ESP CADILLAC ESCALADE 2021 Owner's Guide

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
310 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Use caution while backing up when
towing a trailer, as the RCTA
detection zones that extend out from
the back of the vehicle do not move
further back when a trailer is towed.
Turning the Features On or Off
To turn the RPA symbols, guidance
lines, or Rear Cross Traffic Alert on or
off, see Rear Camera and Collision/
Detection Systems underVehicle
Personalization 0138. On some
models, select the guidance lines
button on the infotainment display to
turn them on or off.
Enhanced Automatic Parking
Assist (APA)
If equipped, under certain conditions
Enhanced Automatic Parking Assist
(APA) can use sensors based on sonar
technology along the vehicle’s front,
rear and sides to detect a parking spot
and automatically park the vehicle.
The vehicle will automatically
maneuver into a detected spot moving
at or near idle speed. It does this by
automatically steering, braking,
accelerating, and gear shifting. The
driver must always be prepared to apply braking if necessary. A display
and beeps help to guide the parking
maneuvers.
{Warning
APA may not always detect objects
in the parking space, objects that
are not rigid (e.g. shrubs and
chain-link fences), objects below the
bumper, objects high off the ground
(e.g. flatbed trucks), hanging
objects, objects below ground level
(e.g. large potholes), or moving
objects (e.g. pedestrians, cyclists,
vehicles). Always verify that the
parking space is appropriate for
parking a vehicle. APA may not
respond to changes in the parking
space, such as movement of an
adjacent vehicle, or a person or
object entering the parking space.
APA does not detect or avoid traffic
that is behind or alongside of the
vehicle. Always be prepared to stop
the vehicle during the parking
maneuver.
How to Activate Automatic Parking
To activate APA, press
Oon the
Home Page of the infotainment
display for the system to begin
searching for a parking space while
driving forward at no greater than
30 km/h (18 mph). By default, APA
searches for parallel parking spaces to
the right of the vehicle up to the
sensors ’range of 1.5 m (5 ft). To
search for a parking space to the left,
turn on the left turn signal or,
if available, change the side selection
in the infotainment display. To switch
the parking mode between parallel
and perpendicular press and hold
O
while searching for a valid parking
spot or, if available, change the
parking mode in the infotainment
display.
APA cannot park in all empty parking
spots. The parking spot must:
.Be sufficiently large to fit the
vehicle comfortably.
.Have an adjacent vehicle, wall,
or pillar for the system to align to.

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316 DRIVING AND OPERATING
above 4 km/h (2 mph). It can detect
vehicles up to approximately 60 m
(197 ft).
{Warning
AEB is an emergency crash
preparation feature and is not
designed to avoid crashes. Do not
rely on AEB to brake the vehicle.
AEB will not brake outside of its
operating speed range and only
responds to detected vehicles.
AEB may not:
.Detect a vehicle ahead on
winding or hilly roads.
.Detect all vehicles, especially
vehicles with a trailer, tractors,
muddy vehicles, etc.
.Detect a vehicle when weather
limits visibility, such as in fog,
rain, or snow.
.Detect a vehicle ahead if it is
partially blocked by pedestrians
or other objects.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Complete attention is always
required while driving, and you
should be ready to take action and
apply the brakes and/or steer the
vehicle to avoid crashes.
AEB may slow the vehicle to a
complete stop to try to avoid a
potential crash. If this happens, AEB
may engage the Electric Parking Brake
(EPB) to hold the vehicle at a stop.
Release the EPB or firmly press the
accelerator pedal.
{Warning
AEB may automatically brake the
vehicle suddenly in situations
where it is unexpected and
undesired. It could respond to a
turning vehicle ahead, guardrails,
signs, and other non-moving
objects. To override AEB, firmly
press the accelerator pedal, if it is
safe to do so.
Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
IBA may activate when the brake
pedal is applied quickly by providing a
boost to braking based on the speed
of approach and distance to a vehicle
ahead.
Minor brake pedal pulsations or pedal
movement during this time is normal
and the brake pedal should continue
to be applied as needed. IBA will
automatically disengage only when
the brake pedal is released.
{Warning
IBA may increase vehicle braking in
situations when it may not be
necessary. You could block the flow
of traffic. If this occurs, take your
foot off the brake pedal and then
apply the brakes as needed.
AEB and IBA can be disabled. See
“Collision/Detection Systems” under
Vehicle Personalization 0138.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 317
{Warning
Using AEB or IBA while towing a
trailer could cause you to lose
control of the vehicle and crash.
Turn the system to Alert or Off
when towing a trailer.
A system unavailable message may
display if:
.The front of the vehicle or
windshield is not clean.
.Heavy rain or snow is interfering
with object detection.
.There is a problem with the
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC) system.
The AEB system does not need
service.
Front Pedestrian Braking
(FPB) System
If equipped, the FPB system may help
avoid or reduce the harm caused by
front-end crashes with nearby
pedestrians when driving in a
forward gear. FPB displays an amber
indicator,
~, when a nearby pedestrian is detected ahead. When
approaching a detected pedestrian too
quickly, FPB provides a red flashing
alert on the windshield and rapidly
beeps or pulses the driver seat. FPB
can provide a boost to braking or
automatically brake the vehicle. This
system includes Intelligent Brake
Assist (IBA), and the Automatic
Emergency Braking (AEB) system may
also respond to pedestrians. See
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
0
315.
The FPB system can detect and alert
to pedestrians in a forward gear at
speeds between 8 km/h (5 mph) and
80 km/h (50 mph). During daytime
driving, the system detects
pedestrians up to a distance of
approximately 40 m (131 ft). During
nighttime driving, system performance
is very limited.
{Warning
FPB does not provide an alert or
automatically brake the vehicle,
unless it detects a pedestrian. FPB
may not detect pedestrians,
including children:
.When the pedestrian is not
directly ahead, fully visible,
or standing upright, or when part
of a group.
.Due to poor visibility, including
nighttime conditions, fog, rain,
or snow.
.If the FPB sensor is blocked by
dirt, snow, or ice.
.If the headlamps or windshield
are not cleaned or in proper
condition.
Be ready to take action and apply
the brakes. For more information,
see Defensive Driving 0231. Keep
the windshield, headlamps, and FPB
sensor clean and in good repair.

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322 DRIVING AND OPERATING
display will light up in the
corresponding side mirror and will
flash if the turn signal is on. The Side
Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) system is
included as part of the LCA system.
{Warning
LCA does not alert the driver to
vehicles outside of the system
detection zones, pedestrians,
bicyclists, or animals. It may not
provide alerts when changing lanes
under all driving conditions. Failure
to use proper care when changing
lanes may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. Before making a
lane change, always check mirrors,
glance over your shoulder, and use
the turn signals.LCA Detection Zones
1. SBZA Detection Zone
2. LCA Detection Zone
When towing a trailer, LCA feature is
disabled. When not towing a trailer,
the LCA sensor covers a zone of
approximately one lane over from
both sides of the vehicle, or 3.5 m
(11 ft). The height of the zone is
approximately between 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
and 2 m (6 ft) off the ground. Drivers
are also warned of vehicles rapidly
approaching this area up to
approximately 70 m (230 ft) behind
the vehicle.
Extended Side Blind Zone Area
(ESBZA)
If equipped, the ESBZA system is a
lane-changing aid that assists drivers
with avoiding crashes that occur with
moving vehicles in the side blind
zone, or blind spot areas. The
extended side blind zone area adds
the blind zone area along the side of a
trailer that the host vehicle is pulling.
When the vehicle is in a forward gear,
the left or right side mirror display
will light up if a moving vehicle is
detected in that extended blind zone.
If the turn signal is activated and a
vehicle is also detected on the same
side, the display will flash as an extra
warning not to change lanes. Since
this system is part of the Lane Change
Alert system, read the entire Lane
Change Alert section before using this
feature.
{Warning
ESBZA does not alert the driver to
vehicles outside of the system
detection zones, pedestrians,
(Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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324 DRIVING AND OPERATING
extend back from the side of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed. Use caution
while changing lanes when towing a
trailer. LCA/ESBZA may alert to
objects attached to the vehicle, such
as a trailer, bicycle, or object
extending out to either side of the
vehicle or trailer. This is normal
system operation; the vehicle does not
need service.
LCA/ESBZA may not always alert the
driver to vehicles in the side blind
zone, especially in wet conditions. The
system does not need to be serviced.
The system may light up due to
guardrails, signs, trees, shrubs, and
other non-moving objects. This is
normal system operation; the vehicle
does not need service.
LCA/ESBZA may not operate when the
LCA/ESBZA sensors in the left or right
corners of the rear bumper are
covered with mud, dirt, snow, ice,
or slush, or in heavy rainstorms. For
cleaning instructions, see "Washing
the Vehicle" underExterior Care0432.
If the DIC displays the system
unavailable message after cleaning both sides of the vehicle toward the
rear corners of the vehicle, see your
dealer.
If the DIC displays the system
unavailable message after cleaning
both sides of the vehicle toward the
rear corners of the vehicle, see your
dealer
If the LCA/ESBZA displays do not
light up when vehicles are in the blind
zone and the system is clean, the
system may need service. Take the
vehicle to your dealer.
When ESBZA is disabled for any
reason other than the driver turning it
off, the Extended Side Blind Zone
Alert On option will not be available
on the personalization menu.
Driving with a Trailer
Although this system is intended to
help drivers avoid lane change
crashes, it does not replace driver
vision and therefore should be
considered a lane change aid. Even
with the ESBZA system, the driver
must check carefully for objects
outside of the reporting zone (e.g., a
fast approaching vehicle) or vehicle
along the side of the trailer before
changing lanes.
Use caution while changing lanes
when towing a trailer.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
If equipped, LKA may help avoid
crashes due to unintentional lane
departures. This system uses a camera
to detect lane markings between
60 km/h (37 mph) and 180 km/h
(112 mph). It may assist by gently
turning the steering wheel if the
vehicle approaches a detected lane
marking. It may also provide a Lane
Departure Warning (LDW) alert if the
vehicle crosses a detected lane
marking. LKA can be overridden by
turning the steering wheel. This
system is not intended to keep the
vehicle centered in the lane. LKA will
not assist and alert if the turn signal
is active in the direction of lane
departure, or if it detects that you are
accelerating, braking or actively
steering.

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DRIVING AND OPERATING 331
.Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be turned
to alert or off when towing a trailer:
.Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB)
.Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert
(LCA), the LCA detection zones that
extend back from the side of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed. Use caution
while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic
Alert (RCTA), use caution while
backing up when towing a trailer, as
the RCTA detection zones that extend
out from the back of the vehicle do
not move further back when a trailer
is towed.
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of the
vehicle and enter if the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most window
is open.
When towing a trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on or
under the instrument panel.
.Also adjust the climate control
system to a setting that brings in
only outside air. See “Climate
Control Systems” in the Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust
0 250.
Towing a trailer requires experience.
The combination of the vehicle and
trailer is longer and not as responsive
as the vehicle itself. Get used to the
handling and braking of the
combination by driving on a level road
surface before driving on public roads. The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must be all be rated to carry
the intended cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the combination
to operate in an unexpected or unsafe
manner. Before driving, inspect all
trailer hitch parts and attachments,
safety chains, electrical connectors,
lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing
Equipment 0338. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the
trailer brake controller to check the
trailer brakes work. During the trip,
occasionally check that the cargo and
trailer are secure and that the lamps
and any trailer brakes are working.
Towing with a Stability Control
System
When towing, the stability control
system might be heard. The system
reacts to vehicle movement caused by
the trailer, which mainly occurs
during cornering. This is normal when
towing heavier trailers.

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DRIVING AND OPERATING 333
2. Have someone place chocks underthe trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake
pedal to allow the chocks to absorb
the load of the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into a gear.
.Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Launching and Retrieving a Boat
Backing the Trailer into the Water
{Warning
.Have all passengers get out of
the vehicle before backing onto
the sloped part of the ramp.
Lower the driver and passenger
side windows before backing
onto the ramp. This will provide
a means of escape in the unlikely
event the vehicle slides into the
water.
.If the boat launch surface is
slippery, have the driver remain
in the vehicle with the brake
pedal applied while the boat is
being launched. The boat launch
can be especially slippery at low
tide when part of the ramp was
previously submerged at high
tide. Do not back onto the ramp
to launch the boat if you are not
sure the vehicle can maintain
traction.
.Do not move the vehicle if
someone is in the path of the
trailer. Some parts of the trailer
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
might be underwater and not
visible to people who are
assisting in launching the boat.
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before backing the trailer into the
water to prevent damage to the
electrical circuits on the trailer.
Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after removing the trailer from the
water. If the trailer has electric brakes
that can function when the trailer is
submerged, it might help to leave the
electrical trailer connector attached to
maintain trailer brake functionality
while on the boat ramp.
To back the trailer into the water: 1. If equipped, place the vehicle in four-wheel-drive high.
2. Slowly back down the boat ramp until the boat is floating, but no
further than necessary.
3. Press and hold the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet.
4. Have someone place chocks under the front wheels of the vehicle.

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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.

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DRIVING AND OPERATING 353
Connections
1. Trailer Electrical Diagnostics
2. Light Test Start Button
Connections: OK
If a trailer connection is detected
without any faults, the view will
display OK.
Trailer Connections Status
When a trailer is connected, the
Trailering App System detects the
trailer connection using the Stop/Turn
Signal lighting circuits and alerts the
driver by requesting a trailer profile
setup through the Trailering App
System on the infotainment screen.
The Trailer Detection Alert setting
must be enabled for the alert to
display when a trailer is connected.When a trailer is connected and the
ignition is off, the Trailering App
System will periodically pulse the
lighting circuits of the trailer to verify
it is still connected. The trailer lights
may periodically flash as a result of
this trailer connection detection.
These flashes may be more visible in
dark ambient light environments. The
flashing or flickering lights are a
normal condition and the Trailering
App System has built-in protections to
prevent the battery from draining.
When Theft Alert is also enabled the
frequency and pattern of this flashing
will change.
Connection Problem
If any of the trailer connections are
lost, a message about the connection
issue will appear on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The
infotainment display will also show
the connection issue in the
Connection Status view.
If a trailer connection is not detected,
the Trailering App will not display the
Connection Status screen.
Connection Trailer Lighting Faults
Detected
The Trailering App System monitors
for electrical faults on the trailer
lights. A message about the lighting
issue will appear on the DIC. The
infotainment display will also show
the lighting issue in the Connection
Status view. Repair your trailer lights
if needed. A trailer lighting issue is
not covered by your GM warranty.
Diagnose View
Touch Diagnose to see more
information about the connection
problem.
This view will display the names of
the trailer connector pins, a graphic of
the trailer connector, and a graphic of
the back of the trailer.
Any connector pin that failed will be
amber color, and the location of the
corresponding connection will be
highlighted on the graphic of the back
of the trailer.
The Running Lights connection may
not detect partial outages. Activate
the light test to check all trailer
lamps. See
“Light Test”following.

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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