
Black plate (14,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 10/
9/12
5-14 Instruments and Controls
If the passenger safety belt is
buckled, neither the chime nor the
light comes on.
The front passenger safety belt
warning light and chime may turn on
if an object is put on the seat such
as a briefcase, handbag, grocery
bag, laptop, or other electronic
device. To turn off the warning light
and/or chime, remove the object
from the seat or buckle the
safety belt.
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an
electrical problem with the airbag
system. The system check includes
the airbag sensor(s), passenger
sensing system (if equipped), the
pretensioners, the airbag modules,
the wiring, and the crash sensing
and diagnostic module. For more
information on the airbag system,
seeAirbag System on page 3‑26.
The airbag readiness light comes on
for several seconds when the
vehicle is started. If the light does
not come on then, have it fixed
immediately.
{WARNING
If the airbag readiness light stays
on after the vehicle is started or
comes on while driving, it means
the airbag system might not be
working properly. The airbags in
the vehicle might not inflate in a
crash, or they could even inflate
without a crash. To help avoid
injury, have the vehicle serviced
right away. If there is a problem with the airbag
system, a Driver Information Center
(DIC) message may also come on.
See
Airbag System Messages on
page 5‑35.
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator
If the vehicle has the airbag status
indicator pictured in the following
illustration, then the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system for the
right front passenger position. The
passenger airbag status indicator is
on the overhead console. See
Passenger Sensing System on
page 3‑34 for important safety
information.
In addition, if the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system for the
right front passenger position, the
label on the vehicle's sun visors
refers to “ADVANCED AIRBAGS.”

Black plate (16,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 10/
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5-16 Instruments and Controls
Charging System Light
This light comes on briefly when the
ignition key is turned to START, but
the engine is not running, as a
check to show it is working.
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer.
The light should go out once the
engine starts. If it stays on,
or comes on while driving, there
could be a problem with the
charging system. A charging system
message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC) can also appear. See
Battery Voltage and Charging
Messages on page 5‑29for more
information. This light could indicate
that there are problems with a
generator drive belt, or that there is
an electrical problem. Have it checked right away. If the vehicle
must be driven a short distance with
the light on, turn off accessories,
such as the radio and air
conditioner.
If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the
hybrid supplement for more
information.Malfunction
Indicator Lamp
A computer system called OBD II
(On-Board Diagnostics-Second
Generation) monitors the operation
of the vehicle to ensure emissions
are at acceptable levels, helping to
maintain a clean environment. The
malfunction indicator lamp comes
on when the vehicle is placed in
ON/RUN, as a check to show it is
working. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced by your dealer. See
Ignition Positions on page 9‑22.
If the malfunction indicator lamp
comes on while the engine is
running, this indicates that the OBD
II system has detected a problem
and diagnosis and service might be
required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by
the system before any problem is
apparent. Being aware of the light
can prevent more serious damage
to the vehicle. This system also
assists the service technician in
correctly diagnosing any
malfunction.
Notice:
If the vehicle is
continually driven with this light
on, the emission controls might
not work as well, the vehicle fuel
economy might not be as good,
and the engine might not run as

Black plate (9,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 10/
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Infotainment System 7-9
Radio
AM-FM Radio
Notice:Before adding any sound
equipment to the vehicle, such as
an audio system, CD player, CB
radio, mobile telephone,
or two-way radio, make sure that
it can be added by checking with
your dealer. Also, check federal
rules covering mobile radio and
telephone units. If sound
equipment can be added, it is
very important to do it properly.
Added sound equipment can
interfere with the operation of the
vehicle's engine, radio, or other
systems, and even damage them.
The vehicle's systems can
interfere with the operation of
sound equipment that has been
added.
Notice: The chime signals related
to safety belts, parking brake, and
other functions of the vehicle
operate through the navigation
system. If that equipment is replaced or additional equipment
is added to the vehicle, the
chimes may not work. Make sure
that replacement or additional
equipment is compatible with the
vehicle before installing it. See
“Accessories and Modifications”
in the vehicle's owner manual.
Playing the Radio
O/n(Power/Volume):
1. Press to turn the audio system on and off.
2. Turn to increase or to decrease the volume.
3. Press and hold for more than two seconds to turn off the
navigation system, the Rear
Seat Entertainment (RSE) video
screen, and Rear Seat Audio
(RSA). If the vehicle has not
been turned off, press this knob
to turn RSE and RSA back on
and to continue playback of the
last active source.
w(Tuning Knob): Turn to go to
the next or previous frequency or
disc track or chapter. See CD/DVD
Player on page 7‑18 orMP3 on
page 7‑27 for more information.
AUDIO: Press to display the audio
screen. Press to switch between
AM, FM, or XM, if equipped, Disc,
or AUX (Auxiliary), or press the
screen button. See CD/DVD Player
on page 7‑18, MP3 on page 7‑27,
and Auxiliary Devices on page 7‑30
for more information.

Black plate (32,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 10/
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7-32 Infotainment System
Overview RSE Base System
Some DVDs do not allow fast
forwarding or skipping of the
copyright information or previews.
If the DVD does not begin playing at
the main title, refer to the on-screen
instructions.
The DVD player can be controlled
by using the buttons located below
the video display screen or by using
the buttons on the system’s remote
control. See “Remote Control” later
for more information.
The following discs are compatible
with the DVD player:
.DVD-Video: A DVD that has
video.
.CD-DA: A CD that has music or
sound content only.
.CD-Video: A CD that has a
movie.
.CD-R/RW: A disc that has audio
files such as CD-R with
downloaded MP3 files, MPEG,
or JPEG files.
The DVD player and discs are
coded by global region. The DVD
players are set to Region 1. Discs
with other region codes will not work
in the players.
If an error message displays on the
video screen, see “DVD Messages”
later in this section.
While the vehicle is moving,
passengers should not unfasten
their safety belts to make
adjustments to the video screen
control buttons. See Safety Belts on
page 3‑16. Use the remote control
for any necessary adjustments. See
“Remote Control” later in this
section.
A. Video Screen
.Located behind the front
seat headrest.
B. CD/DVD Slot
.The loading slot for the
DVD player is located at
the top of the head
restraint. Insert the disc
partially into the loading
slot with the printed side
facing the rear of the
vehicle. The DVD player
automatically draws the
disc in, “Loading” displays
on the screen along with a

Black plate (38,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 10/
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7-38 Infotainment System
RSE Overview Uplevel System
The loading slot for the DVD player
is located at the top of the head
restraint. Insert the disc partially into
the loading slot with the printed side
facing the rear of the vehicle. The
DVD player automatically draws the
disc in,“Loading” displays on the
screen along with a disc indicator,
and playback starts. If the disc is
inserted incorrectly, the DVD player
ejects the disc and No Disc
displays.
Some DVDs do not allow fast
forwarding or skipping of the
copyright information or previews.
If the DVD does not begin playing at
the main title, refer to the on-screen
instructions.
The DVD player can be controlled
by using the buttons located below
the video display screen or by using
the buttons on the system’ s remote
control. See “Remote Control” later
for more information. The following discs are compatible
with the DVD player:.DVD-Video: A DVD that has
video.
.CD-DA: A CD that has music or
sound content only.
.CD-Video: A CD that has a
movie.
.CD-R/RW: A disc that has audio
files such as CD-R with
downloaded MP3 files, MPEG,
or JPEG files.
The DVD player and discs are
coded by global region. The DVD
players are set to Region 1. Discs
with other region codes will not work
in the players.
If an error message displays on the
video screen, see “DVD Messages”
later in this section. While the vehicle is moving,
passengers should not unfasten
their safety belts to make
adjustments to the video screen
control buttons. See
Safety Belts on
page 3‑16. Use the remote control
for any necessary adjustments. See
“Remote Control” later in this
section.
A. Video Screen
.Located behind the front
seat headrest.

Black plate (3,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 10/
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Driving and Operating 9-3
{WARNING
Taking your eyes off the road too
long or too often could cause a
crash resulting in injury or death.
Focus your attention on driving.
Refer to the Infotainment section for
more information on using that
system, including pairing and using
a cell phone.
Refer to the Navigation section for
information on that system,
including pairing and using a cell
phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always
expect the unexpected.” The first
step in driving defensively is to wear
the safety belt. See Safety Belts on
page 3‑16.
.Assume that other road users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and
other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes.
Anticipate what they might do
and be ready.
.Allow enough following distance
between you and the driver in
front of you.
.Focus on the task of driving.
Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated with
drinking and driving is a global
tragedy.
{WARNING
Drinking and then driving is very
dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even
a small amount of alcohol. You
can have a serious —or even
fatal —collision if you drive after
drinking.
Do not drink and drive or ride with
a driver who has been drinking.
Ride home in a cab; or if you are
with a group, designate a driver
who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating
are important factors in helping to
control a vehicle while driving.

Black plate (6,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 10/
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9-6 Driving and Operating
Remember: Antilock brakes help
avoid only the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
Four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive
vehicles can be used for off-road
driving. Vehicles without four-wheel
drive, all-wheel-drive and vehicles
not equipped with All Terrain (AT) or
On-Off Road (OOR) tires must not
be driven off-road except on a level,
solid surface. To contact the tire
manufacturer for more information
about the original equipment tires,
see the Limited Warranty and
Owner Assistance Information
manual.
Controlling the vehicle is the key to
successful off-road driving. One of
the best ways to control the vehicle
is to control the speed.
{WARNING
When driving off-road, bouncing
and quick changes in direction
can easily throw you out of
position. This could cause you to
lose control and crash. You and
your passengers should always
wear safety belts.
Before Driving Off-Road
.Have all necessary maintenance
and service work completed.
.Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels,
and check inflation pressure in
all tires, including the spare,
if equipped.
.Read all the information about
four-wheel-drive and
all-wheel-drive vehicles in this
manual.
.Make sure all underbody
shields, if equipped, are properly
attached.
.Know the local laws that apply to
off-road driving.
To gain more ground clearance if
needed, it may be necessary to
remove the front fascia lower
air dam.
Notice: Operating the vehicle for
extended periods without the
front fascia lower air dam
installed can cause improper air
flow to the engine. Re‐attach the
front fascia air dam after off-road
driving.
Loading the Vehicle for
Off-Road Driving
{WARNING
.Unsecured cargo on the load
floor can be tossed about
when driving over rough
terrain. You or your
passengers can be struck by
flying objects. Secure the
cargo properly.
(Continued)

Black plate (59,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2013 - CRC 2nd Edition - 10/
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Driving and Operating 9-59
Parking on Hills
{WARNING
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular brakes
until the chocks absorb the load. 4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then
apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule on
page 11‑3. Things that are
especially important in trailer
operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. It is a good idea to
inspect these before and during
the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing
If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the
hybrid supplement for more
information.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
See
New Vehicle Break-In on
page 9‑21 for more information.
{WARNING
The driver can lose control when
pulling a trailer if the correct
equipment is not used or the
vehicle is not driven properly. For
example, if the trailer is too
heavy, the brakes may not work
well—or even at all. The driver
and passengers could be
(Continued)