tow CADILLAC ESCALADE 2021 User Guide

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
70 SEATS AND RESTRAINTS
How Does an Airbag
Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near
frontal collisions, even belted
occupants can contact the steering
wheel or the instrument panel. In
moderate to severe side collisions,
even belted occupants can contact the
inside of the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protection
provided by seat belts by distributing
the force of the impact more evenly
over the occupant's body.
Rollover capable roof-rail airbags are
designed to help contain the head and
chest of occupants in the outboard
seating positions in the first, second,
and third rows. The rollover capable
roof-rail airbags are designed to help
reduce the risk of full or partial
ejection in rollover events, although
no system can prevent all such
ejections.
But airbags would not help in many
types of collisions, primarily because
the occupant's motion is not toward
those airbags. SeeWhen Should an
Airbag Inflate? 068. Airbags should never be regarded as
anything more than a supplement to
seat belts.What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates?
After frontal and seat-mounted side
impact airbags inflate, they quickly
deflate, so quickly that some people
may not even realize the airbags
inflated. The front center airbag and
roof-rail airbags may still be at least
partially inflated for some time after
they inflate. Some components of the
airbag module may be hot for several
minutes. For location of the airbags,
see
Where Are the Airbags? 067.
The parts of the airbag that come into
contact with you may be warm, but
not too hot to touch. There may be
some smoke and dust coming from
the vents in the deflated airbags.
Airbag inflation does not prevent the
driver from seeing out of the
windshield or being able to steer the
vehicle, nor does it prevent people
from leaving the vehicle.
{Warning
When an airbag inflates, there may
be dust in the air. This dust could
cause breathing problems for
people with a history of asthma or
other breathing trouble. To avoid
this, everyone in the vehicle should
get out as soon as it is safe to do
so. If you have breathing problems
but cannot get out of the vehicle
after an airbag inflates, then get
fresh air by opening a window or a
door. If you experience breathing
problems following an airbag
deployment, you should seek
medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors, turn
on the interior lamps and hazard
warning flashers, and shut off the fuel
system after the airbags inflate. The
feature may also activate, without
airbag inflation, after an event that
exceeds a predetermined threshold.
After turning the ignition off and then
on again, the fuel system will return
to normal operation; the doors can be

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
SEATS AND RESTRAINTS 75
massagers can affect how well the
passenger sensing system operates.
We recommend that you not use seat
covers or other aftermarket equipment
except when approved by GM for your
specific vehicle. SeeAdding Equipment
to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 075 for
more information about modifications
that can affect how the system
operates.
The ON indicator may be lit if an
object, such as a briefcase, handbag,
grocery bag, laptop, or other electronic
device, is put on an unoccupied seat.
If this is not desired, remove the
object from the seat.
{Warning
Stowing articles under the
passenger seat or between the
passenger seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle should
be serviced. There are parts of the
airbag system in several places around
the vehicle. Your dealer and the
service manual have information
about servicing the vehicle and the
airbag system. To purchase a service
manual, see Publication Ordering
Information 0467.
{Warning
For up to 10 seconds after the
vehicle is turned off and the battery
is disconnected, an airbag can still
inflate during improper service. You
can be injured if you are close to an
airbag when it inflates. Avoid
yellow connectors. They are
probably part of the airbag system.
Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the
person performing work for you is
qualified to do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the
vehicle's frame, bumper system,
height, front end, or side sheet metal
may keep the airbag system from
working properly.
The operation of the airbag system
can also be affected by changing,
including improperly repairing or
replacing, any parts of the following:
.Airbag system, including airbag
modules, front or side impact
sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module, airbag wiring, or front
center console
.Front seats, including stitching,
seams or zippers
.Seat belts
.Steering wheel, instrument panel,
overhead console, ceiling trim,
or pillar garnish trim
.Inner door seals, including speakers
Your dealer and the service manual
have information about the location of
the airbag modules and sensors,

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
SEATS AND RESTRAINTS 89
secured in a rear seating position. See
Where to Put the Restraint082 for
additional information.
Securing a Child Restraint
Designed for the LATCH System
{Warning
A child could be seriously injured or
killed in a crash if the child
restraint is not properly attached to
the vehicle using either the LATCH
anchors or the vehicle seat belt.
Follow the instructions that came
with the child restraint and the
instructions in this manual.
{Warning
To reduce the risk of serious or
fatal injuries during a crash, do not
attach more than one child
restraint to a single anchor.
Attaching more than one child
restraint to a single anchor could
cause the anchor or attachment to
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
come loose or even break during a
crash. A child or others could be
injured.
{Warning
Children can be seriously injured or
strangled if a shoulder belt is
wrapped around their neck. The
shoulder belt can tighten but
cannot be loosened if it is locked.
The shoulder belt locks when it is
pulled all the way out of the
retractor. It unlocks when the
shoulder belt is allowed to go all
the way back into the retractor, but
it cannot do this if it is wrapped
around a child’s neck. If the
shoulder belt is locked and
tightened around a child’s neck, the
only way to loosen the belt is to
cut it.
Buckle any unused seat belts
behind the child restraint so
children cannot reach them. Pull(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the shoulder belt all the way out of
the retractor to set the lock, and
tighten the belt behind the child
restraint after the child restraint
has been installed.
Caution
Do not let the LATCH attachments
rub against the vehicle’s seat belts.
This may damage these parts.
If necessary, move buckled seat
belts to avoid rubbing the LATCH
attachments.
Do not fold the rear seatback when
the seat is occupied. Do not fold the
empty rear seat with a seat belt
buckled. This could damage the
seat belt or the seat. Unbuckle and
return the seat belt to its stowed
position, before folding the seat.
The vehicle is equipped with a front
center airbag in the inboard side of
the driver seat. Even with a front

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
SEATS AND RESTRAINTS 93
4. Pull the shoulder belt all the wayout of the retractor to set the lock.
When the retractor lock is set, the
belt can be tightened but not
pulled out of the retractor.5. To tighten the belt, push down onthe child restraint, pull the
shoulder portion of the belt to
tighten the lap portion of the belt,
and feed the shoulder belt back
into the retractor. When installing
a forward-facing child restraint, it
may be helpful to use your knee to
push down on the child restraint as
you tighten the belt.
Try to pull the belt out of the
retractor to make sure the retractor
is locked. If the retractor is not
locked, repeat Steps 4 and 5.
6. For forward-facing child restraints, attach and tighten the top tether to
the top tether anchor (loop). Refer to the child restraint instructions,
the vehicle LATCH anchor weight
limits, and instructions listed in
Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)
084.
7. Before placing a child in the child restraint, make sure it is securely
held in place. To check, grasp the
child restraint at the seat belt path
and attempt to move it side to side
and back and forth. When the child
restraint is properly installed, there
should be no more than
2.5 cm (1 in) of movement.
To remove the child restraint,
unbuckle the vehicle seat belt and let
it return to the stowed position. If the
top tether is attached to a top tether
anchor, disconnect it.
If the head restraint was removed,
reinstall it before the seating position
is used. See "Head Restraint Removal
and Reinstallation" under Lower
Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH System) 084 for additional
information on installing the head
restraint properly.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
96 SEATS AND RESTRAINTS
6. To tighten the belt, push down onthe child restraint, pull the
shoulder portion of the belt to
tighten the lap portion of the belt,
and feed the shoulder belt back
into the retractor. When installing
a forward-facing child restraint, it
may be helpful to use your knee to
push down on the child restraint as
you tighten the belt.
Try to pull the belt out of the
retractor to make sure the retractor
is locked. If the retractor is not
locked, repeat Steps 5 and 6.
7. Before placing a child in the child restraint, make sure it is securely
held in place. To check, grasp the child restraint at the seat belt path
and attempt to move it side to side
and back and forth. When the child
restraint is properly installed, there
should be no more than
2.5 cm (1 in) of movement.
If the airbag is off, the OFF indicator
in the passenger airbag status
indicator will come on and stay on
when the vehicle is started.
If a child restraint has been installed
and the ON indicator is lit, see “If the
On Indicator Is Lit for a Child
Restraint ”under Passenger Sensing
System 071.
To remove the child restraint,
unbuckle the vehicle seat belt and let
it return to the stowed position.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 105
Windshield Wiper/Washer
Windshield Wiper with Rainsense(AUTO Shown), If Equipped
Windshield Wiper without Rainsense (INT Shown)
With the ignition on or in ACC/
ACCESSORY, move the windshield
wiper lever to select the wiper speed.
HI : Use for fast wipes. LO :
Use for slow wipes.
AUTO : If equipped with Rainsense,
use this setting for intermittent wipes
when Rainsense is disabled,
or Rainsense wipes when Rainsense is
enabled. For intermittent wipes, move
the windshield wiper lever to AUTO,
then turn the band up for more
frequent wipes or down for less
frequent wipes. If Rainsense is turned
on, see “Rainsense ”later in this
section.
INT : If equipped with intermittent
wipers only, move the windshield
wiper lever to INT. Turn the band up
for more frequent wipes or down for
less frequent wipes.
OFF : Use to turn the wipers off.
1X : For a single wipe, briefly move
the wiper lever down. For several
wipes, hold the wiper lever down.
f: Pull the windshield wiper lever
toward you to spray windshield
washer fluid and activate the wipers.
The wipers will continue until the
lever is released or the maximum
wash time is reached. When the
windshield wiper lever is released,
additional wipes may occur depending
on how long the windshield washer

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 123
Caution (Continued)
the original tire specifications, can
cause this light to come on. This
could lead to costly repairs not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
This could also affect the vehicle’s
ability to pass an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications0364.
If the light is f lashing : A
malfunction has been detected that
could damage the emission control
system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service may
be required.
To help prevent damage, reduce
vehicle speed and avoid hard
accelerations and uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the amount
of cargo being hauled as soon as
possible.
If the light continues to flash, find a
safe place to park. Turn the vehicle off
and wait at least 10 seconds before
restarting the engine. If the light is still flashing, follow the previous
guidelines and see your dealer for
service as soon as possible.
If the light is on steady :
A
malfunction has been detected.
Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
.If fuel has been added to the vehicle
using the capless fuel funnel
adapter, make sure that it has been
removed. See “Filling the Tank with
a Portable Gas Can ”under Filling the
Tank 0327. The diagnostic system
can detect if the adapter has been
left installed in the vehicle, allowing
fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. A few driving trips with
the adapter removed may turn off
the light.
.Poor fuel quality can cause
inefficient engine operation and
poor driveability, which may go
away once the engine is warmed up.
If this occurs, change the fuel
brand. It may require at least one
full tank of the proper fuel to turn
the light off. See Recommended Fuel
0 326. If the light remains on, see your
dealer.
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the test
equipment will likely connect to the
vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument
panel to the left of the steering wheel.
Connecting devices that are not used
to perform an Emissions Inspection/
Maintenance test or to service the
vehicle may affect vehicle operation.
See
Add-On Electrical Equipment 0360.
See your dealer if assistance is needed.
The vehicle may not pass
inspection if:
.The light is on when the engine is
running.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
124 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
.The light does not come on when
the ignition is in Service Mode.
.Critical emission control systems
have not been completely
diagnosed. If this happens, the
vehicle would not be ready for
inspection and might require
several days of routine driving
before the system is ready for
inspection. This can happen if the
12-volt battery has recently been
replaced or run down, or if the
vehicle has been recently serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will not
pass or cannot be made ready for
the test.
Brake System Warning
Light
MetricEnglish This light should come on briefly
when the vehicle is turned on. It is
located on the center stack, below the
infotainment screen. If it does not
come on then, have it fixed so it will
be ready to warn you if there is a
problem.
If the light comes on and stays on at
start up, there is a brake problem.
Have the brake system inspected
right away.
If the light comes on while driving,
pull off the road and stop carefully.
The brake system has electric brake
boost. Vehicle speed may be limited
when the brake system warning light
comes on. The brake pedal might be
harder to push, or the brake pedal
may go closer to the floor. It could
take longer to stop. If the light is still
on, have the vehicle towed for service.
See
Towing the Vehicle 0428.
{Warning
The brake system might not be
working properly if the brake
system warning light is on. Driving
with the brake system warning light
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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.
Electric Parking Brake
Light
MetricEnglish
This light comes on when the parking
brake is applied. If the light continues
flashing after the parking brake is
released, or while driving, there is a
problem with the Electric Parking
Brake system. A message may also
display in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the light does not come on,
or remains flashing, see your dealer.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
128 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
The light flashes when the TCS and/or
the StabiliTrak/ESC system is actively
working.
SeeTraction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0264.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the vehicle.
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the system
is working normally the indicator light
goes off.
Caution
The engine coolant temperature
warning light indicates that the
vehicle has overheated. Driving with
this light on can damage the engine
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
and it may not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. SeeEngine
Overheating 0375.
The engine coolant temperature
warning light comes on when the
engine has overheated.
If this happens, pull over and turn off
the engine as soon as possible. See
Engine Overheating 0375.
Driver Mode Control Light
This light comes on when Sport Mode
is selected.
This light comes on when Snow Mode
is selected.
This light comes on when Off-Road
Mode is selected.
This light comes on when the Tow/
Haul Mode is selected.
Four Corner Air Suspension
Light

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 135
.Tire Pressure
.Fuel Economy
.Average Speed
.Traffic Sign Memory
.Timer
.Diesel Exhaust Fluid
.Fuel Filter Life
.Off-Road
.Engine Hours
.Battery Voltage
.Oil Pressure
.Trailer Brake
.Coolant Temperature
.Transmission Fluid Temp
.Air Filter Life
.Brake Pad Life
.Traction and Stability
.Time and Date
Head-Up Display (HUD)
{Warning
If the HUD image is too bright or
too high in your field of view, it
may take you more time to see(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
things you need to see when it is
dark outside. Be sure to keep the
HUD image dim and placed low in
your field of view.
If equipped with HUD, some
information about the operation of
the vehicle is projected onto the
windshield. The image is projected
through the HUD lens on top of the
instrument panel. The information
appears as an image focused out
toward the front of the vehicle.
Caution
If you try to use the HUD image as
a parking aid, you may misjudge
the distance and damage your
vehicle. Do not use the HUD image
as a parking aid.
The HUD information can be
displayed in various languages. The
speedometer reading and other
numerical values can be displayed in
either English or metric units. The language selection is changed
through the radio, and the units of
measurement is changed through the
instrument cluster. See
Settings0203.HUD Display on the Windshield
Depending on how the vehicle is
equipped, the HUD may display some
of the following vehicle information
and vehicle messages or alerts:
.Speed
.Audio
.Phone
.Navigation
.Driver Assistance Features
.Vehicle Messages