2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT engine

Keys...............................................................2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System................2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation.......................................2-5
Remote Vehicle Start......................................2-8
Doors and Locks............................................2-10
Door Locks..................................................2-10
Power Door Locks........................................2-11
Delayed Locking...........................................2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks..............2-11
Rear Door Security Locks..............................2-12
Lockout Protection........................................2-12
Midgate
®.....................................................2-13
Tailgate.......................................................2-23
Power Running Boards..................................2-23
Windows........................................................2-24
Power Windows............................................2-25
Sun Visors...................................................2-26Theft-Deterrent Systems..................................2-26
Content Theft-Deterrent.................................2-26
PASS-Key
®III+............................................2-28
PASS-Key®III+ Operation..............................2-29
Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle...............................................2-30
New Vehicle Break-In....................................2-30
Ignition Positions..........................................2-31
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)...................2-32
Starting the Engine.......................................2-32
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal................2-34
Engine Coolant Heater..................................2-35
Automatic Transmission Operation...................2-36
Tow/Haul Mode............................................2-40
Parking Brake..............................................2-41
Shifting Into PARK (P)...................................2-42
Shifting Out of PARK (P)...............................2-43
Parking Over Things That Burn.......................2-44
Engine Exhaust............................................2-44
Running the Engine While Parked...................2-45
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
System Operation
The vehicle’s doors can be locked and unlocked
from about 3 feet (1 m) up to 65 feet (20 m) away
with the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
If your vehicle has the remote start feature you can
also start your vehicle with the RKE transmitter.
The RKE transmitter, with the remote start button,
provides an increased operating range of 195 feet
(60 m) away. However, the operating range may
be less while the vehicle is running. As a result,
you may need to be closer to your vehicle to turn
it off than you were to start it.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter. SeeRemote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System on page 2-4.
/(Remote Vehicle Start):If your vehicle has this
feature, press
/to start the engine from outside
the vehicle using the RKE transmitter. SeeRemote
Vehicle Start on page 2-8for additional information.
Q(Lock):PressQto lock all the doors, including
the tailgate.With Remote Start
(Without Remote
Start Similar)
2-5

Remote Vehicle Start
Your vehicle may have a remote starting feature. This
feature allows you to start the engine from outside of
the vehicle. It may also start up the vehicle’s heating or
air conditioning systems and rear window defogger.
Normal operation of the system will return after the
key is turned to the ON/RUN position.
During a remote start, the climate control system will
default to a heating or cooling mode depending on
the outside temperatures.
During a remote start, if your vehicle has an automatic
climate control system and heated seats, the heated
seats will turn on during colder outside temperatures
and will shut off when the key is turned to ON/RUN.
If your vehicle does not have an automatic climate
control system, during remote start, you will need
to manually turn the heated seats on and off. See
Heated Seats on page 1-4for additional information.
Laws in some communities may restrict the use of
remote starters. For example, some laws may require
a person using the remote start to have the vehicle
in view when doing so. Check local regulations for
any requirements on remote starting of vehicles.Do not use the remote start feature if your vehicle is
low on fuel. Your vehicle may run out of fuel.
The RKE transmitter with the remote start button,
provides an increased range of operation. However,
the range may be less while the vehicle is running.
As a result, you may need to be closer to your vehicle
to turn it off, than you were to turn it on.
There are other conditions which can affect the
performance of the transmitter, seeRemote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2-4for additional
information.
/(Remote Start):This button will be on the RKE
transmitter if you have remote start.
To start the vehicle using the remote start feature:
1. Aim the transmitter at the vehicle.
2. Press and release the transmitter’s lock button.
The vehicle’s doors will lock. Immediately press
and hold the transmitter’s remote start button
until the turn signal lights ash. If you cannot see
the vehicle’s lights, press and hold the remote
start button for two to four seconds. Pressing the
remote start button again after the vehicle has
started will turn the engine off.
2-8

When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn
on and remain on while the vehicle is running.
If the vehicle is left running it will automatically shut
off after 10 minutes unless a time extension has
been done.
3. If it is the rst remote start since the vehicle has
been driven, repeat these steps, while the engine
is still running, to extend the engine running time
by 10 minutes. Remote start can be extended
one time.
After entering the vehicle during a remote start, insert
and turn the key to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.
To manually shut off a remote start, do any of the
following:
Aim the RKE transmitter at the vehicle and press
the remote start button until the parking lamps
turn off.
Turn on the hazard warning ashers.
Turn the ignition switch on and then off.
The vehicle can be remote started two separate
times between driving sequences. The engine will
run for 10 minutes after each remote start.Or, you can extend the engine run time by another
10 minutes within the rst 10 minute remote start time
frame, and before the engine stops.
For example, if the lock button and then the remote
start buttons are pressed again after the vehicle
has been running for ve minutes, 10 minutes are
added, allowing the engine to run for 15 minutes.
The additional ten minutes are considered a second
remote vehicle start.
After your vehicles engine has been started two times
using the remote vehicle start button, or a single remote
start with one time extension, the vehicle must be
started with the key.
After the key is removed from the ignition, the vehicle
can be remote started again.
The vehicle cannot be remote started if the key is in
the ignition, the hood is not closed, or if there is
an emission control system malfunction and the check
engine light comes on.
Also, the engine will turn off during a remote vehicle
start if the coolant temperature gets too high or if the
oil pressure gets low.
2-9

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 not see or smell CO.
It can cause unconsciousness and even 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 on the
setting that brings in outside air.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
This will force outside air into your
vehicle. SeeDual Automatic Climate
Control System on page 3-24.
If you have air outlets on or under the
instrument panel, open them all the way.
SeeEngine Exhaust on page 2-44.
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.
2-13

PASS-Key®III+ Operation
Your vehicle has PASS-Key®III+ (Personalized
Automotive Security System) theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key
®III+ is a passive theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed when the key
is removed from the ignition.
The system is automatically disarmed when the key
is turned to ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY or START
from the LOCK/OFF position.
You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system.
The security light will come on if there is a problem
with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
When the PASS-Key
®III+ system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it prevents the vehicle from
starting. Anyone using a trial-and-error method to start
the vehicle will be discouraged because of the high
number of electrical key codes.
If the engine does not start and the security light on
the instrument panel cluster comes on when trying to
start the vehicle, there may be a problem with your
theft-deterrent system. Turn the ignition off and try again.If the engine still does not start, and the key appears
to be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the fuse, seeFuses
and Circuit Breakers on page 5-107. If the engine still
does not start with the other key, your vehicle needs
service. If your vehicle does start, the rst key may
be faulty. See your dealer/retailer who can service
the PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new key made.
In an emergency, contact Roadside Assistance.
It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III+ decoder to learn
the transponder value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle.
The following procedure is for programming additional
keys only. If all the currently programmed keys are
lost or do not operate, you must see your dealer/retailer
or a locksmith who can service PASS-Key
®III+ to
have keys made and programmed to the system.
See your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to get a new key blank that is cut
exactly as the ignition key that operates the system.
2-29

To program the new additional key:
1. Verify that the new key has a
1stamped on it.
2. Insert the original, already programmed, key in
the ignition and start the engine. If the engine
will not start, see your dealer/retailer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to
LOCK/OFF, and remove the key.
4. Insert the new key to be programmed and turn it to
the ON/RUN position within ve seconds of turning
the ignition to the LOCK/OFF position in Step 3.
The security light will turn off once the key has
been programmed.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are
to be programmed.
If you lose or damage your PASS-Key
®III+ key,
see your dealer/retailer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new key made.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.
Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run
if you follow these guidelines:
Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less
for the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not drive at any one constant speed,
fast or slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not make full-throttle starts. Avoid
downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time the new brake
linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops
with new linings can mean premature wear and
earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 4-43for the trailer towing
capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
2-30

Ignition Positions
Use the key to turn
the ignition switch to
four different positions.
In order to shift out of PARK (P), ignition must be
in the ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY and the
regular brake pedal must be applied.
A (LOCK/OFF):This position locks the ignition
and transmission. It is a theft-deterrent feature.
The key can only be removed when the ignition is
turned to LOCK/OFF.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and turn the key only
with your hand. Make sure the key is all the way in.If it is, turn the steering wheel left and right while
you turn the key hard. If none of this works,
then your vehicle needs service.
B (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position lets things like
the radio and the windshield wipers operate while
the engine is off.
Lengthy operation of features such as the radio in the
ACC/ACCESSORY ignition position and the ON/RUN
position may drain the battery and prevent your vehicle
from starting. Do not operate your vehicle in the ACC/
ACCESSORY ignition position for a long period of time.
C (ON/RUN):This is the position for driving. It is the
position the ignition switch returns to after the engine
starts, and the key is released.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the engine
off. You may not be able to start your vehicle if the battery
is allowed to drain for an extended period of time.
D (START):This position starts the engine.
2-31