Seats and Restraint System............................. 1-1
Head Restraints
......................................... 1-2
Front Seats
............................................... 1-3
Rear Seats
..............................................1-10
Safety Belts
.............................................1-28
Child Restraints
.......................................1-50
Airbag System
.........................................1-76
Restraint System Check
............................1-93
Features and Controls..................................... 2-1
Keys
........................................................ 2-3
Doors and Locks
......................................2-10
Windows
.................................................2-17
Theft-Deterrent Systems
............................2-20
Starting and Operating Your Vehicle
...........2-24
Mirrors
....................................................2-40
Object Detection Systems
..........................2-42
OnStar
®System
......................................2-52
Universal Home Remote System
................2-55
Storage Areas
.........................................2-62
Sunroof
..................................................2-65Instrument Panel............................................. 3-1
Instrument Panel Overview
.......................... 3-4
Climate Controls
......................................3-24
Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators
........3-31
Driver Information Center (DIC)
..................3-46
Audio System(s)
.......................................3-72
Navigation System.......................................... 4-1
Overview
.................................................. 4-2
Features and Controls
..............................4-12
Navigation Audio System
...........................4-59
Voice Recognition
....................................4-82
Driving Your Vehicle....................................... 5-1
Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle
....... 5-2
Towing
...................................................5-38
Service and Appearance Care.......................... 6-1
Service
..................................................... 6-3
Fuel
......................................................... 6-5
Checking Things Under the Hood
...............6-12
All-Wheel Drive
........................................6-45
Rear Axle
...............................................6-46
2009 Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner ManualM
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
0:Adjustable Pedals
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
g:Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
_:Tow/Haul Mode
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
v
Remote Vehicle Start
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. SeeHeated Seats
on page 1-5for 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.If your vehicle has the remote start feature, the RKE
transmitter functions will have an increased range
of operation. However, the range may be less while the
vehicle is running.
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.
When the vehicle starts, the parking lamps will turn
on and remain on while the vehicle is running.
If the vehicle is left running it will automatically shut
off after 10 minutes unless a time extension has
been done.
2-8
Engine Coolant Heater
The engine coolant heater can provide easier starting
and better fuel economy during engine warm-up in cold
weather conditions at or below 0°F (−18°C). Vehicles
with an engine heater should be plugged in at least
four hours before starting. An internal thermostat in
the plug-end of the cord may exist which will prevent
engine coolant heater operation at temperatures
above 0°F (−18°C).
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the electrical cord.
The cord is located on the driver’s side of the
engine compartment, near the power steering
uid reservoir.
3. Plug the cord into a normal, grounded 110-volt
AC outlet.
{CAUTION:
Plugging the cord into an ungrounded outlet could
cause an electrical shock. Also, the wrong kind of
extension cord could overheat and cause a re.
You could be seriously injured. Plug the cord into
a properly grounded three-prong 110-volt AC outlet.
If the cord will not reach, use a heavy-duty
three-prong extension cord rated for at
least 15 amps.
4. Before starting the engine, be sure to unplug and
store the cord as it was before to keep it away
from moving engine parts. If you do not, it could be
damaged.
The length of time the heater should remain plugged in
depends on several factors. Ask a dealer/retailer in
the area where you will be parking the vehicle for the
best advice on this.
2-28
R (Reverse):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice, or sand without damaging the transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
on page 5-30.
N (Neutral):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use N (Neutral) only. Also, use
N (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your
foot is rmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear
while the engine is running at high speed.Notice:Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is
not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive):This position is for normal driving. It
provides the best fuel economy. If you need more
power for passing, and you are:
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
By doing this, the vehicle shifts down to the next gear
and has more power.
D (Drive) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, driving on steep hills, or for off-road
driving. You may want to shift the transmission to a
lower gear selection if the transmission shifts too often.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road
conditions could result in skidding, see Skidding under
Loss of Control on page 5-12.
2-30
Security Light...............................................3-44
Fog Lamp Light............................................3-44
Lights On Reminder......................................3-44
Cruise Control Light......................................3-44
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-45
Tow/Haul Mode Light....................................3-45
Fuel Gage...................................................3-45
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-46
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-46
DIC Compass..............................................3-51
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-54
DIC Vehicle Customization.............................3-62Audio System(s).............................................3-72
Bluetooth®...................................................3-73
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System
(Overhead)...............................................3-85
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System
(Headrest DVD)........................................3-95
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-111
Theft-Deterrent Feature................................3-113
Audio Steering Wheel Controls......................3-113
Radio Reception.........................................3-114
Rear Side Window Antenna..........................3-115
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-115
Section 3 Instrument Panel
3-2
Instrument Panel Cluster
The instrument panel cluster is designed to let show how the vehicle is running. It shows how fast the vehicle is
going, about how much fuel the vehicle has and many other things needed to drive safely and economically.
United States version shown, Canada similar.
3-32