
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369153) -
2016 - crc - 6/19/15
Driving and Operating 251
a lower temperature than at normal
altitudes. If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few
minutes before turning the engine
off. If the overheat warning comes
on, seeEngine Overheating 0270.
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 0333.
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
Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
See New Vehicle Break-In 0200.
Before towing a trailer, see
"Hands-Free Operation" under
Liftgate 038.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369153) -
2016 - crc - 6/19/15
258 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 259
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 264
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 266
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 270
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 277 Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 278
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 278
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 279
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 279Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 280
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 281
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Left) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Instrument Panel Fuse Block (Right) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291 All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 303
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . 314
Jump Starting
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 318

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369153) -
2016 - crc - 6/19/15
268 Vehicle Care
Caution
Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL®can cause
premature engine, heater core,
or radiator corrosion. In addition,
the engine coolant could require
changing sooner. Any repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant
in the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL®engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for 5 years or
240 000 km (150,000 mi), whichever
occurs first.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating,
see Engine Overheating 0270.
What to Use
{Warning
Adding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or others
could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. If using this mixture,
nothing else needs to be added.
This mixture:
. Gives freezing protection down
to−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature. .
Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion.
. Will not damage aluminum parts.
. Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Caution
If improper coolant mixture,
inhibitors, or additives are used in
the vehicle cooling system, the
engine could overheat and be
damaged. Too much water in the
mixture can freeze and crack
engine cooling parts. The repairs
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. Use only the
proper mixture of engine coolant
for the cooling system. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0338.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, or by pouring
it on the ground or into sewers,

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369153) -
2016 - crc - 6/19/15
270 Vehicle Care
If no coolant is visible in the surge
tank, add coolant:
1. Remove the coolant surge tankpressure cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no
longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about one full
turn. If a hiss is heard, wait for
that to stop. A hiss means
there is still some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture to the FULL
COLD mark.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the
engine and let it run until the engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates approximately
90 °C (195 °F).
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge
tank until the level reaches the
FULL COLD mark.
5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.
6. Verify coolant level after the engine is shut off and the
coolant is cold. If necessary,
repeat coolant fill procedure
Steps 1-6.
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and
possible engine damage may
occur. Be sure the cap is properly
and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
Caution
Running the engine without
coolant may cause damage or a
fire. Vehicle damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
The vehicle has several indicators
to warn of engine overheating.
There is a coolant temperature
gauge in the vehicle's instrument
cluster. See Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge 0127.
In addition, there are ENGINE
OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE,
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE
ENGINE, and ENGINE POWER IS
REDUCED messages in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). See
Engine Cooling System Messages
0 147 andEngine Power Messages
0 148.
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get service help right away.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369153) -
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Vehicle Care 271
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.
Check to see if the engine cooling
fan(s) are running. If the engine is
overheating, the fans should be
running. If they are not, do not
continue to run the engine, and
have the vehicle serviced.
If Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down.
Wait until there is no sign of
steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when the
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. You or others(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
could be badly burned. Stop the
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
If No Steam is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
The ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE or the ENGINE
OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
message, along with a low coolant
condition, can indicate a serious
problem.
If there is an engine overheat
warning, but no steam is seen or
heard, the problem may not be too
serious. Sometimes the engine can
get a little too hot when the vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
. Stops after high-speed driving.
. Idles for long periods in traffic.
. Tows a trailer; see Trailer Towing
0 251. 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:
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. When 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
and have the cooling system
checked for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369153) -
2016 - crc - 6/19/15
Vehicle Care 291
M-TypeFuses Usage
12 Liftgate module
13 Third row seat
14 Rear accessory power outlet
15 Rear defogger
Ultra
Micro
Relays Usage
16 Liftgate
Micro
Relays Usage
17 Liftglass
18 Rear fog lamp (if equipped)
19 Heated mirrorsWheels and Tires
Tires
Every new GM vehicle has
high-quality tires made by a
leading tire manufacturer. See
the warranty manual for
information regarding the tire
warranty and where to get
service. For additional
information refer to the tire
manufacturer.
{Warning
.Poorly maintained and
improperly used tires are
dangerous.
.Overloading the tires can
cause overheating as a
result of too much
flexing. There could be a
blowout and a serious
crash. See Vehicle Load
Limits 0196.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Underinflated tires pose
the same danger as
overloaded tires. The
resulting crash could
cause serious injury.
Check all tires frequently
to maintain the
recommended pressure.
Tire pressure should be
checked when the tires
are cold.
.Overinflated tires are
more likely to be cut,
punctured, or broken by
a sudden impact —such
as when hitting a pothole.
Keep tires at the
recommended pressure.
.Worn or old tires can
cause a crash. If the
tread is badly worn,
replace them.
(Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369153) -
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Vehicle Care 293
tires with a lower speed rating are
chosen, never exceed the tire's
maximum speed capability.
Low-Profile Tires
The vehicle has low profile tires
that are classified as touring
tires and are designed for on
road use. The low-profile, wide
tread design is not
recommended for off-road
driving. SeeOff-Road Driving
0 188, for additional information.
Caution
Low-profile tires are more
susceptible to damage from road
hazards or curb impact than
standard profile tires. Tire and/or
wheel assembly damage can
occur when coming into contact
with road hazards like potholes,
or sharp edged objects, or when
sliding into a curb. The warranty
does not cover this type of
damage. Keep tires set to the (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
correct inflation pressure and
when possible, avoid contact with
curbs, potholes, and other road
hazards.
All-Terrain Tires
This vehicle may have all-terrain
tires. These tires provide good
performance on most road surfaces,
weather conditions, and for off-road
driving. SeeOff-Road Driving 0188.
The tread pattern on these tires may
wear more quickly than other tires.
Consider rotating the tires more
frequently than at 12 000 km
(7,500 mi) intervals if irregular wear
is noted when the tires are
inspected. See Tire Inspection
0 299.
Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of
air pressure to operate
effectively. Caution
Neither tire underinflation nor
overinflation is good.
Underinflated tires, or tires
that do not have enough air,
can result in:
.Tire overloading and
overheating which could
lead to a blowout.
.Premature or
irregular wear.
.Poor handling.
.Reduced fuel economy.
Overinflated tires, or tires that
have too much air, can
result in:
.Unusual wear.
.Poor handling.
.Rough ride.
.Needless damage from
road hazards.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-9369153) -
2016 - crc - 6/19/15
Index 349
Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
CoolantEngine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Engine Temperature Gauge . . 127
Engine TemperatureWarning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Engine Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Cornering Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Cover Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Cruise Control, Adaptive . . . . . . . . 225
D
Danger, Warning, and Caution . . . . 2
Data Recorders, Event . . . . . . . . . 345
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Dome Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Door Ajar Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Ajar Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Door (cont'd)
Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Power Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 344
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . 232
Driver Information
Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Driving Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 238
Characteristics and
Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 27
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 193
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 195
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Off-Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
E
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . 218
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . 133
Electrical Equipment,
Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257 Electrical System
Engine Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285, 288
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Rear Compartment Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Check and Service Engine
Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 261
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Coolant Temperature Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Cooling System Messages . . . 147
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272, 277
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Oil Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270