CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV 2012 Owner's Manual

Black plate (15,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
In Brief 1-15Dome Lamp Override
The dome lamp override button is
located next to the exterior lamps
control.
k : Press the button in and the
dome lamps remain off when a door
is opened. Press the button again to
return it to the extended position so
that the dome lamps come on when
a door is opened. Reading Lamps
For vehicles with reading lamps in
the overhead console, press the
button located next to the lamp to
turn it on or off.
The vehicle may also have reading
lamps in other locations. The lamps
cannot be adjusted.
For more information about interior
lamps, see: .
Dome Lamps on page 6 ‑ 9 . .
Reading Lamps on page 6 ‑ 9 ..
Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6 ‑ 8 .Exterior Lighting
The exterior lamps control is located
on the instrument panel to the left of
the steering wheel.
P : Turns off the automatic
headlamps and Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL). Turning the headlamp
control to the off position again will
turn the automatic headlamps and
DRL back on.
For vehicles first sold in Canada,
the off position only works when the
vehicle is shifted into the P (Park)
position.

Black plate (16,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
1-16 In Brief AUTO: Automatically turns on the
headlamps at normal brightness,
along with the parking lamps,
instrument panel lights, license plate
lamps, and taillamps.
; : Turns on the parking lamps,
along with the instrument panel
lights, license plate lamps, and
taillamps.
5 : Turns on the headlamps,
parking lamps, instrument panel
lights, license plate lamps, and
taillamps.
For more information, see: .
Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6 ‑ 1 ..
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
on page 6 ‑ 5 ..
Fog Lamps on page 6 ‑ 8 .Windshield Wiper/Washer
The front and rear wiper controls
are located on the turn and
lane ‐ change lever.
Turn the band with the wiper symbol
to control the windshield wipers.
8 : For a single wipe, turn to
8 ,
then release. For several wipes,
hold the band on
8 longer.
9 : Turns the windshield
wipers off. 6 : Turn the band up for more
frequent wipes or down for less
frequent wipes.
6 : Slow wipes.
? : Fast wipes.
L : Push the paddle at the top of
the lever to spray washer fluid on
the windshield.
Rear Wiper Window Wiper/Washer
To turn the rear wiper on, slide the
lever to a wiper position.
9 : Turns the wiper off.
5 : Turns on the rear wiper delay.
Z : Turns on the rear wiper.
= : Press the button on the end of
the lever to spray washer fluid on
the rear window.
See Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5 ‑ 4 and Rear Window
Wiper/Washer on page 5 ‑ 5 .

Black plate (17,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
In Brief 1-17
Climate Controls The heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can be controlled with
this system.
Climate Control with Cooled and Heated Seats shown
A. Driver and Passenger
Temperature Controls
B. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
C. Defrost
D. Air Recirculation
E. Rear Window Defogger
F. Air Conditioning
G. Heated and Cooled Seats H. Fan Control
I. REAR (Rear Climate Control)
J. Air Delivery Mode Control
See Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8 ‑ 1 and Rear
Climate Control System (Rear
Climate with Rear Seat Audio) on
page 8 ‑ 6 (If Equipped). Transmission Driver Shift Control (DSC)
The DSC switch is located on the
shift lever.
To enable the DSC feature:
1. Move the column shift lever to
the M (Manual) position. The
Driver Information Center (DIC)
display will show the message
MANUAL SHIFT on the first line
and the current gear will be
displayed on the second line.
This is the highest attainable
range with all lower gears
accessible. As an example,
when 5 (Fifth) gear is selected,
1 (First) through 5 (Fifth) gears
are available.

Black plate (18,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
1-18 In Brief 2. Press the plus/minus buttons,
located on the steering column
shift lever, to select the desired
range of gears for current driving
conditions. See Manual Mode on
page 9 ‑ 33 .
While using DSC, cruise control
and the tow/haul mode can
be used.
Grade Braking is not available when
DSC is active. See Tow/Haul Mode
on page 9 ‑ 33 .
Vehicle Features Radio(s) This vehicle's radio is part of the
navigation system. See Infotainment
on page 7 ‑ 2 .
Satellite Radio XM is a satellite radio service that
is based in the 48 contiguous
United States and 10 Canadian
provinces. XM satellite radio has a
wide variety of programming and
commercial-free music, coast to
coast, and in digital-quality sound.
A fee is required to receive the
XM service.
For more information, refer to: .
www.xmradio.com or call
1-800-929-2100 (U.S.) .
www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-438-9677 (Canada)
Also, see Satellite Radio on
page 7 ‑ 15 . Portable Audio Devices This vehicle has an auxiliary input,
located on the audio faceplate,
and a USB port located on the
instrument panel or in the center
console. External devices such
as iPod ®
, laptop computers,
MP3 players, CD changers,
USB storage device, etc. can be
connected to the auxiliary port using
a 3.5 mm (1/8 in) input jack or the
USB port depending on the audio
system.
See Auxiliary Devices on page 7 ‑ 30
or CD/DVD Player on page 7 ‑ 18
for further information.
Bluetooth ®
For vehicles with a Bluetooth
system, it allows users with a
Bluetooth ‐ enabled cell phone to
make and receive hands-free calls
using the vehicle ’ s audio system
and controls.

Black plate (19,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
In Brief 1-19The Bluetooth ‐ enabled cell phone
must be paired with the Bluetooth
system before it can be used in the
vehicle. Not all phones will support
all functions. For more information,
visit www.gm.com/bluetooth.
For more information, see Bluetooth
on page 7 ‑ 103 .
Mobile Apps Mobile apps are available for
download through iTunes ®
to then
access the iPhone ®
App Store
and Google ™ Marketplace for
Android ™ . Search for the apps to
download. The apps are free of
charge; however, the myCadillac
app requires the user to link their
own vehicle and OnStar MyLink
requires an active OnStar
subscription. Steering Wheel Controls
If available, some audio controls
can be adjusted at the steering
wheel.
w : Press to go to the next favorite
radio station, track on a CD,
or folder on an iPod ®
or USB
device.
c /
x : Press to go to the
previous favorite radio station, track
on a CD, or folder on an iPod ®
or
USB device. Press to reject an
incoming call, or to end a call. b /
g : Press to silence the vehicle
speakers only. Press again to turn
the sound on. Press and hold longer
than two seconds to interact with
OnStar ®
or Bluetooth systems,
if equipped.
+
e : Press to increase volume.
−
e : Press to decrease volume.
SRCE: Press to switch between
the radio and CD, and for equipped
vehicles, the DVD, front auxiliary,
and rear auxiliary.
¨ : Press to seek the next radio
station, the next track or chapter
while sourced to the CD or DVD
slot, or to select tracks and folders
on an iPod or USB device.
For more information, see Steering
Wheel Controls on page 5 ‑ 2 .

Black plate (20,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
1-20 In Brief
Cruise Control
Cruise Control Shown with
Heated Steering Wheel Button
(If Equipped)
The cruise control buttons are
located on the left side of the
steering wheel.
I : Press to turn the system on or
off. The indicator light is on when
cruise control is on and turns off
when cruise control is off. + RES: Press briefly to make the
vehicle resume to a previously
set speed, or press and hold to
accelerate.
SET − : Press to set the speed and
activate cruise control or make the
vehicle decelerate.
[ : Press to disengage cruise
control without erasing the set
speed from memory.
See Cruise Control on page 9 ‑ 41 .
Navigation System The navigation system provides
detailed maps of most major
freeways and roads throughout
the United States and Canada.
After a destination has been set,
the system provides turn-by-turn
instructions for reaching the
destination. In addition, the system
can help locate a variety of POIs
(Points of Interest), such as banks,
airports, restaurants, and more.
See Using the Navigation System
on page 7 ‑ 62 for more information. Driver Information
Center (DIC) The DIC display is located at the
bottom of the instrument panel
cluster. It shows the status of many
vehicle systems and enables
access to the personalization menu.
The DIC buttons are located on
the instrument panel, next to the
steering wheel.
3 : Press to display the
odometer, trip odometer, fuel range,
average economy, fuel used,
timer, transmission temperature,

Black plate (21,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
In Brief 1-21instantaneous economy, and
average vehicle speed.
The compass and outside air
temperature will also be shown in
the display. The temperature will be
shown in °C or °F depending on the
units selected.
T : Press to display the oil life,
units, side blind zone system on/off,
tire pressure readings for vehicles
with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), compass zone
setting, and compass recalibration.
U : Press to customize the
feature settings on your vehicle.
See Vehicle Personalization on
page 5 ‑ 38 for more information.
V : Press to set or reset certain
functions and to turn off or
acknowledge messages on the DIC.
For more information, see Driver
Information Center (DIC) on
page 5 ‑ 23 . Vehicle Customization Some vehicle features can be
programmed by using the DIC
buttons next to the steering wheel.
These features include: .
Language .
Door Lock and Unlock Settings .
RKE Lock and Unlock Feedback .
Lighting .
Chime Volume .
Memory Features .
Digital Speedometer Display
See Vehicle Personalization on
page 5 ‑ 38 .
Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA) If available, this feature will alert you
to vehicles located in the vehicle's
side blind zone. When the system
detects a vehicle in the side blind zone, the SBZA display will light up
in the corresponding outside side
mirror.
The system is enabled at every
vehicle startup. It can be disabled
through the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the message SIDE BLIND ZONE
SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE appears
on the DIC, the system has been
disabled because the sensor is
blocked and cannot detect vehicles
in the blind zone. 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.
See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
on page 9 ‑ 45 for more information.

Black plate (22,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
1-22 In Brief
Rear Vision
Camera (RVC) If available, the RVC displays a view
of the area behind the vehicle on
the navigation screen when the
vehicle is shifted into R (Reverse).
Once shifted out of R (Reverse), the
navigation screen will go back to the
last screen that had been displayed,
after a delay.
To clean the camera lens, located
above the license plate, rinse it with
water and wipe it with a soft cloth.
See Rear Vision Camera (RVC) on
page 9 ‑ 48 .
Ultrasonic Parking Assist If available, the Ultrasonic Rear
Parking Assist (URPA) system uses
sensors on the rear bumper to
assist with parking and avoiding
objects while in R (Reverse).
It operates at speeds less than
8 km/h (5 mph). URPA uses audible
beeps to provide distance and
system information. Keep the sensors on the vehicle's
rear bumper clean to ensure proper
operation.
See Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9 ‑ 44 .
Power Outlets The accessory power outlets can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.
The vehicle has three accessory
power outlets located: .
Inside the floor console
storage bin. .
On the rear of the floor console. .
In the rear cargo area on the
passenger side.
The accessory power outlets are
powered, even when the ignition is
in LOCK/OFF. Continuing to use
power outlets while the ignition is in
LOCK/OFF may cause the vehicle's
battery to run down.
See Power Outlets on page 5 ‑ 8 .Universal Remote System
Vehicles with the Universal Remote
System will have these buttons
located in the headliner.
This system provides a way to
replace up to three remote control
transmitters used to activate
devices such as garage door
openers, security systems, and
home automation devices.
Read the instructions completely
before attempting to program the
transmitter. Because of the steps
involved, it may be helpful to have
another person assist with
programming the transmitter.
See Universal Remote System on
page 5 ‑ 46 .

Black plate (23,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
In Brief 1-23
Sunroof
A. Open or Close
B. Vent
On vehicles with a sunroof, the
sunroof only operates when the
ignition is in the ACC/ACCESSORY
or ON/RUN, or when Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) is active.
See Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 9 ‑ 26 for more
information. Vent: From the closed position,
press the rear of switch (B) to vent
the sunroof.
Open/Close: To open the sunroof,
press and hold switch (A) until the
sunroof reaches the desired
position. Press and hold the front of
switch (A) to close it.
Express-Open/Express-Close:
To express-open the sunroof, fully
press and release the rear of
switch (A) until the sunroof
reaches the desired position.
To express-close the sunroof,
fully press and release the front
of switch (A). Press the switch
again to stop it.
When the sunroof is opened, an air
deflector will automatically raise.
The air deflector will retract when
the sunroof is closed. The sunroof also has a sunshade
which can be pulled forward to block
sun rays. The sunshade must be
opened and closed manually.
If an object is in the path of the
sunroof while it is closing, the
anti-pinch feature will detect the
object and stop the sunroof.
See Sunroof on page 2 ‑ 21 for more
information.

Black plate (24,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
1-24 In Brief
Performance and
Maintenance StabiliTrak ®
SystemThe vehicle has a traction control
system that limits wheel spin and
the StabiliTrak system that assists
with directional control of the
vehicle in difficult driving conditions.
Both systems turn on automatically
every time the vehicle is started. .
To turn off traction control, press
and release
g on the instrument
panel. The appropriate DIC
message displays. See Ride
Control System Messages on
page 5 ‑ 34 ..
To turn off both traction control
and StabiliTrak, press and
hold
g until
g illuminates and
the appropriate DIC message
displays. See Ride Control
System Messages on page 5 ‑ 34 ..
Press and release
g again to
turn on both systems. For more information, see
StabiliTrak ®
System on page 9 ‑ 37 .
Tire Pressure Monitor This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).
The TPMS warning light alerts you
to a significant loss in pressure of
one of the vehicle's tires. If the
warning light comes on, stop as
soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9 ‑ 16 . The warning
light will remain on until the tire
pressure is corrected.
During cooler conditions, the low tire
pressure warning light may appear
when the vehicle is first started and then turn off. This may be an early
indicator that the tire pressures are
getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.
The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. It is the
driver ’ s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.
See Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 10 ‑ 53 .
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit This vehicle may come with a spare
tire and tire changing equipment or
a tire sealant and compressor kit.
The kit can be used to temporarily
seal small punctures in the tread
area of the tire. See Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit on page 10 ‑ 67 .
If the vehicle came with a spare tire
and tire changing equipment, see
If a Tire Goes Flat on page 10 ‑ 65 .