service CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV 2009 User Guide

See Power Liftgate on page 2-14 for more information
on how to use the power liftgate.
To unlock the liftgate, use the power door lock switch or
press the door unlock button on the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter twice. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation on page 2-5 .
On vehicles with a liftglass, press the button on the
underside of the license pocket applique (A) to open it.
The liftglass can also be opened by pressing the
liftglass release button on the RKE. To open the entire liftgate, press the power liftgate
release button on the RKE or in the vehicle. See Power
Liftgate on page 2-14 . You can also press the touchpad
on the underside of the liftgate handle (B). The liftgate
will open after a slight delay. The vehicle must be in
PARK (P) to open the liftgate. To close the liftgate, use
the pull cup or pull strap as an aid.
The liftgate or liftglass cannot be opened if the rear
wipers are in motion. Attempting to open the liftgate or
liftglass while the rear wipers are in motion will cause the
release of the liftglass or liftgate to delay until the wipers
are parked off the liftglass.
Both the liftglass and liftgate have an electric latch.
If the battery is disconnected or has low voltage, the
liftglass and liftgate will not open. The liftglass and liftgate
will resume operation when the battery is reconnected
and charged.
If the battery is properly connected and has adequate
voltage, and the liftgate or liftglass still will not function,
your vehicle should be taken to a dealership for service.
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The power liftgate can be power opened and closed in
the following ways:
Press and hold the power liftgate button on the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter until
the liftgate starts moving. Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation on page 2-5 for more
information.
Pressing the liftgate button on the overhead
console.
Pressing the touchpad switch on the outside liftgate
handle.
Pressing the buttons, or touchpad switch a second time
while the liftgate is moving reverses the direction.
l : The liftgate can also be closed by pressing the
power liftgate button next to the liftgate latch.
Press the button a second time during liftgate operation
to reverse that operation.
The power liftgate may be temporarily disabled under
extreme temperatures, or under low battery conditions.
If this occurs, the liftgate can still be operated manually.
If you shift the transmission out of PARK (P) while the
power function is in progress, the liftgate power function
will continue to completion. If you shift the transmission
out of PARK (P) and accelerate before the power liftgate
latches closed, the liftgate may reverse to the open
position. Cargo could fall out of the vehicle. Always make
sure the power liftgate is closed and latched before you
drive away. If you power open the liftgate and the liftgate support
struts have lost pressure, the lights will ash and a chime
will sound. The liftgate will stay open temporarily, then
slowly close. See your dealer/retailer for service before
using the liftgate.
Obstacle Detection Features If the liftgate encounters an obstacle during a power open
or close cycle, a warning chime will sound and the liftgate
will automatically reverse direction to the full closed or
open position. 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, and you must manually
open or close the liftgate. The REAR ACCESS OPEN
warning message in the Driver Information Center (DIC)
will indicate that the liftgate is open. After removing the
obstructions, manually open the liftgate to the full open
position or close the liftgate to the fully closed and latched
position. The liftgate will now resume normal power
operation.
Your vehicle has pinch sensors located on the side edges
of the liftgate. If an object is caught between the liftgate
and the body and presses against this sensor, the liftgate
will reverse direction and open fully. The liftgate will
remain open until it is activated again or closed manually.
Do not force the liftgate open or closed during a power
cycle.
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Manual Operation of Power Liftgate To change the liftgate to manual operation, press the
switch on the overhead console to the OFF position.
With the power liftgate disabled and all of the doors
unlocked, the liftgate can be manually opened and
closed.
To open the liftgate, press the touchpad on the handle
on the outside of the liftgate, and lift the gate open.
To close the liftgate, use the pull cup to lower the liftgate
and close. The liftgate latch will power close. Always
close the liftgate before driving.
If the RKE button or the power close button on the liftgate
is pressed while power operation is disabled, the lights
will ash three times, but the liftgate will not move.
It is not recommended that you drive with the liftgate
open, however, if you must drive with the liftgate open,
the liftgate should be set to manual operation by
pressing the OFF switch on the center console.
The liftgate has an electric latch. If the battery is
disconnected or has low voltage, the liftgate will not
open. The liftgate will resume operation when the battery
is reconnected and charged.
If the battery is properly connected with adequate
voltage, the switch is not disabled, and the liftgate still will
not function, your vehicle should be taken to a dealer/
retailer for service. Power Assist Steps Your vehicle may have power assist steps.
The power assist steps automatically extend from
beneath the vehicle on the side in which the door has
been opened. Once the door is closed, the assist steps
automatically move back under the vehicle after a brief
delay. The vehicle must not be moving for the assist
steps to extend or retract.
The switch used to disable
the power assist steps is
located on the center
console below the climate
control system.
The assist steps cannot be disabled in the extended
position.
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Testing the Alarm To test the alarm:
1. From inside the vehicle, lower the driver’s window
and open the driver’s door.
2. Activate the system by locking the doors with the
power door lock switch while the door is open, or
with the RKE transmitter.
3. Get out of the vehicle, close the door and wait for
the security light to go out.
4. Then reach in through the window, unlock the door
with the manual door lock and open the door.
This should set off the alarm.
While the alarm is set, the power door unlock switch will
not work.
If the alarm does not sound when it should but the
headlamps ash, check to see if the horn works.
The horn fuse may be blown. To replace the fuse,
see Fuses and Circuit Breakers on page 6-106 .
If the alarm does not sound or the headlamps do
not ash, the vehicle should be serviced by your
dealer/retailer. PASS-Key ®
III+ Electronic
Immobilizer The PASS-Key III+ system operates on a radio
frequency subject to Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modications to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
PASS-Key III+ uses a radio frequency transponder in
the key that matches a decoder in the vehicle.
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PASS-Key ®
III+ Electronic
Immobilizer Operation Your vehicle has PASS-Key ®
III+ (Personalized
Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key ®
III+ is a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed when the key
is removed from the ignition.
The system is automatically disarmed when the key is
turned to ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY or START from
the LOCK/OFF position.
You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system.
The security light will come on if there is a problem
with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
When the PASS-Key ®
III+ system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it prevents the vehicle from
starting. Anyone using a trial-and-error method to start
the vehicle will be discouraged because of the high
number of electrical key codes. If the engine does not start and the security light on
the instrument panel cluster comes on when trying to
start the vehicle, there may be a problem with your
theft-deterrent system. Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time, you
may also want to check the fuse, see Fuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 6-106 . If the engine still does not start
with the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your
vehicle does start, the rst key may be faulty. See your
dealer/retailer who can service the PASS-Key ®
III+ to
have a new key made. In an emergency, contact
Roadside Assistance.
It is possible for the PASS-Key ®
III+ decoder to learn
the transponder value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle.
The following procedure is for programming additional
keys only. If all the currently programmed keys are lost or
do not operate, you must see your dealer/retailer or a
locksmith who can service PASS-Key ®
III+ to have keys
made and programmed to the system.
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See your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key ®
III+ to get a new key blank that is cut exactly
as the ignition key that operates the system.
To program the new additional key:
1. Verify that the new key has a
1 stamped on it.
2. Insert the original, already programmed, key in the
ignition and start the engine. If the engine will not
start, see your dealer/retailer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to
LOCK/OFF, and remove the key.
4. Insert the new key to be programmed and turn it to
the ON/RUN position within ve seconds of turning
the ignition to the LOCK/OFF position in Step 3.
The security light will turn off once the key has been
programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are to
be programmed.
If you lose or damage your PASS-Key ®
III+ key, see
your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key ®
III+ to have a new key made.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle. Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle New Vehicle Break-In Notice: The vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less for
the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or
slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake or slow the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time the new brake
linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops
with new linings can mean premature wear and
earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See Towing
a Trailer on page 5-44 for the trailer towing
capabilities of the vehicle and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can
be gradually increased.
2-24

Ignition Positions The ignition switch has
four different positions.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition must be in ON/RUN
or ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal must
be applied.
A (LOCK/OFF): This position locks the ignition. It may
also lock the steering wheel and automatic transmission.
The key can be removed in LOCK/OFF.
On vehicles with an automatic transmission, the shift
lever must be in P (Park) to turn the ignition switch to
LOCK/OFF.
The steering may bind with the wheels turned off center.
If this happens, move the steering wheel from right
to left while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY.
If this doesn’t work, then the vehicle needs service. Notice: Using a tool to force the key to turn in the
ignition could cause damage to the switch or break
the key. Use the correct key, make sure it is all the
way in, and turn it only with your hand. If the key
cannot be turned by hand, see your dealer/retailer.
B (ACC/ACCESSORY): This position lets things like the
radio and the windshield wipers operate while the
engine is off. Use this position if the vehicle must be
pushed or towed.
C (ON/RUN): This position can be used to operate the
electrical accessories and to display some instrument
panel cluster warning and indicator lights. The switch
stays in this position when the engine is running.
The transmission is also unlocked in this position
on automatic transmission vehicles.
If you leave the key in the ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/
RUN position with the engine off, the battery could be
drained. You may not be able to start the vehicle if the
battery is allowed to drain for an extended period of time.
D (START): This is the position that starts the engine.
When the engine starts, release the key. The ignition
switch returns to ON/RUN for driving.
A warning tone will sound when the driver door is
opened, the ignition is in ACC/ACCESSORY or
LOCK/OFF and the key is in the ignition.
2-25

Torque Lock If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift the
transmission into P (Park) properly, the weight of the
vehicle can put too much force on the parking pawl in the
transmission. It might be difficult to pull the shift lever out
of P (Park). This is called torque lock. To prevent torque
lock, set the parking brake and then shift into P (Park)
properly before you leave the driver seat. To nd out how,
see Shifting Into Park on page 2-36 .
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
P (Park) before releasing the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you might need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission. Then
you should be able to pull the shift lever out of P (Park).
Shifting Out of Park This vehicle is equipped with an electronic shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to:
Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift
lever is in P (Park) with the shift lever button fully
released, and
Prevent movement of the shift lever out of
P (Park), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/
ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal is applied. The shift lock release is always functional except in the
case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt)
battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery with
low voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery.
See Jump Starting on page 6-40 for more information.
To shift out of P (Park) use the following:
1. Apply the brake pedal.
2. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you still are unable to shift out of P (Park):
1. Ease the pressure on the shift lever.
2. While holding down the brake pedal, press the shift
lever all the way into P (Park).
3. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
If you are still having a problem shifting, then have the
vehicle serviced soon.
2-37

How the System Works
When the vehicle is started, both outside mirror displays
will briey come on to indicate that the system is
operating. When the vehicle is moving forward, the left or
right side mirror SBZA display will light up if a vehicle is
detected in that blind zone. If the turn signal is activated
and a vehicle is also detected on the same side, the
SBZA display will ash to give you extra warning not to
change lanes.
SBZA displays do not come on while the vehicle is
approaching or passing other vehicles. At speeds greater
then 20 mph (32 km/h), SBZA displays may come on
when a vehicle you have passed remains in or drops
back into the detection zone. SBZA can be disabled through the Driver Information
Center (DIC). See Driver Information Center (DIC) on
page 3-47 for more information. If the SBZA is disabled
by the driver, the SBZA mirror displays will not light up
during normal driving.
When the System Does Not Seem To Work
Properly Occasional missed alerts can occur under normal
circumstances and will increase in wet conditions.
The system does not need to be serviced due to an
occasional missed alert. The number of missed alerts
will increase with increased rainfall or road spray.
If the SBZA displays do not light up when the system is
on and vehicles are in the blind zone, the system may
need service. Take the vehicle to your dealer/retailer.
SBZA is designed to ignore stationary objects; however,
the system may occasionally light up due to guard rails,
signs, trees, shrubs, and other stationary objects. This is
normal system operation, the vehicle does not need
service.Left Side Mirror Display
Right Side Mirror
Display
2-46

SBZA does not operate when the left or right corners
of the rear bumper are covered with mud, dirt, snow,
ice, slush, or in heavy rainstorms. For cleaning
instructions, see Washing Your Vehicle on page 6-100 .
If the DIC still displays the SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEM
UNAVAILABLE message after cleaning the bumper, see
your dealer/retailer.
The SBZA displays may remain on if a trailer is attached
to the vehicle, or a bicycle or object is extending out
to either side of the vehicle.
When SBZA is disabled for any reason other than the
driver turning it off, the driver will not be able to turn SBZA
back on using the DIC. The SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
ON option will not be selectable if the conditions for
normal system operation are not met. Until normal
operating conditions for SBZA are met, you should not
rely upon SBZA while driving. SBZA Error Messages The following messages may appear in the DIC:
SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM OFF: This
message indicates that the driver has turned the
system off.
SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE: This
message indicates that the SBZA system is disabled
either because the sensor is blocked and cannot detect
vehicles in your blind zone, or the vehicle is passing
through an open eld of view area, such as the desert,
where there is insufficient data for operation. The sensor
may be blocked by mud, dirt, snow, ice, slush, or even
heavy rainstorms. This message may also activate during
heavy rain or due to road spray. The vehicle does not
need service. For cleaning, see Washing Your Vehicle on
page 6-100 .
SERVICE SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT SYSTEM: If this
message appears, both SBZA displays will remain on
indicating there is a problem with the SBZA system.
If these displays remain on after continued driving, the
system needs service. Take the vehicle to your
dealer/retailer.
2-47