suspension CADILLAC ESCALADE 2021 Owner's Manual

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/11/21
INTRODUCTION 5
1.Driver Information Center (DIC)
0132.
2. Air Vents 0225.
3. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals 0153.
Exterior Lamp Controls 0149.
4. Tap Shift Controls (If Equipped). See Manual Mode 0255.
5. Instrument Cluster 0114.
6. Driver Monitoring Camera. See Super Cruise 0283 (If Equipped).
7. Windshield Wiper/Washer 0105.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer 0107.
8. Infotainment. See Overview0158.
9. Light Sensor. See Automatic
Headlamp System 0152.
10. Dual Automatic Climate Control
System 0220.
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
0 48 (If Equipped).
11. USB Ports. See USB Port0169.
12. Storage Compartment.
13. Infotainment Controls. See Overview 0158.
14. Hazard Warning Flashers 0153. 15.
Wireless Charging 0111.
16. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission 0251.
17. Automatic Vehicle Hold (AVH) 0263.
Stop/Start Disable Button. See
Stop/Start System 0247.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) 0324 (If
Equipped).
18. ENGINE START/STOP Button. See Ignition Positions 0245.
19. Steering Wheel Controls 0104.
20. Horn 0104.
21. Steering Column Adjustment. See Steering Wheel Adjustment 0104.
22. Hood Release. See Hood0365.
23. Cruise Control 0271 (If Equipped).
Adaptive Cruise Control (Advanced)
0 274 (If Equipped).
Super Cruise 0283 (If Equipped).
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0 313 (If Equipped).
Heated Steering Wheel 0104 (If
Equipped).
24. Instrument Panel Illumination
Control 0154. 25. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of
View). See Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0122.
26. Trailer Brake Control. See Towing
Equipment 0338 (If Equipped).
27. Electric Parking Brake 0261.
28. Four-Wheel Drive 0256 (If
Equipped).
Four Corner Air Suspension System
0 268 (If Equipped).
Driver Mode Control 0266

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
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-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
128 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
The light flashes when the TCS and/or
the StabiliTrak/ESC system is actively
working.
SeeTraction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0264.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the vehicle.
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the system
is working normally the indicator light
goes off.
Caution
The engine coolant temperature
warning light indicates that the
vehicle has overheated. Driving with
this light on can damage the engine
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
and it may not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. SeeEngine
Overheating 0375.
The engine coolant temperature
warning light comes on when the
engine has overheated.
If this happens, pull over and turn off
the engine as soon as possible. See
Engine Overheating 0375.
Driver Mode Control Light
This light comes on when Sport Mode
is selected.
This light comes on when Snow Mode
is selected.
This light comes on when Off-Road
Mode is selected.
This light comes on when the Tow/
Haul Mode is selected.
Four Corner Air Suspension
Light

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 129
This light comes on when the air
suspension is raised to maximum
ground clearance height.
This light comes on when the air
suspension is raised to increased
ground clearance height.
This light comes on when the vehicle
is changing to a higher ride height.
This light comes on when the air
suspension is lowered for easy entry
and exit from the vehicle.
It will also come on when the vehicle
is changing to a lower ride height.
This light comes on when the air
suspension is in Service Mode or
Alignment Mode.
SeeFour Corner Air Suspension System
0 268.
Tire Pressure Light
If equipped with the Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS), this light
comes on briefly when the vehicle is
started. It is located on the center stack, below the infotainment screen.
It provides information about tire
pressures and the TPMS.
When the Light Is On Steady
This indicates that one or more of the
tires are significantly underinflated.
A Driver Information Center (DIC) tire
pressure message may also display.
Stop as soon as possible, and inflate
the tires to the pressure value shown
on the Tire and Loading Information
label. See
Tire Pressure 0400.
When the Light Flashes First and
Then Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute
and then stays on, there may be a
problem with the TPMS. If the
problem is not corrected, the light will
come on every time the vehicle is
started. See Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0403.

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
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 145
Touch Off or On.
Ride Height
Touch and the following may display:
.Automatic Entry/Egress
Automatic Entry/Egress
This feature specifies if the vehicle
will automatically lower to make it
easier to enter or exit the vehicle.
Touch Off or On.
Running Boards
Touch and the following may display:
.Automatic Running Boards
.Deploy Running Boards
Automatic Running Boards
This feature specifies the position and
use of the running boards.
Touch Off or On.
Deploy Running Boards
This feature moves the running
boards to a deployed position so they
can be used with the doors closed.
Touch Off or Deploy.
Seating Position
Touch and the following may display:
.Seat Entry Memory
.Seat Exit Memory
Seat Entry Memory
This feature automatically recalls the
previously stored 1 or 2 button
positions when the ignition is changed
from off to on or ACC/ACCESSORY.
See Memory Seats 045.
Touch Off or On.
Seat Exit Memory
This feature automatically recalls the
previously stored exit button position
when the ignition is changed from on
or ACC/ACCESSORY to off and the
driver door is open. See Memory Seats
0 45.
Touch Off or On.
Suspension
Touch and the following may display:
.Service Mode
.Alignment Mode Service Mode
This feature disables the air
suspension system and is used to
prevent unintended raising or
lowering of the suspension.
Touch Off or On.
Alignment Mode
This feature will optimize the vehicle
height to provide the most accurate
wheel alignment.
Touch Off or On.
Remote Key Relearn
This sets up a new or forgotten key
for use in the vehicle. Place the key in
the transmitter pocket. Make sure
vehicle is parked and touch Start.
Universal Remote
System
See
Radio Frequency Statement 0467.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 229
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Driving for Better FuelEconomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Impaired Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 238
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Dynamic Fuel Management . . . . . 250
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . 251
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Brakes
Electric Brake Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . 261
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Automatic VehicleHold (AVH) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/ElectronicStability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266 Magnetic Ride Control . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Four Corner Air Suspension
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Adaptive Cruise Control(Advanced) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Super Cruise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . 298
Assistance Systems for Parking or Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Rear Pedestrian Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Night Vision System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . 321
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . 321
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . 324
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 237
Traction is reduced on hard packed
snow and ice and it is easy to lose
control. Reduce vehicle speed when
driving on hard packed snow and ice.
{Warning
Driving on frozen lakes, ponds,
or rivers can be dangerous. Ice
conditions vary greatly and the
vehicle could fall through the ice;
you and your passengers could
drown. Drive your vehicle on safe
surfaces only.
Driving in Water
{Warning
Driving through rushing water can
be dangerous. Deep water can
sweep your vehicle downstream and
you and your passengers could
drown. If it is only shallow water, it
can still wash away the ground
from under your tires. Traction
could be lost, and the vehicle could
roll over. Do not drive through
rushing water.
Caution
Do not drive through standing
water if it is deep enough to cover
the wheel hubs, axles, or exhaust
pipe. Deep water can damage the
axle and other vehicle parts.
If the standing water is not too deep,
drive through it slowly. At faster
speeds, water can get into the engine
and cause it to stall. Stalling can
occur if the exhaust pipe is under
water. Do not turn off the ignition
when driving through water. If the
exhaust pipe is under water, the
engine will not start. When going
through water, the brakes get wet and
it may take longer to stop. See
“Driving on Wet Roads ”later in this
section.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has
collected on the underbody or chassis,
or under the hood. These
accumulations can be a fire hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have
the brake linings cleaned and checked.
These substances can cause glazing and uneven braking. Check the body
structure, driveline, steering,
suspension, wheels, tires, and exhaust
system for damage and check the fuel
lines and cooling system for any
leakage.
More frequent maintenance service is
required. See the
Maintenance Schedule
0 442.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle
traction and affect your ability to stop
and accelerate. Always drive slower in
these types of driving conditions and
avoid driving through large puddles
and deep-standing or flowing water.
{Warning
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They
might not work as well in a quick
stop and could cause pulling to one
side. You could lose control of the
vehicle.
(Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 243
Example 3
1. Maximum Vehicle CapacityWeight for Example 3 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 91 kg (200 lbs) × 5 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs)
3. Available Cargo Weight = 0 kg (0 lbs)
Refer to the vehicle's Tire and
Loading Information label for
specific information about the
vehicle's capacity weight and
seating positions. The combined weight of the driver, passengers,
and cargo should never exceed the
vehicle's capacity weight.
Certification/Tire Label
Label Example
A vehicle specific Certification/
Tire label is attached to the
B-pillar. The label may show the
size of the vehicle's original tires
and the inflation pressures needed
to obtain the gross weight
capacity of the vehicle. This is
called Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). The GVWR
includes the weight of the vehicle,
all occupants, fuel, and cargo.
The Certification/Tire label may
also show the maximum weights
for the front and rear axles, called
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
To find out the actual loads on
the front and rear axles, weigh the
vehicle at a weigh station. Your
dealer can help with this. Be sure
to spread the load equally on both
sides of the center line.
The warranty does not cover parts
or components that fail because of
overloading.
The label will help determine how
much cargo and installed
equipment the vehicle can carry.
Using heavier suspension
components to get added
durability might not change the
weight ratings. Ask your dealer to
help load the vehicle properly.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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266 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Traction and Stability Menu
To turn off TCS, select or touch the
Traction virtual button on the screen.
The traction off light
idisplays in
the instrument cluster. See Traction
Off Light 0127.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
disabled, the system will not turn off
until the wheels stop spinning.
To turn TCS back on, select or touch
the Traction virtual button on the
screen. The traction off light
i
displayed in the instrument cluster
will turn off. To turn StabiliTrak/ESC off, first turn
off TCS to enable the Stability virtual
button on the screen, then select or
touch the Stability virtual button. The
StabiliTrak/ESC off light
gwill display
in the instrument cluster. See
StabiliTrak OFF Light 0127.
To turn StabiliTrak/ESC back on,
select or touch the Stability virtual
button on the screen. StabiliTrak/ESC
will turn on, but TCS will remain off.
TCS cannot be on when StabiliTrak/
ESC is off. If both systems are turned
off, selecting or touching the Traction
virtual button will turn both systems
back on.
StabiliTrak/ESC will automatically
turn on if the vehicle exceeds 56 km/h
(35 mph) and cannot be turned off
again until speed is reduced. Traction
control will remain off. Vehicles
equipped with the four corner air
suspension re-enable StabiliTrak/ESC
at 32 km/h (20 mph). The vehicle has a Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) feature and a Hill Start Assist
(HSA) feature. See
Trailer Sway Control
(TSC) 0347 or
Hill Start Assist (HSA) 0263.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See Accessories
and Modifications 0364.
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control (DMC) allows the
driver to adjust the overall driving
experience to better suit preference by
adjusting multiple sub-system
simultaneously. Drive mode
availability and affected vehicle
subsystems are dependent upon
vehicle trim level, region, and optional
features.
Tour will be the default mode at every
ignition cycle. A unique and persistent
indicator will be displayed in the
instrument cluster for each mode.
Depending on trim level, Tour, Sport,
Snow/Ice, Off-Road, Tow/Haul, and
Terrain modes may be available.