wheel CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV 2009 User Guide

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

Automatic Transmission Operation If the vehicle is a Two-mode Hybrid, see the Two-mode
Hybrid manual for more information.
The vehicle has a Hydra-Matic ®
6L80 automatic
transmission, and has an electronic shift position
indicator within the instrument panel cluster.
The electronic shift position indicator displays
when the shift lever is moved out of P (Park).
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
P (Park): This position locks the rear wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily. When parked on a hill, especially when the vehicle has
a heavy load, you may notice an increase in the effort to
shift out of P (Park). See Torque Lock (Automatic
Transmission) under Shifting Into Park on page 2-36 for
more information.
{ CAUTION: It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift
lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly
level ground, always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting Into
Park on page 2-36 . If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 5-44 .
2-29

R (Reverse): Use this gear to back up.
Notice: Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice,
or sand without damaging the transmission, see If Your
Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 5-31 .
N (Neutral): In this position, the engine does not connect
with the wheels. To restart when you are already moving,
use N (Neutral) only. Also, use N (Neutral) when the
vehicle is being towed.
{ CAUTION: Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your
foot is rmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear
while the engine is running at high speed. Notice: Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is
not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive): This position is for normal driving. It provides
the best fuel economy. If you need more power for
passing, and you are:
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
By doing this, the vehicle shifts down to the next gear
and has more power.
D (Drive) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, driving on steep hills, or for off-road driving.
You may want to shift the transmission to a lower gear
selection if the transmission shifts too often.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see Skidding under Loss of
Control on page 5-12 .
2-30

OnStar Virtual Advisor OnStar Virtual Advisor is a feature of OnStar Hands-Free
Calling that uses minutes to access location-based
weather, local traffic reports, and stock quotes. Press
the phone button and give a few simple voice commands
to browse through the various topics. See the OnStar
Owner’s Guide for more information. This feature is
only available in the continental U.S.
OnStar Steering Wheel Controls This vehicle may have a Talk/Mute button that can be
used to interact with OnStar Hands-Free Calling. See
Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-115 for more
information.
On some vehicles, the mute button can be used to dial
numbers into voice mail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner’s Guide for more
information.
How OnStar Service Works The OnStar system can record and transmit vehicle
information. This information is automatically sent to an
OnStar Call Center when the OnStar button is pressed,
the emergency button is pressed, or if the airbags or
AACN system deploy. This information usually includes
the vehicle’s GPS location and, in the event of a crash,
additional information regarding the crash that the vehicle was involved in (e.g. the direction from which the vehicle
was hit). When the Virtual Advisor feature of OnStar
Hands-Free Calling is used, the vehicle also sends
OnStar the vehicle’s GPS location so they can provide
services where it is located.
OnStar service cannot work unless the vehicle is in a
place where OnStar has an agreement with a wireless
service provider for service in that area. OnStar service
also cannot work unless the vehicle is in a place where
the wireless service provider OnStar has hired for that
area has coverage, network capacity and reception when
the service is needed, and technology that is compatible
with the OnStar service. Not all services are available
everywhere, particularly in remote or enclosed areas, or
at all times.
Location information about the vehicle is only available
if the GPS satellite signals are unobstructed and
available.
The vehicle must have a working electrical system,
including adequate battery power, for the OnStar
equipment to operate. There are other problems OnStar
cannot control that may prevent OnStar from providing
OnStar service at any particular time or place. Some
examples are damage to important parts of the vehicle
in a crash, hills, tall buildings, tunnels, weather or
wireless phone network congestion.
2-54

Luggage Carrier For vehicles with a luggage carrier, items can be loaded
on top of the vehicle.
The luggage carrier has siderails attached to the roof and
crossrails, if equipped, which can be moved back and
forth to help secure cargo. To adjust them, turn the knob
located at each end of the crossrail counterclockwise until
the crossrail can move freely. To secure the crossrail,
turn the knob located at each end of the crossrail
clockwise until tightened. Tie the load to the siderails or
siderail supports.
Notice: Loading cargo on the luggage carrier that
weighs more than 200 lbs (91 kg) or hangs over the
rear or sides of the vehicle can damage the vehicle.
Load cargo so that it rests as far forward as possible
and against the side rails, making sure to fasten it
securely.
Do not exceed the maximum vehicle capacity when
loading the vehicle. For more information on vehicle
capacity and loading, see Loading the Vehicle on
page 5-33 .
To prevent damage or loss of cargo, check now and
then to make sure the luggage and cargo are still
securely fastened. Be sure the cargo is properly loaded.
If small heavy objects are placed on the roof, place
the load in the area over the rear wheels (behind the
rear side door on extended models). If needed, cut a
piece of 3/8 inch plywood to t inside the crossrails
and siderails to spread the load. If plywood is used,
tie it to the siderail supports.
Tie the load to the crossrails or the siderail supports.
Use the crossrails only to keep the load from sliding.
To move the crossrails, pull out on the latch release
handle at each end. Slide the crossrail to the desired
position balancing the force side to side. Push the
release handle back into the latched position and
slide the crossrail back and forth slightly to be sure
the latch snaps securely into place.
If needed to carry long items, move the crossrails as
far apart as they will go. Tie the load to the crossrails
and the siderails or siderail supports. Also tie the
load to the bumpers. Do not tie the load so tightly
that the crossrails or siderails are damaged.
After moving a crossrail, be sure it is securely locked
into the siderail.
A Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) is located
above the glass or above the rear load doors.
If items are loaded on the roof of the vehicle, care
should be taken not to block or damage the CHMSL unit.
2-64

Instrument Panel Overview .............................. .3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers ............................... .3-6
Horn ............................................................ .3-6
Tilt Wheel .................................................... .3-6
Heated Steering Wheel .................................. .3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever ........................ .3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ....................... .3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer ................. .3-8
Flash-to-Pass ................................................ .3-9
Windshield Wipers ......................................... .3-9
Rainsense™ II Wipers .................................. .3-10
Windshield Washer ...................................... .3-11
Rear Window Wiper/Washer .......................... .3-12
Cruise Control ............................................. .3-13
Exterior Lamps ............................................ .3-16
Headlamps on Reminder ............................... .3-21
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) ...................... .3-21
Automatic Headlamp System ......................... .3-21
Fog Lamps ................................................. .3-22
Instrument Panel Brightness .......................... .3-23
Dome Lamps .............................................. .3-23
Dome Lamp Override ................................... .3-23
Entry Lighting .............................................. .3-23
Exit Lighting ................................................ .3-23
Reading Lamps ........................................... .3-24
Electric Power Management .......................... .3-24 Battery Run-Down Protection ......................... .3-25
Accessory Power Outlet(s) ............................ .3-25
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter ..................... .3-26
Analog Clock .............................................. .3-26
Climate Controls ........................................... .3-27
Dual Automatic Climate Control System .......... .3-27
Outlet Adjustment ........................................ .3-31
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System
and Electronic Climate Controls .................. .3-32
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators ........... .3-33
Instrument
Panel Cluster ............................... .3-34
Speedometer and Odometer .......................... .3-35
Trip Odometer ............................................. .3-35
Tachometer ................................................ .3-35
Safety Belt Reminders .................................. .3-35
Airbag Readiness Light ................................. .3-36
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator .................. .3-37
Charging System Light ................................. .3-38
Brake System Warning Light ......................... .3-39
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light .... .3-40
StabiliTrak ®
Indicator Light ............................ .3-40
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage ................. .3-41
Tire Pressure Light ...................................... .3-41
Malfunction Indicator Lamp ............................ .3-42
Oil Pressure Light ........................................ .3-44Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

Security Light .............................................. .3-45
Fog Lamp Light ........................................... .3-45
Lights On Reminder ..................................... .3-45
Cruise Control Light ..................................... .3-46
Highbeam On Light ...................................... .3-46
Tow/Haul Mode Light ................................... .3-46
Fuel Gage .................................................. .3-46
Driver Information Center (DIC) ...................... .3-47
DIC Operation and Displays .......................... .3-48
DIC Compass ............................................. .3-53
DIC Warnings and Messages ........................ .3-56
DIC Vehicle Customization ............................ .3-65 Audio System(s) ............................................ .3-75
Bluetooth ®
.................................................. .3-75
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System
(Overhead) .............................................. .3-87
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System
(Headrest DVD) ....................................... .3-97
Rear Seat Audio (RSA) ............................... .3-113
Theft-Deterrent Feature ............................... .3-115
Audio Steering Wheel Controls ..................... .3-115
Radio Reception ........................................ .3-116
Rear Side Window Antenna ......................... .3-117
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System ........... .3-117
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2

The main components of the instrument panel are the following:
A. Outlet Adjustment on page 3-31 .
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7 .
C. Instrument Panel Cluster on page 3-34 .
D. Hazard Warning Flashers on page 3-6 .
E. Shift Lever and Range Selection Mode.
See Automatic Transmission Operation
on page 2-29 .
F. Tow/Haul Mode on page 2-33 .
G. Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-47 .
H. Analog Clock on page 3-26 .
I. Audio System(s) on page 3-75 .
J. StabiliTrak ®
System on page 5-6 . Rear Park Aid
Disable Button. See Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) on page 2-42 .
K. Tilt Wheel on page 3-6 .
L. Exterior Lamps on page 3-16 . M. Dome Lamp Override on page 3-23 . Instrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-23 . Fog Lamps
on page 3-22 .
N. Automatic Transfer Case Control. See Escalade
Two-Mode Hybrid Supplement for more information.
O. Cruise Control on page 3-13 . Heated Steering
Wheel on page 3-6 (If Equipped).
P. Horn on page 3-6 .
Q. Audio Steering Wheel Controls on page 3-115 .
R. Dual Automatic Climate Control System on
page 3-27 .
S. Pedal Adjust Button. See Adjustable Throttle and
Brake Pedal on page 2-27 . Heated Windshield
Washer Fluid Button. See Windshield Washer
on page 3-11 . Power Assist Steps on page 2-16
(If Equipped).
T. Glove Box on page 2-62 .
3-5

Hazard Warning Flashers | (Hazard Warning Flasher): Press this button
located on top of the steering column, to make the front
and rear turn signal lamps ash on and off. This warns
others that you are having trouble. Press again to turn
the ashers off.
When the hazard warning ashers are on, the vehicle’s
turn signals will not work.
Horn To sound the horn, press the center pad on the steering
wheel.
Tilt Wheel The power tilt wheel
control is located on the
left side of the steering
column. Push the control up or down to tilt the steering wheel up
or down.
To set the memory position, see Memory Features on
page 1-7 .
Heated Steering Wheel For vehicles with a heated steering wheel, the button for
this feature is located on the steering wheel.
( : Press to turn the heated steering wheel on or off.
A light on the button displays when the feature is
turned on.
The steering wheel takes about three minutes to start
heating.
3-6

Cruise Control
{ CAUTION: Cruise control can be dangerous where you cannot
drive safely at a steady speed. So, do not use the
cruise control on winding roads or in heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery roads.
On such roads, fast changes in tire traction can
cause excessive wheel slip, and you could lose
control. Do not use cruise control on slippery roads.
With cruise control, a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h)
or more can be maintained without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. Cruise control does not work
at speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h). When the brakes are applied, cruise control is turned off.
For vehicles with an Allison ®
or Hydra-Matic 6-speed
automatic transmission, see “Grade Braking and Cruise
Grade Braking (Allison Transmission) under Tow/Haul
Mode on page 2-33 for an explanation of how cruise
control interacts with the Range Selection Mode,
tow/haul and grade braking systems.
If the vehicle has StabiliTrak ®
, and the system begins
to limit wheel spin, cruise control will automatically
disengage. See StabiliTrak ®
System on page 5-6 .
When road conditions allow the cruise control to
be safely used again, it can be turned back on.
3-13