tow CADILLAC ESCALADE 2013 3.G Owner's Manual

Black plate (19,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 10/
9/12
Instruments and Controls 5-19
Brake System Warning
Light
With the ignition on, the brake
system warning light comes on
when the parking brake is set. If the
vehicle is driven with the parking
brake engaged, a chime sounds
when the vehicle speed is greater
than 5 km/h (3 mph).
The vehicle brake system consists
of two hydraulic circuits. If one
circuit is not working, the remaining
circuit can still work to stop the
vehicle. For normal braking
performance, both circuits need to
be working.
If the warning light comes on and a
chime sounds there could be a
brake problem. Have the brake
system inspected by your dealer.
This light can also come on due to
low brake fluid. SeeBrake Fluid on
page 10‑23 for more information.
MetricEnglish
This light comes on briefly when the
ignition is turned to ON/RUN. If it
does not, have it fixed so it will be
ready to warn if there is a problem.
If the light comes on while driving,
pull off the road and stop carefully.
The pedal could be harder to push
or could go closer to the floor. It can
take longer to stop. If the light is still
on, have the vehicle towed for
service. See Towing the Vehicle on
page 10‑87.
{WARNING
The brake system might not be
working properly if the brake
system warning light is on.
Driving with the brake system
warning light on can lead to a
crash. If the light is still on after
the vehicle has been pulled off
the road and carefully stopped,
have the vehicle towed for
service.
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light
For vehicles with the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), this light comes on
briefly when the engine is started.

Black plate (20,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 10/
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5-20 Instruments and Controls
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally the
indicator light then goes off.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the
ignition off. If the light comes on
while driving, stop as soon as it is
safely possible and turn the ignition
off. Then start the engine again to
reset the system. If the ABS light
stays on, or comes on again while
driving, the vehicle needs service.
If the regular brake system warning
light is not on, the vehicle still has
brakes, but not antilock brakes.
If the regular brake system warning
light is also on, the vehicle does not
have antilock brakes and there is a
problem with the regular brakes.
SeeBrake System Warning Light on
page 5‑19.
For vehicles with a Driver
Information Center (DIC), see Brake
System Messages on page 5‑29 for
all brake‐related DIC messages. If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the
hybrid supplement for more
information.
Tow/Haul Mode Light
For vehicles with the Tow/Haul
Mode feature, this light comes on
when the Tow/Haul Mode has been
activated.
For more information, see
Tow/Haul
Mode on page 9‑33.
StabiliTrak®OFF Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the engine.
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally, the
indicator light then goes off.
Press and release the Traction
Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
button to turn off TCS, and a
message displays in the DIC.
Press and briefly hold the TCS/
StabiliTrak button to turn off the
StabiliTrak system; the StabiliTrak
Off light comes on and a message
appears in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).

Black plate (36,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 10/
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5-36 Instruments and Controls
than one tire pressure message at a
time. To read the other messages
that may have been sent at the
same time, press the set/reset
button or the trip odometer reset
stem. If a tire pressure message
appears on the DIC, stop as soon
as you can. Have the tire pressures
checked and set to those shown on
the Tire Loading Information label.
SeeTires on page 10‑40, Vehicle
Load Limits on page 9‑15, and Tire
Pressure on page 10‑47. The DIC
also shows the tire pressure values.
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 5‑23.
Transmission Messages
GRADE BRAKING DISABLED
This message displays when the
grade braking has been disabled
with the tow/haul mode button on
the end of the shift lever. See Tow/
Haul Mode on page 9‑33, Automatic
Transmission on page 9‑29, and
Cruise Control on page 9‑41.
GRADE BRAKING ENABLED
This message displays when the
grade braking has been enabled
with the tow/haul mode button on
the end of the shift lever. See Tow/
Haul Mode on page 9‑33, Automatic
Transmission on page 9‑29, and
Cruise Control on page 9‑41.
GRADE BRAKING ON
This message displays when the
grade braking has been activated
while driving on downhill grades.
This message will only appear the
first time the feature is activated in
an ignition cycle. See Tow/Haul
Mode on page 9‑33, Automatic
Transmission on page 9‑29, and
Cruise Control on page 9‑41.
MANUAL SHIFT
This message displays when the
automatic transmission is in manual
mode. See Manual Mode on
page 9‑32 for more information.
TRANSMISSION HOT IDLE
ENGINE
Notice:Do not drive the vehicle
while the transmission fluid is
overheating and the transmission
temperature warning is displayed
on the instrument cluster and/or
DIC, or the transmission can be
damaged. This could lead to
costly repairs that would not be
covered by the warranty.
This message displays along with
four chimes if the transmission fluid
in the vehicle gets hot. Driving with
the transmission fluid temperature
high can cause damage to the
vehicle. Stop the vehicle and let it
idle to allow the transmission to
cool. This message clears and the
chime stops when the fluid
temperature reaches a safe level.

Black plate (5,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 10/
9/12
Lighting 6-5
Headlamp High/
Low-Beam Changer
5 3
(Headlamp High/Low Beam
Changer): To change the
headlamps from low to high beam,
push the turn signal lever toward the
instrument panel. To return to
low-beam headlamps, pull the lever
toward you. Then release it.
When the high beams are on, this
indicator light on the instrument
cluster will also be on.
Flash-to-Pass
Use your high-beam headlamps to
signal to a driver in front that you
want to pass. It works even if the
headlamps are in the automatic
position. To use it, pull the turn signal lever
toward you, then release it.
If the headlamps are in the
automatic position or on low beam,
the high-beam headlamps turn on.
They stay on as long as the lever is
held. The high-beam indicator on
the instrument panel cluster comes
on. Release the lever to return to
normal operation.
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL)
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) can
make it easier for others to see the
front of your vehicle during the day.
Fully functional daytime running
lamps are required on all vehicles
first sold in Canada.
The DRL system comes on when
the following conditions are met:
.The ignition is on.
.The exterior lamp control is
in AUTO.
.The transmission is not in Park.
.The light sensor determines it is
daytime.
When the DRL system is on, only
the DRL lamps are on. The
taillamps, sidemarker, instrument
panel lights, and other lamps will not
be on.
When it begins to get dark, the
automatic headlamp system
switches from DRL to the
headlamps.
To turn off the DRL lamps, turn the
exterior lamp control to the OFF
position and then release. For
vehicles first sold in Canada, the
transmission must be in the P (Park)
position before the DRL lamps can
be turned off.

Black plate (7,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 10/
9/12
Lighting 6-7
not operating, these lamps turn off.
Move the exterior lamp control to
P
or;to disable this feature.
Hazard Warning Flashers
|(Hazard Warning Flashers):
Press this button to make the front
and rear turn signal lamps flash on
and off. Press again to turn the
flashers off.
When the hazard warning flashers
are on, the vehicle's turn signals will
not work.
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals
An arrow on the instrument cluster
flashes in the direction of the turn or
lane change.
Move the turn signal lever all the
way up or down to signal a turn.
Raise or lower the lever until the
arrow starts to flash to signal a lane
change. The turn signals
automatically flash three times.
It will flash six times if the tow-haul
mode is active. Holding the turn
signal lever for more than
one second causes the turn signals
to flash until the lever is released.
The lever returns to its starting
position when it is released. If after signaling a turn or a lane
change the arrows flash rapidly or
do not come on, a signal bulb may
be burned out.
Have any burned out bulbs
replaced. If the bulb is not burned
out, check the fuse. See
Instrument
Panel Fuse Block on page 10‑37
and Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑33.
Turn Signal On Chime
If the turn signal is left on for more
than 1.2 km (0.75 mi), a chime
sounds at each flash of the turn
signal and the message TURN
SIGNAL ON also appears in the
DIC. See Lamp Messages on
page 5‑32. To turn the chime and
message off, move the turn signal
lever to the off position.

Black plate (50,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 10/
9/12
7-50 Infotainment System
Tips and Troubleshooting
IR Sensor Inoperative:Check that
the batteries are good in the remote
control. Check that the remote
Control IR Sensor is not blocked.
Aim the remote control toward the
IR Sensor being controlled. Select
the correct screen, 3 or 4.
No picture: Check that the correct
video input mode is selected. Check
that the video cable is plugged into
the jack securely.
No Sound: Check that the correct
audio input mode is selected. Check
that the audio cable is securely
plugged into the jack.
Cleaning the Video Screens
The video display screens are made
of a specially coated glass and can
be scratched or damaged by
abrasive products, solvents,
or ammonia-based window
cleaners. Clean with a soft, lint-free,
cotton cloth that has been slightly dampened with warm water. Dry the
screens by wiping with a clean dry
cotton cloth.
Cleaning the Components
Use care when touching or cleaning
the components such as the DVD
player or the discs.
Do not use DVD lens cleaners for
DVD players because the lens of
the DVD optics can become
contaminated by lubricants.
Handle CDs and DVDs carefully.
Store them in their original cases or
other protective cases and away
from direct sunlight and dust. The
DVD player scans the bottom
surface of the disc. If the surface of
a CD or DVD is damaged, such as
cracked, broken, or scratched, the
CD or DVD may not play properly or
not at all. If the surface of a CD or
DVD is soiled, take a soft, lint free
cloth or dampen a clean, soft cloth
in a mild, neutral detergent solution
mixed with water, and clean it. Make
sure the wiping process starts from
the center to the edge.Do not touch the bottom side of a
CD or DVD while handling it; this
could damage the surface. Pick up
CDs or DVDs by grasping the outer
edges or the edge of the hole and
the outer edge.
Rear Seat Entertainment
(RSE) System (Overhead)
The vehicle may have an Overhead
DVD Rear Seat
Entertainment (RSE) system. The
RSE system works with the
vehicle's audio system. The DVD
player is part of the front radio. The
RSE system includes a radio with a
DVD player, a video display screen,
and if the vehicle has a third row
seat, it could have a second video
display screen, audio/video jacks,
two wireless headphones, and a
remote control. See
CD/DVD Player
on page 7‑18 for more information
on the vehicle's DVD system.

Black plate (59,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 10/
9/12
Infotainment System 7-59
Tips and Troubleshooting Chart (cont'd)
ProblemRecommended Action
Sometimes the wireless headphone audio cuts out or
buzzes. Check for obstructions, low batteries, reception range,
and interference from cellular telephone towers, or use a
cellular telephone in the vehicle.
Check that the headphones are on correctly using the L
(left) and R (right) on the headphones.
The remote and/or the headphones are lost. See your dealer for assistance.
The DVD is playing, but there is no picture or sound. Check that the RSE video screen is sourced to the DVD player.
DVD Display Error Messages
The DVD display error message
depends on the radio that is in the
vehicle. The video screen can
display one of the following:
Disc Load/Eject Error:This
message displays when there are
disc load or eject problems.
Disc Format Error: This message
displays if the disc is inserted with
the disc label wrong side up, or if
the disc is damaged. Disc Region Error:
This message
displays if the disc is not from a
correct region.
No Disc Inserted: This message
displays if no disc is present when
Zis pressed on the radio.
DVD Distortion
Video distortion can occur when
operating cellular phones, scanners,
CB radios, Global Positioning
Systems (GPS)*, two-way radios,
mobile fax machines, or walkie
talkies. It might be necessary to turn off the
DVD player when operating one of
these devices in or near the vehicle.
*Excludes the OnStar
®System.
Cleaning the RSE Overhead
Console
When cleaning the RSE overhead
console surface, use only a clean
cloth dampened with clean water.

Black plate (3,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 10/
9/12
Climate Controls 8-3
2. Set the driver and passengertemperature.
To find your comfort setting, start
with a 23°C (74°F) temperature
setting and allow about
20 minutes for the system to
regulate. Use the driver or
passenger temperature buttons
to adjust the temperature setting
as necessary. If a temperature
setting of 15°C (60°F) is chosen,
the system remains at the
maximum cooling setting. If a
temperature setting of 32°C (90°
F) is chosen, the system
remains at the maximum heat
setting. Choosing either
maximum setting will not cause
the vehicle to heat or cool any
faster.
Be careful not to cover the sensor
located on the top of the instrument
panel near the windshield. This
sensor regulates air temperature
based on sun load and also turns
on the headlamps. To avoid blowing cold air in cold
weather, the system will delay
turning on the fan until warm air is
available. The length of delay
depends on the engine coolant
temperature. Pressing the fan
switch will override this delay and
change the fan to a selected speed.
Manual Operation
y 9 z(Fan Control):
Press the
up or down arrows to increase or
decrease the fan speed
Pressing this button when the
system is off will turn the system on.
Pressing either arrow while using
automatic operation will place the
fan in manual operation. The fan
setting will display and the AUTO
light will turn off. The air delivery will
remain in automatic operation.
y Nz(Air Delivery Mode
Control): Press to change the
direction of the airflow in the vehicle.
Repeatedly press the button until
the desired mode appears on the
display. When the system is turned off, the
display goes blank after displaying
the current status of the system.
H(Vent):
Air is directed to the
instrument panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level): Air is divided
between the instrument panel and
floor outlets. Some air is directed
towards the windshield and side
window outlets. Cooler air is
directed to the upper vents and
warmer air to the floor vents.
6(Floor): Air is directed to the
floor outlets, with some to the
windshield, side window outlets, and
second row floor outlets. In this
mode, the system automatically
selects outside air.
-(Defog): This mode clears the
windows of fog or moisture. Air is
directed to the windshield, floor
outlets, and side window vents. In
this mode, the system turns off
recirculation and runs the air
conditioning compressor unless the
outside temperature is close to

Black plate (1,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 10/
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Driving and Operating 9-1
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-5
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . 9-10
Highway Hypnosis . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . 9-12
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-12
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . 9-14
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . 9-15
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . 9-21
Adjustable Throttle and BrakePedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-22
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . 9-24
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25 Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-26
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Parking over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Active Fuel Management
®. . . 9-28
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-28
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-29
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . 9-29
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Drive Systems
All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Brakes
Antilock BrakeSystem (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-36
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . 9-36
Ride Control Systems
StabiliTrak®System . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Road Sensing Suspension . . . 9-40
Continuous Damping Control (CDC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40
Automatic Level Control . . . . . 9-40
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-41
Object Detection Systems
Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 9-44
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-45
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-47
Fuel
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-51
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . 9-51
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . 9-51
California FuelRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-52
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . 9-52
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-52
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . 9-53
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-56

Black plate (2,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 10/
9/12
9-2 Driving and Operating
Towing
General TowingInformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-56
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-57
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-59
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 9-63
Trailer Sway
Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-67
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On ElectricalEquipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-67
Driving Information
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, always
keep your eyes on the road, hands
on the wheel, and mind on the drive.
.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.
.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.