2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE belt

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

Speedometer and Odometer
Your speedometer lets you see your speed in both
miles per hour (mph) and kilometers per hour (km/h).
Your vehicle’s odometer works together with the
driver information center. You can set a Trip odometer.
See “Trip Odometer” underDIC Operation and
Displays on page 3-48for more information.
The odometer mileage can be checked without the
vehicle running. Simply press the trip stem on the
instrument panel cluster.
If your vehicle ever needs a new odometer installed,
the new one will be set to the correct mileage total of
the old odometer.
Trip Odometer
The trip odometer can tell you how far your vehicle
has been driven since you last set the trip odometer
to zero.
For more information see “Trip Odometer” underDIC
Operation and Displays on page 3-48.
Tachometer
Your tachometer displays the engine speed in
revolutions per minute (rpm).
Safety Belt Reminders
Safety Belt Reminder Light
When the engine is started, a chime will come on for
several seconds to remind people to fasten their safety
belts, unless the driver’s safety belt is already buckled.
The safety belt light
will also come on and stay
on for several seconds,
then it will ash for
several more.
This chime and light is repeated if the driver remains
unbuckled and the vehicle is in motion. If the driver’s
belt is already buckled, neither the chime nor the
light will come on.
3-35

Passenger Safety Belt Reminder Light
Several seconds after the engine is started, a chime
will sound for several seconds to remind the front
passenger to buckle their safety belt. This would only
occur if the passenger airbag is enabled. SeePassenger
Sensing System on page 1-83for more information.
The passenger safety belt light, located on the
instrument panel, will come on and stay on for several
seconds and then ash for several more.
This chime and light are
repeated if the passenger
remains unbuckled and
the vehicle is in motion.
If the passenger’s safety belt is buckled, neither the
chime nor the light will come on.
Airbag Readiness Light
There is an airbag readiness light on the instrument
panel cluster, which shows the airbag symbol.
The system checks the airbag’s electrical system for
malfunctions. The light tells you if there is an electrical
problem. The system check includes the airbag
sensor, the pretensioners, the airbag modules, the
wiring and the crash sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information on the airbag system, see
Airbag System on page 1-74.
This light will come on
when you start your
vehicle, and it will ash
for a few seconds.
The light should go out
and the system is ready.
If the airbag readiness light stays on after you start
the vehicle or comes on when you are driving,
your airbag system may not work properly.
Have your vehicle serviced right away.
3-36

If, after several seconds, both status indicator lights
remain on, or if there are no lights at all, there may
be a problem with the lights or the passenger sensing
system. See your dealer/retailer for service.
{CAUTION:
If the airbag readiness light in the instrument
panel cluster ever comes on and stays on,
it means that something may be wrong with
the airbag system. If this ever happens, have
the vehicle serviced promptly, because an
adult-size person sitting in the right front
passenger’s seat may not have the protection
of the airbag(s). SeeAirbag Readiness Light
on page 3-36for more on this, including
important safety information.
Charging System Light
This light will come on
briey when you turn
on the ignition key, but
the engine is not running,
as a check to show
you it is working.
It should go out once the engine is running. If it stays
on, or comes on while driving, there could be a problem
with the charging system. A charging system Driver
Information Center (DIC) message may also appear.
SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-52
for more information. This light could indicate that
there are problems with a generator drive belt, or that
there is an electrical problem. Have it checked right
away. If you must drive a short distance with the light on,
be certain to turn off all the accessories, such as the
radio and air conditioner.
3-39

Set up your audio system by presetting your
favorite radio stations, setting the tone, and
adjusting the speakers. Then, when driving
conditions permit, you can tune to your favorite
radio stations using the presets and steering
wheel controls if the vehicle has them.
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment to
your vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player, CB
radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, make sure
that it can be added by checking with your dealer/
retailer. Also, check federal rules covering mobile
radio and telephone units. If sound equipment can be
added, it is very important to do it properly. Added
sound equipment may interfere with the operation
of your vehicle’s engine, radio, or other systems,
and even damage them. Your vehicle’s systems
may interfere with the operation of sound equipment
that has been added.
Notice:The chime signals related to safety belts,
parking brake, and other functions of your vehicle
operate through the radio/entertainment system.
If that equipment is replaced or additional equipment
is added to your vehicle, the chimes may not work.
Make sure that replacement or additional equipment
is compatible with your vehicle before installing it.
SeeAccessories and Modifications on page 5-3.Your vehicle may have a feature called Retained
Accessory Power (RAP). With RAP, the audio system
can be played even after the ignition is turned off.
SeeRetained Accessory Power (RAP) on page 2-26
for more information.
Setting the Clock
1. Press thew(tune/select) knob (the passenger
side knob) to enter the main menu.
2. Turn the same knob until SET CLOCK displays.
3. Press this knob to select SET CLOCK.
4. Turn this knob to adjust the time.
5. Press the same knob to update the time.
VEHICLE TIME UPDATED displays.
If the CLOCK/RADIO DISP (display) is programmed into
one of the congurable keys, pressing the key switches
the display back to the clock set function. The time
and date always appears on the radio display.
See “Congurable Radio Display Keys” later in this
section for more information on conguring the keys.
3-69

Your Driving, the Road, and
Your Vehicle
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The rst step in driving defensively is
to wear your safety belt — SeeSafety Belts: They Are
for Everyone on page 1-28.
{CAUTION:
Assume that other road users (pedestrians,
bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what
they might do and be ready. In addition:
Allow enough following distance between
you and the driver in front of you.
Focus on the task of driving.
Driver distraction can cause collisions
resulting in injury or possible death. These
simple defensive driving techniques could
save your life.
Drunk Driving
{CAUTION:
Drinking and then driving is very dangerous.
Your reexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even a small
amount of alcohol. You can have a serious — or
even fatal — collision if you drive after drinking.
Do not drink and drive or ride with a driver who
has been drinking. Ride home in a cab; or if you
are with a group, designate a driver who will
not drink.
Death and injury associated with drinking and driving
is a global tragedy.
Alcohol affects four things that anyone needs to drive
a vehicle: judgment, muscular coordination, vision,
and attentiveness.
4-2

Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effective
than braking. For example, you come over a hill and
nd a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly
pulls out from nowhere, or a child darts out from
between parked cars and stops right in front of you.
You can avoid these problems by braking — if you can
stop in time. But sometimes you cannot; there is not
room. That is the time for evasive action — steering
around the problem.
Your vehicle can perform very well in emergencies
like these. First, apply the brakes. SeeBraking
on page 4-3. It is better to remove as much speed as
you can from a possible collision. Then steer around
the problem, to the left or right depending on the
space available.An emergency like this requires close attention and a
quick decision. If you are holding the steering wheel
at the recommended 9 and 3 o’clock positions, you can
turn it a full 180 degrees very quickly without removing
either hand. But you have to act fast, steer quickly,
and just as quickly straighten the wheel once you have
avoided the object.
The fact that such emergency situations are always
possible is a good reason to practice defensive driving
at all times and wear safety belts properly.
4-10

Many of the same design features that help make your
vehicle responsive on paved roads during poor weather
conditions — features like all-wheel drive — help make
it much better suited for off-road use. Its higher ground
clearance also helps your vehicle step over some
off-road obstacles. But your vehicle does not have
features like special underbody shielding and a transfer
case low gear range, things that are usually thought
necessary for extended or severe off-road service.
Also, seeBraking on page 4-3.
The airbag system is designed to work properly under
a wide range of conditions, including off-road usage.
Observe safe driving speeds, especially on rough
terrain. As always, wear your safety belt.
Off-road driving can be great fun. But it does have
some denite hazards. The greatest of these is
the terrain itself.
“Off-roading” means you have left the North American
road system behind. Traffic lanes are not marked.
Curves are not banked. There are no road signs.
Surfaces can be slippery, rough, uphill, or downhill.
In short, you have gone right back to nature.
Off-road driving involves some new skills. And that
is why it is very important that you read this guide.
You will nd many driving tips and suggestions.
These will help make your off-road driving safer
and more enjoyable.If you think you will need some more ground clearance
at the front of your vehicle, you can remove the front
fascia lower air dam.
The front fascia lower air dam is held in place by
two bolts and 10 snap features. The bolts and snap
features are accessible from underneath the front fascia.
The following steps must be performed on the bolts
and snap features to remove the air dam:
1. Remove the two outboard air dam bolts.
2. With a at-blade screwdriver, push down on
the snap features and disengage the snaps.
3. After the bolts are removed and the snaps
are disengaged, push forward on the air dam
until it is free.
When you are back on roads, though, be sure to
replace the air dam.
Notice:Operating your vehicle for extended
periods without the front fascia lower air dam
installed can cause improper air ow to the engine.
Always be sure to replace the front fascia air
dam when you are nished off-road driving.
To reinstall the lower air dam do the following:
1. Line up the snap features and push the
air dam rearward to engage the snaps.
2. Install the two outboard bolts.
4-13