
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
254 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
beforestarting down a long or steep
downgrade. If the transmission is not
shifted down, the brakes might get hot
and no longer work well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift
the transmission to a lower gear if the
transmission shifts too often under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
When towing, use the Tow/Haul Mode
to prevent damage to the engine or
transmission. See Tow/Haul Mode
0 210.
When towing at high altitude on steep
uphill grades, consider the following:
Engine coolant will boil at 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,
see Engine Overheating 0276.
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 0347. 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.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
CUSTOMER INFORMATION 371
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that the vehicle requires
damage repairs, GM recommends that
you take an active role in its repair.
If you have a pre-determined repair
facility of choice, take the vehicle
there, or have it towed there. Specify
to the facility that any required
replacement collision parts be original
equipment parts, either new Genuine
GM parts or recycled original GM
parts. Remember, recycled parts will
not be covered by the GM vehicle
warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair,
but you must live with the repair.
Depending on your policy limits, your
insurance company may initially value
the repair using aftermarket parts.
Discuss this with the repair
professional, and insist on Genuine
GM parts. Remember, if the vehicle is
leased, you may be obligated to have
the vehicle repaired with Genuine GM
parts, even if your insurance coverage
does not pay the full cost.If another party's insurance company
is paying for the repairs, you are not
obligated to accept a repair valuation
based on that insurance company's
collision policy repair limits, as you
have no contractual limits with that
company. In such cases, you can have
control of the repair and parts choices
as long as the cost stays within
reasonable limits.
Service Publications
Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis
and repair information on the engines,
transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical, steering, body, etc.
Owner Information
Owner publications are written
specifically for owners and intended
to provide basic operational
information about the vehicle. The
Owner’s Manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio,
Owner’s Manual, and Warranty
Manual.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $35.00
–
$40.00 (U.S.) plus handling and
shipping fees.
Without Pouch: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$25.00 (U.S.) plus handling and
shipping fees.
Current and Past Models
Service and Owner publications are
available for many current and past
model year GM vehicles.
ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday –Friday 8:00 AM –6:00 PM
Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only
(VISA-MasterCard-Discover), see Helm,
Inc. at: www.helminc.com.
Or write to:
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
388 INDEX
AutomaticDoor Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Forward Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Level Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Shift Lock Control FunctionCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Axle, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
B
Battery Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Battery - North America . . . . . .280, 329
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . . . . . 284
Brake
Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Pedal and Adjustable Throttle . . . 198
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215 Brakes (cont'd)
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184 Automatic Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Bulb Replacement Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
C
Cadillac Premium Care Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . .264, 280, 329, Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . 359
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 Carbon Monoxide (cont'd)
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Cargo
Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . . . . . 3
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Charging Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Check Engine Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . 98
Lower Anchors and Tethersfor Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111, 113
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Child-View Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
INDEX 395
S
Safety Defects ReportingCanadian Government . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . . . . 368
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
How to Wear Seat Belts
Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Replacing after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Seats Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Heated, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Lumbar Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . 61
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Power Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . 60
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Second Row . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Third Row Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Securing Child Restraints . . . . .111, 113
Security
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Vehicle Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Service
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Maintenance, General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Parts Identification Label . . . . . . . . 358
Publications Ordering Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . . 368
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Services Special Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Shift Lock Control Function Check, Automatic
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . 244
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change . . . . 168
Special Application Services . . . . . . . 352
Specifications and Capacities . . . . . . 359
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Sport Mode Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
StabiliTrak
OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Start Assist, Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185 Heated Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Steps Power Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Storage Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Storage Areas
Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Sunglasses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349344) - 2018 - crc - 11/7/17
396 INDEX
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
StrutsGas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Sunglass Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System Forward Collision Alert (FCA) . . . . 240
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172, 375
Roof Rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Systems Driver Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . . . . 365
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Third-Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Throttle, Adjustable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
All-Terrain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318 Tires (cont'd)
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Full-Size Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Low Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305, 307
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . 308
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . 307
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Terminology and Definitions . . . . 303
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . 316
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Tow/Haul Mode Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Towing
Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252 Towing (cont'd)
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . 260
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 368
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . 168
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . 316
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . . 160 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163