Black plate (3,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-3
.Check the transmitter's battery.
See“Battery Replacement” later
in this section.
.If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter functions work up to
60 m (195 ft) away from the vehicle.
There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2‑2.
With Remote Start and Power
Liftgate and Liftglass (Without Remote Start Similar)
The following functions may be
available if this vehicle has the
RKE system:
Q(Lock): Press to lock all the
doors.
If enabled through the Driver
Information Center (DIC), the turn
signal lamps flash once to indicate
locking has occurred. If enabled
through the DIC, the horn chirps when
Qis pressed again within
three seconds. See Vehicle
Personalization on page 5‑38 for
additional information.
Pressing
Qarms the content
theft‐deterrent system. See
Anti-theft Alarm System on
page 2‑13.
K(Unlock): Press once to unlock
only the driver door. If
Kis pressed
again within three seconds, all
remaining doors unlock. The interior
lamps may come on and stay on for
20 seconds or until the ignition is
turned on.
If enabled through the DIC, the turn
signal lamps flash twice to indicate
unlocking has occurred. See Vehicle
Personalization on page 5‑38.
If enabled through the DIC, the
exterior lamps turn on briefly if
it is dark enough outside. See
“Approach Lighting” underVehicle
Personalization on page 5‑38.
Black plate (4,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
2-4 Keys, Doors, and Windows
PressingKon the RKE transmitter
disarms the content theft‐deterrent
system. See Anti-theft Alarm
System on page 2‑13.
/(Remote Vehicle Start): For
vehicles with this feature, press
/
to start the engine from outside the
vehicle using the RKE transmitter.
See Remote Vehicle Start on
page 2‑5 for additional information.
8(Power Liftgate): Press and
hold to open and close the liftgate.
The taillamps flash and a chime
sounds to indicate when the liftgate
is opening and closing.
m(Liftglass): Press and hold to
open the liftglass.
L(Vehicle Locator/Panic
Alarm): Press and release to
locate the vehicle. The turn signal
lamps flash and the horn sounds
three times. Press and hold
Lfor three
seconds to activate the panic
alarm. The turn signal lamps flash
and the horn sounds repeatedly for
30 seconds. The alarm turns off
when the ignition is moved to
ON/RUN or
Lis pressed again.
The ignition must be in LOCK/OFF
for the panic alarm to work.
The vehicle comes with
two transmitters. Each transmitter
will have a number on top of it,
“1” or“2”. These numbers
correspond to the driver of the
vehicle. For example, the memory
seat position for driver 1 will be
recalled when using the transmitter
labeled “1”, if enabled through the
DIC. See Memory Seats on
page 3‑5 for more information.
Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle
Only RKE transmitters programmed
to this vehicle will work. If a
transmitter is lost or stolen, a
replacement can be purchased and
programmed through your dealer.
When the replacement transmitter
is programmed to this vehicle, all
remaining transmitters must also be
reprogrammed. Any lost or stolen
transmitters will no longer work
once the new transmitter is
programmed. Each vehicle can
have up to eight transmitters
programmed to it. See your dealer
to have transmitters programmed to
the vehicle.
Battery Replacement
Replace the battery if the
REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE
KEY message displays in the DIC.
See“REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY” underKey and
Lock Messages on page 5‑33 for
additional information.
Black plate (5,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-5
Notice:When replacing the
battery, do not touch any of the
circuitry on the transmitter. Static
from your body could damage the
transmitter.
To replace the battery:
1. Separate the transmitter with a flat, thin object inserted into
the notch, located above the
metal base.
2. Remove the old battery. Do not use a metal object. 3. Insert the new battery, positive
side facing up. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.
4. Snap the transmitter back together.
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 the 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 the vehicle does not
have an automatic climate control system, during remote start, you will
need to manually turn the heated
seats on and off. See
Heated and
Ventilated Front Seats on page 3‑7
for 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 the vehicle is low on fuel. The
vehicle may run out of fuel.
If the 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, see Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2‑2 for
additional information.
Black plate (10,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
2-10 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The taillamps will flash and a chime
will sound when the power liftgate is
moving.
{WARNING
You or others could be injured if
caught in the path of the power
liftgate. Make sure there is no one
in the way of the liftgate as it is
opening and closing.
Notice: If you open the liftgate
without checking for overhead
obstructions such as a garage
door, you could damage the
liftgate or the liftgate glass.
Always check to make sure the
area above and behind the liftgate
is clear before opening it. The power liftgate can be power
opened and closed in the
following ways:
.Press and hold8on the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter until the liftgate starts
moving. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System Operation
on page 2‑3.
.Press8on the overhead
console.
.Press the touch pad on the
outside liftgate handle.
Pressing the buttons, or touch pad
switch a second time while the
liftgate is moving reverses the
direction.
l: The liftgate can also be
closed by pressing this button next
to the liftgate latch.
Press the button a second time
during liftgate operation to reverse
that operation. The power liftgate may be
temporarily disabled under extreme
temperatures, or under low battery
conditions. If this occurs, the liftgate
can still be operated manually.
If the transmission is shifted out of
P (Park) while the power function
is in progress, the liftgate power
function will continue to completion.
If the transmission is shifted out of
P (Park) and the vehicle accelerates
before the power liftgate latches
closed, the liftgate may reverse to
the open position. Cargo could fall
out of the vehicle. Always make
sure the power liftgate is closed and
latched before you drive away.
If you power open the liftgate and
the liftgate support struts have lost
pressure, the lamps will flash and a
chime will sound. The liftgate will
stay open temporarily, then slowly
close. See your dealer for service
before using the liftgate.
Black plate (11,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-11
Obstacle Detection Features
If the liftgate encounters an obstacle
during a power open or close cycle,
a warning chime will sound and the
liftgate will automatically reverse
direction to the full closed or open
position. After removing the
obstruction, the power liftgate
operation can be used again.
If the liftgate encounters multiple
obstacles on the same power cycle,
the power function will deactivate,
and you must manually open or
close the liftgate. The REAR
ACCESS OPEN warning message
in the Driver Information Center
(DIC) will indicate that the liftgate
is open. After removing the
obstructions, manually open the
liftgate to the full open position or
close the liftgate to the fully closed
and latched position. The liftgate
will now resume normal power
operation.
Pinch sensors are located on the
sides of the liftgate. If an object is
caught between the liftgate and thebody and presses against this
sensor, the liftgate will reverse
direction and open fully. The liftgate
will remain open until it is activated
again or closed manually. Do not
force the liftgate open or closed
during a power cycle.
Manual Operation of Power
Liftgate
To change the liftgate to manual
operation, press the switch on the
overhead console to the OFF
position.
With the power liftgate disabled and
all of the doors unlocked, the liftgate
can be manually opened and
closed.
To open the liftgate, press the touch
pad on the handle on the outside of
the liftgate, and lift the gate open.
To close the liftgate, use the pull
cup to lower the liftgate and close.
The liftgate latch will power close.
Always close the liftgate before
driving.
If the RKE button or the power close
button on the liftgate is pressed
while power operation is disabled,
the lamps will flash three times, but
the liftgate will not move.
It is not recommended that you
drive with the liftgate open,
however, if you must drive with the
liftgate open, the liftgate should be
set to manual operation by pressing
the OFF switch on the center
console.
The liftgate has an electric latch.
If the battery is disconnected or has
low voltage, the liftgate will not
open. The liftgate will resume
operation when the battery is
reconnected and charged.
If the battery is properly connected
with adequate voltage, the switch is
not disabled, and the liftgate still will
not function, your vehicle should be
taken to a dealer for service.
Black plate (13,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-13
The liftgate will open after a slight
delay. The vehicle must be in
P (Park) to open the liftgate. To
close the liftgate, use the pull cup or
pull strap as an aid.
The liftgate or liftglass cannot be
opened if the rear wipers are in
motion. Attempting to open the
liftgate or liftglass while the rear
wipers are in motion will cause the
release of the liftglass or liftgate to
delay until the wipers are parked off
the liftglass.
Both the liftglass and liftgate have
an electric latch. If the battery is
disconnected or has low voltage,
the liftglass and liftgate will not
open. The liftglass and liftgate will
resume operation when the battery
is reconnected and charged.
If the battery is properly connected
and has adequate voltage, and
the liftgate or liftglass still will not
function, your vehicle should be
taken to a dealership for service.Power Assist Steps
The vehicle may have power assist
steps.
The switch used to disable the
power assist steps is located on the
center console below the climate
control system.
The power assist steps
automatically extend from beneath
the vehicle on the side in which the
door has been opened. Once the
door is closed, the assist steps
automatically move back under
the vehicle after a brief delay. The
vehicle must not be moving for the
assist steps to extend or retract.
The assist steps cannot be disabled
in the extended position.
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not make
it impossible to steal.
Anti-theft Alarm System
Your vehicle has a content
theft-deterrent alarm system.
This is the security light.
To arm the theft-deterrent system:
1. Open the door.
2. Lock the door with the RemoteKeyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
or the power door lock switch.
Black plate (14,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
2-14 Keys, Doors, and Windows
The security light will come on to
inform the driver the system is
arming. If a door is open when
the doors are locked, the
security light will flash.
If the delayed locking feature is
turned on, the theft‐deterrent
system will not start the arming
process until the last door is
closed and the delay timer has
expired. SeeDelayed Locking
on page 2‑7.
3. Close all doors. The security light should go off after about
30 seconds. The alarm is not
armed until the security light
goes off.
If a locked driver door is opened
without using the RKE transmitter, a
10-second pre-alarm will occur. The
horn will chirp and the lights will
flash. If the key is not placed in the
ignition and turned to START or the
door is not unlocked by pressing
the unlock button on the RKE
transmitter during the 10-second
pre-alarm, the alarm will go off. Your vehicle's headlamps will flash
and the horn will sound for about
30 seconds, then will turn off to save
the battery power.
The theft-deterrent system will not
activate if the doors are locked with
the vehicle's key or the manual door
lock. It activates only if you use the
power door lock switch with the door
open or the RKE transmitter. You
should also remember that you can
start your vehicle with the correct
ignition key if the alarm has been
set off.
To avoid setting off the alarm by
accident:
.If you do not want to activate
the theft-deterrent system, the
vehicle should be locked with
the door key after the doors are
closed.
.Always unlock the doors with the
RKE transmitter. Unlocking a
door any other way will set off
the alarm if it is armed.
If you set off the alarm by accident,
press unlock on the RKE transmitter
or place the key in the ignition and
turn it to START to turn off the
alarm. The alarm will not stop if you
try to unlock a door any other way.
Testing the Alarm
To test the alarm:
1. From inside the vehicle, lower
the driver window and open the
driver door.
2. Activate the system by locking the doors with the power door
lock switch while the door
is open, or with the RKE
transmitter.
3. Get out of the vehicle, close the door and wait for the security
light to go out.
4. Then reach in through the window, unlock the door with the
manual door lock and open the
door. This should set off the
alarm.
Black plate (21,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
Keys, Doors, and Windows 2-21
conditions such as severe icing
may also cause the window to
auto‐reverse. The window will
return to normal operation once the
obstruction or condition is removed.
Express Window Anti‐Pinch
Override
{WARNING
If express override is activated,
the window will not reverse
automatically. You or others could
be injured and the window could
be damaged. Before you use
express override, make sure that
all people and obstructions are
clear of the window path.
In an emergency, the anti‐pinch
feature can be overridden in a
supervised mode. Hold the window
switch all the way up to the second
position. The window will rise for as
long as the switch is held. Once the
switch is released, the express
mode is re‐activated. In this mode, the window can still
close on an object in its path. Use
care when using the override mode.
Programming the Power
Windows
If the battery on the vehicle has
been recharged, disconnected,
or is not working, you will need to
reprogram each front power window
for the express-up feature to work.
Before reprogramming, replace or
recharge the vehicle's battery.
To program each front window,
follow these steps:
1. With the ignition in ACC/
ACCESSORY, ON/RUN,
or when Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) is active, close all
doors.
2. Press and hold the power window switch until the window
is fully open.
3. Pull the power window switch up until the window is fully closed. 4. Continue holding the switch up
for approximately two seconds
after the window is completely
closed.
The window is now reprogrammed.
Repeat the process for the other
windows.
Window Lockout
o(Window Lockout): This button
is on the driver door near the
window switches.
Press the right side of the button
to disable the rear window
controls. The light on the button will
illuminate, indicating the feature is in
use. The rear windows still can be
raised or lowered using the driver
window switches when the lockout
feature is active.
To restore power to the rear
windows, press the button again.
The light on the button will go out.