ABS CADILLAC ESCALADE 2021 User Guide

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
334 DRIVING AND OPERATING
5. Gradually release the brake pedalto allow the chocks to absorb the
load of the trailer.
6. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
7. Release the brake pedal.
Pulling the Trailer from the Water 1. Press and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine and shift into a gear.
3. Release the parking brake.
4. Let up on the brake pedal.
5. Drive slowly until the tires are clear of the chocks.
6. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
7. Slowly pull the trailer from the water.
8. Once the vehicle and trailer have been driven from the sloped part of
the boat ramp, the vehicle can be
shifted from four-wheel-drive high.
Shift into the drive mode that is
appropriate for the road conditions.Caution
If the vehicle tires begin to spin and
the vehicle begins to slide toward
the water, remove your foot from
the accelerator pedal and apply the
brake pedal. Seek help to have the
vehicle towed up the ramp.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more often
when used to tow trailers. See
Maintenance Schedule 0442. It is
especially important to check the
engine oil, axle lubricant, belts,
cooling system, and brake system
before and during each trip.
Check periodically that all nuts and
bolts on the trailer hitch are tight.
Engine Cooling when Trailer
Towing
The cooling system may temporarily
overheat during severe operating
conditions. See Engine Overheating
0 375.
Trailer Towing
Caution
Towing a trailer improperly can
damage the vehicle and result in
costly repairs not covered by the
vehicle warranty. To tow a trailer
correctly, follow the directions in
this section and see your dealer for
important information about
towing a trailer with the vehicle.
Trailering is different than just driving
the vehicle by itself. Trailering means
changes in handling, acceleration,
braking, durability, and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct
equipment, and it has to be used
properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are
important for your safety and that of
your passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 339
Hitch Cover
To remove hitch cover, if equipped:1. Remove the two fasteners on the lower tabs (2).
2. Pull the lower edge of the cover to about a 45 degree angle.
3. Pull the cover upward to disengage the upper attachments (1). To reinstall hitch cover:
1. Hold cover at a 45 degree angle to the vehicle and push the upper
tabs into the slots in the bumper.
2. Push the bottom of the cover forward until the lower tabs line up
with the lower slots.
3. Snap the hitch cover into place by pushing the upper corners
forward (1).
4. Reinstall the two fasteners on the lower tabs (2). Consider using mechanical sway
controls with any trailer. Ask a
trailering professional about sway
controls or refer to the trailer
manufacturer's recommendations and
instructions.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
Adjustment
A weight-distributing hitch may be
useful with some trailers. Use the
following guidelines to determine if a
weight-distributing hitch should
be used.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
VEHICLE CARE 379
3. Select YES on the confirmationmessage. Repeat for pads on the
other axle if they were also
replaced.
How to Disable the Brake Pad
Life System
The brake pad life system can be
turned off. This may be necessary if
aftermarket brake pads without wear
sensors are installed. When the
system is turned off, the front and
rear brake pad life percentages will
not display. However, the built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn can still determine when the
pads should be replaced. See Brakes
0 377.
To turn off the brake pad life system: 1. Using the vehicle information screen controls on the right side of
the instrument cluster, display
Brake Pad Life on the screen. See
Vehicle Information 0134.
2. Select DISABLE.
To turn the brake pad life system back
on, follow the above steps but select
ENABLE in Step 2.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is
filled with GM approved DOT 4 brake
fluid as indicated on the reservoir cap.
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 366 for the location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum
marks on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the fluid
level goes back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic
system. Have the brake hydraulic
system fixed. With a leak, the
brakes will not work well. Always clean the brake fluid reservoir
cap and the area around the cap
before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding
fluid does not correct a leak. If fluid is
added when the linings are worn,
there will be too much fluid when
new brake linings are installed. Add or
remove fluid, as necessary, only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You or
others could be burned, and the
vehicle could be damaged. Add
brake fluid only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning Light
0 124.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid at

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
390 VEHICLE CARE
There are relays on the back of the
fuse block. To access, press the tabs
and remove the fuse block.The vehicle may not be equipped with
all of the fuses, relays, and features
shown. Fuses Usage
F1 Right door
F2 Left door
F3 UGDO/OHC/camera
F4 BCM 2
F5 Displays
F6 Front blower
F8 Left door panel
F10 Tilt/column lock
F11 USB/DLC
F12 CGM/onstar
F14 Right door panel
F17 Steering wheel control
F18 AVM 1
F19 –
F20 –
F21 –
F22 Heated wheel
F23 –
F24 –
F25 SEO/UPFITTER

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
432 VEHICLE CARE
10. Reset any lost presets.The outside temperature display
will default to 0 °C (32 °F) but will
reset with normal usage.
Dolly Towing
Caution
Do not tow this vehicle with two
wheels on the ground, or vehicle
damage could occur. This damage
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Dolly towing this vehicle is not
allowed with either the front or the
rear tires on the ground for two-wheel
drive or four-wheel drive, regardless of
transfer case.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0 451.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash
it often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they
can damage the vehicle's paint,
metal, or plastic parts. If damage
occurs, it would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Approved
cleaning products can be obtained
from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
(Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
INDEX 479
IndexA
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . 364
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . 360
Additional InformationOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 472
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 448
Adjustments
Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . 211
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . 371
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .220, 224
Air Filter
Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Air Suspension Four Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . 70
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . 71
What Makes an AirbagInflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Airbag System (cont'd)
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Airbags
Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . 121
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Rear Pedestrian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . 321
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Antenna
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . 261
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
INDEX 485
Lights (cont'd)Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Automatic Vehicle Hold . . . . . . . . . . 125
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Four Corner Air Suspension . . . . . 128
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . 151
Lane Keep Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Service Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Lights (cont'd)
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Lock Steering Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Locks
Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . 84
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
M
Magnetic Ride Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453 Maintenance and Care
Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 448
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . 442 Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 451
Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . 122
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Map Data Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Massage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Media
Avoiding Untrusted Devices . . . . . 169
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Messages Engine Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Vehicle Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Mirror Rear Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Automatic Dimming Rearview . . . . 34
Convex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Tilt in Reverse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33