check engine CADILLAC ESCALADE 2021 Owner's Guide

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
376 VEHICLE CARE
Check to see if the engine cooling
fan(s) are running. If the engine is
overheating, the fans should be
running. If they are not, do not
continue to run the engine. Have the
vehicle serviced.
If Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure cap,
even a little, can cause them to
come out at high speed and you
could be burned. Never turn the cap
when the cooling system, including
the pressure cap, is hot. Wait for
the cooling system and pressure
cap to cool.
If No Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
The ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE or the ENGINE
OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE message,
along with a low coolant condition,
can indicate a serious problem.If there is an engine overheat warning,
but no steam is seen or heard, the
problem may not be too serious.
Sometimes the engine can get a little
too hot when the vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
.Tows a trailer; see
Trailer Towing
0 334.
If the ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE or the ENGINE
OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE message
appears with no sign of steam, try this
for a minute or so: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest fan
speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral), and let the engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge is no longer in the overheat
zone or an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally
and have the cooling system checked
for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam and
the vehicle is equipped with an engine
driven cooling fan, push down the
accelerator until the engine speed is
about twice as fast as normal idle
speed for at least five minutes while
the vehicle is parked. If the warning is
still there, turn off the engine and get
everyone out of the vehicle until it
cools down.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for five minutes while parked.
If the warning is still displayed, turn
off the engine until it cools down.
Engine Fan
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see
the Duramax diesel supplement.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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
380 VEHICLE CARE
the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule0442.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake
fluid from a clean, sealed container.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0451.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the paint
finish can be damaged. Immediately
wash off any painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the
cap and do not add fluid. Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0366
for battery location.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Batteries also contain other
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer. WASH
HANDS AFTER HANDLING. For
more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning
0 363 and the back cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode. You
can be badly hurt if you are not
careful. See Jump Starting - North
America 0425 for tips on working
around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery to
keep the battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery or
use a battery trickle charger.
Four-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
If the vehicle is equipped with
Four-Wheel Drive, be sure to perform
the lubricant checks described in this
section.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Warning (Continued)
vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be
ready to apply the regular brake at
once should the vehicle begin
to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the
vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your
foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
.To check the parking brake's
holding ability: With the engine
running and the transmission in
N (Neutral), slowly remove foot
pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
.To check the P (Park) mechanism's
holding ability: With the engine
running, shift to P (Park). Then
release the parking brake followed
by the regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is
required.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be
inspected for wear or cracking.
For the proper type and size, see
Maintenance Replacement Parts 0452.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch
the windshield when no wiper blade
is installed could damage the
windshield. Any damage that occurs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not allow the wiper
arm to touch the windshield.
Front Wiper Blade Replacement
To replace the wiper blade assembly:
1. Pull the windshield wiper assembly away from the windshield.
2. Press the button in the middle ofthe wiper arm connector, and pull
the wiper blade away from the arm
connector.
3. Remove the wiper blade.
4. Reverse Steps 1–3 for wiper blade replacement.
Rear Wiper Blade Replacement
To replace the rear wiper blade:
1. With the rear wiper in the off position, open the liftglass to
access the rear wiper arm/blade.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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SeeAccessories and Modifications
0 364 and
General Information 0363.
To check a fuse, look at the
silver-colored band inside the fuse.
If the band is broken or melted,
replace the fuse. Be sure to replace a
bad fuse with a new one of the
identical size and rating.
Fuses of the same amperage can be
temporarily borrowed from another
fuse location, if a fuse goes out.
Replace the fuse as soon as possible.Engine Compartment Fuse
Block
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see
the Duramax diesel supplement.
The engine compartment fuse block is
in the engine compartment, on the
driver side of the vehicle.
The vehicle may not be equipped with
all of the fuses, relays, and features
shown.
Lift the cover to access the fuse block.
Caution
Spilling liquid on any electrical
component on the vehicle may
damage it. Always keep the covers
on any electrical component.
A fuse puller is available in the left
instrument panel fuse block.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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The vehicle may have a different size
spare tire than the road tires originally
installed on the vehicle. This spare tire
was developed for use on this vehicle,
so it is all right to drive on it. If the
vehicle has four-wheel drive and a
different size spare tire is installed,
drive only in two-wheel drive.
After installing the spare tire on the
vehicle, stop as soon as possible and
check that the spare is correctly
inflated. The spare tire is made to
perform well at speeds up to
112 km/h (70 MPH) at the
recommended inflation pressure, so
you can finish your trip.
Have the damaged or flat road tire
repaired or replaced and installed
back onto the vehicle as soon as
possible so the spare tire will be
available in case it is needed again. Do
not mix tires and wheels of difference
sizes, because they will not fit. Keep
the spare tire and its wheel together.
If the vehicle has a spare tire that
does not match the original road tires
and wheels in size and type, do not
include the spare in the tire rotation.Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North
America
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see
the Duramax diesel supplement.
For more information about the
vehicle battery, seeBattery - North
America 0380.
If the vehicle's battery (or batteries)
has run down, you may want to use
another vehicle and some jumper
cables to start your vehicle. Be sure to
use the following steps to do it safely.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Batteries also contain other
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer. WASH
HANDS AFTER HANDLING. For
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning
0 363 and the back cover.
{Warning
Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:
.They contain acid that can
burn you.
.They contain gas that can
explode or ignite.
.They contain enough electricity
to burn you.
If you do not follow these steps
exactly, some or all of these things
can hurt you.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
426 VEHICLE CARE
Caution
Ignoring these steps could result in
costly damage to the vehicle that
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Trying to start the vehicle
by pushing or pulling it will not
work, and it could damage the
vehicle.
1. Good Battery Positive Terminal
2. Good Battery Negative Terminal
3. Discharged Battery RemoteNegative Terminal
4. Discharged Battery Remote Positive Terminal
The jump start positive post (1) and
negative post (2) are on the battery of
the vehicle providing the jump start.
The jump start positive post (4) and
the negative grounding point (3) for
the discharged battery are on the
passenger side of the vehicle.
The positive jump start connection for
the discharged battery is under a
cover. Slide the cover to expose the
terminal.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery with a
negative ground system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have a
12-volt system with a negative
ground, both vehicles can be
damaged. Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. If you have a vehicle with a diesel engine with two batteries, you
should know before you begin that,
especially in cold weather, you may
not be able to get enough power
from a single battery in another vehicle to start your diesel engine.
If your vehicle has more than one
battery, using the battery that is
closer to the starter will reduce
electrical resistance. This is located
on the passenger side, in the rear
of the engine compartment.
3. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but be
sure the vehicles are not touching
each other. If they are, it could
cause an unwanted ground
connection. You would not be able
to start your vehicle, and the bad
grounding could damage the
electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the
vehicles rolling, set the parking
brake firmly on both vehicles
involved in the jump start
procedure. Put the automatic
transmission in P (Park) before
setting the parking brake. If you
have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be
sure the transfer case is in a drive
gear, not in N (Neutral).

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump starting
procedure, they could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Whenever
possible, turn off or unplug all
accessories on either vehicle when
jump starting.
4. Turn the ignition off on both vehicles. Unplug unnecessary
accessories plugged into the
accessory power outlets. Turn off
the radio and all the lamps that are
not needed. This will avoid sparks
and help save both batteries. And it
could save the radio!
5. Open the hood on the other vehicle and locate the positive (+) and
negative (−) terminal locations on
that vehicle.
The positive (+) terminal is under a
red plastic cover at the positive
battery post. To uncover the
positive (+) terminal, open the red
plastic cover. For more information on the
location of the remote positive (+)
and remote negative (−) terminals,
see
Engine Compartment Overview
0 366.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running and
can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode. People
have been hurt doing this, and
some have been blinded. Use a
flashlight if you need more light.
Battery fluid contains acid that can
burn you. Do not get it on you.
If you accidentally get it in your
eyes or on your skin, flush the place
with water and get medical help
immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving engine parts
can injure you badly. Keep your
hands away from moving parts
once the engine is running.
6. Check that the jumper cables do not have loose or missing
insulation. If they do, you could get
a shock. The vehicles could be
damaged too.
Before you connect the cables, here
are some basic things you should
know. Positive (+) will go to
positive (+) or to a remote
positive (+) terminal if the vehicle
has one. Negative (−) will go to a
heavy, unpainted metal engine part
or to a remote negative (−) terminal
if the vehicle has one.
Do not connect positive (+) to
negative (−) or you will get a short
that would damage the battery and
maybe other parts too. And do not
connect the negative (−) cable to
the negative (−) terminal on the
dead battery because this can
cause sparks.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Dinghy Towing
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Caution
If the two-wheel-drive vehicle is
towed with all four wheels on the
ground, the drivetrain components
could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not
be towed with all four wheels on the
ground. Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Only dinghy tow four-wheel-drive
vehicles with a two speed transfer
case that has an N (Neutral) and a 4
n
setting.
{Warning
Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle's
transfer case into N (Neutral) can
cause the vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in P (Park). You or
others could be injured. Set the
parking brake before shifting the
transfer case to N (Neutral).To dinghy tow:
1. Position the vehicle being towed behind the tow vehicle, facing
forward and on a level surface.
2. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.
3. Apply the parking brake and start the engine.
4. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting into
N (Neutral)” underFour-Wheel Drive
0 256 for the proper procedure.
Check that the vehicle is in
N (Neutral) by shifting the
transmission to R (Reverse) and
then to D (Drive). There should be
no movement of the vehicle while
shifting.
5. Shift the transmission to P (Park).Caution
Failure to tow the vehicle with the
transmission in P (Park) can cause
damage to the transmission.
6. Turn off the engine.

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7. Place the vehicle in ACC/ACCESSORY mode by pressing the
start button without stepping on
the brake pedal.
8. Release the parking brake only when you are confident it is
secured to tow vehicle and will
not roll.
Before going on to the next step, be
sure to take the mechanical key
with you. It will be needed to
re-enter the vehicle after the power
is disconnected. See “Drive Door
Key Lock Cylinder Access” under
Door Locks 015.
9. Disconnect the negative battery cable at the battery and secure the
nut and bolt. Cover the negative
battery post with a non-conductive
material to prevent any contact
with the negative battery terminal.
Caution
Failure to disconnect the negative
battery cable or to have it contact
the terminals can cause damage to
the vehicle. 10. Move the steering wheel to make
sure the steering column is
unlocked.
Caution
If the steering column is locked,
vehicle damage may occur.
11. Rock the vehicle to make sure the parking brake is not set and
transfer case is in N (Neutral).
Caution
Towing the vehicle with the parking
brake set can damage it. Always
release the parking brake prior to
towing the vehicle.
Disconnecting the Towed Vehicle
Before disconnecting the towed
vehicle: 1. Park on a level surface.
2. Connect the battery.
3. Apply the brake pedal.
{Warning
The vehicle can roll when the brake
pedal is released. Always apply and
hold the brake pedal when setting
the parking brake. Make sure the
parking brake is fully engaged
before releasing the brake pedal.
4. Start the engine and shift the transfer case out of N (Neutral) to
2
m. See “Shifting out of
N (Neutral)” underFour-Wheel Drive
0 256. See your dealer if the
transfer case cannot be shifted out
of N (Neutral).
5. Check that the vehicle is in 2
mby
shifting the transmission to
R (Reverse) and then to D (Drive).
There should be movement of the
vehicle while shifting.
6. Shift the transmission to P (Park) and turn off the vehicle.
7. Set the parking brake.
8. Release the parking brake.
9. Disconnect the vehicle from the tow vehicle.