
Black plate (5,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Climate Controls 8-5
# (Air Conditioning): Press to
turn the air conditioning (A/C)
compressor on and off. An indicator
light comes on to show that the air
conditioning is on.
Pressing this button when the
outside temperature is too cool for
air conditioning will make the air
conditioning indicator flash 3 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
under the vehicle while idling or
after turning off the engine. This is
normal.
@ (Recirculation): Press to turn
the recirculation mode on or off. An
indicator light comes on to show
that the recirculation is on.
This mode recirculates and helps
to quickly cool the air inside the
vehicle. It can be used to help
prevent outside air and odors from
entering the vehicle.
The recirculation mode cannot be
used with floor, defog, or defrost
modes. If recirculation is selected
with one of those modes, the
indicator light flashes three times
and then turns off. The air
conditioning compressor also
comes 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 defog
or defrost mode and increase the
fan speed.
The recirculation mode can also be
turned off by turning off the ignition.
REAR (Rear Climate Control): For
vehicles with the rear heating and
air conditioning controls. Press the
REAR button to turn the rear climate
control system on or off. See Rear
Climate Control System (Rear
Climate with Rear Seat Audio) on
page 8 ‑ 6 .
Rear Window Defogger The rear window defogger uses a
warming grid to remove fog from the
rear window.

Black plate (6,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
8-6 Climate Controls
< (Rear Window Defogger):
Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. It automatically
turns off after it has been activated.
The defogger can also be turned off
by turning off the engine. Do not
drive the vehicle until all the
windows are clear.
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.
Heated Mirrors: Press
< to help
clear fog or frost from the surface of
the outside mirror. See “ Outside
Heated Mirrors ” in Heated Mirrors
on page 2 ‑ 17 .
Heated or Cooled Seats: For
vehicles with heated and cooled
seats, see Heated and Ventilated
Front Seats on page 3 ‑ 8 . Rear Climate Control System
(Rear Climate with Rear Seat Audio) For vehicles with the rear heat and air conditioning controls, they are
integrated with the rear seat audio controls located in the center console.
The system can be controlled from the front controls as well as the rear
controls.
Rear Climate Control with Rear Seat Audio Controls
A. Fan Control
B. Air Delivery Mode Control
C. Temperature Control REAR: Press the REAR button on
the front climate control system to
turn the rear climate control system
on or off. An indicator comes on
when the rear system is on.

Black plate (8,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
8-8 Climate Controls
Air Vents Use the air outlets located in the
center and on the side of the
instrument panel to direct the
airflow.
Operation Tips .
Keep the hood and front air
inlets free of ice, snow, or any
other obstruction (such as
leaves). The heater and
defroster will work far better,
reducing the chance of fogging
the inside of the windows. .
When you enter a vehicle in cold
weather, press the fan up button
to the maximum fan level before
driving. This helps clear the
intake ducts of snow and
moisture, and reduces the
chance of fogging the inside of
the window. .
Keep the air path under the front
seats clear of objects. This helps
air to circulate throughout the
vehicle. .
Adding outside equipment to
the front of the vehicle, such as
hood-air deflectors, may affect
the performance of the heating
and air conditioning system.
Check with your dealer before
adding equipment to the outside
of the vehicle.

Black plate (22,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
10-22 Vehicle Care .
Idles for long periods in traffic. .
Tows a trailer. See Trailer
Towing on page 9 ‑ 74 .
If the ENGINE OVERHEATED
STOP ENGINE or the ENGINE
OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
message appears with no sign of
steam, try this for a minute or so:
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest
temperature and to the highest
fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. In heavy traffic, let the engine
idle in N (Neutral) while stopped.
If it is safe to do so, pull off
the road, shift to P (Park)
or N (Neutral) and let the
engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gauge
is no longer in the overheat zone
or an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull
over, stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle
the engine for five minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine
until it cools down. Also, see
“ Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode ” later in this
section.
Overheated
Engine Protection
Operating Mode If an overheated engine condition
exists and the ENGINE POWER IS
REDUCED message is displayed,
an overheat protection mode which
alternates firing groups of cylinders
helps prevent engine damage. In this mode, a loss in power and
engine performance will be noticed.
This operating mode allows the
vehicle to be driven to a safe place
in an emergency. Driving extended
distances and/or towing a trailer in
the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
Notice: After driving in the
overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine
damage, allow the engine to cool
before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely
degraded. Repair the cause of
coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. See
Engine Oil on page 10 ‑ 7 .
Engine Fan The vehicle has electric cooling
fans. The fans spinning at low
speed during most everyday
driving might be heard. The fans
can turn off if no cooling is required.

Black plate (23,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-23Under heavy vehicle loading,
trailer towing, and/or high outside
temperatures, or if operating the
air conditioning system, the fans
can change to high speed and an
increase in fan noise might be
heard. This is normal and indicates
that the cooling system is
functioning properly. The fans
change to low speed when
additional cooling is no longer
required.
Power Steering Fluid
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10 ‑ 6 for reservoir location. When to Check Power Steering
Fluid It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
there is a leak suspected in the
system or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the key off and let the
engine compartment cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the
reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the
dipstick with a clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely
tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look
at the fluid level on the dipstick. The level should be at the FULL
COLD mark. If necessary, add only
enough fluid to bring the level up to
the mark.
What to Use To determine what kind of fluid to
use, see Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11 ‑ 7 . Always
use the proper fluid.
Notice: Use of the incorrect fluid
may damage the vehicle and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty. Always
use the correct fluid listed in
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11 ‑ 7 .

Black plate (41,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-41The vehicle may not be equipped
with all of the fuses, relays, and
features shown.
Fuses Usage
1 Right Trailer Stop/
Turn Lamp
2 Electronic Stability
Suspension Control,
Automatic Level
Control Exhaust
3 Left Trailer Stop/
Turn Lamp
4 Engine Controls
5 Engine Control
Module, Throttle
Control
6 Trailer Brake
Controller
7 Front Washer
8 Oxygen Sensors
9 Antilock Brakes
System 2 Fuses Usage
10 Trailer Back-up
Lamps
11 Driver Side
Low-Beam Headlamp
12 Engine Control
Module (Battery)
13 Fuel Injectors, Ignition
Coils (Right Side)
14 Transmission Control
Module (Battery)
15 Vehicle Back-up
Lamps
16 Passenger Side
Low-Beam Headlamp
17 Air Conditioning
Compressor
18 Oxygen Sensors
19 Transmission Controls
(Ignition)
20 Fuel Pump Fuses Usage
21 Fuel System Control
Module
22 Headlamp Washer
23 Rear Windshield
Washer
24 Fuel Injectors, Ignition
Coils (Left Side)
25 Trailer Park Lamps
26 Driver Side Park
Lamps
27 Passenger Side Park
Lamps
28 Fog Lamps
29 Horn
30 Passenger Side
High-Beam Headlamp
31 Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL)
(If Equipped)

Black plate (43,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-43J-Case
Fuses Usage
62 Starter
63 Stud 2 (Trailer
Brakes)
64 Left Bussed Electrical
Center 1
65 Electric Running
Boards
66 Heated Windshield
Washer System
67 Transfer Case
68 Stud 1 (Trailer
Connector Battery
Power)
69 Mid-Bussed Electrical
Center 1 J-Case
Fuses Usage
70 Climate Control
Blower
71 Power Liftgate
Module
72 Left Bussed Electrical
Center 2
Relays Usage
FAN HI Cooling Fan High
Speed
FAN LO Cooling Fan Low
Speed
FAN
CNTRL Cooling Fan Control
HDLP
LO/HID Low-Beam Headlamp Relays Usage
FOG
LAMP Front Fog Lamps
A/C
CMPRSR Air Conditioning
Compressor
STRTR Starter
PWR/TRN Powertrain
FUEL
PMP Fuel Pump
PRK
LAMP Parking Lamps
REAR
DEFOG Rear Defogger
RUN/
CRNK Switched Power

Black plate (50,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011
10-50 Vehicle Care Accessory Weight :
The
combined weight of optional
accessories. Some examples
of optional accessories are
automatic transmission, power
steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.
Aspect Ratio :
The relationship
of a tire's height to its width.
Belt :
A rubber coated layer of
cords that is located between
the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other
reinforcing materials.
Bead :
The tire bead contains
steel wires wrapped by steel
cords that hold the tire onto
the rim.
Bias Ply Tire :
A pneumatic tire
in which the plies are laid at
alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of
the tread. Cold Tire Pressure :
The
amount of air pressure in a tire,
measured in kPa (kilopascal)
or psi (pounds per square inch)
before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Tire Pressure
on page 10 ‑ 52 .
Curb Weight :
The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including
the maximum capacity of fuel,
oil, and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings :
A code
molded into the sidewall of
a tire signifying that the tire
is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation
(DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR :
Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. See Vehicle Load Limits
on page 9 ‑ 24 .
GAWR FRT :
Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9 ‑ 24 .
GAWR RR :
Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9 ‑ 24 .
Intended Outboard Sidewall :
The side of an asymmetrical tire,
that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa) :
The metric
unit for air pressure.
Light Truck (LT ‐ Metric) Tire :
A
tire used on light duty trucks and
some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.