Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
INTRODUCTION 3
Danger, Warning, and
Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means“Do Not,”
“Do not do this,” or“Do not let this
happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or
information relating to a specific
component, control, message, gauge,
or indicator.
M: Shown when the owner’s manual
has additional instructions or
information.
*: Shown when the service manual
has additional instructions or
information.
0: Shown when there is more
information on another page —
“see page.” Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that
may be found on the vehicle and what
they mean. See the features in this
manual for information.
u:
Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
9:Dispose of Used Components
Properly
P: Do Not Apply High Pressure
Water
B: Engine Coolant Temperature
_:Flame/Fire Prohibited
H: Flammable
[:Forward Collision Alert
R: Fuse Block Cover Lock Location
+:Fuses
j:ISOFIX/LATCH System Child
Restraints
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
258 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Passing
More passing distance is needed when
towing a trailer. The combination of
the vehicle and trailer will not
accelerate as quickly and is much
longer than the vehicle alone. It is
necessary to go much farther beyond
the passed vehicle before returning to
the lane. Pass on level roadways.
Avoid passing on hills if possible.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel
with one hand. To move the trailer to
the left, move that hand to the left. To
move the trailer to the right, move
that hand to the right. Always back up
slowly and, if possible, have someone
guide you.
Making TurnsCaution
Turn more slowly and make wider
arcs when towing a trailer to
prevent damage to your vehicle. (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
Making very sharp turns could
cause the trailer to contact the
vehicle.
Make wider turns than normal when
towing, so trailer will not go over soft
shoulders, over curbs, or strike road
signs, trees, or other objects. Always
signal turns well in advance. Do not
steer or brake suddenly.
Driving on Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gear
before starting down a long or steep
downhill grade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes may
overheat and result in reduced braking
efficiency.
The vehicle 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 at higher altitudes,
engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at lower altitudes.
If the engine is turned off immediately after towing at high altitude on steep
uphill grades, the vehicle could show
signs similar to engine overheating. To
avoid this, let the engine run,
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
0289.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer
on a level surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and your
trailer 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.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
VEHICLE CARE 281
1. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump
Starting - North America 0342.
2. Battery - North America 0293.
3. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0286.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0285.
5. Remote Negative (–) Location (Out of View). See Jump Starting -
North America 0342.
6. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System 0286.
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to
Add Engine Oil” underEngine Oil
0 281.
8. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0281.
9. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid ”under Washer Fluid 0290.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake
Fluid 0292.
11. Engine Compartment Fuse Block
0301.Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine performance
and long life, careful attention must
be paid to engine oil. Following these
simple, but important steps will help
protect your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil” in
this section.
. Check the engine oil level regularly
and maintain the proper oil level.
See “Checking Engine Oil” and
“When to Add Engine Oil” in this
section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0283.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially prior
to a long trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine
Compartment Overview 0280 for the
location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle may
be hot; it could burn you. Use a
towel or glove to touch the dipstick
handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays, check the oil
level.
Follow these guidelines:
. To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground. Check
the engine oil level after the
engine has been off for at least
two hours. Checking the engine oil
level on steep grades or too soon
after engine shutoff can result in
incorrect readings. Accuracy
improves when checking a cold
engine prior to starting. Remove
the dipstick and check the level.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
VEHICLE CARE 287
.Gives freezing protection down to
−37 °C (−34 °F), outside
temperature.
. Gives boiling protection up to
129 °C (265 °F), engine
temperature.
. Protects against rust and
corrosion.
. Will not damage aluminum parts.
. Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Caution
Do not use anything other than a
mix of DEX-COOL coolant that
meets GM Standard GMW3420 and
clean, drinkable water. Anything
else can cause damage to the
engine cooling system and the
vehicle, which would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, or by pouring it
on the ground or into sewers, streams,
or bodies of water. Have the coolant changed by an authorized service
center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used coolant
disposal. This will help protect the
environment and your health.
Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank is in the
engine compartment on the passenger
side of the vehicle. See
Engine
Compartment Overview 0280.
The vehicle must be on a level surface
when checking the coolant level.
Check to see if coolant is visible in the
coolant surge tank. If the coolant
inside the coolant surge tank is boiling, wait until it cools down. The
coolant level should be at or above the
full cold mark. If it is not, there may
be a leak in the cooling system.
If coolant is visible but the coolant
level is not at or above the full cold
mark, see
“How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank” following.
How to Add Coolant to the
Coolant Surge Tank
{Warning
Spilling coolant on hot engine parts
can burn you. Coolant contains
ethylene glycol and it will burn if
the engine parts are hot enough.
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With plain
water or the wrong mixture, the
engine could get too hot but there
(Continued)
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
288 VEHICLE CARE
Warning (Continued)
would not be an overheat warning.
The engine could catch fire and you
or others could be burned.
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure cap,
even a little, can cause them to
come out at high speed and you
could be burned. Never turn the cap
when the cooling system, including
the pressure cap, is hot. Wait for
the cooling system and pressure
cap to cool.
Caution
Failure to follow the specific
coolant fill procedure could cause
the engine to overheat and could(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
cause system damage. If coolant is
not visible in the surge tank,
contact your dealer.
If no coolant is visible in the surge
tank, add coolant:
1. Remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap when the cooling
system, including the coolant
surge tank pressure cap and
upper radiator hose, is no
longer hot.
Turn the pressure cap slowly
counterclockwise about one full
turn. If a hiss is heard, wait for
that to stop. A hiss means there
is still some pressure left.
2. Keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and remove it. 3. Fill the coolant surge tank with
the proper mixture to the full
cold mark.
4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start the engine
and let it run until the engine
coolant temperature gauge
indicates approximately 90 °C
(195 °F).
By this time, the coolant level
inside the coolant surge tank
may be lower. If the level is
lower, add more of the proper
mixture to the coolant surge
tank until the level reaches the
full cold mark.
5. Replace the pressure cap tightly.
6. Verify coolant level after the engine is shut off and the
coolant is cold. If necessary,
repeat coolant fill procedure
Steps 1-6.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
VEHICLE CARE 289
Caution
If the pressure cap is not tightly
installed, coolant loss and engine
damage may occur. Be sure the cap
is properly and tightly secured.
Engine Overheating
Caution
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak in the engine cooling system.
This can cause a loss of all coolant
and can damage the system and
vehicle. Have any leaks fixed
right away.
The vehicle has several indicators to
warn of engine overheating.
There is a coolant temperature gauge
in the vehicle's instrument cluster. See
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
0 137.
In addition, there are ENGINE
OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE,
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE, and ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
messages in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears, get
service help right away. See
Roadside
Service 0381.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is parked
on a level surface.
Check to see if the engine cooling
fan(s) are running. If the engine is
overheating, the fans should be
running. If they are not, do not
continue to run the engine. Have the
vehicle serviced.
If Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure cap,
even a little, can cause them to
come out at high speed and you (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
could be burned. Never turn the cap
when the cooling system, including
the pressure cap, is hot. Wait for
the cooling system and pressure
cap to cool.
If No Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
The ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE or the ENGINE
OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE message,
along with a low coolant condition,
can indicate a serious problem.
If there is an engine overheat warning,
but no steam is seen or heard, the
problem may not be too serious.
Sometimes the engine can get a little
too hot when the vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
. Stops after high-speed driving.
. Idles for long periods in traffic.
. Tows a trailer; see Trailer Towing
0 260.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/14/18
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 361
this work. If the engine oil life system
is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since
the last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil Life System0283.
Power Take Off (PTO) and
Extended Idle Use
When the vehicle is used with the
PTO equipment or used in a way that
requires extended idle time, one hour
of use shall be deemed the same as
53 km (33 mi). See Driver Information
Center (DIC) 0148 for hourmeter.
Air Conditioning Desiccant
(Replace Every Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years. This
service requires replacement of the
desiccant to help the longevity and
efficient operation of the air
conditioning system. This service can
be complex. See your dealer.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the following
services. See Tire Rotation0324.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change
engine oil and filter, and reset oil
life system.
See Engine Oil 0281 and Engine Oil
Life System 0283.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0286.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0290.
. Check tire inflation pressures,
including the spare. See Tire
Pressure 0317.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0324.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0285.
. Inspect brake system. See Exterior
Care 0350. .
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damage, including
cracks or tears in the rubber boots,
loose or missing parts, or signs of
wear at least once a year. See
Exterior Care 0350.
. Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
. Visually inspect halfshafts and
drive shafts for excessive wear,
lubricant leaks, and/or damage
including: tube dents or cracks,
constant velocity joint or universal
joint looseness, cracked or missing
boots, loose or missing boot
clamps, center bearing excessive
looseness, loose or missing
fasteners, and axle seal leaks.
. 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 086.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12460268) - 2019 - crc - 9/19/18
408 INDEX
J
Jump Starting - North America . . . . 342
K
Keyless EntryRemote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Lamps Cornering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . 169
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . 169
Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Lane Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 LATCH System
Replacing Parts after a Crash . . . . 113
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Level Control Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Lighter, Cigarette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Lights Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 Lights (cont'd)
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . 169
Lane Keep Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Service Electric Parking Brake . . . 142
Sport Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Winter Driving Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Locks
Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313