
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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VEHICLE CARE 319
wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane
position, and then gently brake to a
stop, well off the road, if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and may
require the same correction as used in
a skid. Stop pressing the accelerator
pedal and steer to straighten the
vehicle. It may be very bumpy and
noisy. Gently brake to a stop, well off
the road, if possible.
{Warning
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has been
driven on while severely
underinflated or flat may cause a
blowout and a serious crash. Never
attempt to re-inflate a tire that has
been driven on while severely
underinflated or flat. Have your
dealer or an authorized tire service
center repair or replace the flat tire
as soon as possible.
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under
it to do maintenance or repairs is
dangerous without the appropriate
safety equipment and training. If a
jack is provided with the vehicle, it
is designed only for changing a flat
tire. If it is used for anything else,
you or others could be badly injured
or killed if the vehicle slips off the
jack. If a jack is provided with the
vehicle, only use it for changing a
flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place, well off the road,
if possible. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. See Hazard Warning
Flashers 0168.
{Warning
Changing a tire can be dangerous.
The vehicle can slip off the jack and
roll over or fall causing injury or
death. Find a level place to change
the tire. To help prevent the vehicle
from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put the shift lever in P (Park).
3. For vehicles with four-wheeldrive with an N (Neutral)
transfer case position, be sure
the transfer case is in a drive
gear —not in N (Neutral).
4. Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle
is raised.
5. Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
6. Place wheel blocks, if equipped, on both sides of
the tire at the opposite corner
of the tire being changed.

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330 VEHICLE CARE
ground connection. You would
not be able to start your vehicle,
and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the
vehicles rolling, set the parking
brake firmly on both vehicles
involved in the jump start
procedure. Put the automatic
transmission in P (Park) or a
manual transmission in Neutral
before setting the parking brake.
For vehicles with
four-wheel-drive with a
N (Neutral) transfer case
position, be sure the transfer
case is in a drive gear—not
N (Neutral).
Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump starting
procedure, they could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Whenever
possible, turn off or unplug all
accessories on either vehicle when
jump starting. 3. Turn the ignition off on both
vehicles. Unplug unnecessary
accessories plugged into the
accessory power outlets. Turn off
the radio and all the lamps that
are not needed. This will avoid
sparks and help save both
batteries. And it could save the
radio!
4. Open the hood on the other vehicle and locate the positive (+)
and negative (−) terminal
locations on that vehicle.
The positive (+) terminal is under
a red plastic cover at the positive
battery post. To uncover the
positive (+) terminal, open the
red plastic cover.
For more information on the
location of the remote
positive (+) and remote negative
(−) terminals, see Engine
Compartment Overview 0267.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running and
can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode. People
have been hurt doing this, and
some have been blinded. Use a
flashlight if you need more light.
Battery fluid contains acid that can
burn you. Do not get it on you.
If you accidentally get it in your
eyes or on your skin, flush the place
with water and get medical help
immediately.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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VEHICLE CARE 333
Recreational Vehicle
Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means
towing the vehicle behind another
vehicle, such as a motor home. The
two most common types of
recreational vehicle towing are dinghy
and dolly towing. Dinghy towing is
towing the vehicle with all four wheels
on the ground. Dolly towing is towing
the vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels on a dolly.
Follow the tow vehicle manufacturer’s
instructions. See your dealer or
trailering professional for additional
advice and equipment
recommendations.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front of
the vehicle grille could restrict
airflow and cause damage to the
transmission. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
If using a shield, only use one that
attaches to the towing vehicle.
Dinghy Towing
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Caution
If the two-wheel-drive vehicle is
towed with all four wheels on the
ground, the drivetrain components
could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not
be towed with all four wheels on the
ground. Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Only dinghy tow four-wheel-drive
vehicles with a two-speed transfer
case that have an N (Neutral) and a
Four-Wheel Drive Low (4
n) setting.
{Warning
Shifting a four-wheel-drive vehicle's
transfer case into N (Neutral) can
cause the vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in P (Park). You or
others could be injured. Set the
parking brake before shifting the
transfer case to N (Neutral).

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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334 VEHICLE CARE
To dinghy tow:1. Position the vehicle being towed behind the tow vehicle, facing
forward and on a level surface.
2. Securely attach the vehicle being towed to the tow vehicle.
3. Apply the parking brake and start the engine.
For vehicles with Electric Parking
Brakes (EPB), the EPB cannot be
applied and the tires must be
chocked.
4. Shift the transfer case to N (Neutral). See “Shifting into
N (Neutral)” underFour-Wheel
Drive 0211. Check that the
vehicle is in N (Neutral) by
shifting the transmission to
R (Reverse) and then to D
(Drive). There should be no
movement of the vehicle while
shifting.
5. Shift the transmission into D (Drive). Turn the engine off.Caution
Failure to disconnect the negative
battery cable or to have it contact
the terminals can cause damage to
the vehicle.
6. Disconnect the negative battery cable at the battery and secure
the nut and bolt. Cover the
negative battery post with a
non-conductive material to
prevent any contact with the
negative battery terminal.
7. Shift the transmission to P (Park).
Caution
If the steering column is locked,
vehicle damage may occur.
8. Move the steering wheel to make sure the steering column is
unlocked. 9. With a foot on the brake pedal,
release the parking brake.
10. If equipped with Keyless Access, keep the RKE transmitter outside
of the vehicle, and manually lock
the doors. Access the vehicle as
if it has a dead RKE transmitter
battery, by using the key in the
door lock.
Disconnecting the Towed Vehicle
Before disconnecting the towed
vehicle: 1. Park on a level surface.
2. Set the parking brake, then shift the transmission to P (Park).
3. Connect the battery.
4. Apply the brake pedal.
5. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off. Shift the
transfer case out of N (Neutral)
to 2
m. See “Shifting out of
N (Neutral)” underFour-Wheel
Drive 0211. See your dealer if
the transfer case cannot be
shifted out of N (Neutral).

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VEHICLE CARE 335
6. Check that the vehicle is in 2m
by starting the engine and
shifting the transmission to
R (Reverse) and then to D
(Drive). There should be
movement of the vehicle while
shifting.
7. Shift the transmission to P (Park) and turn off the ignition.
8. Disconnect the vehicle from the tow vehicle.
9. Release the parking brake.
10. Reset any lost presets. The outside temperature display
will default to 0 °C (32 °F) but
will reset with normal usage.
Dolly Towing –Front Towing
(Front Wheels Off the Ground)
Caution
If a two-wheel-drive vehicle is
towed with the rear wheels on the
ground, the transmission could be
damaged. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Never tow the vehicle with the rear
wheels on the ground.
Caution
Towing a four-wheel-drive vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground,
or even with only two of its wheels
on the ground, will damage
drivetrain components. Do not tow
a four-wheel-drive vehicle with any
of its wheels on the ground.
This vehicle should not be towed with
the rear wheels on the ground.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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336 VEHICLE CARE
Dolly Towing–Rear Towing
(Rear Wheels Off the Ground) –
Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Caution
Towing a four-wheel-drive vehicle
with all four wheels on the ground,
or even with only two of its wheels
on the ground, will damage
drivetrain components. Do not tow
a four-wheel-drive vehicle with any
of its wheels on the ground.
This vehicle should not be towed with
any wheels on the ground.
Dolly Towing –Rear Towing
(Rear Wheels Off the Ground) –
Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
To dolly tow the vehicle from the rear:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly
manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the dolly.
3. Firmly set the parking brake. See Parking Brake 0215.
4. Put the transmission in P (Park). 5. Secure the vehicle to the dolly
following the manufacturer's
instructions.
6. Use an adequate clamping device designed for towing to ensure
that the front wheels are locked
into the straight position.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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348 SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
.Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0278.
. Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0337. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See Wiper
Blade Replacement 0284.
. Check tire inflation pressures. See
Tire Pressure 0305.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0312.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0272.
. Inspect brake system. See Exterior
Care 0337.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear.
See Exterior Care 0337.
. Lubricate the suspension and
steering components at least every
other oil change (if equipped with
grease fittings). .
Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 083.
. Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for loose
or damaged parts.
. Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0337.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0283.
. Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control Function Check 0283.
. Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check 0284.
. Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed. .
Visually inspect gas strut for signs
of wear, cracks, or other damage.
Check the hold open ability of the
strut. If the hold open is low,
service the gas strut. See Gas
Strut(s) 0285.
. Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof056.
. Verify spare tire key lock operation
and lubricate as needed. See Tire
Changing 0320.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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INDEX 387
IndexA
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . 265
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Active Fuel Management . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . 262
Additional InformationOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . 272
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173, 178
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Airbag System
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . . 88
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . . 90
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . 88
What Will You See after anAirbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Airbag System (cont'd)
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Airbags Adding Equipment to the
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . 135
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . 244
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . 215 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Armrest Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . 240
Assistance Systems for Parking
and Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233