oil change CADILLAC ESCALADE 2021 Owner's Manual

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/11/21
INTRODUCTION 3
P:Do Not Apply High Pressure
Water
B: Engine Coolant Temperature
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
H: Flammable
[:Forward Collision Alert
R:Fuse Block Cover Lock Location
+:Fuses
j:ISOFIX/LATCH System Child
Restraints
Q: Keep Fuse Block Covers Properly
Installed
|: Lane Change Alert
@:Lane Departure Warning
A:Lane Keep Assist
*: Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
X:Park Assist
~:Pedestrian Ahead Indicator
O:Power
7:Rear Cross Traffic Alert
I:Registered Technician
/:Remote Vehicle Start
h:Risk of Electrical Fire
>:Seat Belt Reminders
I:Side Blind Zone Alert
h:Stop/Start
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
d:Traction Control/StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
a: Under Pressure
V: Vehicle Ahead Indicator

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 117
The engine oil pressure gauge shows
the engine oil pressure
in kPa (kilopascals) or psi (pounds per
square inch) when the engine is
running.
This gauge displays on the
infotainment display. If show in
cluster is selected a digital value is
shown on the instrument cluster in
zone 2.
Oil pressure can vary with engine
speed, outside temperature, coolant
temperature, and oil viscosity.
On some models, the oil pump will
vary engine oil pressure according to
engine needs. Oil pressure may change
quickly as the engine speed or load
varies. This is normal. If the oil
pressure warning light or Driver
Information Center (DIC) message
indicates oil pressure outside the
normal operating range, check the
vehicle's oil as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Oil 0367.Caution
Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. Driving with the engine oil
low can also damage the engine.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check the
oil level as soon as possible. Add oil
if required, but if the oil level is
within the operating range and the
oil pressure is still low, have the
vehicle serviced. Always follow the
maintenance schedule for changing
engine oil.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge
Metric
English

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 133
last time this menu item was reset.
This number reflects only the
approximate average fuel economy
that the vehicle has right now, and
will change as driving conditions
change. The Average Fuel Economy
can be reset along with the trip
odometer by touching and holding the
touchscreen display when trip
odometer is displayed.
Zone 2
Time/Date :Displays current date and
time information.
Auto Lane Change : Displays the
status of a driver-requested lane
change when Super Cruise is active.
See Super Cruise 0283.
Average Speed : Shows the average
speed of the vehicle in kilometers per
hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph).
This average is calculated based on
the various vehicle speeds recorded
since the last reset of this value. The
average speed can be reset by
touching reset in vehicle information
screen. Timer :
This display can be used as a
timer. To start the timer, touch Start
while this display is active. The
display will show the amount of time
that has passed since the timer was
last reset. To stop the timer, touch
Stop briefly while this display is active
and the timer is running. To reset the
timer to zero, touch and hold Reset
while this display is active.
Off Road : Displays vehicle pitch and
roll information, road wheel angle,
and four-wheel drive (4WD) status.
Battery Voltage : Shows the current
battery voltage.
Trailer Brake : On vehicles with the
Integrated Trailer Brake Control
(ITBC) system, the trailer brake
display appears in the DIC.
TRAILER GAIN shows the trailer gain
setting. This setting can be adjusted
from 0.0 to 10.0 with either a trailer
connected or disconnected.
TRAILER OUTPUT shows the power
output to the trailer any time a trailer
with electric brakes is connected.
Output is displayed as a bar graph. Dotted lines may appear in the
OUTPUT display if a trailer is not
connected.
Oil Life :
Shows an estimate of the
oil's remaining useful life.
If REMAINING OIL LIFE 99% is
displayed, that means 99% of the
current oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
will appear on the display. The oil
should be changed as soon as
possible. See Engine Oil0367. In
addition to the engine oil life system
monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended. See
Maintenance Schedule 0442.
The Oil Life display must be reset
after each oil change. It will not reset
itself. Do not reset the Oil Life display
accidentally at any time other than
when the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until the
next oil change. To reset, see Engine
Oil Life System 0369.
Fuel Economy : Displays information
about current and average fuel
economy.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
134 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Oil Pressure :Shows the engine oil
pressure in kPa (kilopascals)
or psi (pounds per square inch).
Engine Hours : Shows the total
number of hours the engine has run.
Coolant Temperature : Shows the
temperature of the coolant in either
degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees
Fahrenheit (°F).
Transmission Fluid Temperature :
Shows the temperature of the
automatic transmission fluid in either
degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees
Fahrenheit (°F).
Air Filter Life : Shows an estimate of
the engine air filter’s remaining useful
life and the state of the system.
Engine Air Filter Life 95% means 95%
of the current air filter life remains.
Messages will display based on the
engine air filter life and the state of
the system. When the REPLACE AT
NEXT OIL CHANGE message displays,
the engine air filter should be replaced
at the time of the next oil change.
When the REPLACE SOON message
displays, the engine air filter should
be replaced at the earliest
convenience. The Air Filter Life display must be
reset after the engine air filter
replacement. To reset, see
Engine Air
Filter Life System 0371.
Brake Pad Life : This displays an
estimate of the remaining life of the
front and rear brake pads. Messages
will display based on brake pad wear
and the state of the system. Reset the
Brake Pad Life display after replacing
the brake pads. See Brake Pad Life
System 0378.
Tire Pressure : Shows the
approximate pressures of all four tires.
Tire pressure is displayed in either
kilopascal (kPa) or in pounds per
square inch (psi). If the pressure is
low, the value for that tire is shown in
amber. See Tire Pressure Monitor
System 0402 and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0403.
Off : Allows for no information to be
displayed in the cluster info display
areas.
Zone 3
Audio Now Playing : Displays the
actively playing audio. Navigation :
Displays a variety of
navigation information.
Audio and Navigation : Displays both
audio and navigation information
together.
Off : Allows for no information to be
displayed in the cluster info display
areas.
Vehicle Information
The following are all possible vehicle
information features.
To access the vehicle information
menu, press
Ton the Multi
Function Controller (MFC) or touch
Tfrom the list of home page icons
displayed on the left side of the
infotainment display.
The Vehicle Information App will
display 3 cards per page.
The currently displayed page of cards
is remembered from the last ignition
cycle.
The menu may contain the following
cards:
.Notifications
.Oil Life

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

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 327
rated as low as 87 can be used. Using
unleaded gasoline rated below
93 octane, however, will lead to
reduced acceleration and fuel
economy. If knocking occurs, use a
gasoline rated at 93 octane as soon as
possible, otherwise, the engine could
be damaged. If heavy knocking is
heard when using gasoline with a
93 octane rating, the engine needs
service.
Do not use any fuel labeled E85 or
FlexFuel. Do not use gasoline with
ethanol levels greater than 15% by
volume.
Prohibited Fuels
Caution
Do not use fuels with any of the
following conditions; doing so may
damage the vehicle and void its
warranty:
.For vehicles that are not
FlexFuel, fuel labeled greater
than 15% ethanol by volume,(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
such as mid-level ethanol blends
(16–50% ethanol), E85,
or FlexFuel.
.Fuel with any amount of
methanol, methylal, ferrocene,
and aniline. These fuels can
corrode metal fuel system parts
or damage plastic and rubber
parts.
.Fuel containing metals such as
methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT),
which can damage the emissions
control system and spark plugs.
.Fuel with a posted octane rating
of less than the recommended
fuel. Using this fuel will lower
fuel economy and performance,
and may decrease the life of the
emissions catalyst.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico post
fuel octane ratings in anti-knock index
(AKI). For fuel not to use in a foreign
country, seeProhibited Fuels 0327.
Fuel Additives
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is highly
recommended for use with your
vehicle. If your country does not have
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline, add
ACDelco Fuel System Treatment Plus
−Gasoline to the vehicle’s gasoline fuel
tank at every oil change or 15 000 km
(9,000 mi), whichever occurs first. TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline and ACDelco
Fuel System Treatment Plus−Gasoline
will help keep your vehicle’s engine
fuel deposit free and performing
optimally.
Filling the Tank
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see
the Duramax diesel supplement.
An arrow on the fuel gauge indicates
which side of the vehicle the fuel door
is on. See Fuel Gauge 0116.
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn
violently and can cause injury or
death.
(Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
330 DRIVING AND OPERATING
assistance with preparing the vehicle
to tow a trailer. Read the entire
section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, seeTowing
the Vehicle 0428. To tow the vehicle
behind another vehicle such as a
motor home, see Recreational Vehicle
Towing 0429.
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing a
trailer if the correct equipment is
not used or the vehicle is not driven
properly. For example, if the trailer
is too heavy or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load, the vehicle
may not stop as expected. You and
others could be seriously injured.
The vehicle may also be damaged,
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Pull a trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been followed. Ask
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
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.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with and follow all
state and local laws that apply to
trailer towing. These requirements
vary from state to state.
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. Even if
not required, you should install extended side view mirrors if your
visibility is limited or restricted
while towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to
prevent damage to the engine, axle,
or other parts.
.It is recommended to perform the
first oil change before heavy towing.
.During the first 800 km (500 mi) of
trailer towing, do not drive over
80 km/h (50 mph) and do not make
starts at full throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Tow/
Haul Mode is recommended for
heavier trailers. See
Tow/Haul Mode
0 256. If the transmission
downshifts too often, a lower gear
may be selected using Manual
Mode. See Manual Mode 0255.
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be turned
off when towing a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking Assist (APA)

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

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
VEHICLE CARE 367
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

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
VEHICLE CARE 369
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade
engine oil.
When selecting an oil of the
appropriate viscosity grade, it is
recommended to select an oil of the
correct specification. See
“Specification”earlier in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil
Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the dexos1
specification are all that is needed for
good performance and engine
protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your own
oil, be sure to drain all the oil from
the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the trash
or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of
water. Recycle it by taking it to a place
that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based on a
combination of factors which include
engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change is indicated can
vary considerably. For the oil life
system to work properly, the system
must be reset every time the oil is
changed.
When the system has calculated that
oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message comes on. Change the
oil as soon as possible within the next
1 000 km (600 mi). It is possible that,
if driving under the best conditions,
the oil life system might indicate that
an oil change is not necessary for up
to a year. The engine oil and filter
must be changed at least once a year
and at this time the system must be
reset. Your dealer has trained service
people who will perform this work and
reset the system. It is also important
to check the oil regularly over the
course of an oil drain interval and
keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally,
the oil must be changed at 5 000 km
(3,000 mi) since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.