2017 CADILLAC ESCALADE Safety

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293077) -
2017 - crc - 8/24/16
128 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
.Stop and go driving in heavy
traffic.
. High speed operation in warm
weather.
. Uphill driving.
. Trailer towing or hauling a
heavy load.
It is normal for the reading to
fluctuate.
If the gauge pointer reaches the
warning area or the shaded
thermostat symbol at the far end of
the gauge and remains there for more
than 30 seconds, the engine coolant
has overheated.
If the engine coolant has overheated,
pull over and stop the vehicle as soon
as it is safe to do so. Then, turn the
engine off immediately.
See Engine Overheating 0266.
Safety Belt Reminders
Driver Safety Belt Reminder
Light
There is a driver safety belt reminder
light on the instrument cluster.
When the vehicle is started, this light
flashes and a chime may come on to
remind the driver to fasten their
safety belt. Then the light stays on
solid until the belt is buckled. This
cycle may continue several times if
the driver remains or becomes
unbuckled while the vehicle is moving.
If the driver safety belt is buckled,
neither the light nor the chime
comes on.
Passenger Safety Belt Reminder
Light
There is a passenger safety belt
reminder light near the passenger
airbag status indicator. See Passenger
Sensing System 084.
When the vehicle is started, this light
flashes and a chime may come on to
remind passengers to fasten their
safety belt. Then the light stays on
solid until the belt is buckled. This
cycle continues several times if the
passenger remains or becomes
unbuckled while the vehicle is moving.
If the passenger safety belt is buckled,
neither the chime nor the light
comes on.
The front passenger safety belt
reminder 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 reminder light and/or
chime, remove the object from the
seat or buckle the safety belt.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293077) -
2017 - crc - 8/24/16
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 129
Airbag Readiness Light
This light shows if there is an
electrical problem with the airbag
system. The system check includes
the airbag sensor(s), the passenger
sensing system, the pretensioners, the
airbag modules, the wiring, and the
crash sensing and diagnostic module.
For more information on the airbag
system, seeAirbag System 078.
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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 0151.
Passenger Airbag Status
Indicator
The vehicle has a passenger sensing
system. See Passenger Sensing System
0 84 for important safety information.
The passenger airbag status indicator
is in the overhead console.
When the vehicle is started, the
passenger airbag status indicator will
light the symbol for on and off for
several seconds as a system check.
Then, after several more seconds, the
status indicator will light either the on
or off symbol to let you know the
status of the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag.
If the on symbol is lit on the
passenger airbag status indicator, it
means that the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag is allowed to
inflate.
If the off symbol is lit on the airbag
status indicator, it means that the
passenger sensing system has turned
off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag.
If, after several seconds, both status
indicator lights remain on, or if there
are no lights at all, there may be a
problem with the lights or the
passenger sensing system. See your
dealer for service.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293077) -
2017 - crc - 8/24/16
130 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
{Warning
If the airbag readiness light ever
comes on and stays on, it means
that something may be wrong with
the airbag system. To help avoid
injury to yourself or others, have
the vehicle serviced right away. See
Airbag Readiness Light0129 for
more information, including
important safety information.
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on
briefly when the ignition is turned on,
but the engine is not running, as a
check to show the light is working.
It should go out when the engine is
started. If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, there may be a problem
with the electrical charging system.
Have it checked by your dealer.
Driving while this light is on could
drain the battery.
When this light comes on, or is
flashing, the Driver Information
Center (DIC) also displays a message.
See
Battery Voltage and Charging
Messages 0144.
If a short distance must be driven
with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the radio and
air conditioner.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)
This light is part of the vehicle’s
emission control on-board diagnostic
system. If this light is on while the
engine is running, a malfunction has
been detected and the vehicle may
require service. The light should come
on to show that it is working when
the ignition is in Service Only Mode.
See Ignition Positions 0197.
Malfunctions are often indicated by
the system before any problem is
noticeable. Being aware of the light
and seeking service promptly when it
comes on may prevent damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually
with this light on, the emission
control system may not work as
well, the fuel economy may be
lower, and the vehicle may not run
smoothly. This could lead to costly
repairs that might not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293077) -
2017 - crc - 8/24/16
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 151
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when the
Traction Control System (TCS) has
been turned off. SeeTraction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0216.
TRACTION CONTROL ON
This message displays when the
Traction Control System (TCS) has
been turned on. See Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0216.
Airbag System Messages
SERVICE AIRBAG
This message displays if there is a
problem with the airbag system. See
your dealer for service.
Safety Belt Messages
AUTOMATIC SEATBELT
TIGHTENING UNAVAILABLE
This message displays when the
Automatic Safety Belt Tightening
System, if equipped, becomes
unavailable. This could be caused by a
temporary condition. If the message
continues to display, see your dealer.
SERVICE AUTOMATIC SEATBELT
TIGHTENING SYSTEM
If this message displays, take the
vehicle to your dealer to repair the
Automatic Safety Belt Tightening
System, if equipped.
Security Messages
THEFT ATTEMPTED
This message displays if the vehicle
detects a tamper condition.
Service Vehicle Messages
SERVICE VEHICLE SOON
This message is displayed if there is a
problem with the vehicle. Take the
vehicle to your dealer for service.
Steering System Messages
STEERING ASSIST IS REDUCED
DRIVE WITH CARE
This message may display if a problem
occurs with the electric power steering
system. If this message appears,
steering effort may be slightly higher
than normal. The vehicle is still safe to drive. Use caution while in reduced
assist mode. If this message is
persistent or appears repeatedly, take
the vehicle to your dealer for service.
See
Steering 0183.
SERVICE POWER STEERING
This message displays when there is a
problem with electric power steering.
If this message displays and a
reduction in steering performance or
loss of power steering assistance is
noticed, see your dealer. See
Steering 0183.
Starting the Vehicle
Messages
PRESS BRAKE TO START
This message is displayed when
attempting to start the vehicle
without first pressing the brake pedal.
SERVICE KEYLESS START
SYSTEM
This message is displayed if there is a
problem with the pushbutton start
system. Take the vehicle to your
dealer for service.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293077) -
2017 - crc - 8/24/16
156 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Select Off or On.
Collision/Detection Systems
Select the Collision/Detection Systems
menu and the following may display:
.Alert Type
. Forward Collision System
. Go Notifier
. Park Assist
. Lane Change Assist
. Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Alert Type
This feature will set crash alerts to
beeps or seat vibrations. This setting
affects all crash alerts including
Forward Collision Alert, Lane
Departure Warning, and Park Assist
alerts. See Driver Assistance
Systems 0229.
Select Beeps or Safety Alert Seat.
Forward Collision System
This feature will turn on or off
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) and
Forward Automatic Braking (FAB).
The Off setting disables all FCA and FAB functions. With the Alert and
Brake setting, both FCA and FAB are
available. The Alert setting disables
FAB. See
Forward Automatic Braking
(FAB) 0237.
Select Off, Alert and Brake, or Alert.
Go Notifier
This feature will give a reminder that
Adaptive Cruise Control provides
when it has brought the vehicle to a
complete stop behind another
stopping vehicle, and then that vehicle
drives on.
Select Off or On.
Park Assist
If equipped, this allows the feature to
be turned on or off. See Assistance
Systems for Parking or Backing 0230.
Select Off, On, or On with Towbar
Attached.
Lane Change Assist
This allows the feature to be turned
on or off. See Side Blind Zone Alert
(SBZA) 0238.
Select Off or On. Rear Cross Traffic Alert
This allows the feature to be turned
on or off. See
Assistance Systems for
Parking or Backing 0230.
Select Off or On.
Comfort and Convenience
Select the Comfort and Convenience
menu and the following may display:
. Auto Memory Recall
. Easy Exit Options
. Chime Volume
. Reverse Tilt Mirror
. Auto Mirror Folding
. Auto Wipe in Reverse Gear
Auto Memory Recall
This allows the feature to be turned
on or off.
Select On or Off.
Easy Exit Options
This allows the feature to be turned
on or off.
Select On or Off.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293077) -
2017 - crc - 8/24/16
DRIVING AND OPERATING 183
See the infotainment manual for
information on that system or the
navigation system, if equipped,
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 Belts070.
. 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.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating are
important factors in helping to control
a vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception
time and reaction time. Deciding to
push the brake pedal is perception
time. Actually doing it is
reaction time.
Average driver reaction time is about
three-quarters of a second. In that
time, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h
(60 mph) travels 20 m (66 ft), which
could be a lot of distance in an
emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mind
include:
.Keep enough distance between
you and the vehicle in front
of you.
. Avoid needless heavy braking.
. Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while the
vehicle is being driven, brake normally
but do not pump the brakes. Doing so
could make the pedal harder to push
down. If the engine stops, there will
be some power brake assist but it will
be used when the brake is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it
can take longer to stop and the brake
pedal will be harder to push.
Steering
Electric Power Steering
This vehicle has electric power
steering. It does not have power
steering fluid. Regular maintenance is
not required.
If power steering assist is lost due to a
system malfunction, the vehicle can
be steered, but may require increased
effort.
See your dealer if there is a problem.
If the steering assist is used for an
extended period of time, power assist
may be reduced.
If the steering wheel is turned until it
reaches the end of its travel, and is
held in that position for an extended
period of time, power steering assist
may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steering
assist should return when the system
cools down.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293077) -
2017 - crc - 8/24/16
DRIVING AND OPERATING 185
.Slow down and adjust your driving
according to weather conditions.
Stopping distance can be longer
and vehicle control can be affected
when traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other material
on the road. Learn to recognize
warning clues —such as enough
water, ice, or packed snow on the
road to make a mirrored surface
— and slow down when you have
any doubt.
. Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking, including
reducing vehicle speed by shifting
to a lower gear. Any sudden
changes could cause the tires to
slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid
only the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
Four-wheel-drive vehicles can be used
for off-road driving. Vehicles without
four-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. For more contact information about the original equipment tires, see
the Limited Warranty and Owner
Assistance Information manual.
One of the best ways for successful
off-road driving 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 vehicles in this
manual. .
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.
Caution
Operating the vehicle for extended
periods without the front fascia
lower air dam installed can cause
improper airf low to the engine.
Reattach 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)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-MidEast-10293077) -
2017 - crc - 8/24/16
DRIVING AND OPERATING 193
positions (1), and the maximum
vehicle capacity weight (2) in
kilograms and pounds.
The Tire and Loading Information
label also shows the size of the
original equipment tires (3) and
the recommended cold tire
inflation pressures (4). For more
information on tires and inflation
seeTires 0289 and Tire
Pressure 0291.
There is also important loading
information on the vehicle
Certification/Tire label. It may
show the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) for the
front and rear axles. See
“Certification/Tire Label” later in
this section.
“Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit–
1.
Locate the statement "The
combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs." on your vehicle’s
placard.
2.Determine the combined
weight of the driver and
passengers that will be riding
in your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight
of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals
the available amount of cargo
and luggage load capacity. For
example, if the "XXX" amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there
will be five 150 lb passengers
in your vehicle, the amount
of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) =
650 lbs.)
5.Determine the combined
weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safelyexceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity
calculated in Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing
a trailer, load from your
trailer will be transferred to
your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how
this reduces the available
cargo and luggage load
capacity of your vehicle.”
See
Trailer Towing 0247 for important
information on towing a trailer,
towing safety rules, and trailering tips.