Seats and Restraint Systems........................... 1-1
Front Seats
............................................... 1-2
Rear Seats
..............................................1-10
Safety Belts
.............................................1-12
Child Restraints
.......................................1-32
Airbag System
.........................................1-56
Restraint System Check
............................1-72
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-24
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-26
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-30
Mirrors
....................................................2-46
Object Detection Systems
..........................2-54
OnStar
®System
......................................2-56
Universal Home Remote System
................2-60
Storage Areas
.........................................2-67
Sunroof
..................................................2-87
Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-24
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-29
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-45
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-66Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 4-1
Your Driving, the Road, and Your Vehicle
..... 4-2
Towing
...................................................4-42
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 5-1
Service
..................................................... 5-3
Fuel
......................................................... 5-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............5-10
All-Wheel Drive
........................................5-45
Rear Axle
...............................................5-46
Front Axle
...............................................5-47
Headlamp Aiming
.....................................5-48
Bulb Replacement
....................................5-51
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement
.........5-53
Tires
......................................................5-54
Appearance Care
.....................................5-97
Vehicle Identi cation
...............................5-106
Electrical System
....................................5-107
Capacities and Speci cations
...................5-115
Maintenance Schedule..................................... 6-1
Maintenance Schedule
................................ 6-2
Customer Assistance Information.................... 7-1
Customer Assistance and Information
........... 7-2
Reporting Safety Defects
...........................7-14
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
...........7-16
Index................................................................ 1
2008 Cadillac Escalade EXT Owner ManualM
Heated Seats
If the front seats have the
heated seat feature, the
buttons used to control this
feature are located on
the climate control panel.
+(Heated Seatback):To heat only the seatback,
press the top button with the heated seatback symbol.
This symbol will appear on the climate control display
to indicate that the feature is on. Press the button
to cycle through the temperature settings of high,
medium, and low and to turn the heated seatback off.
Indicator bars next to the symbol designate the level
of heat selected: three for high, two for medium,
and one for low.
z(Heated Seat and Seatback):To heat the entire
seat, press the bottom button with the heated seat
and seatback symbol.
This symbol will appear on the climate control display
to indicate that the feature is on. Press the button
to cycle through the temperature settings of high,
medium, and low and to turn the heated seat off.
Indicator bars next to the symbol designate the level
of heat selected: three for high, two for medium
, and one for low.
The heated seats will be canceled ten seconds after
the ignition is turned off. If you want to use the heated
seat feature after you restart the vehicle, you will
need to press the appropriate heated seat button again.
If your vehicle has heated and cooled seats, see
Heated and Cooled Seats on page 1-5.
1-4
Heated and Cooled Seats
If the front seats have the
heated and cooled seat
feature, the buttons
used to control this feature
are located on the
climate control panel.
{(Cooled Seat):To cool the entire seat, press the
button with the cooled seat symbol.
This symbol will appear on the climate control display
to indicate that the feature is on. Press the button
to cycle through the temperature settings of high,
medium, and low and to turn the cooled seat off.
Indicator bars next to the symbol designate the level
of cooling selected: three for high, two for medium,
and one for low.
+(Heated Seatback):To heat only the seatback,
press the button with the heated seatback symbol.
This symbol will appear on the climate control display
to indicate that the feature is on. Press the button
to cycle through the temperature settings of high,
medium, and low and to turn the heated seatback off.
Indicator bars next to the symbol designate the level
of heat selected: three for high, two for medium,
and one for low.
z(Heated Seat and Seatback):To heat the entire
seat, press the button with the heated seat and seatback
symbol.
This symbol will appear on the climate control display
to indicate that the feature is on. Press the button
to cycle through the temperature settings of high,
medium, and low and to turn the heated seat off.
Indicator bars next to the symbol designate the level
of heat selected: three for high, two for medium,
and one for low.
The heated and cooled seats will be canceled after the
ignition is turned off. If you want to use the heated
and cooled seat feature after you restart your vehicle,
you will need to press the appropriate seat button again.
1-5
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
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
If the rear glass is removed and you would like
to put it back, do so using the instructions given
previously.
Tailgate
{CAUTION:
It is extremely dangerous to ride on the
tailgate, even when the vehicle is operated at
low speeds. People riding on the tailgate can
easily lose their balance and fall in response
to vehicle maneuvers. Falling from a moving
vehicle may result in serious injuries or death.
Do not allow people to ride on the tailgate.
Be sure everyone in your vehicle is in a seat
and using a safety belt properly.
Use the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter or
power door lock switch to lock and unlock the tailgate.
Open the tailgate by lifting up on its handle while
pulling the tailgate toward you.
To shut the tailgate, push it rmly upward until it
latches. Push and pull on the tailgate to be sure
it is latched securely.
Tailgate Removal
The tailgate is not to be removed. This may cause
damage to electrical connector resulting in loss
of lock/unlock and rear vision camera function.
Power Running Boards
Your vehicle may have power running boards.
The power running boards automatically extend from
beneath the vehicle on the side in which the door
has been opened. Once the door is closed, the running
boards will automatically move back under the vehicle
after a brief delay. The vehicle must not be moving
for the running boards to extend or retract.
The switch used to
disable the power
running boards is
located on the center
console below the
climate control system.
The running boards cannot be disabled in the
extended position.
2-23
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
Your vehicle has an adjustable throttle and brake
pedal that lets you change their positions. This feature
is designed for shorter drivers, since the pedals can
not move farther away from the standard position, but
can move toward the driver for better pedal reach.
The feature will not operate when the vehicle is
in REVERSE (R) or while using the cruise control.
The switch used to adjust the pedals is located on the
center console below the climate control system.
Press the right and left arrows to move the pedals either
closer or further from your body.
Before you start driving, fully press the brake pedal to
con rm the adjustment is right for you. While driving,
make only small adjustments.
Your vehicle has a memory function which allows the
pedals to be saved and recalled. SeeMemory Seat,
Mirrors, and Pedals on page 1-6for more information.
2-34
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 2-44.
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 4-30.
{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 the 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 2-42.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer
on page 4-43.
2-45