2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT Owners Manual

If the vehicle is started in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system will come on immediately. Once
the vehicle leaves the garage, it takes approximately
one minute for the automatic headlamp system to
change to DRL if it is light outside. During that delay,
the instrument panel cluster may not be as bright
as usual. Make sure the instrument panel brightness
control is in the full bright position. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-20.
Fog Lamps
If your vehicle has fog lamps you can use them for
better vision in foggy or misty conditions. Your parking
lamps and/or low-beam headlamps must be on for
your fog lamps to work.
The fog lamp button is located on the left side of your
instrument panel.
-(Fog Lamps):Press the button to turn the
fog lamps on. An indicator light will come on in the
instrument panel cluster to let you know that the
fog lamps are on. Press the button again to turn
them off.Remember, fog lamps alone will not give off as much
light as your headlamps. Never use your fog lamps
in the dark without turning on the headlamps.
The fog lamps will go off whenever your high-beam
headlamps come on. When the high beams go off,
the fog lamps will come on again.
The fog lamps will be cancelled after the ignition is
turned off. If you still want to use the fog lamps after
you restart the vehicle, you will need to press the
fog lamp button again.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps
to be on along with the fog lamps.
Exterior Cargo Lamps
You can use the cargo lamp if you need more light in
the cargo area of your vehicle or in the top-box storage
units. Some vehicles will only have a cargo lamp in
the driver side top box.
The cargo lamps come on by turning on the interior
dome lamps.
3-19

Instrument Panel Brightness
The knob for this feature is located next to the exterior
lamps control.
D(Instrument Panel Lights):Turn the knob
clockwise or counterclockwise to brighten or dim the
instrument panel lights and the radio display. This only
works if the headlamps or parking lamps are on.
To turn on the dome lamps, with the vehicle doors
closed, turn the knob all the way clockwise.
Dome Lamps
The dome lamps come on when any door is opened.
They turn off after all the doors are closed.
The dome lamps can also be turned on by turning
the instrument panel brightness knob, located next
to the exterior lamps control, clockwise to the farthest
position. In this position, the dome lamps remain
on whether a door is opened or closed.
Dome Lamp Override
The dome lamp override button is located next to the
exterior lamps control.
k(Dome Off):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.
Entry/Exit Lighting
Your vehicle has an illuminated entry/exit feature.
When a door is opened or the key is removed from
the ignition, the dome lamps will come on if the dome
override button is in the out position.
Reading Lamps
If your vehicle has reading lamps, press the button
located next to the lamp to turn it on or off.
Your vehicle may also have reading lamps in other
locations. To turn each one on or off, press the button
located next to the lamp. The lamps cannot be adjusted.
3-20

Electric Power Management
The vehicle has Electric Power Management (EPM)
that estimates the battery’s temperature and state
of charge. It then adjusts the voltage for best
performance and extended life of the battery.
When the battery’s state of charge is low, the voltage
is raised slightly to quickly put the charge back in.
When the state of charge is high, the voltage is lowered
slightly to prevent overcharging. If the vehicle has a
voltmeter gage or a voltage display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC), you may see the voltage
move up or down. This is normal. If there is a problem,
an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles.
This is because the generator (alternator) may not be
spinning fast enough at idle to produce all the power
that is needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following loads are on: headlamps, high beams,
fog lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan
at high speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans,
trailer loads, and loads plugged into accessory
power outlets.EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the
battery. It does this by balancing the generator’s output
and the vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase
engine idle speed to generate more power, whenever
needed. It can temporarily reduce the power demands
of some accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels
of corrective action, this action may be noticeable
to the driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC)
message might be displayed, such as Battery Saver
Active or Service Battery Charging System. If this
message is displayed, it is recommended that the
driver reduce the electrical loads as much as possible.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-50.
Battery Run-Down Protection
This feature shuts off the dome lamps if they are
left on for more than 10 minutes when the ignition
is in LOCK. This will help prevent the battery from
running down.
3-21

Accessory Power Outlet(s)
Accessory power outlets can be used to connect
auxiliary electrical equipment, such as a cellular
telephone or CB radio.
One accessory power outlet is located inside the center
oor console. Lift up on the lower latch located at the
front of the console lid to access the accessory
power outlet.
There may also be an accessory power outlet located on
the rear of the center oor console above the cupholder.
To use an accessory power outlet, remove the
protective cap. When not in use, always cover the
accessory power outlet with the protective cap.
Do not try to put the cigarette lighter in any of the
accessory power outlets.
Notice:If electrical devices are left plugged into a
power outlet, the battery may drain causing your
vehicle not to start or damage to the battery. This
would not be covered by the warranty. Always unplug
all electrical devices when turning off your vehicle.
Certain electrical accessories may not be compatible
with the accessory power outlet and could result
in blown vehicle or adapter fuses. If you experience
a problem see your dealer/retailer for additional
information on accessory power outlets.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.
Notice:Adding any electrical equipment to your
vehicle may damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would
not be covered by your warranty. Do not use
equipment exceeding maximum amperage rating
of 20 amperes. Check with your dealer/retailer
before adding electrical equipment.
When adding electrical equipment, be sure to follow
the proper installation instructions included with
the electrical equipment you install.
Notice:Improper use of the power outlet can
cause damage not covered by your warranty.
Do not hang any type of accessory or accessory
bracket from the plug because the power outlets
are designed for accessory power plugs only.
3-22

Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter
The front ashtray and cigarette lighter are located in
the center console near the cupholders, if the vehicle
has them. Press on the access door to open it and
use the ashtray and lighter.
Notice:If you put papers, pins, or other ammable
items in the ashtray, hot cigarettes or other
smoking materials could ignite them and possibly
damage your vehicle. Never put ammable items
in the ashtray.
To remove the ashtray, pull it from the center console.
Slide it back in and push down to be sure it is secure.
To use the cigarette lighter, push it in all the way, and
let go. When it is ready, it will pop back out by itself.
Notice:Holding a cigarette lighter in while it
is heating does not let the lighter back away from
the heating element when it is hot. Damage from
overheating can occur to the lighter or heating
element, or a fuse could be blown. Do not hold
a cigarette lighter in while it is heating.
Analog Clock
The analog clock is located on the instrument panel
above the radio. The clock is not connected with any
other vehicle system and runs by itself. To adjust
the clock:
1. The adjustment button is located in 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 reaching the desired time.
3. Push and release the button to increase the time
by one minute increments until the desired time
is reached.
3-23

Climate Controls
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System
With this system, you can control the heating, cooling,
and ventilation in your vehicle. Your vehicle also has
a ow-through ventilation system described later in
this section.
You can select different climate control settings for
the driver and passengers.
Driver’s Side Temperature Knob
The driver’s side knob is used to adjust the temperature
of the air coming through the system on the driver’s
side. The temperature can be adjusted even if the
system is turned off. This is possible since outside
air will always ow through the system as the vehicle is
moving forward unless it is set to recirculation mode.
See “Recirculation” later in this section.
Turn the knob counterclockwise or clockwise to lower
or increase the temperature inside the vehicle. The
display will show the temperature setting decreasing
or increasing.
Passenger’s Side Temperature Knob
The passenger’s side knob can be used to change
the temperature of the air coming through the system
on the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The temperature
can be adjusted even if the system is turned off. This
is possible since outside air will always ow through
the system as the vehicle is moving forward unless it
is set to recirculation mode. See “Recirculation” later
in this section.
Turn the knob counterclockwise or clockwise to lower
or increase the temperature inside the vehicle. The
display will show the temperature setting decreasing
or increasing.
Set the passenger’s temperature setting to match the
driver’s temperature setting by pressing the passenger
power knob. Climate Control with Cooled and Heated Seats shown
3-24

Automatic Operation
AUTO (Automatic):When automatic operation is
active the system will control the inside temperature,
the air delivery, and the fan speed.
Use the steps below to place the entire system in
automatic mode:
1. Press the AUTO button.
When AUTO is selected, the display will change to
show the current temperature(s) and AUTO will
appear. The current delivery mode and fan speed will
also be displayed for approximately ve seconds.
When AUTO is selected, the air conditioning
operation and air inlet will be automatically
controlled. The air conditioning compressor will
run when the outside temperature is over about
40°F (4°C). The air inlet will normally be set to
outside air. If it is hot outside, the air inlet may
automatically switch to recirculate inside air to help
quickly cool down your vehicle. The light on the
button will come on in recirculation.
2. Set the driver’s and passenger’s temperature.
To nd your comfort setting, start with a 74°F (23°C)
temperature setting and allow about 20 minutes
for the system to regulate. Use the driver’s or
passenger’s temperature buttons to adjust thetemperature setting as necessary. If you choose
the temperature setting of 60°F (15°C), the system
will remain at the maximum cooling setting.
If you choose the temperature setting of 90°F (32°C),
the system will remain at the maximum heat setting.
Choosing either maximum setting will not cause
the vehicle to heat or cool any faster.
Be careful not to cover the sensor located on the top
of the instrument panel near the windshield. This sensor
regulates air temperature based on sun load and also
turns on your headlamps.
To avoid blowing cold air in cold weather, the system
will delay turning on the fan until warm air is available.
The length of delay depends on the engine coolant
temperature. Pressing the fan switch will override
this delay and change the fan to a selected speed.
O(Off):Press the driver’s side temperature knob to
turn off the climate control system. Outside air will
still enter the vehicle, and will be directed to the oor.
This direction can be changed by pressing the mode
button. The temperature can also be adjusted using
either temperature knob. Press the up or down arrows
on the fan switch, the defrost button, the AUTO
button, driver’s side temperature knob, or the air
conditioning button to turn the system on when it is off.
3-25

Manual Operation
You may manually adjust the air delivery mode or
fan speed.
y9z(Fan):The switch with the fan symbol allows
you to manually adjust the fan speed. Press the up
arrow to increase fan speed and the down arrow
to decrease fan speed.
Pressing this button when the system is off will turn
the system on.
Pressing either arrow while using automatic operation
will place the fan in manual operation. The fan
setting will display and the AUTO light will turn off.
The air delivery will remain in automatic operation.
N(Mode):Press this button to manually change
the direction of the airow in your vehicle. Repeatedly
press the button until the desired mode appears on
the display.
When the system is turned off, the display will go blank
after displaying the current status of the system.
H(Vent):This setting will deliver air to the instrument
panel outlets.
)(Bi-Level):This mode allows for split air to the
instrument panel outlets and to the oor outlets. The
ow can be divided between vent and oor outlets
depending upon where the knob is placed between the
settings. A little air is directed towards the windshield
and side window vents. Cooler air is directed to
the upper vents and warmer air to the oor vents.
6(Floor):This mode directs most of the air to the
oor outlets, with some of the air directed to the
windshield, side window outlets, and second row oor
outlets. In this mode, the system will automatically
select Outside Air.
-(Defog):See “Defogging and Defrosting” later in
this section.
@(Recirculation):Press this button to turn the
recirculation mode on. When the button is pressed,
an indicator light will come on.
This mode keeps outside air from entering the vehicle.
It can be used to reduce outside air and odors from
entering your vehicle. Recirculation may also help
cool the air inside your vehicle more quickly once the
temperature inside the vehicle is less than the outside
temperature. The recirculation mode cannot be used
with oor, defrost, or defogging modes.
3-26