battery replacement CADILLAC ESCALADE 2021 Owner's Manual

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
KEYS, DOORS, AND WINDOWS 7
The mechanical key inside the remote
key can be used for all locks.
To remove the mechanical key, press
the button near the bottom of the
remote key, and pull the mechanical
key out. Never pull the mechanical
key out without pressing the button.
If it becomes difficult to turn a key,
inspect the key blade for debris.
Periodically clean with a brush
or pick.
See your dealer if a replacement key
or additional key is needed.
Contact Roadside Service if locked out
of the vehicle. SeeRoadside Service
0 462. With an active OnStar or connected
service plan, an OnStar Advisor may
remotely unlock the vehicle. See
OnStar Overview
0471.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System
See Radio Frequency Statement 0467.
If there is a decrease in the remote
key operating range:
.Check the distance. The remote key
may be too far from the vehicle.
.Check the location. Other vehicles
or objects may be blocking the
signal.
.Check the remote key’s battery. See
“Battery Replacement ”later in this
section.
.If the remote key is still not working
correctly, see your dealer or a
qualified technician for service.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
The Keyless Access system allows for
vehicle entry when the remote key is
within 1 m (3 ft). See “Keyless Access
Operation ”later in this section.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
KEYS, DOORS, AND WINDOWS 11
Remote No Longer in Vehicle Alert
If the vehicle is on with a door open,
and then all doors are closed, the
vehicle will check for remote keys
inside. If a remote key is not detected,
the Driver Information Center (DIC)
will display NO REMOTE DETECTED
and the horn will chirp three times.
This occurs only once each time the
vehicle is driven. To turn on or off see
Vehicle Personalization0138.
Keyless Liftgate Opening
Press the touchpad on the underside
of the liftgate handle to open the
liftgate when all doors are unlocked,
or when the remote key is within
1 m (3 ft).
Keyless Liftglass Opening
Press the exterior liftglass button to
open the liftglass when all doors are
unlocked, or when the remote key is
within 1 m (3 ft).
See Liftgate 020.
Mechanical Key Access
To access a vehicle with a weak
remote key battery, see Door Locks
0 15.Programming Remote Keys to
the Vehicle
Only remote keys programmed to the
vehicle will work. If a remote key is
lost or stolen, a replacement can be
purchased and programmed through
your dealer. The vehicle can be
reprogrammed so that lost or stolen
remote keys no longer work. Each
vehicle can have up to eight remote
keys matched to it.
Programming with Recognized
Remote Keys
A new key can be programmed to the
vehicle when there are two
recognized keys.
To program, the vehicle must be in
RUN and all remote keys, both
currently recognized and new, must
be with you.
1. Place the two recognized remote keys on the passenger seat.
2. Scroll to the DIC menu to "Remote Key Learn" menu and select.
The DIC displays READY FOR
REMOTE #3, 4, 5, ETC.
3. Place the new remote key into thefront cupholder.
4. Press ENGINE START/STOP. When the remote key is learned, the DIC
display will show that it is ready to
program the next remote key.
5. Remove the remote key from the front cupholder and press
KorQ
on the remote key.
To program additional remote keys,
repeat Steps 3–5.
When all additional remote keys
are programmed, press and hold
ENGINE START/STOP for
approximately 12 seconds to exit
programming mode.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
12 KEYS, DOORS, AND WINDOWS
Programming without Recognized
Remote Keys
If two currently recognized remote
keys are not available, see your dealer
to program new remote keys.
Starting the Vehicle with a Low
Remote Key Battery
If the remote key battery is weak or if
there is interference with the signal,
the DIC may display NO REMOTE
DETECTED or NO REMOTE KEY WAS
DETECTED PLACE KEY IN
TRANSMITTER POCKET THEN
START YOUR VEHICLE when starting
the vehicle.To start the vehicle:
1. Place the remote key into the front
cupholder.
2. With the vehicle in P (Park) or N (Neutral) press the brake pedal
and ENGINE START/STOP.
Replace the remote key battery as
soon as possible.
Battery Replacement
{Warning
Never allow children to play with
the remote key. The remote key
contains a small battery, which can
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
be a choking hazard. If swallowed,
internal burns can occur, resulting
in severe injury or death. Seek
medical attention immediately if a
battery is swallowed.
{Warning
To avoid personal injury, do not
touch metal surfaces on the remote
key when it has been exposed to
extreme heat. These surfaces can be
hot to the touch at temperatures
above 59 °C (138 °F).
Caution
When replacing the battery, do not
touch any of the circuitry on the
remote key. Static from your body
could damage the remote key.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
122 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Warning (Continued)
the vehicle serviced right away. See
Airbag Readiness Light0120 for
more information, including
important safety information.
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on
briefly when the ignition is turned on,
but the engine is not running, as a
check to show the light is working.
It should go out when the engine is
started.
If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, there may be a problem
with the electrical charging system.
Have it checked by your dealer.
Driving while this light is on could
drain the battery. When this light comes on, or is
flashing, the Driver Information
Center (DIC) also displays a message.
If a short distance must be driven
with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the radio and
air conditioner. Find a safe place to
stop the vehicle.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)
If equipped with a diesel engine, see
the Duramax Diesel Supplement.
This light is part of the vehicle’s
emission control on-board diagnostic
system. It is located on the center
stack, below the infotainment screen.
If this light is on while the engine is
running, a malfunction has been
detected and the vehicle may require
service. The light should come on to
show that it is working when the
ignition is in Service Mode. See
Ignition Positions
0245.
Malfunctions are often indicated by
the system before any problem is
noticeable. Being aware of the light
and seeking service promptly when it
comes on may prevent damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually
with this light on, the emission
control system may not work as
well, the fuel economy may be
lower, and the vehicle may not run
smoothly. This could lead to costly
repairs that might not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not meet
(Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
138 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC
indicate the status of the vehicle or
some action that may be needed to
correct a condition. Multiple messages
may appear one after another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be
acknowledged and cleared by pressing
the thumbwheel. The messages that
require immediate action cannot be
cleared until that action is performed.
All messages should be taken
seriously; clearing the message does
not correct the problem.
If a SERVICE message appears, see
your dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays
messages regarding the following
topics:
.Service Messages
.Fluid Levels
.Vehicle Security
.Brakes
.Ride Control Systems
.Driver Assistance Systems
.Cruise Control
.Lighting and Bulb Replacement
.Wiper/Washer Systems
.Doors and Windows
.Seat Belts
.Airbag Systems
.Engine and Transmission
.Tire Pressure
.Battery
Engine Power Messages
REDUCED ACCELERATION DRIVE
WITH CARE
This message displays when the
vehicle's propulsion power is reduced.
A reduction in propulsion power can
affect the vehicle's ability to
accelerate. If this message is on, but
there is no observed reduction in
performance, proceed to your
destination. Under certain conditions
the performance may be reduced the
next time the vehicle is driven. The
vehicle may be driven while this
message is on, but maximum
acceleration and speed may be
reduced. Anytime this message stayson, or displays repeatedly, the vehicle
should be taken to your dealer for
service as soon as possible.
Under certain operating conditions,
propulsion will be disabled. Try
restarting after the ignition has been
off for two minutes.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX
KM/H (MPH)
This message shows that the vehicle
speed has been limited to the speed
displayed. The limited speed is a
protection for various propulsion and
vehicle systems, such as lubrication,
thermal, brakes, suspension, Teen
Driver if equipped, or tires.
Vehicle Personalization
The following are all possible vehicle
personalization features. Depending
on the vehicle, some may not be
available.
For System and Search functions, see
Settings
0203.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM 179
A flashing light indicates the
headphones are not in range. Move
them closer to the forward overhead
screen until the light stops flashing.
If the light does not come on, check
the batteries. Intermittent sound or
static can also indicate weak batteries.
See“Battery Replacement ”later in this
section.
Turn the headphones off when they
are not in use.
Press the center of the right side of
the headphone to change the channel.
Channel 1 will provide audio
associated with screen 1 and channel 2
will provide audio associated with
screen 2.
Infrared transmitters are on the top of
the right seatback video screen. The
headphones shut off automatically to
save the battery power if the RSI
system is off or if the headphones are
out of range of the transmitters for
more than three minutes. Moving too
far forward or stepping out of the
vehicle can cause the headphones to
lose the signal or have static.
Use the volume control on the
headphones to adjust the volume. For best audio performance, wear the
headphones as indicated with L (Left)
and R (Right) on the ear pads. Do not
let anything cover the ear pads.
Caution
Do not store the headphones in
heat or direct sunlight. This could
damage the headphones and repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Storage in extreme cold
can weaken the batteries. Keep the
headphones stored in a cool, dry
place.
If the foam ear pads become worn or
damaged, the pads can be replaced
separately. To purchase replacement
ear pads, call 1-888-293-3332 or
contact your dealer.
Battery Replacement
To change the batteries: 1. Loosen the screw to the battery door on the left side of the
headphones.
2. Slide the battery door open.
3. Replace the two AAA batteries. 4. Replace the battery door and
tighten the screw.
Remove the batteries if the
headphones will not be used for a
long time.
RSI Troubleshooting
No power : The ignition might not be
on or in ACC/ACCESSORY.
There is no sound from the
headphones with the indicator light
on : If the batteries are good, make
sure the headphones are programmed
to the correct screen and on the
correct channel for the screen being
viewed.
Sometimes the wireless headphone
audio cuts out or buzzes : Check for
obstructions, low batteries, reception
range, and interference from cell
phone towers or from cellular
telephone use in the vehicle. Check
that the headphones are on correctly
using the L (Left) and R (Right) on the
headphones. Check that the
headphones are positioned properly
with the headband across the top of
the head.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
190 INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
.The vehicle is entering and/or
exiting a parking lot, garage, or a lot
with a roof.
.The GPS signal is not received.
.A roof carrier is installed on the
vehicle.
.Tire chains are installed on the
vehicle.
.The tires are replaced or worn.
.The tire pressure for the tires is
incorrect.
.This is the first navigation use after
the map data is updated.
.The 12-volt battery has been
disconnected for several days.
.The vehicle is driving in heavy
traffic where driving is at low
speeds, and the vehicle is stopped
and started repeatedly.
Problems with Route
Guidance
Inappropriate route guidance can
occur under one or more of the
following conditions:
.The turn was not made on the road
indicated.
.Route guidance might not be
available when using automatic
rerouting for the next right or
left turn.
.The route might not be changed
when using automatic rerouting.
.There is no route guidance when
turning at an intersection.
.Plural names of places might be
announced occasionally.
.It could take a long time to operate
automatic rerouting during
high-speed driving.
.Automatic rerouting might display a
route returning to the set waypoint
if heading for a destination without
passing through a set waypoint.
.The route prohibits the entry of a
vehicle due to a regulation by time
or season or any other regulation
which may be given.
.Some routes might not be searched.
.The route to the destination might
not be shown if there are new roads,
if roads have recently changed, or if
certain roads are not listed in the
map data. SeeMaps0183. To recalibrate the vehicle's position on
the map, park with the vehicle
running for two to five minutes, until
the vehicle position updates. Make
sure the vehicle is parked in a location
that is safe and has a clear view of the
sky and away from large obstructions.
If the System Needs
Service
If the navigation system needs service,
see your dealer.
Map Data Updates
The map data in the vehicle is the
most up-to-date information available
when the vehicle was produced.
See www.gmnavdisc.com for details on
ordering, purchasing, and installing a
new or replacement SD card. Features
are subject to change. For more
information on this feature, see
my.cadillac.com/learn.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
362 VEHICLE CARE
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 369
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . 371
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . 371
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379 Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . 380
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . 382
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . 383
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . 384
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 384
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . 385
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . 385
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . 389
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395 All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
Tire Terminology and
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . 402
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 410
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 412
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 424Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425

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-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 449
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power to
start the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories.
.To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a battery
with full cranking power.
.Trained dealer technicians have the
diagnostic equipment to test the
battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
.Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of cracking or
splitting.
.Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment to
inspect the belts and recommend
adjustment or replacement when
necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are crucial
to safe driving.
.Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping.
.Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment to
inspect the brakes and recommend
quality parts engineered for the
vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved fluids
protect the vehicle’s systems and
components. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0451 for GM approved
fluids.
.Engine oil and windshield washer
fluid levels should be checked at
every fuel fill.
.Instrument cluster lights may come
on to indicate that fluids may be
low and need to be filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should be
regularly inspected to ensure that
there are no cracks or leaks. With a
multi-point inspection, your dealer
can inspect the hoses and advise if
replacement is needed. Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
.Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage. The
brake lamps need to be checked
periodically to ensure that they light
when braking.
.With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can check the lamps and
note any concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
.Signs of wear may include steering
wheel vibration, bounce/sway while
braking, longer stopping distance,
or uneven tire wear.
.As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect the
shocks and struts for signs of
leaking, blown seals, or damage, and
can advise when service is needed.