service CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV 2012 Owners Manual

Black plate (2,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
2012 Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual MDriving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1
Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-21
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-29
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 9-30
Drive Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . . 9-37
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-41
Object Detection Systems . . . . 9-44
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-51
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57
Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-69
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-2
Vehicle Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33 Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-46
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-88
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-93
Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . 10-96
Service and Maintenance . . . 11-1
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1
Cadillac Premium Care
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 11-3
Special Application
Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
Additional Maintenance
and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-9
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . 11-13
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . 11-16 Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Identification . . . . . . . . . 12-1
Vehicle Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2
Customer Information . . . . . . . 13-1
Customer Information . . . . . . . . 13-1
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . 13-18
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-19
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-1
OnStar Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-2
OnStar Additional
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-5
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1

Black plate (3,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
Introduction iii
The names, logos, emblems,
slogans, vehicle model names,
and vehicle body designs appearing
in this manual including, but not
limited to, GM, the GM logo,
CADILLAC, the CADILLAC Crest
and Wreath, ESCALADE, and ESV
are trademarks and/or service
marks of General Motors LLC, its
subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors. This manual describes features that
may or may not be on your specific
vehicle either because they are
options that you did not purchase or
due to changes subsequent to the
printing of this owner manual.
Please refer to the purchase
documentation relating to your
specific vehicle to confirm each of
the features found on your vehicle.
For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name “ General
Motors of Canada Limited ” for
Cadillac Motor Division wherever it
appears in this manual.
If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the
hybrid supplement for more
information.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for
quick reference. Canadian Vehicle Owners Propriétaires Canadiens A French language copy of this
manual can be obtained from your
dealer or from:
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de
ce guide en français auprès du
concessionnaire ou à l'adresse
suivante:
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 20902920 B Second Printing ©
2011 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Black plate (4,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
iv Introduction
Using this Manual To quickly locate information about
the vehicle, use the Index in the
back of the manual. It is an
alphabetical list of what is in the
manual and the page number where
it can be found.
Danger, Warnings, and
Cautions Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result in
serious injury or death.
Warning or Caution indicates a
hazard that could result in injury or
death. { WARNINGThese mean there is something
that could hurt you or other
people.
Notice: This means there is
something that could result in
property or vehicle damage.
This would not be covered by the
vehicle's warranty.
A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means “ Do
Not, ” “ Do not do this, ” or “ Do not let
this happen. ” Symbols The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message,
gauge, or indicator.
M : This symbol is shown when
you need to see your owner manual
for additional instructions or
information.
* : This symbol is shown when
you need to see a service manual
for additional instructions or
information.

Black plate (1,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
In Brief 1-1
In Brief Instrument Panel Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Initial Drive Information Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Third Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Heated and Ventilated
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Head Restraint
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Passenger Sensing
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Steering Wheel
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14 Throttle and Brake Pedal
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . 1-16
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Vehicle Features Radio(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-18
Bluetooth ®
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Mobile Apps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-19
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Navigation System . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21
Rear Vision
Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 1-22
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22
Universal Remote System . . . 1-22
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23 Performance and Maintenance StabiliTrak ®
System . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-24
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-25
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . 1-25
Driving for Better Fuel
Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Roadside Service . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26
OnStar ®
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-26

Black plate (18,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
1-18 In Brief 2. Press the plus/minus buttons,
located on the steering column
shift lever, to select the desired
range of gears for current driving
conditions. See Manual Mode on
page 9 ‑ 33 .
While using DSC, cruise control
and the tow/haul mode can
be used.
Grade Braking is not available when
DSC is active. See Tow/Haul Mode
on page 9 ‑ 33 .
Vehicle Features Radio(s) This vehicle's radio is part of the
navigation system. See Infotainment
on page 7 ‑ 2 .
Satellite Radio XM is a satellite radio service that
is based in the 48 contiguous
United States and 10 Canadian
provinces. XM satellite radio has a
wide variety of programming and
commercial-free music, coast to
coast, and in digital-quality sound.
A fee is required to receive the
XM service.
For more information, refer to: .
www.xmradio.com or call
1-800-929-2100 (U.S.) .
www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-438-9677 (Canada)
Also, see Satellite Radio on
page 7 ‑ 15 . Portable Audio Devices This vehicle has an auxiliary input,
located on the audio faceplate,
and a USB port located on the
instrument panel or in the center
console. External devices such
as iPod ®
, laptop computers,
MP3 players, CD changers,
USB storage device, etc. can be
connected to the auxiliary port using
a 3.5 mm (1/8 in) input jack or the
USB port depending on the audio
system.
See Auxiliary Devices on page 7 ‑ 30
or CD/DVD Player on page 7 ‑ 18
for further information.
Bluetooth ®
For vehicles with a Bluetooth
system, it allows users with a
Bluetooth ‐ enabled cell phone to
make and receive hands-free calls
using the vehicle ’ s audio system
and controls.

Black plate (21,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
In Brief 1-21instantaneous economy, and
average vehicle speed.
The compass and outside air
temperature will also be shown in
the display. The temperature will be
shown in °C or °F depending on the
units selected.
T : Press to display the oil life,
units, side blind zone system on/off,
tire pressure readings for vehicles
with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), compass zone
setting, and compass recalibration.
U : Press to customize the
feature settings on your vehicle.
See Vehicle Personalization on
page 5 ‑ 38 for more information.
V : Press to set or reset certain
functions and to turn off or
acknowledge messages on the DIC.
For more information, see Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5 ‑ 23 . Vehicle Customization Some vehicle features can be
programmed by using the DIC
buttons next to the steering wheel.
These features include: .
Language .
Door Lock and Unlock Settings .
RKE Lock and Unlock Feedback .
Lighting .
Chime Volume .
Memory Features .
Digital Speedometer Display
See Vehicle Personalization on
page 5 ‑ 38 .
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA) If available, this feature will alert you
to vehicles located in the vehicle's
side blind zone. When the system
detects a vehicle in the side blind zone, the SBZA display will light up
in the corresponding outside side
mirror.
The system is enabled at every
vehicle startup. It can be disabled
through the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the message SIDE BLIND ZONE
SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE appears
on the DIC, the system has been
disabled because the sensor is
blocked and cannot detect vehicles
in the blind zone. The sensor may
be blocked by mud, dirt, snow, ice,
slush, or even heavy rainstorms.
This message may also activate
during heavy rain or due to road
spray. The vehicle does not need
service.
See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
on page 9 ‑ 45 for more information.

Black plate (26,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
1-26 In Brief
Roadside Service U.S.: 1-800-224-1400
Canada: 1-800-882-1112
TTY Users (U.S. only):
1-888-889-2438
Mexico: 01-800-466-0805
As the owner of a new Cadillac,
you are automatically enrolled in the
Roadside Service program.
See Roadside Service (U.S. and
Canada) on page 13 ‑ 7 or Roadside
Service (Mexico) on page 13 ‑ 9 .
Roadside Service and OnStar
(U.S. and Canada)
If you have an active OnStar
subscription, press the
Q button
and the current GPS location will be
sent to an OnStar advisor who will
assess your problem, contact
Roadside Service, and relay your
exact location to get the help
you need. Online Owner Center
(U.S. and Canada)
The Online Owner Center is a
complimentary service that includes
online service reminders, vehicle
maintenance tips, online owner
manual, special privileges,
and more.
Sign up today at:
U.S.: cadillac.com
Click on “ Owners, ” then “ Manage
My Cadillac/Owners Login. ”
Canada: cadillacowner.ca
OnStar ®
If equipped, this vehicle has a
comprehensive, in-vehicle system
that can connect to a live Advisor
for Emergency, Security, Navigation,
Connection, and Diagnostic
Services. See OnStar Overview on
page 14 ‑ 1 .

Black plate (2,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
2-2 Keys, Doors, and Windows
Keys and Locks Keys
{ WARNINGLeaving children in a vehicle with
the ignition key is dangerous for
many reasons. Children or others
could be badly injured or even
killed. They could operate the
power windows or other controls
or even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function with the
keys in the ignition and children
could be seriously injured or killed
if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave the keys in
a vehicle with children. The key can be used for the ignition
and door locks.
See your dealer if a replacement
key or additional key is needed. Notice: If the keys get locked in
the vehicle, it may have to be
damaged to get them out. Always
carry a spare key.
If locked out of your vehicle, contact
Roadside Service. See Roadside
Service (U.S. and Canada) on
page 13 ‑ 7 or Roadside Service
(Mexico) on page 13 ‑ 9 for more
information.
With an active OnStar subscription,
an OnStar Advisor may remotely
unlock the vehicle. See OnStar
Overview on page 14 ‑ 1 .

Black plate (3,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-3
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13 ‑ 21 for information
regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310.
If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range: .
Check the distance. The
transmitter may be too far from
the vehicle. .
Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal. .
Check the transmitter's battery.
See “ Battery Replacement ” later
in this section. .
If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service. Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter functions work up to
60 m (195 ft) away from the vehicle.
There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2 ‑ 3 .
With Remote Start and Power
Liftgate and Liftglass (Without
Remote Start Similar) The following functions may be
available if this vehicle has the
RKE system:
Q (Lock): Press to lock all the
doors.
If enabled through the Driver
Information Center (DIC), the turn
signal lamps flash once to indicate
locking has occurred. If enabled
through the DIC, the horn chirps
when
Q is pressed again within
three seconds. See Vehicle
Personalization on page 5 ‑ 38 for
additional information.
Pressing
Q arms the content
theft ‐ deterrent system. See
Anti-theft Alarm System on
page 2 ‑ 13 .
K (Unlock): Press once to unlock
only the driver door. If
K is pressed
again within three seconds, all
remaining doors unlock. The interior
lamps may come on and stay on for
20 seconds or until the ignition is
turned on.

Black plate (11,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-11If the transmission is shifted out of
P (Park) and the vehicle accelerates
before the power liftgate latches
closed, the liftgate may reverse to
the open position. Cargo could fall
out of the vehicle. Always make
sure the power liftgate is closed and
latched before driving away.
If the liftgate is opened using power
operation and the liftgate support
struts have lost pressure, the turn
signals flash and a chime will
sound. The liftgate stays open
temporarily, and then slowly closes.
See a dealer for service before
using the liftgate.
Obstacle Detection Features If the liftgate encounters an obstacle
during a power open or close cycle,
a warning chime will sound and the
liftgate will automatically reverse
direction to the full closed or open
position. After removing the
obstruction, the power liftgate
operation can be used again. If the
liftgate encounters multiple obstacles on the same power cycle,
the power function will deactivate
and a message will display in the
Driver Information Center (DIC), see
Object Detection System Messages
on page 5 ‑ 33 . After removing the
obstructions, the liftgate will resume
normal power operation.
Pinch sensors are located on the
side edges of the liftgate. If an
object is caught between the liftgate
and the vehicle and presses against
this sensor, the liftgate will reverse
direction and open fully. The liftgate
will remain open until it is activated
again or closed manually.
Manual Operation of Power
Liftgate To change the liftgate to manual
operation, press OFFon the liftgate
switch.
With the power liftgate disabled and
all of the doors unlocked, the liftgate
can be manually opened and
closed. To open the liftgate, press the touch
pad on the handle (B) and lift up.
Use the pull cup to lower and close
the liftgate. Do not press the touch
pad while closing the liftgate. This
will cause the liftgate to be
unlatched. The liftgate latch will
power close. Always close the
liftgate before driving.
If
8 on the RKEtransmitter or
l on the liftgate is pressed while
power operation is disabled, the
lamps will flash three times, but the
liftgate will not move.
It is not recommended to drive with
the liftgate open, however, when
driving with the liftgate open; the
liftgate should be set to manual
operation by pressing OFFon the
liftgate switch on the center console.
The liftgate has an electric latch.
If the battery is disconnected or has
low voltage, the liftgate will not
open. The liftgate will resume
operation when the battery is
reconnected and charged.