2005 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV tow

SECOND (2):This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on
hills. It can help control your speed as you go down
steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to
use your brakes off and on.
If you manually select SECOND (2), the transmission
will drive in second gear. You may use this feature
for reducing the speed of the rear wheels when you
are trying to start your vehicle from a stop on slippery
road surfaces. Once the vehicle is moving, shift
into DRIVE (D).
FIRST (1):This position gives you even more power,
but lower fuel economy than SECOND (2). You can use
it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the
shift lever is put in FIRST (1) while the vehicle is moving
forward, the vehicle will not shift into rst gear until
the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. If you are
stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
On cold days, approximately 32°F (0°C) or colder, your
transmission is designed to shift differently until the
engine reaches normal operating temperature. This is
intended to improve heater performance.Tow/Haul Mode
Your vehicle is equipped
with a tow/haul mode. The
button for this feature is
located on the end of
the column shift lever.
You can use this feature to assist when towing or
hauling a heavy load. See “Tow/Haul Mode” under
Towing a Trailer on page 4-50for more information.
The tow/haul mode also interacts with the Road Sensing
Suspension (RSS) feature to enhance the ride when
trailering or with a loaded vehicle. SeeRoad Sensing
Suspension on page 4-8.
All-Wheel Drive
With this feature, engine power is sent to all four wheels
when extra traction is needed.
This is like four-wheel drive, but there is no separate
lever or switch to engage or disengage the front axle. It
is fully automatic, and adjusts itself as needed for
road conditions.
2-24

Parking Brake
To set the parking brake, hold the regular brake pedal
down with your right foot. Push down the parking
brake pedal with your left foot.
A chime will activate and the warning light will ash
when the parking brake is applied and the vehicle
is moving at least 3 mph (5 km/h) for at least
three seconds.To release the parking brake, hold the regular brake
pedal down. Pull the bottom edge of the lever, located
above the parking brake pedal, with the parking
brake symbol, to release the parking brake.
If the ignition is on when the parking brake is released,
the brake system warning light will go off.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause premature
wear or damage to brake system parts. Verify that
the parking brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on any hill,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 4-50.
2-25

Shifting Into Park (P)
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. If you have left the engine running, the
vehicle can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will
not move, even when you are on fairly level
ground, use the steps that follow. If you are
pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-50.
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and
set the parking brake with your left foot.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by pulling the
shift lever toward you and moving it up as far as it
will go.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and the
parking brake is rmly set before you leave it. After you
move the shift lever into PARK (P), hold the regular
brake pedal down. Then, see if you can move the shift
lever away from PARK (P) without rst pulling it
toward you. If you can, it means that the shift lever was
not fully locked into PARK (P).
2-26

Running the Engine While Parked
It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you
ever have to, here are some things to know.
{CAUTION:
Idling the engine with the climate control
system off could allow dangerous exhaust into
your vehicle. See the earlier caution under
Engine Exhaust on page 2-28.
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the climate control fan is at the highest setting.
One place this can happen is a garage.
Exhaust — with CO — can come in easily.
NEVER park in a garage with the engine
running.
Another closed-in place can be a blizzard.
SeeWinter Driving on page 4-38.
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle
if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can
roll. Do not leave your 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 your vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P).
Follow the proper steps to be sure your vehicle will not
move. SeeShifting Into Park (P) on page 2-26.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-50.
2-29

Compass Calibration
The compass may need calibration if one of the
following occurs:
After approximately ve seconds, the display does
not show a compass heading, N for North, for
example, there may be a strong magnetic eld
interfering with the compass. Such interference may
be caused by a magnetic antenna mount, magnetic
note pad holder, or a similar magnetic item.
The compass does not display the correct heading
and the compass zone variance is set correctly.
In order to calibrate, CAL must be displayed in the
mirror compass windows. If CAL is not displayed, push
the on/off button for approximately 12 seconds or
until CAL is displayed.
The compass can be calibrated by driving the vehicle in
circles at 5 mph (8 km/h) or less until the display
reads a direction.
Passenger Air Bag Indicator
The vehicle may be equipped with a passenger airbag
indicator, on the mirror glass, just above the buttons.
For more information, seePassenger Sensing System
on page 1-80andPassenger Airbag Status Indicator
on page 3-35.
Cleaning the Mirror
When cleaning the mirror, use a paper towel or similar
material dampened with glass cleaner. Do not spray
glass cleaner directly on the mirror as that may cause
the liquid cleaner to enter the mirror housing.
Outside Power Mirrors
The controls are located
on the driver’s door
armrest.
Move the upper selector switch to the left or right to
choose the mirror to be adjusted, then press the dots,
located below the selector switch on the four-way control
pad, to adjust the direction of each mirror.
The mirrors may also include a memory function which
works in conjunction with the memory seats. See
Memory Seat on page 2-45for more information.
2-32

Cargo Cover
{CAUTION:
An improperly stored cargo cover could be
thrown about the vehicle during a collision or
sudden maneuver. You or others could be
injured. If you remove the cover, always store
it in the proper storage location. When you put
it back, always be sure that it is securely
reattached.
If you have a cargo cover, you can use it to cover items
in the cargo area of your vehicle.
To use the cover, do the following:
1. Pull the cover handle toward the rear of the vehicle.
2. Latch the cover posts into the retaining sockets
on the cargo area trim panels.
To return the cover to the retracted position, do the
following:
1. Pull up on the cover handle to release the cover
posts from the retaining sockets.
2. Let the cover move forward to the full retracted
position.To remove the cover from the vehicle, do the following:
1. Let the cover go all the way into the holder.
2. Then, grasping the passenger’s side cover endcap,
push the cover endcap toward the driver’s side of
the vehicle. The endcap should lock in the
compressed position.
3. Lift the cover up on the passenger’s side, swing the
cover rearward and take it out of the vehicle.
To put the cover in the vehicle, do the following:
1. Make sure the cover slot in the holder faces
rearward with the round surface facing down.
2. Then, hold the cover at an angle and place the
cover holder tab into the slot in the driver’s side
trim panel.
3. Move the other end of the cover forward and hold it
next to the passenger’s side trim panel slot.
4. Push the button on top of the passenger’s side
endcap. This will allow the cover to extend into
the trim slot.
5. Lightly pull on the cover holder to make sure it is
secure.
On some models there are two slots. The slots
furthest forward allow the cover to be used if the
third seat is removed or folded down.
2-43

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn.............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-7
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-7
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-8
Flash-to-Pass.................................................3-8
Windshield Wipers..........................................3-9
Windshield Washer.........................................3-9
Cruise Control..............................................3-10
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-14
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-15
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-15
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-15
Fog Lamps..................................................3-16
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-17
Dome Lamps...............................................3-17
Entry/Exit Lighting.........................................3-17
Reading Lamps............................................3-18
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-18
Ultrasonic Parking Assist................................3-18
Accessory Power Outlets...............................3-21
Ashtrays and Cigarette Lighter........................3-21
Analog Clock...............................................3-22Climate Controls............................................3-22
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-22
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-28
Rear Climate Control System.........................3-29
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-31
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-32
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-33
Tachometer.................................................3-33
Safety Belt Reminder Light.............................3-33
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-34
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-35
Charging System Light..................................3-37
Voltmeter Gage............................................3-37
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-38
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light.............3-39
Low Tire Pressure Warning Light....................3-40
Traction Off Light..........................................3-40
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-41
Transmission Temperature Gage.....................3-41
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.............................3-43
Oil Pressure Gage........................................3-46
Security Light...............................................3-47
Cruise Control Light......................................3-47
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-48
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-48
Fuel Gage...................................................3-48
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-28.
B. Exterior Lamps Control. SeeExterior Lamps
on page 3-14.
C. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
D. OnStar
®and Radio Steering Wheel Buttons. See
OnStar®System on page 2-35andAudio Steering
Wheel Controls on page 3-101.
E. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-32.
F. Shift Lever/Tow/Haul Selector Button. SeeAutomatic
Transmission Operation on page 2-22andTow/Haul
Mode on page 2-24.
G. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-69.
H. Dome Override Button. SeeDome Lamps on
page 3-17.
I. Rear Wiper Washer. SeeWindshield Washer on
page 3-9.
J. Fog Lamps Button. SeeFog Lamps on page 3-16.K. Driver Information Center (DIC) Buttons. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-49.
L. Parking Brake Release. SeeParking Brake on
page 2-25.
M. Tilt Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on page 3-6.
N. Climate Control System. SeeDual Automatic
Climate Control System on page 3-22.
O. Compact Disc Changer. SeeCD Changer on
page 3-98.
P. Storage Area. SeeInstrument Panel Storage Area
on page 2-41.
Q. Analog Clock. SeeAnalog Clock on page 3-22.
R. Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist Disable Button. See
Ultrasonic Parking Assist on page 3-18.
S. StabiliTrak
®Disable Button. SeeStabiliTrak®
System on page 4-8.
T. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-40.
3-5