2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE Owners Manual

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.
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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.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
The accessory power outlets let you plug in auxiliary
electrical equipment, such as a cellular telephone or
CB radio.
Your vehicle has one accessory power outlet inside the
oor console storage bin, one on the back of the
oor console, and one power outlet in the rear cargo
area on the passenger side.
To use an accessory power outlet, remove the protective
cap. When not in use, always cover the accessory
power outlet with the protective cap.
Certain power accessory plugs may not be compatible
to the accessory power outlet and could result in
blown adapter or vehicle fuses. If you experience a
problem, see your dealer/retailer for additional
information on the accessory power plugs.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 the
vehicle can damage it or keep other components
from working as they should. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle 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
equipment. Do not use equipment exceeding the
maximum amperage rating of 20 amperes.
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.
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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 papers, pins, or other ammable items
are put 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 not connected with any other
vehicle system and runs by itself.
To adjust the clock, do the following:
1. Locate the adjustment button, near 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 you get to the desired time.
3. Push and release the button to increase the time by
one minute increments until the desired time is
reached.
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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.
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Manual Operation
The air delivery mode or fan speed can be manually
adjusted.
y9z(Fan):The switch with the fan symbol allows
the fan speed to be manually adjusted. 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 the vehicle. Repeatedly
press the button until the desired mode appears on the
display.
When the system is turned off, the display goes 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 splits the air between
the instrument panel outlets and 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 automatically
selects 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.
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This mode keeps outside air from entering the vehicle.
It can be used to reduce outside air and odors from
entering the vehicle. Recirculation may also help cool
the air inside the 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.
If you try to select recirculation in one of those modes,
the indicator will ash three times and turn off. The
air conditioning compressor will also come on when this
mode is activated. While in recirculation mode the
windows may fog when the weather is cold and damp.
To clear the fog, select either the blend or defrost
mode and increase the fan speed. Recirculation mode
can be turned off by pressing the button again, or turning
off the engine.
Air Conditioning
#
(Air Conditioning):Press this button to turn the air
conditioning (A/C) compressor on and off. When air
conditioning is selected, an indicator light comes on to
show that the air conditioning has been activated.
Pressing this button when the outside temperature
is too cool for air conditioning will make the air
conditioning indicator ash three times and then turn off
indicating the air conditioning mode is not available.If the air conditioning is on and the outside temperature
drops below a temperature which is too cool for
air conditioning to be effective, the air conditioning light
turns off to show that the air conditioning mode has
been canceled.
On hot days, open the windows long enough to let
hot inside air escape. This helps to reduce the time it
takes for the vehicle to cool down. It also helps the
system to operate more efficiently.
The air conditioning system removes moisture from the
air, so a small amount of water might drip underneath
the vehicle while idling or after turning off the engine.
This is normal.
If your vehicle has heated seats or heated and cooled
seats, seeHeated Seats on page 1-4orHeated
and Cooled Seats on page 1-5.
AUX:For vehicles with the rear heating and air
conditioning controls. Press the AUX button to turn the
rear climate control system on or off. SeeRear Air
Conditioning and Heating System and Electronic
Climate Controls on page 3-31.
3-29

Defogging and Defrosting
Fog on the inside of the windows is a result of high
humidity (moisture) condensing on the cool window
glass. This can be minimized if the climate control
system is used properly. There are two modes to clear
fog or frost from your windshield. Use the defog
mode to clear the windows of fog or moisture and warm
the passengers. Use the defrost mode to remove fog
or frost from the windshield more quickly.
Use the mode up and down arrows to select the defog
or defrost modes.
-(Defog):This mode directs air to the windshield,
oor outlets, and side window vents. When this mode
is selected, the system turns off recirculation and
runs the air conditioning compressor unless the outside
temperature is close to freezing. The recirculation
mode cannot be selected while in the defog mode.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
0(Defrost):This mode directs a portion of the
air to the windshield and side window vents and
some to the oor vents. In this mode, the system
will automatically force outside air into the vehicle.The recirculation mode cannot be selected while in the
defrost mode. The air conditioning compressor will
run automatically in this setting, unless the outside
temperature is close to freezing. Do not drive the
vehicle until all the windows are clear.
Rear Window Defogger
The rear window defogger uses a warming grid to
remove fog from the rear window.
<(Rear Window Defogger):The rear window
defogger will turn off automatically after it has been
activated. The defogger can also be turned off by
pressing the button again or by turning off the engine.
Do not drive the vehicle until all the windows are clear.
If your vehicle has heated outside rearview mirrors,
the mirrors will heat to help clear fog or frost from the
surface of the mirror when the rear window defog button
is pressed.
Notice:Do not use a razor blade or sharp object
to clear the inside rear window. Do not adhere
anything to the defogger grid lines in the rear glass.
These actions may damage the rear defogger.
Repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
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