2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV roof

In many crashes severe enough to inate the airbag,
windshields are broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may also occur from the
right front passenger airbag.
Airbags are designed to inate only once. After an
airbag inates, you will need some new parts for
the airbag system. If you do not get them, the airbag
system will not be there to help protect you in
another crash. A new system will include airbag
modules and possibly other parts. The service
manual for the vehicle covers the need to replace
other parts.
The vehicle has a crash sensing and diagnostic
module which records information after a crash.
See Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy on
page 8-16 and Event Data Recorders on page 8-17 .
Let only qualied technicians work on the airbag
systems. Improper service can mean that an
airbag system will not work properly. See your
dealer/retailer for service. Passenger Sensing System The vehicle has a passenger sensing system for the
right front passenger position. The passenger airbag
status indicator will be visible on the overhead console
when the vehicle is started.
The words ON and OFF, or the symbol for on and off,
will be visible during the system check. If you are using
remote start to start the vehicle from a distance, if
equipped, you may not see the system check. When the
system check is complete, either the word ON or OFF, or
the symbol for on or off, will be visible. See Passenger
Airbag Status Indicator on page 3-37 .
The passenger sensing system will turn off the right
front passenger frontal airbag under certain conditions.
The driver airbag and the roof-rail airbags (if equipped)
are not affected by the passenger sensing system. United States
Canada
1-87

Adding Equipment to Your
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
Q: Is there anything I might add to or change
about the vehicle that could keep the airbags
from working properly?
A: Yes. If you add things that change the vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, height, front end or side
sheet metal, they may keep the airbag system from
working properly. Changing or moving any parts
of the front seats, safety belts, the airbag sensing
and diagnostic module, steering wheel, instrument
panel, roof-rail airbag modules, ceiling headliner
or pillar garnish trim, overhead console, front
sensors, side impact sensors, rollover sensor
module, or airbag wiring can affect the operation of
the airbag system.
In addition, the vehicle has a passenger sensing
system for the right front passenger position, which
includes sensors that are part of the passenger
seat. The passenger sensing system may not
operate properly if the original seat trim is replaced
with non-GM covers, upholstery or trim, or with
GM covers, upholstery or trim designed for a
different vehicle. Any object, such as an aftermarket
seat heater or a comfort enhancing pad or device,
installed under or on top of the seat fabric, could also interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This could either
prevent proper deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing system
from properly turning off the passenger airbag(s).
See Passenger Sensing System on page 1-87 .
If you have any questions, call Customer
Assistance. The phone numbers and addresses for
Customer Assistance are in Step Two of the
Customer Satisfaction Procedure in this manual.
See Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 8-2 .
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail airbags, see
Different Size Tires and Wheels on page 6-73 for
additional important information.
Q: Because I have a disability, I have to get my
vehicle modied. How can I nd out whether
this will affect my airbag system?
A: If you have questions, call Customer Assistance.
The phone numbers and addresses for Customer
Assistance are in Step Two of the Customer
Satisfaction Procedure in this manual. See
Customer Satisfaction Procedure on page 8-2 .
In addition, your dealer/retailer and the service manual
have information about the location of the airbag sensors,
sensing and diagnostic module and airbag wiring.
1-94

Object Detection Systems .............................. .2-42
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) ........... .2-42
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) ........................ .2-44
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) ........................... .2-48
OnStar ®
System ............................................ .2-52
Universal Home Remote System ..................... .2-55
Universal Home Remote System
Operation (With Three Round LED) ............. .2-55 Storage Areas ............................................... .2-62
Glove Box .................................................. .2-62
Cupholders ................................................. .2-62
Center Console Storage ................................ .2-63
Assist Handles ............................................ .2-63
Garment Hooks ........................................... .2-63
Luggage Carrier .......................................... .2-64
Rear Storage Area ....................................... .2-65
Rear Seat Armrest ....................................... .2-65
Sunroof ........................................................ .2-65
Section 2 Features and Controls
2-2

Retained Accessory Power (RAP) The following vehicle accessories can be used for up to
10 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Power Windows
OnStar ®
System (if equipped)
Sunroof (if equipped)
These features work when the key is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from
ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF, the windows and sunroof
continue to work up to 10 minutes until any door
is opened. The radio continues to work for up to
10 minutes or until the driver door is opened.
Starting the Engine If the vehicle is a Two-mode Hybrid, see the Two-mode
Hybrid manual for more information.
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral).
The engine will not start in any other position.
To restart the engine when the vehicle is are already
moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Notice: Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when the vehicle
is stopped. Starting Procedure 1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to START. When the engine starts, let go
of the key. The idle speed will go down as the engine
gets warm. Do not race the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine and transmission
gently to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all
moving parts.
The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the engine
and protects components. If the ignition key is turned
to the START position, and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the engine will continue
cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts.
If the engine does not start and the key is held in
START for many seconds, cranking will be stopped
after 15 seconds to prevent cranking motor damage.
To prevent gear damage, this system also prevents
cranking if the engine is already running. Engine
cranking can be stopped by turning the ignition
switch to the ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF
position.
Notice: Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.
2-26

Luggage Carrier For vehicles with a luggage carrier, items can be loaded
on top of the vehicle.
The luggage carrier has siderails attached to the roof and
crossrails, if equipped, which can be moved back and
forth to help secure cargo. To adjust them, turn the knob
located at each end of the crossrail counterclockwise until
the crossrail can move freely. To secure the crossrail,
turn the knob located at each end of the crossrail
clockwise until tightened. Tie the load to the siderails or
siderail supports.
Notice: Loading cargo on the luggage carrier that
weighs more than 200 lbs (91 kg) or hangs over the
rear or sides of the vehicle can damage the vehicle.
Load cargo so that it rests as far forward as possible
and against the side rails, making sure to fasten it
securely.
Do not exceed the maximum vehicle capacity when
loading the vehicle. For more information on vehicle
capacity and loading, see Loading the Vehicle on
page 5-33 .
To prevent damage or loss of cargo, check now and
then to make sure the luggage and cargo are still
securely fastened. Be sure the cargo is properly loaded.
If small heavy objects are placed on the roof, place
the load in the area over the rear wheels (behind the
rear side door on extended models). If needed, cut a
piece of 3/8 inch plywood to t inside the crossrails
and siderails to spread the load. If plywood is used,
tie it to the siderail supports.
Tie the load to the crossrails or the siderail supports.
Use the crossrails only to keep the load from sliding.
To move the crossrails, pull out on the latch release
handle at each end. Slide the crossrail to the desired
position balancing the force side to side. Push the
release handle back into the latched position and
slide the crossrail back and forth slightly to be sure
the latch snaps securely into place.
If needed to carry long items, move the crossrails as
far apart as they will go. Tie the load to the crossrails
and the siderails or siderail supports. Also tie the
load to the bumpers. Do not tie the load so tightly
that the crossrails or siderails are damaged.
After moving a crossrail, be sure it is securely locked
into the siderail.
A Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL) is located
above the glass or above the rear load doors.
If items are loaded on the roof of the vehicle, care
should be taken not to block or damage the CHMSL unit.
2-64

Rear Storage Area For vehicles with a rear storage area, it is located in the
rear cargo area of the vehicle on the driver’s side trim
panel.
Turn the knobs and swing the storage door to access
the storage compartment. The door can be removed.
Rear Seat Armrest For vehicle with an armrest/storage compartment located
by the second row seat, pull the loop at the top of the
armrest out to lower the armrest.
Push the button on the front of the armrest and pull the
top up to open the compartment.
Sunroof Your vehicle may be equipped with a power sliding
sunroof. To open or close the sunroof, the ignition needs
to be turned to ON/RUN, or Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) must be active. When RAP is active, the sunroof
will work for 10 minutes after the ignition is turned off, or
until a front door is opened. See Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) on page 2-26 for more information. There are two switches in
the overhead console that
operate the sunroof.
Manual-Open/Manual-Close: To open the sunroof
press and hold the rear of the driver’s side switch until
the sunroof reaches the desired position. To close
the sunroof, press and hold the front of the driver’s side
switch until the sunroof reaches the desired position.
The sunshade will open automatically with the sunroof,
but can also be opened manually.
The sunroof has a comfort stop feature which stops the
sunroof from opening to the full-open position. From the
comfort stop position, press the rear of the driver’s side
switch a second time to open the sunroof to the full-open
position.
When the sunroof is opened, an air deector will
automatically raise. The air deector will retract when
the sunroof is closed.
2-65

Express-Open/Express-Close: To express-open the
sunroof, fully press and release the rear of the driver’s
side switch. The sunroof will open automatically. To stop
the sunroof partway, press the switch a second time.
To express-close the sunroof, fully press and release
the front of the driver’s side switch. The sunroof will
close automatically. To stop the sunroof partway, press
the switch a second time. The sunshade will open
automatically with the sunroof, but can also be opened
manually.
The sunroof has a comfort stop feature which stops the
sunroof from opening to the full-open position. From the
comfort stop position, press the rear of the driver’s side
switch a second time to open the sunroof to the full-open
position.
When the sunroof is opened, an air deector will
automatically raise. The air deector will retract when
the sunroof is closed.
Vent: The sunroof has an express-vent open feature.
From the closed position, press the rear of the
passenger’s side switch to vent the sunroof. To stop
the sunroof partway, press the switch a second time.
To close the sunroof, press and hold the front of the
passenger’s side switch. To stop the sunroof partway,
release the switch. Anti-Pinch Feature: If an object is in the path of the
sunroof while it is closing, the anti-pinch feature will
detect the object and stop the sunroof from closing
at the point of the obstruction. The sunroof will
then open halfway, and the air deector will raise.
To close the sunroof once it has re-opened, refer to the
“Express-Close” or “Manual-Close” functions described
previously. If the sunroof is in the vent position, and there
is an object in the path of the sunroof when it closing,
the anti-pinch feature will detect the object and stop the
sunroof. To close the sunroof once it has re-opened, refer
to the “Manual-Close” or “Express-Close” functions
described previously.
Do not keep the sunroof open for long periods of time
while the vehicle is not in use. Debris can collect in
the tracks, damage the sunroof operation and plug the
water draining system.
2-66

Compass Calibration The compass can be manually calibrated. Only calibrate
the compass in a magnetically clean and safe location,
such as an open parking lot, where driving the vehicle
in circles is not a danger. It is suggested to calibrate
away from tall buildings, utility wires, manhole covers,
or other industrial structures, if possible.
If CAL should ever appear in the DIC display, the
compass should be calibrated.
If the DIC display does not show a heading, for example,
N for North, or the heading does not change after
making turns, there may be a strong magnetic eld
interfering with the compass. Such interference may
be caused by a magnetic CB or cell phone antenna
mount, a magnetic emergency light, magnetic note
pad holder, or any other magnetic item. Turn off
the vehicle, move the magnetic item, then turn
on the vehicle and calibrate the compass. To calibrate the compass, use the following procedure:
Compass Calibration Procedure 1. Before calibrating the compass, make sure the
compass zone is set to the variance zone in
which the vehicle is located. See “Compass
Variance (Zone) Procedure” earlier in this section.
Do not operate any switches such as window,
sunroof, climate controls, seats, etc. during
the calibration procedure.
2. Press the vehicle information button until
PRESS
V TO CALIBRATE COMPAS (Compass)
displays.
3. Press the set/reset button to start the compass
calibration.
4. The DIC will display CALIBRATING: DRIVE IN
CIRCLES. Drive the vehicle in tight circles at less
than 5 mph (8 km/h) to complete the calibration.
The DIC will display CALIBRATION COMPLETE
for a few seconds when the calibration is complete.
The DIC display will then return to the previous menu.
3-55