
Black plate (73,1)Cadillac Escalade EXT Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-73
Secondary Latch System
This vehicle has an
underbody-mounted tire hoist
assembly equipped with a
secondary latch system. It is
designed to stop the spare tire from
suddenly falling off your vehicle. For
the secondary latch to work, the
spare must be installed with the
valve stem pointing down. See
“Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and
Tools”underTire Changing on
page 10‑64.
{WARNING
Before beginning this procedure
read all the instructions. Failure to
read and follow the instructions
could damage the hoist assembly
and you and others could get
hurt. Read and follow the
instructions listed next. To release the spare tire from the
secondary latch:
1. Check under the vehicle to see if
the cable end is visible. If the
cable is not visible proceed to
Step 6.
2. If it is visible, first try to tighten the cable by turning the wheel
wrench clockwise until you hear
two clicks or feel it skip twice.
You cannot overtighten the
cable. 3. Loosen the cable by turning the
wrench counterclockwise three
or four turns.
4. Repeat this procedure at least two times. If the spare tire
lowers to the ground, continue
with Step 5 under “Removing the
Spare Tire and Tools” underTire
Changing on page 10‑64.
5. If the spare does not lower, turn the wrench counterclockwise
until approximately 15 cm (6 in)
of cable is exposed.
6. Stand the wheel blocks on their shortest ends, with the backs
facing each other.

Black plate (75,1)Cadillac Escalade EXT Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-75
12. Lower the jack by turningthe wheel wrench
counterclockwise. Keep
lowering the jack until the
spare tire slides off the jack or
is hanging by the cable.
{WARNING
Someone standing too close
during the procedure could be
injured by the jack. If the spare
tire does not slide off the jack
completely, make sure no one is
behind you or on either side of
you as you pull the jack out from
under the spare.
13. Disconnect the jack handle from the jack and carefully
remove the jack. Use one hand
to push against the spare while
firmly pulling the jack out from
under the spare tire with the
other hand. If the spare tire is hanging from
the cable, insert the hoist end
of extension, and wheel
wrench into the hoist shaft hole
in the bumper and turn the
wheel wrench counterclockwise
to lower the spare the rest of
the way.
14. Turn the wheel wrench in the hoist shaft hole in the bumper
clockwise to raise the cable
back up if the cable is hanging
under the vehicle.
Have the hoist assembly inspected
as soon as you can. You will not be
able to store a spare or flat tire
using the hoist assembly until it has
been inspected and/or replaced.
To continue changing the flat tire,
see “Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire” underTire
Changing on page 10‑64.
Full-Size Spare Tire
The full-size spare tire that came
with the vehicle was fully inflated
when new, however, it can lose air over time. Check the inflation
pressure regularly. See
Tire
Pressure on page 10‑49 and
Vehicle Load Limits on page 9‑16
for information regarding proper tire
inflation and loading the vehicle.
For instructions on how to remove,
install, or store a spare tire, see Tire
Changing on page 10‑64.
After installing the spare tire on the
vehicle, stop as soon as possible
and check that the spare is correctly
inflated. The spare tire is made
to perform well at speeds up to
112 km/h (70 mph) at the
recommended inflation pressure,
so you can finish your trip.
Have the damaged or flat road tire
repaired or replaced and installed
back onto the vehicle as soon as
possible so the spare tire will be
available in case it is needed again.
Do not mix tires and wheels of
different sizes, because they will not
fit. Keep the spare tire and its wheel
together.

Black plate (3,1)Cadillac Escalade EXT Owner Manual - 2012
Service and Maintenance 11-3
Cadillac Premium
Care Maintenance
Your vehicle comes with the
Cadillac Premium Care
Maintenance. It is a maintenance
program that covers select
maintenance services during the
first 4 years or 80 000 km
(50,000 mi), whichever comes first.Cadillac Premium Care
Maintenance covers routine
maintenance services, when
scheduled in accordance with the
owner manual, including:
.Oil changes based on the
vehicle's oil life monitor system.
.Tire rotation every 12 000 km
(7,500 mi).
.Engine air cleaner filter
replacement.
.Passenger compartment air filter
replacement.
.Multi‐point vehicle inspection
(MPVI) performed by a qualified
technician.
Cadillac requires that all Cadillac
Premium Care Maintenance
services be performed by a Cadillac
authorized service dealer.
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑8.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure on
page 10‑49.
.Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection on page 10‑55.
.Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑23.

Black plate (4,1)Cadillac Escalade EXT Owner Manual - 2012
11-4 Service and Maintenance
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system might not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for more than a year. The engine oil
and filter must be changed at least
once a year and the oil life system
must be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
SeeEngine Oil Life System on
page 10‑10.
Tire Rotation and
Required Services
Every 12 000 km/7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation on page 10‑55.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil on page 10‑8 andEngine Oil
Life System on page 10‑10.
.Check engine coolant level. See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑16.
.Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑23.
.Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care on page 10‑82. Replace
worn or damaged wiper blades.
See Wiper Blade Replacement
on page 10‑31.
.Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure on
page 10‑49.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑55.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑14.
.Inspect brake system.

Black plate (11,1)Cadillac Escalade EXT Owner Manual - 2012
Service and Maintenance 11-11
.As part of the multi‐point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs
of leaking, blown seals,
or damage, and can advise
when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated,
rotated, and balanced. Maintaining
the tires can save money, fuel, and
can reduce the risk of tire failure.
.Signs that the tires need to be
replaced include three or more
visible treadwear indicators; cord
or fabric showing through the
rubber; cracks or cuts in the
tread or sidewall; or a bulge or
split in the tire.
.Trained dealer technicians can
inspect and recommend the right
tires. Your dealer can also
provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth
vehicle operation at all speeds.
Your dealer sells and services
name brand tires. Vehicle Care
To help keep the vehicle looking like
new, vehicle care products are
available from your dealer. For
information on how to clean and
protect the vehicle’s interior and
exterior, see
Interior Care on
page 10‑85 andExterior Care on
page 10‑82.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is critical for
ensuring that the tires deliver
optimal wear and performance.
.Signs that the alignment may
need to be adjusted include
pulling, improper vehicle
handling, or unusual tire wear.
.Your dealer has the required
equipment to ensure proper
wheel alignment. Windshield
For safety, appearance, and the
best viewing, keep the windshield
clean and clear.
.Signs of damage include
scratches, cracks, and chips.
.Trained dealer technicians can
inspect the windshield and
recommend proper replacement
if needed.
Wiper Blades
Wiper blades need to be cleaned
and kept in good condition to
provide a clear view.
.Signs of wear include streaking,
skipping across the windshield,
and worn or split rubber.
.Trained dealer technicians can
check the wiper blades and
replace them when needed.

Black plate (8,1)Cadillac Escalade EXT Owner Manual - 2012
13-8 Customer Information
Cadillac and General Motors of
Canada Limited reserve the right to
limit services or payment to an
owner or driver if they decide the
claims are made too often, or the
same type of claim is made many
times.
Cadillac Owner Privileges™
.Emergency Fuel Delivery:
Delivery of enough fuel for the
vehicle to get to the nearest
service station.
.Lock‐Out Service:Service to
unlock the vehicle if you are
locked out. A remote unlock may
be available if you have OnStar.
For security reasons, the driver
must present identification
before this service is given.
.Emergency Tow From a Public
Road or Highway: Tow to the
nearest Cadillac dealer for
warranty service, or if the vehicle
was in a crash and cannot be
driven. Assistance is also given
when the vehicle is stuck in the
sand, mud, or snow.
.Flat Tire Change: Service to
change a flat tire with spare tire.
The spare tire, if equipped, must
be in good condition and
properly inflated. It is your
responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not
covered by the warranty.
.Battery Jump Start: Service to
jump start a dead battery.
.Trip Routing Service: Detailed
maps of North America are
provided when requested either
with the most direct route or the
most scenic route. Additional
travel information is also
available. Allow three weeks for
delivery.
.Trip Interruption Benefits
and Service: If your trip is
interrupted due to a warranty
failure, incidental expenses may
be reimbursed during the
5 years/160 000 km (100,000 mi)
Powertrain warranty period.
Items considered are hotel,
meals, and rental car.
Cadillac Technician Roadside
Service (U.S. only)
Cadillac's exceptional Roadside
Service is more than an auto club or
towing service. It provides every
Cadillac owner in the United States
with the advantage of contacting a
Cadillac advisor and, where
available, a Cadillac trained dealer
technician who can provide on-site
service.
A dealer technician will travel to
your location within a 30 mile radius
of a participating Cadillac
dealership. If beyond this radius, we
will arrange to have your car towed
to the nearest Cadillac dealership.
Each technician travels with a
specially equipped service vehicle
complete with the necessary
Cadillac parts and tools required to
handle most roadside repairs.

Black plate (10,1)Cadillac Escalade EXT Owner Manual - 2012
13-10 Customer Information
This program expires two years
from the date of the invoice for the
vehicle, regardless of vehicle
mileage and changes in vehicle
ownership.
For more information about the
renewal of this program at the end
of its term, contact the Cadillac
Customer Assistance Center at
01-800-466-0805.
Services Provided
.Flat Tire Change: If unable to
change a flat tire, Roadside
Assistance will provide towing
service to the nearest authorized
Cadillac dealership. It is the
owner's responsibility for the
repair or replacement of the tire.
This service is limited to the
transfer of the vehicle to the
repair facility.
.Emergency Fuel Delivery:
Delivery of enough fuel for the
vehicle to get to the nearest
service station.
.Lock-Out Service: Service to
unlock the vehicle if you are
locked out.
.Battery Jump Start: Service to
jump start a dead battery.
.*Emergency Messages:
Transmission of urgent phone
messages.
.*Emergency Calls: Call for
emergency services.
.*Dealership Location
Assistance: Information
regarding addresses and
telephone numbers for Cadillac
dealers.
.Emergency Towing: Tow to the
nearest dealer for warranty
service if the vehicle cannot be
driven.
If the vehicle is involved in an
accident during the commission
of a crime, administrative
violation, or breach of traffic
regulations, Roadside
Assistance will not provideservice. When the vehicle is not
accessible to be towed, all
maneuvers required to access it
will be at the owner's expense.
If the vehicle is in another city
outside of your residence,
Roadside Assistance is limited
to moving the vehicle to the
nearest dealer. If you would like
the vehicle moved to a different
dealer, you will be asked to
cover the difference in cost at
the time of the move.
If the vehicle cannot be received
by the nearest Cadillac dealer
due to scheduling conflicts, the
vehicle will be taken to a safe
place where it will remain for up
to 48 hours until it can be taken
to the dealer. If the storage costs
exceed the amount authorized,
the owner is responsible to pay
the difference at the time of
service. Contact Roadside
Assistance for more information
on authorized amounts.

Black plate (4,1)Cadillac Escalade EXT Owner Manual - 2012
i-4 INDEX
Driving (cont'd)Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 9-16
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-11
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-13
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
DVD Rear Seat EntertainmentSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-31
DVD/CD Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18
E
E85 Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53
Electrical Equipment, Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-67
Electrical System
Engine CompartmentFuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Emergency, OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . 14-2 Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Check and Service Engine
Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 10-6
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-16
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-16
Cooling System Messages . . . 5-29
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-3
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-27
Overheated Protection Operating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 9-31
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-25
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-10
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-30
Entry/Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-64 Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . 13-19
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . 3-17
Exterior Cargo Lamps . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 6-5
F
Fan
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-22
Features Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . 10-14
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 6-7
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-62 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-64
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-88
Fluid
Automatic Transmission . . . . .10-11
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-25
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Fog Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28