service CADILLAC ESCALADE 2021 Owner's Manual

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/11/21
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Keys, Doors, and Windows . . . . . . . . . . 6
Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Instruments and Controls . . . . . . . . 103
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . 441
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 454
Customer Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 458
Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . 468
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 471
Connected Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 476
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 479
Introduction
The names, logos, emblems, slogans,
vehicle model names, and vehicle
body designs appearing in this manual
including, but not limited to, GM, the
GM logo, CADILLAC, the CADILLAC
Emblem, and ESCALADE are
trademarks and/or service marks of
General Motors LLC, its subsidiaries,
affiliates, or licensors.
For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name“General Motors
of Canada Company ”for Cadillac
Motor Car Division wherever it
appears in this manual.
This manual describes features that
may or may not be on the vehicle
because of optional equipment that
was not purchased on the vehicle, model variants, country specifications,
features/applications that may not be
available in your region, or changes
subsequent to the printing of this
owner’s manual, including changes in
standard or optional content.
If the vehicle has the Duramax diesel
engine, see the Duramax diesel
supplement for additional and specific
information on this engine.
Refer to the purchase documentation
relating to your specific vehicle to
confirm the features.
Keep this manual in the vehicle for
quick reference.
Canadian Vehicle Owners
A French language manual can be
obtained from your dealer, at
www.helminc.com, or from:
Propriétaires Canadiens
On peut obtenir un exemplaire de ce
guide en français auprès du
concessionnaire ou à l'adresse
suivante:
Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 84266974 C Third Printing©2021 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/11/21
2 INTRODUCTION
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
USA
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about
the vehicle, use the Index in the back
of the manual. It is an alphabetical
list of what is in the manual and the
page number where it can be found.
Danger, Warning, and
Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means“Do not,”
“Do not do this,” or“Do not let this
happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or information relating to a specific
component, control, message, gauge,
or indicator.
M:
Shown when the owner’s manual
has additional instructions or
information.
*: Shown when the service manual
has additional instructions or
information.
0: Shown when there is more
information on another page —
“see page.”
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that
may be found on the vehicle and what
they mean. See the features in this
manual for information.
u: Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
9:Dispose of Used Components
Properly

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

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22 KEYS, DOORS, AND WINDOWS
Caution
Manually forcing the liftgate to
open or close during a power cycle
can damage the vehicle. Allow the
power cycle to complete.
The power liftgate may be temporarily
disabled in extremely low
temperatures, or after repeated power
cycling over a short period of time.
If this occurs, the liftgate can still be
operated manually.
If the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park)
while the power function is in
progress, the liftgate will continue to
completion. If the vehicle is
accelerated before the liftgate has
completed moving, the liftgate may
stop or reverse direction. Check for
Driver Information Center (DIC)
messages and make sure the liftgate is
closed and latched before driving.
Falling Liftgate Detection
If the power liftgate automatically
closes after a power opening cycle, it
indicates that the system is reacting
to excess weight on the liftgate or a
possible support strut failure. A repetitive chime will sound while
the falling liftgate detection feature is
operating. Remove any excess weight.
If the liftgate continues to
automatically close after opening, see
your dealer for service before using
the power liftgate.
Interfering with the power liftgate
motion or manually closing the
liftgate too quickly after power
opening may resemble a support strut
failure. This could also activate the
falling liftgate detection feature. Allow
the liftgate to complete its operation
and wait a few seconds before
manually closing the liftgate.
Obstacle Detection Features
If the liftgate encounters an obstacle
during a power open or close cycle,
the liftgate will automatically reverse
direction and move a short distance
away from the obstacle. After
removing the obstruction, the power
liftgate operation can be used again.
If the liftgate encounters multiple
obstacles on the same power cycle,
the power function will deactivate.
After removing the obstructions,
manually close the liftgate. This will
allow normal power operation
functions to resume.
If the vehicle is locked while the
liftgate is closing, and an obstacle is
encountered that prevents the liftgate
from completely closing, the horn will
sound as an alert that the liftgate did
not close.
Setting the 3/4 Mode
To change the position the liftgate
stops at when opening:
1. Select MAX or 3/4 mode and power open the liftgate.
2. Stop the liftgate movement at the desired height by pressing any
liftgate button. Manually adjust the
liftgate position if needed.
3. Press and hold
lon the bottom
edge of the liftgate next to the
latch on the outside of the liftgate
until the turn signals flash and a
beep sounds. This indicates the
setting has been recorded.

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30 KEYS, DOORS, AND WINDOWS
.Make sure all doors and windows
are completely closed.
.Secure any loose items such as a
sunshades.
.Make sure there are no obstructions
blocking the sensors in the front
overhead console.
.Close DVD screens before leaving
the vehicle.
Intrusion and Inclination
Sensors Disable Switch
It is recommended that the intrusion
and inclination sensors be deactivated
if pets are left in the vehicle or the
vehicle is being transported.With the vehicle off, press
oin the
front overhead console to turn off the
feature.
The indicator light may come on
momentarily, or a message may
display on the instrument cluster,
indicating that these sensors have
been disabled until the next time the
alarm system is armed.
Steering Column Lock
If equipped, the steering column lock
is a theft-deterrent device. This
feature locks the steering column
when the vehicle is turned off and the
driver door is opened, or when the
driver door is opened and then the
vehicle is turned off. The steering
column unlocks when the vehicle is
turned on.
The Driver Information Center (DIC)
may display one of these messages:
.A message to service the steering
column lock indicates that an issue
has been detected with the column
lock feature and the vehicle should
be serviced.
.A message that the steering column
is locked indicates that the engine
is running, but the steering column
is still locked. It is normal for the
column to be locked during a
remote start, but the column should
unlock after the brake pedal is
pressed and the vehicle is started.
No message will display during a
remote start.
.A message that the steering wheel
must be turned and the vehicle
must be started again indicates that
the column lock mechanism is
bound, the column locking device
was unable to unlock the steering
column, and the vehicle did not
start. If this happens, immediately
turn the steering wheel from side to
side to unbind the column lock.
If this does not unlock the steering
column, turn the vehicle off and
open the driver door to reset the
system. Then turn the vehicle on
and immediately turn the steering
wheel side to side for about
15 seconds. In some cases, it may
take significant force to unbind the
column.

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KEYS, DOORS, AND WINDOWS 31
To keep the steering column from
binding, straighten the front wheels
before turning off the vehicle.
Immobilizer
SeeRadio Frequency Statement 0467.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive
theft-deterrent system.
The system does not have to be
manually armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically
immobilized when the vehicle is
turned off.
The immobilization system is
disarmed when the ignition is turned
on or to ACC/ACCESSORY and a valid
remote key is present in the vehicle.
The security light, in the instrument
cluster, comes on if there is a problem
with arming or disarming the
theft-deterrent system.
The system has one or more remote
keys matched to an immobilizer
control unit in the vehicle. Only a
correctly matched remote key will
start the vehicle. If the remote key is
ever damaged, you may not be able to
start your vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light may come on briefly.
If the engine does not start and the
security light stays on, there is a
problem with the system. Turn the
ignition off and try again.
If the vehicle will not change ignition
modes (ACC/ACCESSORY, on, off), and
the remote key appears to be
undamaged, try another remote key.
Or, you may try placing the remote
key in the backup location. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07.
If the ignition modes will not change
with the other remote key or in the
backup location, the vehicle needs service. If the ignition does change
modes, the first remote key may be
faulty. See your dealer.
It is possible for the immobilizer
system to learn new or replacement
remote keys. Up to eight remote keys
can be programmed for the vehicle. To
program additional remote keys, see
“Programming Remote Keys to the
Vehicle
”under Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation 07.
Do not leave the remote key or device
that disarms or deactivates the
theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{Warning
A convex mirror can make things,
like other vehicles, look farther
away than they really are. If you cut
too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on the right.
Check the inside mirror or glance
over your shoulder before changing
lanes.

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36 KEYS, DOORS, AND WINDOWS
See your dealer for service if a blue
screen and
3are displayed in the
mirror, and the display shuts off. Also,
push the tab as indicated to return to
the automatic dimming mode.
The Rear Camera Mirror may not work
properly or display a clear image if:
.There is glare from the sun or
headlamps. This may obstruct
objects from view. If needed, push
the tab to turn off the display.
.Dirt, snow, or other debris blocks
the camera lens. Clean the lens with
a soft damp cloth, or, if equipped,
with the Rear Camera Washer. See
Rear Window Wiper/Washer 0107.
.The camera’s mounting on the
vehicle has been damaged, and/or
the position or the mounting angle
of the camera has changed.
Windows
{
Warning
Never leave a child, a helpless adult,
or a pet alone in a vehicle,
especially with the windows closed
in warm or hot weather. They can
be overcome by the extreme heat
and suffer permanent injuries or
even death from heat stroke.
The vehicle aerodynamics are
designed to improve fuel economy
performance. This may result in a
pulsing sound when either rear
window is down and the front
windows are up. To reduce the sound,
open either a front window or the
sunroof, if equipped.
Power Windows
{Warning
Children could be seriously injured
or killed if caught in the path of a
closing window. Never leave the
remote key in a vehicle with
children. When there are children in
the rear seat, use the window
lockout switch to prevent operation
of the windows. See Keys06.

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SEATS AND RESTRAINTS 63
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
The vehicle has a shoulder belt height
adjuster for the driver and front
outboard passenger positions.
Adjust the height so the shoulder
portion of the belt is on the shoulder
and not falling off of it. The belt
should be close to, but not contacting,
the neck. Improper shoulder belt
height adjustment could reduce the
effectiveness of the seat belt in a
crash. SeeHow to Wear Seat Belts
Properly 059.
Push the release button to move the
height adjuster to the desired position. After the adjuster is set to the desired
position, try to move it down without
pushing the release button to make
sure it has locked into position.
Automatic Seat Belt Tightening
System
The vehicle may have the Automatic
Seat Belt Tightening System.
Each time the front seat belts are
buckled while the vehicle is in P (Park)
or D (Drive) and the engine is running
or in Auto Stop (if equipped), the
system may activate to tighten the
seat belts.
The system also activates during
emergency braking and/or sudden
driving maneuvers and releases when
driving conditions return to normal.
The system will not activate if the
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control system is not functioning
properly. See
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0264.
If there is a problem with the
Automatic Seat Belt Tightening
System, a message displays on the
Driver Information Center (DIC). If a
system unavailable message displays repeatedly or if a service message
displays, see your dealer. Other seat
belt functions are not affected by the
Automatic Seat Belt Tightening
System.
Seat Belt Pretensioners
This vehicle has seat belt
pretensioners for the front outboard
occupants.
Although the seat belt pretensioners
cannot be seen, they are part of the
seat belt assembly. They can help
tighten the seat belts during the early
stages of a moderate to severe frontal
or near frontal crash if the threshold
conditions for pretensioner activation
are met.
Seat belt pretensioners can also help
tighten the seat belts in a side crash
or rollover event.
Pretensioners work only once. If the
pretensioners activate in a crash, the
pretensioners and probably other
parts of the vehicle's seat belt system
will need to be replaced. See
Replacing
Seat Belt System Parts after a Crash
0 65.

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SEATS AND RESTRAINTS 71
locked, the interior lamps can be
turned off, and the hazard warning
flashers can be turned off using the
controls for those features. If any of
these systems are damaged in the
crash they may not operate as normal.
{Warning
A crash severe enough to inflate the
airbags may have also damaged
important functions in the vehicle,
such as the fuel system, brake and
steering systems, etc. Even if the
vehicle appears to be drivable after
a moderate crash, there may be
concealed damage that could make
it difficult to safely operate the
vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt
to restart the engine after a crash
has occurred.
In many crashes severe enough to
inflate the airbag, windshields are
broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may
also occur from the front outboard
passenger airbag.
.Airbags are designed to inflate only
once. After an airbag inflates, you
will need some new parts for the
airbag system. If you do not get
them, the airbag system will not be
there to help protect you in another
crash. A new system will include
airbag modules and possibly other
parts. The service manual for the
vehicle covers the need to replace
other parts.
.The vehicle has a crash sensing and
diagnostic module which records
information after a crash. See
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
0 469 and
Event Data Recorders 0469.
.Let only qualified technicians work
on the airbag systems. Improper
service can mean that an airbag
system will not work properly. See
your dealer for service.
Passenger Sensing System
The vehicle has a passenger sensing
system for the front outboard
passenger position. The passenger
airbag status indicator will light on
the overhead console when the vehicle
is started.
United States and Canada
The words ON and OFF, and the
symbols for on and off, will be visible
during the system check. When the
system check is complete, either the
word ON or OFF, and the symbol for
on or off, will be visible. See Passenger
Airbag Status Indicator 0121.
The passenger sensing system turns
off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag under certain
conditions. No other airbag is affected
by the passenger sensing system.
The passenger sensing system works
with sensors that are part of the front
outboard passenger seat and seat belt.
The sensors are designed to detect the
presence of a properly seated
occupant and determine if the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
should be allowed to inflate or not.

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SEATS AND RESTRAINTS 73
For some children, including children
in child restraints, and for very small
adults, the passenger sensing system
may or may not turn off the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag,
depending upon the person's seating
posture and body build. Everyone in
the vehicle who has outgrown child
restraints should wear a seat belt
properly—whether or not there is an
airbag for that person.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong with
the airbag system. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have
the vehicle serviced right away. See
Airbag Readiness Light 0120 for
more information, including
important safety information.
If the On Indicator Is Lit for a
Child Restraint
The passenger sensing system is
designed to turn off the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag if
the system determines that an infant is present in a child restraint. If a
child restraint has been installed and
the ON indicator is lit:
1. Turn the vehicle off.
2. Remove the child restraint from the vehicle.
3. Remove any additional items from the seat such as blankets, cushions,
seat covers, seat heaters, or seat
massagers.
4. Reinstall the child restraint following the directions provided
by the child restraint manufacturer
and refer to Securing Child
Restraints (With the Seat Belt in the
Front Passenger Seat) 094 or
Securing Child Restraints (With the
Seat Belt in the Rear Seat) 091.
Make sure the seat belt retractor is
locked by pulling the shoulder belt
all the way out of the retractor
when installing the child restraint,
even if the child restraint is
equipped with a seat belt lock off.
When the retractor lock is set, the
belt can be tightened but not
pulled out of the retractor. 5. If, after reinstalling the child
restraint and restarting the vehicle,
the ON indicator is still lit, turn the
vehicle off. Then slightly recline the
vehicle seatback and adjust the
seat cushion, if adjustable, to make
sure that the vehicle seatback is
not pushing the child restraint into
the seat cushion.
Also make sure the child restraint
is not trapped under the vehicle
head restraint. If this happens,
adjust the head restraint. See Head
Restraints 041.
6. Restart the vehicle.
The passenger sensing system may or
may not turn off the airbag for a child
in a child restraint depending upon
the child’s size. It is better to secure
child restraints in a rear seat. Consider
using another vehicle to transport the
child when a rear seat is not available.
Never put a rear-facing child restraint
in the front seat, even if the ON
indicator is not lit.