lock CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV 2012 Workshop Manual

Black plate (3,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
Storage 4-3
Center Console Storage A console compartment is located
between the bucket seats.
The console has both an upper and
lower storage bin accessed by lifting
up on the latches located at the
front of the console lid.
The console may have an
accessory power outlet inside.
See Power Outlets on page 5 ‑ 8 .
The rear of the console also has a
cupholder that swings down for the
rear seat passengers to use. Roof Rack System
{ WARNINGIf something is carried on top of
the vehicle that is longer or wider
than the roof rack — like paneling,
plywood, or a mattress — the
wind can catch it while the vehicle
is being driven. The item being
carried could be violently torn off,
and this could cause a collision
and damage the vehicle. Never
carry something longer or wider
than the roof rack on top of the
vehicle unless using a GM
certified accessory carrier.
For vehicles with a roof rack, the
rack can be used to load items.
For roof racks that do not have
crossrails included, GM Certified crossrails can be purchased as an
accessory. See your dealer for
additional information.
For vehicles with crossrails, they
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
roof rack that weighs more than
91 kg (200 lbs) or hangs over the
rear or sides of the vehicle may
damage the vehicle. Load cargo
so that it rests evenly between
the crossrails, making sure to
fasten cargo securely.

Black plate (4,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
4-4 Storage To prevent damage or loss of cargo
when driving, check to make sure
crossrails and cargo are securely
fastened. Loading cargo on the roof
rack will make the vehicle ’ s center
of gravity higher. Avoid high speeds,
sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden
braking or abrupt maneuvers,
otherwise it may result in loss of
control. If driving for a long distance,
on rough roads, or at high speeds,
occasionally stop the vehicle to
make sure the cargo remains in its
place.
Do not exceed the maximum vehicle
capacity when loading the vehicle.
For more information on vehicle
capacity and loading, see Vehicle
Load Limits on page 9 ‑ 16 .
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 fit 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.

Black plate (1,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
Instruments and Controls 5-1
Instruments and
Controls Controls Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 5-2
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 5-2
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . 5-4
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4
Windshield Wiper/Washer . . . . . 5-4
Rear Window
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Compass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators Warning Lights, Gauges, and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12 Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . 5-13
Airbag Readiness Light . . . . . . 5-14
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14
Charging System Light . . . . . . 5-16
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
Brake System Warning
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . 5-20
StabiliTrak ®
OFF Light . . . . . . . 5-20
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak ®
Light . . . . 5-21
Tire Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Engine Oil Pressure Light . . . . 5-22
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . 5-22 Front Fog Lamp Light . . . . . . . . 5-23
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Cruise Control Light . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Information Displays Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Vehicle Messages Vehicle Messages . . . . . . . . . . . 5-28
Battery Voltage and
Charging Messages . . . . . . . . 5-29
Brake System Messages . . . . 5-29
Door Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . 5-29
Engine Cooling System
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-30
Engine Oil Messages . . . . . . . . 5-31
Engine Power Messages . . . . 5-32
Fuel System Messages . . . . . . 5-32
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . 5-32
Lamp Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32
Object Detection System
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33
Ride Control System
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-34

Black plate (5,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
Instruments and Controls 5-5Windshield Washer
{ WARNINGIn freezing weather, do not use
the washer until the windshield is
warmed. Otherwise the washer
fluid can form ice on the
windshield, blocking your vision.
L (Washer Fluid): Push the
paddle at the top of the multifunction
lever, to spray washer fluid on the
windshield. The wipers clear the
window and then either stop or
return to the preset speed.
Rear Window
Wiper/Washer The rear wiper control is located on
the turn and lane ‐ change lever.
To turn the rear wiper on, slide the
lever to a wiper position. 9 (Off): Turns the wiper off.
5 (Rear Wiper Delay): Turns on
the rear wiper delay.
Z (Rear Wiper): Turns on the rear
wiper.
= (Rear Wiper Wash): Press this
button on the end of the lever to
spray washer fluid on the rear
window. The wipers will clear the
rear window and either stop or
return to your preset speed.
For more washer cycles, press and
hold the button.
The rear window wiper/washer will
not operate if the liftgate or liftglass
is open or ajar. If the liftgate or
liftglass is opened while the rear
wiper is on, the wiper returns to the
parked position and stops. Compass Your vehicle may have a
compass in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
Compass Zone
The zone is set to zone eight upon
leaving the factory. Your dealer will
set the correct zone for your
location.
Under certain circumstances,
such as during a long distance
cross-country trip or moving to a
new state or province, it will be
necessary to compensate for
compass variance by resetting the
zone through the DIC if the zone
is not set correctly.

Black plate (7,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
Instruments and Controls 5-7Turn off the vehicle, move the
magnetic item, then turn on the
vehicle and calibrate the compass.
To calibrate the compass, use the
following procedure:
Compass Calibration Procedure
1. Before calibrating the compass,
make sure the compass zone is
set to the variance zone in
which the vehicle is located.
See “ Compass Variance (Zone)
Procedure ” earlier in this
section.
Do not operate any switches
such as window, sunroof,
climate controls, seats, etc.
during the calibration procedure. 2. Press the vehicle information
button until PRESS
V TO
CALIBRATE COMPASS
displays.
3. Press the set/reset button to
start the compass calibration.
4. The DIC will display
CALIBRATING: DRIVE IN
CIRCLES. Drive the vehicle
in tight circles at less than
8 km/h (5 mph) to complete the
calibration. The DIC will display
CALIBRATION COMPLETE
for a few seconds when the
calibration is complete. The DIC
display will then return to the
previous menu. Clock The analog clock is not connected
with any other vehicle system and
runs by itself.
To adjust the clock, do the following:
1. Locate the adjustment button,
near the lower left corner of the
clock.
2. Push and hold the adjustment
button to advance the clock
hands. Holding the button down
will cause the clock to advance
faster. Release the button before
you get to the desired time.
3. Push and release the button to
increase the time by one minute
increments until the desired time
is reached.

Black plate (8,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
5-8 Instruments and Controls
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.
Remove the cover to use and
replace when not in use.
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. { WARNINGPower is always supplied to the
outlets. Do not leave electrical
equipment plugged in when the
vehicle is not in use because the
vehicle could catch fire and cause
injury or death.
Notice: Leaving electrical
equipment plugged in for an
extended period of time while
the vehicle is off will drain the
battery. Always unplug electrical
equipment when not in use and
do not plug in equipment that
exceeds the maximum 20 ampere
rating. Certain power accessory plugs
may not be compatible with the
accessory power outlet and could
overload adapter or vehicle fuses.
If a problem is experienced, see
your dealer.
When adding electrical equipment,
be sure to follow the proper
installation instructions included
with the equipment. Do not use
equipment exceeding the
maximum amperage rating of
20 amperes. See Add-On Electrical
Equipment on page 9 ‑ 69 .
Notice: Hanging heavy
equipment from the power
outlet can cause damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
The power outlets are designed
for accessory power plugs only,
such as cell phone charge cords.

Black plate (20,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
5-20 Instruments and Controls
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light For vehicles with the Antilock Brake
System (ABS), this light comes on
briefly when the engine is started.
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally the
indicator light then goes off.
If the ABS light stays on, turn the
ignition off. If the light comes on
while driving, stop as soon as it is
safely possible and turn the ignition
off. Then start the engine again to
reset the system. If the ABS light
stays on, or comes on again while
driving, the vehicle needs service.
If the regular brake system warning
light is not on, the vehicle still has
brakes, but not antilock brakes. If the regular brake system warning
light is also on, the vehicle does not
have antilock brakes and there is a
problem with the regular brakes.
See Brake System Warning Light on
page 5 ‑ 19 .
For vehicles with a Driver
Information Center (DIC), see Brake
System Messages on page 5 ‑ 29 for
all brake ‐ related DIC messages.
If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the
hybrid supplement for more
information.
Tow/Haul Mode Light
For vehicles with the Tow/Haul
Mode feature, this light comes on
when the Tow/Haul Mode has been
activated.
For more information, see Tow/Haul
Mode on page 9 ‑ 33 .StabiliTrak ®
OFF Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the engine.
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the
system is working normally, the
indicator light then goes off.
Press and release the Traction
Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
button to turn off TCS, and a
message displays in the DIC.
Press and briefly hold the
TCS/StabiliTrak button to turn off
the StabiliTrak system; the
StabiliTrak Off light comes on and
a message appears in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).

Black plate (32,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
5-32 Instruments and Controls
Engine Power Messages ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED This message displays and a chime
sounds when the cooling system
temperature gets too hot and the
engine further enters the engine
coolant protection mode. See
Engine Overheating on page 10 ‑ 19
for further information.
This message also displays when
the engine power is reduced.
Reduced engine power can affect
the vehicle's ability to accelerate.
If this message is on, but there is
no reduction in performance,
proceed to your destination.
The performance may be reduced
the next time the vehicle is driven.
The vehicle may be driven at a
reduced speed while this message
is on, but acceleration and speed
may be reduced. Anytime this
message stays on, the vehicle
should be taken to your dealer for
service as soon as possible. Fuel System Messages FUEL LEVEL LOW This message displays and a
chime sounds if the fuel level is low.
Refuel as soon as possible. See
Fuel Gauge on page 5 ‑ 12 and Fuel
on page 9 ‑ 51 for more information.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP This message may display along
with the check engine light on the
instrument panel cluster if the fuel
cap is not tightened properly.
See Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
page 5 ‑ 16 . Reinstall the fuel cap
fully. See Filling the Tank on
page 9 ‑ 55 . The diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed.
A loose or missing fuel cap
allows fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. A few driving trips with
the cap properly installed should
turn this light and message off. Key and Lock Messages REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY This message displays if a Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
battery is low. The battery needs to
be replaced in the transmitter.
See “ Battery Replacement ” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation on page 2 ‑ 3 .
Lamp Messages SERVICE LEFT HEADLAMP
ASSEMBLY On some models, this message
will be displayed when the left
headlamp is out and needs to be
serviced. See “ LED Lighting ” in
LED Lighting on page 10 ‑ 36 for
more information.

Black plate (33,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
Instruments and Controls 5-33SERVICE RIGHT HEADLAMP
ASSEMBLY On some models, this message
will be displayed when the right
headlamp is out and needs to be
serviced. See “ LED Lighting ” in
LED Lighting on page 10 ‑ 36 for
more information.
TURN SIGNAL ON This message displays and a chime
sounds if a turn signal is left on for
1.2 km (3/4 of a mi). Move the turn
signal/multifunction lever to the off
position.
Object Detection System
Messages PARKING ASSIST BLOCKED
SEE OWNERS MANUAL
This message displays if there is
something interfering with the park
assist system. See Ultrasonic
Parking Assist on page 9 ‑ 44 for
more information. PARKING ASSIST OFF After the vehicle has been started,
this message displays to remind the
driver that the Ultrasonic Rear
Parking Assist (URPA) system has
been turned off. Press the set/reset
button to acknowledge this message
and clear it from the DIC display.
To turn the URPA system back on,
see Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9 ‑ 44 .
SERVICE PARKING ASSIST This message displays if there is a
problem with the Ultrasonic Rear
Parking Assist (URPA) system.
Do not use this system to help you
park. See Ultrasonic Parking Assist
on page 9 ‑ 44 for more information.
See your dealer for service. SERVICE SIDE BLIND ZONE
ALERT SYSTEM If your vehicle has the Side Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA) system and this
message displays, 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. See your dealer.
See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
on page 9 ‑ 45 for more information.
SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM OFF If your vehicle has the Side Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA) system, this
message displays when the SBZA
system has been turned off. See
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) on
page 9 ‑ 45 and Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5 ‑ 23 for more
information.

Black plate (34,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012 - 2nd CRC - 11/29/11
5-34 Instruments and Controls SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEM
UNAVAILABLE If your vehicle has the Side Blind
Zone Alert (SBZA) system, this
message displays when the SBZA
system is disabled because the
sensor is blocked and cannot
detect vehicles in your blind zone.
The sensor may be blocked by
mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush.
This message may also display
during heavy rain or due to road
spray. It may also come on when
driving in isolated areas with no
guardrails, trees, or road signs and
light traffic. Your vehicle does not
need service. For cleaning
instructions, see “ Washing Your
Vehicle ” in Exterior Care on
page 10 ‑ 96 . See Side Blind Zone
Alert (SBZA) on page 9 ‑ 45 for more
information. Ride Control System
Messages SERVICE STABILITRAK If your vehicle has StabiliTrak and
this message displays, it means
there may be a problem with the
StabiliTrak system. If you see this
message, try to reset the system.
Stop; turn off the engine for at least
15 seconds; then start the engine
again. If this message still comes
on, it means there is a problem.
You should see your dealer for
service. The vehicle is safe to drive,
however, you do not have the
benefit of StabiliTrak, so reduce
your speed and drive accordingly.
SERVICE SUSPENSION
SYSTEM
This message displays when the
Road Sensing Suspension (RSS)
system is not operating properly.
Have your vehicle serviced by your
dealer. SERVICE TRACTION
CONTROL If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this
message displays when there is a
problem with the Traction Control
System (TCS). When this message
displays, the system will not limit
wheel spin. Adjust your driving
accordingly. See your dealer for
service. See StabiliTrak ®
System on
page 9 ‑ 37 for more information.
STABILITRAK INITIALIZING If the vehicle has StabiliTrak, this
message may come on if the
StabiliTrak system has not fully
initialized because of road
conditions or the incorrect tire size.
When the StabiliTrak system is fully
initialized, the message will turn off.
See StabiliTrak ®
System on
page 9 ‑ 37 for more information.
If this message continues to be
displayed for multiple ignition cycles
and on different road surfaces, see
your dealer for service.