
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
140 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
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 Mode. See
Ignition Positions0202.
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.
Caution
Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not meet
the original tire specifications, can
cause this light to come on. This
could lead to costly repairs not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
This could also affect the vehicle’s
ability to pass an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test. See
Accessories and Modifications 0278. If the light is f lashing :
A
malfunction has been detected that
could damage the emission control
system and increase vehicle
emissions. Diagnosis and service may
be required.
To help prevent damage, reduce
vehicle speed and avoid hard
accelerations and uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the amount
of cargo being hauled as soon as
possible.
If the light continues to flash, find a
safe place to park. Turn the vehicle off
and wait at least 10 seconds before
restarting the engine. If the light is
still flashing, follow the previous
guidelines and see your dealer for
service as soon as possible.
If the light is on steady : A
malfunction has been detected.
Diagnosis and service may be
required.
Check the following:
. If fuel has been added to the
vehicle using the capless fuel
funnel adapter, make sure that it
has been removed. See “Filling the

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 141
Tank with a Portable Gas Can”
under Filling the Tank 0253. The
diagnostic system can detect if the
adapter has been left installed in
the vehicle, allowing fuel to
evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the
adapter removed may turn off the
light.
. Poor fuel quality can cause
inefficient engine operation and
poor driveability, which may go
away once the engine is warmed
up. If this occurs, change the fuel
brand. It may require at least one
full tank of the proper fuel to turn
the light off. See Recommended
Fuel 0252.
If the light remains on, see your
dealer.
Emissions Inspection and
Maintenance Programs
If the vehicle requires an Emissions
Inspection/Maintenance test, the test
equipment will likely connect to the
vehicle's Data Link Connector (DLC).
The DLC is under the instrument
panel to the left of the steering wheel.
Connecting devices that are not used
to perform an Emissions Inspection/
Maintenance test or to service the
vehicle may affect vehicle operation.
See Add-On Electrical Equipment 0275.
See your dealer if assistance is needed.
The vehicle may not pass
inspection if:
. The light is on when the engine is
running.
. The light does not come on when
the ignition is in Service Mode.
. Critical emission control systems
have not been completely
diagnosed. If this happens, the
vehicle would not be ready for
inspection and might require
several days of routine driving
before the system is ready for
inspection. This can happen if the 12-volt battery has recently been
replaced or run down, or if the
vehicle has been recently serviced.
See your dealer if the vehicle will not
pass or cannot be made ready for
the test.Brake System Warning
Light
The vehicle brake system consists of
two hydraulic circuits. If one circuit is
not working, the remaining circuit can
still work to stop the vehicle. For
normal braking performance, both
circuits need to be working.
If the warning light comes on, there is
a brake problem. Have the brake
system inspected right away.
MetricEnglish

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
146 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
the tires to the pressure value shown
on the Tire and Loading Information
label. SeeTire Pressure 0317.
When the Light Flashes First and
Then Is On Steady
If the light flashes for about a minute
and then stays on, there may be a
problem with the TPMS. If the
problem is not corrected, the light will
come on at every ignition cycle. See
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0320.
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. Driving with the engine oil
low can also damage the engine.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check the
oil level as soon as possible. Add oil
if required, but if the oil level is
within the operating range and the
oil pressure is still low, have the
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
vehicle serviced. Always follow the
maintenance schedule for changing
engine oil.
This light should come on briefly as
the engine is started. If it does not
come on, have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer.
If the light comes on and stays on, it
means that oil is not flowing through
the engine properly. The vehicle could
be low on oil and might have some
other system problem. See your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
This light is near the fuel gauge and
comes on briefly when the ignition is
turned on as a check to show it is
working.
It also comes on when the fuel tank is
low on fuel. The light turns off when
fuel is added. If it does not, have the
vehicle serviced.
Security Light
The security light should come on
briefly as the engine is started. If it
does not come on, have the vehicle

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 149
Trip 1 or Trip 2 and Average Fuel
Economy :The Trip display shows the
current distance traveled, in either
kilometers (km) or miles (mi), since
the trip odometer was last reset. The
trip odometer can be reset by pressing
and holding SEL while this display is
active.
The Average Fuel Economy display
shows the approximate average liters
per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) or
miles per gallon (mpg). This number
is calculated based on the number of
L/100 km (mpg) recorded since the
last time this menu item was reset.
This number reflects only the
approximate average fuel economy
that the vehicle has right now, and
will change as driving conditions
change. The Average Fuel Economy
can be reset along with the trip
odometer by pressing and holding SEL
while this display is active.
Also shows if the Active Fuel
Management is active and in
V4 mode, or inactive and in V8 mode.
See Active Fuel Management 0208. Fuel Range :
Shows the approximate
distance the vehicle can be driven
without refueling. LOW will be
displayed when the vehicle is low on
fuel. The fuel range estimate is based
on an average of the vehicle's fuel
economy over recent driving history
and the amount of fuel remaining in
the fuel tank.
Instantaneous Fuel Economy : Shows
the current fuel economy in either
liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) or
miles per gallon (mpg). This number
reflects only the approximate fuel
economy that the vehicle has right
now and changes frequently as driving
conditions change.
Average Speed : Shows the average
speed of the vehicle in kilometers per
hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph).
This average is calculated based on
the various vehicle speeds recorded
since the last reset of this value. The
average speed can be reset by pressing
and holding SEL while this display is
active.
Timer : This display can be used as a
timer. To start the timer, press SEL
while this display is active. The display will show the amount of time
that has passed since the timer was
last reset. To stop the timer, press SEL
briefly while this display is active and
the timer is running. To reset the
timer to zero, press and hold SEL
while this display is active.
Turn Arrow :
Shows the next
maneuver when using route guidance.
Estimated Time to Arrival : Shows
the estimated time until arrival at
your destination.
Distance to Destination : Shows the
distance to the destination when
using route guidance.
Speed Limit : Shows the current
speed limit. The information for this
page comes from a roadway database.
Speed Warning : Allows the driver to
set a speed that they do not want to
exceed. To set the Speed Warning,
press SEL when Speed Warning is
displayed. Press
yorzto adjust the
value. This feature can be turned off
by pressing and holding SEL while
viewing this page. If the selected

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 151
instrument panel. The information
appears as an image focused out
toward the front of the vehicle.
Caution
If you try to use the HUD image as
a parking aid, you may misjudge
the distance and damage your
vehicle. Do not use the HUD image
as a parking aid.
The HUD information can be
displayed in various languages. The
speedometer reading and other
numerical values can be displayed in
either English or metric units.
The language selection is changed
through the radio and the units of
measurement is changed through the
instrument cluster. See Vehicle
Personalization 0155 and “Options”
under Instrument Cluster 0133.
HUD Display on the Windshield
The HUD may display some of the
following vehicle information and
vehicle messages or alerts:
. Speed
. Tachometer
. Audio
. Phone
. Navigation
. Collision Alert
. Adaptive Cruise Control and set
speed
. Lane Departure .
Low Fuel
Some vehicle messages or alerts
displayed in the HUD may be cleared
by using the steering wheel controls.
See Vehicle Messages 0154.
Some information shown may not be
available on your vehicle if it is not
equipped with these features.
The HUD control is to the left of the
steering wheel.
To adjust the HUD image: 1. Adjust the driver seat.
2. Start the engine.
3. Use the following settings to adjust the HUD.
$:Press or lift to center the HUD
image. The HUD image can only be
adjusted up and down, not side
to side.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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CLIMATE CONTROLS 177
5. A/C Mode (Air Conditioning)
6. Climate Control Selection(Application Tray Button)
7. Rear (Rear Climate Control Touch Screen)
8. Air Delivery Mode Control
The fan, air delivery mode, air
conditioning, driver and passenger
temperatures, and SYNC settings can
be controlled by pressing CLIMATE on
the infotainment home screen or the
climate button on the infotainment
display application tray. A selection
can then be made on the front climate
control page displayed. See the
infotainment manual. Climate Control Status Display
The climate control status display
appears briefly when the climate
control buttons on the center stack
are adjusted. The air delivery mode
can be adjusted on the climate control
display.
Automatic Operation
The system automatically controls the
fan speed, air delivery, air
conditioning, and recirculation in
order to heat or cool the vehicle to the
desired temperature.When AUTO is lit, all four functions
operate automatically. Each function
can also be manually set and the
setting is displayed. Functions not
manually set will continue to be
automatically controlled, even if the
AUTO indicator is not lit.
For automatic operation:
1. Press AUTO.
2. Set the temperature. Allow the system time to stabilize. Then
adjust the temperature as needed
for best comfort.
To improve fuel efficiency and to cool
the vehicle faster, recirculation may be
automatically selected in warm
weather. The recirculation light will
not come on. Press
@to select
recirculation; press it again to select
outside air.
English units can be changed to
metric units through the instrument
cluster. See “Cluster Settings Menu ”
under Instrument Cluster 0133.
OFF : Press OFF to turn the fan on or
off. When off is selected, the system
will stop air from flowing into the

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 185
Driving and
Operating
Driving Information
Distracted Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Defensive Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Drunk Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Control of a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Off-Road Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Driving on Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 194
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
If the Vehicle Is Stuck . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Adjustable Throttle and BrakePedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Ignition Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Engine Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Shifting out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Parking over Things
That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Active Fuel Management . . . . . . . . 208
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Engine Exhaust
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Running the Vehicle While
Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . 209
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Drive Systems
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . 218
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/ElectronicStability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Magnetic Ride Control . . . . . . . . . . . 224 Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Automatic Level Control . . . . . . . . . 225
Cruise Control
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . 228
Driver Assistance Systems
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . . . 236
Assistance Systems for Parking
or Backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Forward Automatic Braking (FAB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . 247
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . 248
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . 250
Fuel
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Recommended Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . 253
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253

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186 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Filling a Portable FuelContainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . 255
Driving Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . 273
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 275
Driving Information
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and
can take your focus from the task of
driving. Exercise good judgment and
do not let other activities divert your
attention away from the road. Many
local governments have enacted laws
regarding driver distraction. Become
familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep your
eyes on the road, keep your hands on
the steering wheel, and focus your
attention on driving.
. Do not use a phone in demanding
driving situations. Use a
hands-free method to place or
receive necessary phone calls.
. Watch the road. Do not read, take
notes, or look up information on
phones or other electronic devices.
. Designate a front seat passenger
to handle potential distractions. .
Become familiar with vehicle
features before driving, such as
programming favorite radio
stations and adjusting climate
control and seat settings. Program
all trip information into any
navigation device prior to driving.
. Wait until the vehicle is parked to
retrieve items that have fallen to
the floor.
. Stop or park the vehicle to tend to
children.
. Keep pets in an appropriate carrier
or restraint.
. Avoid stressful conversations
while driving, whether with a
passenger or on a cell phone.
{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.