2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE climate control

Running the Vehicle 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 2-38.
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.
Also see “If You Are Caught in a Blizzard”
underWinter 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 on page 2-36.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 4-44.
2-39

The passenger’s and/or driver’s mirror will return to its
original position when the vehicle is shifted out of
REVERSE (R), or the ignition is turned off or to
OFF/LOCK.
This feature can be turned on or off through the
Driver Information Center (DIC). SeeDIC Vehicle
Customization on page 3-59.
Heated Mirrors
The button to turn the heated mirrors on or off is located
on the climate control panel. Press this button to
warm the driver’s and passenger’s outside rearview
mirrors to help clear them of ice, snow, and
condensation.
See “Rear Window Defogger” underDual Automatic
Climate Control System on page 3-26for more
information.
Convex Mirror
{CAUTION:
A convex mirror can make things (like other
vehicles) look farther away than they really are.
If you cut too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on your right. Check your
inside mirror or glance over your shoulder
before changing lanes.
The passenger’s side mirror may have convex glass.
A convex mirror’s surface is curved so more can
be seen from the driver’s seat.
Your vehicle may also have a turn signal indicator on
the mirror. An arrow on the mirror will ash in the
direction of the turn or lane change.
2-47

Instrument Panel Overview...............................3-4
Hazard Warning Flashers................................3-6
Other Warning Devices...................................3-6
Horn .............................................................3-6
Tilt Wheel.....................................................3-6
Heated Steering Wheel...................................3-7
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever.........................3-8
Turn and Lane-Change Signals........................3-8
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer..................3-9
Windshield Wipers........................................3-10
Rainsense™ II Wipers...................................3-10
Windshield Washer.......................................3-11
Rear Window Wiper/Washer...........................3-12
Cruise Control..............................................3-12
Exterior Lamps.............................................3-16
Headlamps on Reminder................................3-20
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL).......................3-20
Automatic Headlamp System..........................3-20
Fog Lamps ..................................................3-21
Instrument Panel Brightness...........................3-22
Dome Lamps ...............................................3-22
Dome Lamp Override....................................3-22
Entry Lighting...............................................3-22
Exit Lighting.................................................3-22Reading Lamps............................................3-23
Electric Power Management...........................3-23
Battery Run-Down Protection..........................3-24
Accessory Power Outlet(s).............................3-24
Ashtray(s) and Cigarette Lighter......................3-25
Analog Clock...............................................3-25
Climate Controls............................................3-26
Dual Automatic Climate Control System...........3-26
Outlet Adjustment.........................................3-31
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System
and Electronic Climate Controls...................3-31
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators............3-33
Instrument Panel Cluster................................3-34
Speedometer and Odometer...........................3-35
Trip Odometer..............................................3-35
Tachometer.................................................3-35
Safety Belt Reminders...................................3-35
Airbag Readiness Light..................................3-36
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator...................3-37
Charging System Light..................................3-39
Brake System Warning Light..........................3-40
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light.......3-41
StabiliTrak
®Indicator Light.............................3-41
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage..................3-42
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-1

A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-31.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-8.
C. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-34.
D. Hazard Warning Flasher Button. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers on page 3-6.
E. Shift Lever and Range Selection Mode. See
Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-30.
F. Tow/Haul Selector Button. SeeTow/Haul Mode
on page 2-34.
G. Driver Information Center Controls. SeeDriver
Information Center (DIC) on page 3-48.
H. Analog Clock. SeeAnalog Clock on page 3-25.
I. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-68.
J. StabiliTrak
®Button. SeeStabiliTrak®System
on page 4-6. Rear Park Aid Disable Button.
SeeUltrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)
on page 2-48.
K. Tilt Wheel Lever. SeeTilt Wheel on page 3-6.L. Exterior Lamps Control. SeeExterior Lamps
on page 3-16.
M. Dome Lamp Override Button. SeeDome Lamp
Override on page 3-22. Instrument Panel Brightness
Control. SeeInstrument Panel Brightness
on page 3-22. Fog Lamp Button. SeeFog Lamps
on page 3-21.
N. Cruise Control Buttons. SeeCruise Control
on page 3-12.
O. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
P. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. SeeAudio Steering
Wheel Controls on page 3-104.
Q. Dual Automatic Climate Controls. SeeDual
Automatic Climate Control System on page 3-26.
R. Pedal Adjust Button. SeeAdjustable Throttle
and Brake Pedal on page 2-28. Heated Windshield
Washer Fluid Button. SeeWindshield Washer
on page 3-11. Power Running Boards Disable
Button (If Equipped). SeePower Running Boards
on page 2-17.
S. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-61.
3-5

When Rainsense™ II is active, the headlamps will
turn on automatically after approximately eight wipes.
The headlamps will turn off if the wiper switch is set to
a delay position, and there have been no wipes for
approximately three minutes, or if the wiper switch is
turned to the off position. If it is dark outside, the
headlamps will remain on.
Notice:Going through an automatic car wash with
the wipers on can damage them. Turn the wipers
off when going through an automatic car wash.
Windshield Washer
{CAUTION:
In freezing weather, do not use your washer
until the windshield is warmed. Otherwise the
washer uid can form ice on the windshield,
blocking your vision.
L(Washer Fluid):There is a paddle marked with the
windshield washer symbol at the top of the multifunction
lever. To spray washer uid on the windshield, push
the paddle. The wipers will clear the window and then
either stop or return to your preset speed.
Heated Windshield Washer
The heated windshield washer uid system may be
used to help clear ice, snow, tree sap, or bugs from
your windshield.
The button is located in
the switchbank under
the climate controls.
Push the heated washer uid button while the ignition
is turned on to activate the heated windshield washer
uid system. The indicator light will ash. This activation
will initiate four heated wash/wipe cycles. The rst
heated wash/wipe cycle may take up to 40 seconds
to occur, depending on outside temperature. After the
rst wash/wipe cycle, it may take up to 20 seconds
for each of the remaining cycles to begin. Press
the button again to turn off the heated windshield
washer uid system or it will automatically turn off
after four wash/wipe cycles have been completed.
When the heated windshield washer uid system is
activated under certain outside temperature conditions,
steam may ow out of the washer nozzles for a
short period of time before washer uid is sprayed.
This is a normal condition.
3-11

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.
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 3-52.
3-23

Climate Controls
Dual Automatic Climate Control
System
The heating, cooling, and ventilation in your vehicle
can be controlled with this system. Your vehicle also
has a ow-through ventilation system described later
in this section.
Different climate control settings can be selected 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 cabin temperature. 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 cabin temperature. 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
3-26

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 come
on the display. 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 the 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
the temperature 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 the 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.
3-27