closed, and the vehicle is
moving. Stop and turn off the vehicle,
check the hood for obstructions, and
close the hood again. Check to see if
the message still appears on the DIC.

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1. Remote Negative (–) Location. SeeJump Starting - North America
0425.
2. Positive (+) Terminal (Under Cover). See Jump Starting - North America
0 425.
3. Battery - North America 0380.
4. Engine Compartment Fuse Block
0386.
5. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil 0367.
6. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System 0372.
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to
Add Engine Oil” underEngine Oil
0 367.
8. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0372.
9. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0371.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake
Fluid 0379.
11. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer Fluid” under
Washer Fluid 0377.Engine Oil
For diesel engine vehicles, see “Engine
Oil” in the Duramax diesel
supplement.
To ensure proper engine performance
and long life, careful attention must
be paid to engine oil. Following these
simple, but important steps will help
protect your investment:
.Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil” in
this section.
.Check the engine oil level regularly
and maintain the proper oil level.
See “Checking Engine Oil” and
“When to Add Engine Oil” in this
section.
.Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil Life
System 0369.
.Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with Used
Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially prior
to a long trip. The engine oil dipstick
handle is a loop. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0366 for the
location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may
be hot; it could burn you. Use a
towel or glove to touch the dipstick
handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays, check the oil
level.
Follow these guidelines:
.To get an accurate reading, park the
vehicle on level ground. Check the
engine oil level after the engine has
been off for at least two hours.
Checking the engine oil level on
steep grades or too soon after
engine shutoff can result in
incorrect readings. Accuracy

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368 VEHICLE CARE
improves when checking a cold
engine prior to starting. Remove the
dipstick and check the level.
.If unable to wait two hours, the
engine must be off for at least
15 minutes if the engine is warm,
or at least 30 minutes if the engine
is not warm. Pull out the dipstick,
wipe it with a clean paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the
way. Remove it again, keeping the
tip down, and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick and the
engine has been off for at least
15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of the
recommended oil and then recheck
the level. See“Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for an explanation of what kind of oil to use.
For engine oil crankcase capacity, see
Capacities and Specifications
0455.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil levels
above or below the acceptable
operating range shown on the
dipstick are harmful to the engine.
If the oil level is above the
operating range (i.e., the engine has
so much oil that the oil level gets
above the cross-hatched area that
shows the proper operating range),
the engine could be damaged. Drain
the excess oil or limit driving of the
vehicle, and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 366 for the location of the engine oil
fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil depends
on both the proper oil specification
and viscosity grade. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0451.
Specification
Use full synthetic engine oils that
meet the dexos1 specification. Engine
oils that have been approved by GM
as meeting the dexos1 specification
are marked with the dexos1
approved logo.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil or equivalent can result
in engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.

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376 VEHICLE CARE
Check to see if the engine cooling
fan(s) are running. If the engine is
overheating, the fans should be
running. If they are not, do not
continue to run the engine. Have the
vehicle serviced.
If Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure cap,
even a little, can cause them to
come out at high speed and you
could be burned. Never turn the cap
when the cooling system, including
the pressure cap, is hot. Wait for
the cooling system and pressure
cap to cool.
If No Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
The ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE or the ENGINE
OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE message,
along with a low coolant condition,
can indicate a serious problem.If there is an engine overheat warning,
but no steam is seen or heard, the
problem may not be too serious.
Sometimes the engine can get a little
too hot when the vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
.Tows a trailer; see
Trailer Towing
0 334.
If the ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE or the ENGINE
OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE message
appears with no sign of steam, try this
for a minute or so: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest fan
speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral), and let the engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge is no longer in the overheat
zone or an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally
and have the cooling system checked
for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam and
the vehicle is equipped with an engine
driven cooling fan, push down the
accelerator until the engine speed is
about twice as fast as normal idle
speed for at least five minutes while
the vehicle is parked. If the warning is
still there, turn off the engine and get
everyone out of the vehicle until it
cools down.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for five minutes while parked.
If the warning is still displayed, turn
off the engine until it cools down.
Engine Fan
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see
the Duramax diesel supplement.