service indicator CADILLAC ESCALADE 2021 Owner's Manual

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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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.

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

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

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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SEATS AND RESTRAINTS 75
massagers can affect how well the
passenger sensing system operates.
We recommend that you not use seat
covers or other aftermarket equipment
except when approved by GM for your
specific vehicle. SeeAdding Equipment
to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 075 for
more information about modifications
that can affect how the system
operates.
The ON indicator may be lit if an
object, such as a briefcase, handbag,
grocery bag, laptop, or other electronic
device, is put on an unoccupied seat.
If this is not desired, remove the
object from the seat.
{Warning
Stowing articles under the
passenger seat or between the
passenger seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the
proper operation of the passenger
sensing system.
Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Airbags affect how the vehicle should
be serviced. There are parts of the
airbag system in several places around
the vehicle. Your dealer and the
service manual have information
about servicing the vehicle and the
airbag system. To purchase a service
manual, see Publication Ordering
Information 0467.
{Warning
For up to 10 seconds after the
vehicle is turned off and the battery
is disconnected, an airbag can still
inflate during improper service. You
can be injured if you are close to an
airbag when it inflates. Avoid
yellow connectors. They are
probably part of the airbag system.
Be sure to follow proper service
procedures, and make sure the
person performing work for you is
qualified to do so.
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Adding accessories that change the
vehicle's frame, bumper system,
height, front end, or side sheet metal
may keep the airbag system from
working properly.
The operation of the airbag system
can also be affected by changing,
including improperly repairing or
replacing, any parts of the following:
.Airbag system, including airbag
modules, front or side impact
sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module, airbag wiring, or front
center console
.Front seats, including stitching,
seams or zippers
.Seat belts
.Steering wheel, instrument panel,
overhead console, ceiling trim,
or pillar garnish trim
.Inner door seals, including speakers
Your dealer and the service manual
have information about the location of
the airbag modules and sensors,

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 103
Instruments and
Controls
Controls
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . 104
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . 104
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . 104
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . 105
Rear Window Wiper/Washer . . . . 107
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators
Warning Lights, Gauges, andIndicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge . . . . . . . 116
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Transmission Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . 120
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light) . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Brake System Warning Light . . . . 124
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . 124
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Automatic Vehicle Hold (AVH) Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Light . . . 125
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Disabled Light . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . 126
Pedestrian Ahead Indicator . . . . . . 126
Traction Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Traction Control System (TCS)/ StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Driver Mode Control Light . . . . . . . 128 Four Corner Air Suspension
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . 130
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . 130
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Information Displays
Driver Information Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Vehicle Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Head-Up Display (HUD) . . . . . . . . . 135
Vehicle Messages
Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Engine Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . 138
Vehicle Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . 138
Vehicle Personalization
Vehicle Personalization . . . . . . . . . . 138
Universal Remote System
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . 145
Universal Remote System Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Universal Remote System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 113
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY
THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND
CONTRIBUTORS "AS IS" AND ANY
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE
DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL
THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER OR
CONTRIBUTORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY
DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
(INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE
GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE,
DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS
INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED
AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY,
WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT
LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING
NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE)
ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE
USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGE.Warning Lights, Gauges,
and Indicators
Warning lights and gauges can signal
that something is wrong before it
becomes serious enough to cause an
expensive repair or replacement.
Paying attention to the warning lights
and gauges could prevent injury.Some warning lights come on briefly
when the engine is started to indicate
they are working. When one of the
warning lights comes on and stays on
while driving, or when one of the
gauges shows there may be a problem,
check the section that explains what
to do. Waiting to do repairs can be
costly and even dangerous.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 121
sensing and diagnostic module. For
more information on the airbag
system, seeAirbag System 065.
The airbag readiness light comes on
for several seconds when the vehicle is
started. If the light does not come on
then, have it fixed immediately.
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light stays
on after the vehicle is started or
comes on while driving, it means
the airbag system might not be
working properly. The airbags in the
vehicle might not inflate in a crash,
or they could even inflate without a
crash. To help avoid injury, have
the vehicle serviced right away.
If there is a problem with the airbag
system, a Driver Information Center
(DIC) message may also come on.
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger sensing
system. See Passenger Sensing System
0 71 for important safety information.
The overhead console has a passenger
airbag status indicator.
United States and Canada
When the vehicle is started, the
passenger airbag status indicator will
light ON and OFF, and the symbols for
on and off, for several seconds as a
system check. Then, after several more
seconds, the status indicator will light
either ON or OFF, and the symbol for
on or off, to let you know the status of
the front outboard passenger frontal
airbag. If the word ON, and the on symbol,
are lit on the passenger airbag status
indicator, it means that the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag is
allowed to inflate.
If the word OFF, and the off symbol,
are lit on the passenger airbag status
indicator, it means that the passenger
sensing system has turned off the
front outboard passenger frontal
airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, if there are
no lights at all, or if the airbag
readiness light is on, there may be a
problem with the lights or the
passenger sensing system. See your
dealer for service right away.
{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
(Continued)

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

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INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 127
Traction Off Light
This light comes on briefly when the
vehicle is turned on. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer. If the system is working
normally, the indicator light then
turns off.
The traction off light comes on when
the Traction Control System (TCS) has
been turned off. If StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is
turned off, TCS is also turned off. To
turn TCS and ESC off and on, see
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control0264.
If TCS is off, wheel spin is not limited
unless necessary to help protect the
driveline from damage. Adjust driving
accordingly.
StabiliTrak OFF Light
This light comes on briefly when the
vehicle is turned on. It is located on
the center stack, below the
infotainment screen. If the light does
not come on, have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer. If the system is
working normally, the indicator light
then turns off.
This light comes on when the
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) system is turned off.
If StabiliTrak/ESC is off, the Traction
Control System (TCS) is also off. To
turn ESC off and on, see Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 264.
If ESC and TCS are off, the systems do
not assist in controlling the vehicle.
Adjust driving accordingly.
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak Light
This light comes on briefly when the
vehicle is turned on. It is located on
the center stack, below the
infotainment screen.
If the light does not come on, have
the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally, the
indicator light turns off.
If the light is on and not flashing, the
TCS and potentially the StabiliTrak/
ESC system are not fully operational
and may not assist in maintaining
control. Adjust driving accordingly.
If the condition persists, see your
dealer as soon as possible. A Driver
Information Center (DIC) message
may display.