2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT tailgate

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry System.........................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry System Operation...........2-5
Doors and Locks.............................................2-8
Door Locks....................................................2-8
Power Door Locks..........................................2-9
Delayed Locking.............................................2-9
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-10
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-12
Lockout Protection........................................2-12
Midgate.......................................................2-12
Tailgate.......................................................2-22
Windows........................................................2-24
Power Windows............................................2-25
Sun Visors...................................................2-25
Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-26
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-26
Passlock
ž....................................................2-27
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle................2-28
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-28
Ignition Positions..........................................2-28Starting Your Engine.....................................2-29
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal................2-30
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-31
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-32
All-Wheel Drive............................................2-35
Parking Brake..............................................2-35
Shifting Into Park (P).....................................2-36
Shifting Out of Park (P).................................2-38
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-39
Engine Exhaust............................................2-39
Running Your Engine While You Are Parked.......2-40
Mirrors...........................................................2-41
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar
ž, Compass and Temperature
Display....................................................2-41
Outside Power Mirrors...................................2-44
Outside Convex Mirror...................................2-44
Outside Heated Mirrors..................................2-45
Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror with
Curb View Assist.......................................2-45
OnStar
žSystem.............................................2-46
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Your vehicle has one
double-sided key for the
ignition, door locks, tailgate
and side storage boxes.
If you ever lose your keys, your dealer will be able to
assist you with obtaining replacements.
In an emergency contact Cadillac Roadside Service
ž.
SeeRoadside Service on page 7-6for more information.
If you ever lock your keys in your vehicle, you may be
able to have your doors unlocked automatically with
the OnStar
žsystem if you have an active OnStarž
subscription. For more information seeOnStaržSystem
on page 2-46.
Remote Keyless Entry System
Your keyless entry 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 interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation of the device.
Changes or modi®cations to this system by other than
an authorized service facility could void authorization to
use this equipment.
2-4

Rear Door Security Locks
With this feature, you can lock the rear doors so they
can't be opened from the inside by passengers.
This feature is located on
the inside edge of the
rear doors.
To use one of the locks, do the following:
1. Open one of the rear doors.
2. Move the lever forward to engage the rear door
security lock.
3. Close the door.
4. Do the same thing to the other rear door.The rear doors or your vehicle cannot be opened from
the inside when this feature is in use. If you want to
open the rear door while the security lock is engaged,
unlock the door and open the door from the outside.
Move the lever rearward to disengage the child security
lock feature.
Lockout Protection
This feature protects you from locking your key in the
vehicle when the key is in the ignition and a door is open.
If the power lock switch is pressed when a door is open
and the key is in the ignition, all of the doors will
lock and then the driver's door will unlock.
Midgate
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to drive with the cargo
area covered and the tailgate and the midgate
open because carbon monoxide (CO) gas can
come into your vehicle. You can't see or smell
CO. It can cause unconsciousness and even
CAUTION: (Continued)
2-12

CAUTION: (Continued)
death. If you must drive with the cargo covers
on and the tailgate and midgate open or if
electrical wiring or other cable connections
must pass through the seal between the body
and the midgate:
·Make sure all windows are shut.
·Turn the fan on your heating or cooling
system to its highest speed with the
setting on OUTSIDE AIR. That will force
outside air into your vehicle. See ªClimate
Control Systemº in the Index.
·If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
See ªEngine Exhaustº in the Index.
Midgate Operation
Your vehicle is equipped with a midgate and a removable
rear glass panel. The midgate allows you to extend the
length of your vehicle's cargo area.The following are the main components of the midgate
system:
A. Latch Levers
B. Grab Handles
C. Glass-Catch
Release Button
D. Glass Lock KnobsE. Window Retaining
Tabs
F. Midgate Release
Handle
G. Window Alignment
Arrows
2-13

Raising the Midgate
To return the Midgate to its normal position, raise the
Midgate up with a ®rm swinging motion (this will help to
ensure that the Midgate closes with enough force to
engage the latches) until it latches into place securely.
If the rear glass is removed and you would like to
put it back, do so using the instructions given previously.
Tailgate
Use the ignition/door key to unlock/lock the tailgate.
Open the tailgate by lifting up on its handle while pulling
the tailgate toward you.
To shut the tailgate, ®rmly push it upward until it
latches.
After you put the tailgate back up, pull it back towards
you to be sure it is latched securely.
2-22

Tailgate Removal
The tailgate on your vehicle can be removed to allow for
different loading situations. Although the tailgate can
be removed without assistance, you may want someone
to assist you with the removal to avoid possible
damage to the vehicle.
To remove the tailgate, do the following:
1. Raise the tailgate
slightly and release
both retaining cable
clips. To release the
retaining cable clips,
lift the cable so it points
straight out and push
the cable clip forward.2. With the tailgate at a slight upward angle, pull back
on the tailgate at the right edge so it releases
from the block hinge (arrow) and then move the
tailgate to the right to release the left edge.
Reverse the above procedure to reinstall. Make sure the
tailgate is secure.
2-23

Cargo Cover Panels
{CAUTION:
Improperly stored cargo cover panels could be
thrown about the vehicle during a collision or
sudden maneuver. You or others could be
injured. If you remove a panel, always store it
in the proper storage location. When you
put it back, always be sure that is securely
reattached.
Notice:Each cargo cover is designed to support
250 lbs. (113 kg) on top of them. Exceeding the
weight limit can damage the cargo covers.
This damage would not be covered by your
vehicle's warranty.
Your vehicle is equipped with a three-piece cargo cover
system. The cargo panels can be removed and
stored in the cargo area of the vehicle with the cargo
panel storage bag.To remove a cargo panel(s), do the following:
1. Lower the tailgate. Use the ignition/door key to
unlock the tailgate if it is locked. See
Tailgate on
page 2-22for more information on the tailgate.
Before removing the cargo panel(s), notice the
numbers embossed on the upper center portion of
each panel. The panels are labeled 1, 2 and 3.
There are also numbered labels on the bottom of
the panels. The numbers on the top and bottom
of the panels will be used as reference when
removing, storing and reinstalling the panels.
2-55

Even when the water management system is working
properly and the cover system is on, there may be some
instances (heavy rains, automated car washes, etc.)
when water may be present in the following areas:A. Top drain grates
B. Removable front drain grate (Midgate drain grate)
C. Side rail channels and catch cups
D. Front drains
E. Water drainage area (around both sides of
the cargo box and tailgate side)
F. Rear drains
G. Cargo ¯oor
H. Cargo mat (central area of mat is intended to be dry)
Maintenance and Cleaning
To ensure that the water management system performs
properly, be sure that the midgate, tailgate and cover
system are fully closed and that each element of
the water management system is clean and not blocked
with debris. Follow the instructions given next in this
section for the proper procedures on cleaning each item
of the water management system.
2-66