Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
CLIMATE CONTROLS 183
Operation Tips
.Clear away any ice, snow, or leaves
from the air inlets at the base of
the windshield that could block
the flow of air into the vehicle.
. Clear snow off the hood to
improve visibility and help
decrease moisture drawn into the
vehicle.
. When you enter a vehicle in cold
weather, press the fan up button
to the maximum fan level before
driving. This helps clear the intake
ducts of snow and moisture, and
reduces the chance of fogging the
inside of the window.
. Keep the air path under the front
seats clear of objects to help
circulate the air inside of the
vehicle more effectively.
. Use of non-GM approved hood
deflectors can adversely affect the
performance of the system. Check
with your dealer before adding
equipment to the outside of the
vehicle.Maintenance
Passenger Compartment
Air Filter
The filter reduces the dust, pollen, and
other airborne irritants from outside
air that is pulled into the vehicle.
The filter should be replaced as part
of routine scheduled maintenance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0360. To find
out what type of filter to use, see
Maintenance Replacement Parts 0371.
1. Before opening the glove box,
remove the two lower screws
(out of view).
2. Open the glove box completelyand remove the two upper
screws.
3. Disconnect the electrical plug and remove the entire glove box.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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184 CLIMATE CONTROLS
4. Release the two tabs holding theservice door. Open the service
door and remove the old filter.
5. Install the new air filter.
6. Close the service door and secure the tabs.
7. Reverse the steps to reinstall the glove box.
See your dealer if additional
assistance is needed.
Service
All vehicles have a label underhood
that identifies the refrigerant used in
the vehicle. The refrigerant system
should only be serviced by trained and
certified technicians. The air
conditioning evaporator should never
be repaired or replaced by one from a
salvage vehicle. It should only be
replaced by a new evaporator to
ensure proper and safe operation.
During service, all refrigerants should
be reclaimed with proper equipment.
Venting refrigerants directly to the
atmosphere is harmful to the
environment and may also create
unsafe conditions based on inhalation,
combustion, frostbite, or other
health-based concerns.
The air conditioning system requires
periodic maintenance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0360.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
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.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 195
.Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills; something
could be in your lane (e.g., stalled
car, crash).
. Pay attention to special road signs
(e.g., falling rocks area, winding
roads, long grades, passing or
no-passing zones) and take
appropriate action.
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and the
road creates less traction or grip, so
drive carefully. Wet ice can occur at
about 0 °C (32 °F) when freezing rain
begins to fall. Avoid driving on wet ice
or in freezing rain until roads can be
treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating too
quickly causes the wheels to spin
and makes the surface under the
tires slick. .
Turn on Traction Control. See
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0221.
. Antilock Brake System (ABS)
improves vehicle stability during
hard stops, but the brakes should
be applied sooner than when on
dry pavement. See Antilock Brake
System (ABS) 0218.
. Allow greater following distance
and watch for slippery spots. Icy
patches can occur on otherwise
clear roads in shaded areas. The
surface of a curve or an overpass
can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid
sudden steering maneuvers and
braking while on ice.
. Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stay with the vehicle unless there is
help nearby. If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside Service 0381.
To get help and keep everyone in the
vehicle safe:
. Turn on the hazard warning
flashers. .
Tie a red cloth to an outside
mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust
under the vehicle. This may cause
exhaust gases to get inside. Engine
exhaust contains carbon monoxide
(CO), which cannot be seen or
smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
. Clear snow from the base of
the vehicle, especially any
blocking the exhaust pipe.
. Open a window about 5 cm
(2 in) on the vehicle side that
is away from the wind, to
bring in fresh air.
. Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Adjust the climate control
system to circulate the air
inside the vehicle and set the
(Continued)
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
196 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Warning (Continued)
fan speed to the highest
setting. See“Climate Control
Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0208.
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then
shut the engine off and partially close
the window. Moving about to keep
warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the
engine runs faster than the idle speed.
This keeps the battery charged to
restart the vehicle and to signal for
help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels
to free the vehicle when stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow. If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. See
Traction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0221.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you or
others could be injured. The vehicle
can overheat, causing an engine
compartment fire or other damage.
Spin the wheels as little as possible
and avoid going above 56 km/h
(35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right
to clear the area around the front
wheels. Turn off any traction system.
Shift back and forth between
R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as
possible. To prevent transmission
wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears. Release
the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator pedal when the transmission is in
gear. Slowly spinning the wheels in
the forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get
the vehicle out after a few tries, it
might need to be towed out. If the
vehicle does need to be towed out, see
Towing the Vehicle
0345.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how
much weight the vehicle can carry.
This weight is called the vehicle
capacity weight and includes the
weight of all occupants, cargo, and
all nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on the vehicle may
show how much weight it was
designed to carry, the Tire and
Loading Information label and the
Certification/Tire label.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 257
If equipped with Lane Change Alert
(LCA), the LCA detection zones that
extend back from the side of the
vehicle do not move further back
when a trailer is towed. Use caution
while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic
Alert (RCTA), use caution while
backing up when towing a trailer, as
the RCTA detection zones that extend
out from the back of the vehicle do
not move further back when a trailer
is towed.
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of the
vehicle and enter if the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most window
is open.
When towing a trailer:. Do not drive with the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window open.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.
. Also adjust the climate
control system to a setting
that brings in only outside air.
See “Climate Control Systems ”
in the Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust
0 208.
Towing a trailer requires experience.
The combination of the vehicle and
trailer is longer and not as responsive
as the vehicle itself. Get used to the
handling and braking of the
combination by driving on a level road
surface before driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must be all be rated to carry
the intended cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the combination
to operate in an unexpected or unsafe
manner. Before driving, inspect all trailer hitch parts and attachments,
safety chains, electrical connectors,
lamps, tires, and mirrors. See
Towing
Equipment 0265. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the
trailer brake controller to check the
trailer brakes work. During the trip,
occasionally check that the cargo and
trailer are secure and that the lamps
and any trailer brakes are working.
Towing with a Stability Control
System
When towing, the stability control
system might be heard. The system
reacts to vehicle movement caused by
the trailer, which mainly occurs
during cornering. This is normal when
towing heavier trailers.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the
vehicle ahead as you would when
driving without a trailer. This can help
to avoid heavy braking and sudden
turns.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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VEHICLE CARE 329
due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences
in road characteristics and
climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest
to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's
ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled
conditions on specified
government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
performance. Warning: The
traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing
the tire's resistance to thegeneration of heat and its ability
to dissipate heat when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test
wheel. Sustained high temperature
can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature can
lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on
the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade
for this tire is established for a tire
that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned and
balanced at the factory to provide the
longest tire life and best overall
performance. Adjustments to wheel
alignment and tire balancing are not
necessary on a regular basis. Consider
an alignment check if there is unusual
tire wear or the vehicle is significantly
pulling to one side or the other. Some
slight pull to the left or right,
depending on the crown of the road
and/or other road surface variations
such as troughs or ruts, is normal.
If the vehicle is vibrating when driving
on a smooth road, the tires and
wheels may need to be rebalanced.
See your dealer for proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent,
cracked, or badly rusted or corroded.
If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the
wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts
should be replaced. If the wheel leaks
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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404 INDEX
AutomaticDoor Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Forward Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Level Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Shift Lock Control FunctionCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Axle, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
B
Battery Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Battery - North America . . . . . .293, 342
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . . . . . 297
Brake
Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Pedal and Adjustable Throttle . . . 201
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218 Brakes (cont'd)
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187 Automatic Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Bulb Replacement Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
California Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . .277, 293, 342, Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . 374
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Cargo
Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . . . . . 3
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Charging Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Check Engine Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . . 101
Lower Anchors and Tethersfor Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113, 115
Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Child-View Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Cleaning Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Climate Control Systems
Dual Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127