towing CADILLAC ESCALADE 2021 Service Manual

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 347
.The ITBC system first determines
connection to a trailer with electric
brakes and then the trailer harness
becomes disconnected the vehicle.
If the disconnect occurs while the
vehicle is stationary, this message
will automatically turn off in about
30 seconds. This message will also
turn off if it is acknowledged or if
the trailer harness is reconnected.
If the disconnect occurs while the
vehicle is moving, this message will
continue until the ignition is turned
off. This message will also turn off if
it is acknowledged or if the trailer
harness is reconnected.
.There is an electrical fault in the
wiring to the trailer brakes. This
message will continue as long as
there is an electrical fault in the
trailer wiring. This message will also
turn off if it is acknowledged.
To determine whether the electrical
fault is on the vehicle side or trailer
side of the trailer wiring harness
connection: 1. Disconnect the trailer wiring harness from the vehicle.
2. Turn the ignition off. 3. Wait 10 seconds, then turn the
ignition back to RUN.
4. If the CHECK TRAILER WIRING message reappears, the electrical
fault is on the vehicle side.
If the CHECK TRAILER WIRING
message only reappears when
connecting the trailer wiring
harness to the vehicle, the
electrical fault is on the trailer side.
SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM:
This message will display when there
is a problem with the ITBC system.
If this message continues over
multiple ignition cycles, there is a
problem with the ITBC system. Have
the vehicle serviced.
If either the CHECK TRAILER WIRING
or SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM
message displays while driving, the
ITBC system may not be fully
functional or may not function at all.
When traffic conditions allow,
carefully pull the vehicle over to the
side of the road and turn the ignition
off. Check the wiring connection to
the trailer and turn the ignition back on. If either of these messages
continues, either the vehicle or trailer
needs service.
A GM dealer may be able to diagnose
and repair problems with the trailer.
However, any diagnosis and repair of
the trailer is not covered under the
vehicle warranty. Contact your trailer
dealer for assistance with trailer
repairs and trailer warranty
information.
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
Vehicles with StabiliTrak/Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) have a Trailer
Sway Control (TSC) feature. Trailer
sway is unintended side-to-side
motion of a trailer while towing. If the
vehicle is towing a trailer and the TSC
detects that sway is increasing, the
vehicle brakes are selectively applied
at each wheel, to help reduce
excessive trailer sway. If equipped with
the Integrated Trailer Brake Control
(ITBC) system, and the trailer has an
electric brake system, StabiliTrak may
also apply the trailer brakes.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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348 DRIVING AND OPERATING
If TSC is enabled, the Traction Control
System (TCS)/StabiliTrak warning
light will flash on the instrument
cluster. Reduce vehicle speed by
gradually removing your foot from the
accelerator. If trailer sway continues,
StabiliTrak can help slow the vehicle
down. TSC will not function if
StabiliTrak is turned off. SeeTraction
Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 264.
{Warning
Trailer sway can result in a crash
and in serious injury or death, even
if the vehicle is equipped with TSC.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
If the trailer begins to sway, reduce
vehicle speed by gradually removing
your foot from the accelerator. Then
pull over to check the trailer and
vehicle to help correct possible
causes, including an improperly or
overloaded trailer, unrestrained
cargo, improper trailer hitch
configuration, or improperly
inflated or incorrect vehicle or
trailer tires. SeeTowing Equipment
0 338 for trailer ratings and hitch
setup recommendations.
Aftermarket Electronic Trailer
Sway Control Devices
Some trailers may come equipped
with an electronic device designed to
reduce or control trailer sway.
Aftermarket equipment manufacturers
also offer similar devices that connect
to the wiring between the trailer and
the vehicle. These devices may
interfere with the vehicle’s trailer
brake systems or other systems,
including integrated anti-sway
systems, if equipped. Messages related to trailer connections or trailer brakes
could appear on the DIC. The effects
of these aftermarket devices on
vehicle handling or trailer brake
performance is not known.
{Warning
Use of aftermarket electronic trailer
sway control devices could result in
reduced trailer brake performance,
loss of trailer brakes, or other
malfunctions, and result in a crash.
You or others could be seriously
injured or killed. Before using one
of these devices:
.Ask the device or trailer
manufacturer if the device has
been thoroughly tested for
compatibility with the make,
model, and year of your vehicle
and any optional equipment
installed on your vehicle.
.Before driving, check the trailer
brakes are working properly,
if equipped. Drive the vehicle
with the trailer attached on a
level road surface that is free of
traffic at about 32-40 km/h
(Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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350 DRIVING AND OPERATING
The sequence also deactivates when
any of the following occur:
.The ignition is turned off.
.The transmission is shifted out of
P (Park).
.The brake pedal is pressed.
.The turn signal is activated.
.The hazard warning lights are
activated.
Trailering App
If equipped, the Trailering App is on
the Home Page of the infotainment
display.
If equipped this feature allows profiles
for connected trailers to be created to
view status, to store and track trailer
usage information, and to set up
towing assistance features.
The Trailering App Preview will
appear when the Trailering App is
opened for the first time from the
Home Page. Touch GET STARTED in
the Trailering App to go into the app.
When a trailer is electrically
connected and a trailer profile has not
been created, there will be an option
to create a profile, use a guest profile,or select Accessory/No trailer. After
the pop-up is displayed three times,
Don’t Remind Me will display and
touching that will turn off the trailer
detection pop-up. To turn the Trailer
Detection Alert on, select ON in the
Settings tab.
When a trailer is electrically
connected and after a Trailer Profile
has been created, the trailer detection
pop-up will appear with a list of all of
the custom Trailer Profiles made on
the vehicle. To load an existing Trailer
Profile, select one of the Trailer
Profiles listed, or load the Guest
Trailer Profile by selecting GUEST
TRAILER. Touching Accessory/No
trailer will select Accessory/No trailer
as the active Trailer Profile and will
dismiss the pop- up. Shifting the
vehicle from P (Park) will select Guest
Trailer as the active Trailer Profile and
will dismiss the pop-up.
Create a Trailer Profile
1. Touch Create Profile on the trailer detection pop-up or touch + Add
Trailer Profile in the Trailering App.
2. Create a name for the trailer.
3. Select the trailer type. 4. Select Save Profile.
A pop-up will indicate the setup is
complete. Touch DONE to complete
the process or touch TRAILER
FEATURE SETUP to set up the Tow/
Haul Mode reminder, Trailer Tire
Pressure Monitoring System,
if equipped, maintenance reminders,
or towing assistance, if equipped.
Import a Trailer Profile
A trailer profile saved to an OnStar
account can be imported to the
vehicle. 1. Touch + Add Trailer Profile in the Trailering App
2. Touch Import Profile on the pop-up.
3. Select a trailer profile from the list.
4. Touch IMPORT.
A pop-up will indicate the import was
successful. Touch OK to return to the
trailer list and select the trailer profile.
The Tow/Haul Mode reminder, Brake
Gain Setting and Trailer Tire Pressure
sensor learning, if equipped, do not
import.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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352 DRIVING AND OPERATING
4. Move to the next tire and repeatStep 3 for each sensor. The horn
chirps twice when all sensors are
completed.
5. Return to the vehicle to complete the setup.
Maintenance Reminders
To set up maintenance reminders,
touch the Trailer Maintenance icon.
Select Yes to set up the maintenance
reminders for the Trailer Profile.
Follow the on-screen prompts. The
maximum number of reminders is 50.
Select No to return to the previous
screen.
Towing Assistance
To set up towing assistance features,
if equipped, touch the Towing
Assistance icon.
Touch Yes to begin set up or touch No
to return to the previous screen.
1. Select the number of axles on the trailer.
2. Enter trailer dimensions 3. Follow the on-screen instructions
to complete setup for available
features.
Rear Trailer Guidance Setup (if
equipped)
A rear trailer camera must be
mounted on the trailer and electrically
connected to the vehicle before
transparent trailer feature can be
used. See Assistance Systems for
Parking or Backing 0299,
1. If trailer dimensions are out of range, this feature will be
unavailable.
2. Ensure rear trailer camera is connected.
3. Follow instructions to drive forward to complete calibration.
.Trailer Length: 300 cm
(118.1 in) –1300 cm (511.8 in).
Measure from center of coupler
to furthest rear point on the
trailer.
Trailer Length Indicator Setup
1. Follow instructions to drive forward to complete calibration.
Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert
Setup
Trailer dimensions must be in range
to enable this feature.
.Trailer Length: 300 cm (118.1 in) –
1200 cm (472.4 in). Measure from
center of coupler to furthest rear
point on the trailer.
If trailer dimensions are out of range,
this feature will be unavailable.
Status View
The Status view shows:
.Vehicle
.Connections
.Tires
.Maintenance
.Cameras
Upon entry, the most recent items will
be shown. Select MORE to view all
options.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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356 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Accessory/No Trailer
Status View
If the Accessory/No Trailer profile is
active, trailer status information is not
available.
Checklist View
This view shows the recommended
steps to take before towing a trailer.
Touch the box next to each item if
that step has been completed.
Touch
pto access a detailed view
of each step. Within each detailed
view, touch Next and Previous to
navigate between steps.
Touch Clear All to clear the completed
statuses from all items in the current
checklist.
Custom Checklist Items
For each of the Trailer Profile
checklists, there is an option to create
custom items to view in the checklist.
The custom item will appear at the
bottom of the checklist.
Guest Trailer and No Trailer
Connected
If Guest Trailer Profile is active or if
no trailer is connected, the checklist
will show all of the checklists
associated with Custom Trailer
Profiles in addition to default
checklists.
Trailers View
Touch the Trailers tab to view,
activate, create, edit, or delete Trailer
Profiles.
If a trailer is connected, touch the
Trailer Profile name to activate a
Trailer Profile.
There can be up to five Custom Trailer
Profiles on the vehicle.
The Custom Trailer Profiles and Guest
Trailer are in order of the most
frequently used. The Accessory/No
Trailer profile is shown below the
Custom Trailer Profiles and Guest
Trailer Profile. All personalization features are based
on the settings for each driver in
vehicle personalization. The list of
Trailer Profiles is based on vehicle
personalization settings.
Guest Trailer
If the Guest Trailer Profile is the
active Trailer Profile, trailer detection,
connections status, theft, and the
Tow/Haul reminder alerts can be sent.
The system will not track total
mileage or fuel economy, but the
system will track trip mileage and fuel
economy if the Guest Trailer Profile is
active. The Trailer Tire Pressure
Monitoring System or maintenance
reminders cannot be set up for a
Guest Trailer Profile. The Guest Trailer
Profile cannot be edited.
Touch
pto learn more about the
Guest Trailer option.
Accessory/No Trailer
If the Accessory/No Trailer Profile is
active, alerts will not be sent and the
system will not track mileage or fuel
economy. The Trailer Tire Pressure
Monitoring System or maintenance
reminders cannot be set up for the

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DRIVING AND OPERATING 357
Accessory/No Trailer Profile. The
Accessory/No Trailer profile cannot be
edited.
No Trailer Connected
When there is no trailer connected,
Trailer Profiles cannot be activated
but most options can be edited.
Trailer Brake Gain Memory
The system can memorize the brake
gain setting of a Trailer Profile or a
Guest Trailer Profile. When a Trailer
Profile or Guest Trailer Profile is
selected, and a brake gain setting is
set for that Trailer Profile, a quick
notice will appear to indicate that the
system has recalled that profile’s
brake gain setting.
If a Trailer Profile is already active
and the brake gain setting had been
set for that Trailer Profile, the quick
notice will trigger whenever the
ignition is turned on.
If there was an error in setting the
brake gain for a Trailer Profile, there
will be a notification. This pop-up will
not appear if the Guest Trailer Profile
is active or if there is no trailer
connected.Trailer brake gain should be set for a
specific trailering condition and must
be adjusted anytime vehicle loading,
trailer loading, or road surface
conditions change.
Editing a Trailer Profile
Trailer Profile View
Touch to edit any of the following
options in the Trailer Profile view:
.Trailer Name
.Towing Assistance Setup,
if equipped
.Tire Pressure Setup, if equipped
.Trailer Maintenance
.Edit Mileage
.Reset Average Fuel Economy
Touch Save to save the new value to
the Trailer Profile. Touching Back will
still save the previously entered
information.
Trailer Name
Touch to edit the Trailer Profile’s
name. Use at least one character and
no spaces. Touch Save. Towing Assistance Setup
A trailer should be connected to
complete this portion of profile setup.
Touch to set up towing assistance
features for the Trailer Profile. See
"Towing Assistance" for details on the
setup.
Tire Pressure Setup
Touch to set up the Trailer Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TTPMS)
for the Trailer Profile. See
“Trailer Tire
Pressure Setup ”previously in this
section for details on the setup. Also,
touch Tire Pressure Setup if the trailer
tires were rotated or if the tire
pressure sensors in the tires were
replaced for this Trailer Profile. The
vehicle will need to relearn the tire
sensors and their locations.
If TTPMS had been set up previously,
the Select Number of Sensors screen
will appear after touching Tire
Pressure Setup. If the number of
sensors has changed, select the
number and touch Next.
If a new number of sensors is selected,
the Relearn Sensors pop-up will
appear. Touch Cancel to go back or

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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360 DRIVING AND OPERATING
If the setting is turned off for a given
Trailer Profile, the smartphone will
not receive this security notification
even if the Trailer Profile is active.
Tow/Haul Mode Reminder
This is a reminder to turn on the Tow/
Haul Mode when towing a trailer. See
Tow/Haul Mode0256.
Touch Tow/Haul Mode Reminder in
Settings to view the Tow/Haul Mode
Reminder settings page. These alerts
are based on the Trailer Profile, so the
settings for each Trailer Profile must
be turned on or off. Touch a profile to
view more information or to adjust
the setting for that profile.
This setting will default to OFF for
each Trailer Profile, including the
Guest Trailer Profile.
If Tow/Haul Mode is off and this
setting is on for a Trailer Profile, each
time the ignition is turned on a
reminder will appear to turn on Tow/
Haul Mode when the Trailer Profile is
active. If Tow/Haul Mode is on and this
setting is on for a Trailer Profile, the
reminder will not appear when the
Trailer Profile is active.
Trailer Length Indicator
Touch Trailer Length Indicator to view
the Trailer Length Indicator settings
page. If this setting is ON a guideline
is displayed in the side mirror camera
view to indicate the rear of the
attached trailer. If this setting is OFF
the guideline will not be displayed.
This setting will default to OFF if the
trailer length indicator feature is not
set up. See "Towing Assistance" for
details on the setup.
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC) is
used for vehicle service and
Emission Inspection/Maintenance
testing. See
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0122.
A device connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle systems.
This could affect vehicle operation
and cause a crash. Such devices
may also access information stored
in the vehicle’s systems.
Caution
Some electrical equipment can
damage the vehicle or cause
components to not work and would (Continued)

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VEHICLE CARE 363
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 428
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . 429
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 432
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 437
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit your
dealer. You will receive genuine GM
parts and GM-trained and supported
service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these
marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
{Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this
one, as well as many of its service
parts and fluids, contain and/or
emit chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Engine exhaust, many parts
and systems, many fluids, and
some component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these
chemicals. For more information go
to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0380 and
Jump Starting - North America 0425
and the back cover.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag initiators,
seat belt pretensioners, and lithium
batteries contained in electronic keys,

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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.

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If the vehicle has electric cooling fans,
the fans may be heard spinning at low
speed during most everyday driving.
The fans may turn off if no cooling is
required. Under heavy vehicle loading,
trailer towing, high outside
temperatures, or operation of the air
conditioning system, the fans may
change to high speed and an increase
in fan noise may be heard. This is
normal and indicates that the cooling
system is functioning properly. The
fans will change to low speed when
additional cooling is no longer
required.
The electric engine cooling fans may
run after the engine has been turned.
off. This is normal and no service is
required.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid needs
to be added, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. Use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing in an area
where the temperature may fall below
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
The vehicle has a low washer fluid
message on the DIC that comes on
when the washer fluid is low. The
message is displayed for 15 seconds at
the start of each ignition cycle. When
the WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID
message displays, washer fluid will
need to be added to the windshield
washer fluid reservoir.
Open the cap with the washer symbol
on it. Add washer fluid until the tank
is full. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview 0366 for reservoir location.
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can cause
the wiper blades to chatter
or skip.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the windshield
washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system and
paint.
.Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid. Water
can cause the solution to freeze
and damage the washer fluid
tank and other parts of the
washer system.
.When using concentrated washer
fluid, follow the manufacturer
instructions for adding water.
.Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is very
cold. This allows for fluid
expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank if
it is completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or can be