Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
158 CLIMATE CONTROLS
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 Options Menu ”
under Instrument Cluster 0115.
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-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
160 CLIMATE CONTROLS
0:Clears the windshield of fog or
frost more quickly. Air is directed to
the windshield. Press
0to turn on or
off. Changing the air delivery mode
also turns the defrost off.
A/C Mode : Touch AC Mode on the
climate control display to turn the
automatic air conditioning on or off.
If the fan is turned off or the outside
temperature falls below freezing, the
air conditioner will not run.
Press AUTO to return to automatic
operation and the air conditioner runs
as needed.
Automatic Air Recirculation : When
the AUTO indicator light is on, the air
is automatically recirculated as
needed to help quickly cool the inside
of the vehicle.
@: Press to alternate between
recirculating air inside the vehicle or
pulling in outside air. The indicator
light on the button is lit when
recirculation mode is active. This
helps to quickly cool the air inside the
vehicle and reduce the entry of
outside air and odors. Pressing this button cancels automatic
recirculation. Press AUTO to return to
automatic operation; recirculation
runs automatically as needed.
Manual recirculation mode is not
available when in Defrost or Defog
modes.
Auto Defog :
The climate control
system uses a sensor to automatically
detect high humidity inside the
vehicle. When high humidity is
detected, the climate control system
may adjust to outside air supply, turn
on the air conditioner, and direct
more air to the windshield. If the
climate control system does not
detect possible window fogging, it
returns to normal operation. To turn
Auto Defog off or on, see “Climate and
Air Quality” underVehicle
Personalization 0136.Rear Window Defogger
K:Press to turn the rear window
defogger on or off. An indicator light
on the button comes on to show that
the rear window defogger is on. The rear window defogger only works
when the ignition is on. The defogger
turns off if the ignition is turned off
or to ACC/ACCESSORY.
The rear window defogger can be set
to automatic operation. When Auto
Rear Defog is selected, the rear
window defogger turns on
automatically when the vehicle is first
started in cold weather and turns off
when the vehicle is warmed. To turn
Auto Rear Defog on or off, see
“Climate and Air Quality”
under
Vehicle Personalization 0136.
The heated outside mirrors turn on
when the rear window defogger
button is on and help to clear fog or
frost from the surface of the mirrors.
Caution
Do not try to clear frost or other
material from the inside of the
front windshield and rear window
with a razor blade or anything else
that is sharp. This may damage the
rear window defogger grid and (Continued)
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
CLIMATE CONTROLS 161
Caution (Continued)
affect the radio's ability to pick up
stations clearly. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Driver and Passenger Heated and
Cooled Seats : If equipped, press
I
or+to heat the driver or passenger
seatback only.
If equipped, press
Jorzto heat the
driver or passenger seat cushion and
seatback.
If equipped, press
Cor{to cool the
driver or passenger seat. See Heated
and Cooled Front Seats 049. The vehicle also has auto heated and
cooled seats that turn on when the
vehicle is on. The seats will activate at
the level required by the vehicle’s
interior temperature. The auto
heated and cooled seats can be
turned on or off. See
Vehicle
Personalization 0136 and
Heated and Cooled Front Seats 049.
Remote Start Climate Control
Operation : If equipped with the
remote start feature, the climate
control system may run when the
vehicle is started remotely. The system
uses the driver’s previous settings to
heat or cool the inside of the vehicle.
The rear defog may come on during
remote start based on cold ambient
conditions. The rear defog indicator
light does not come on during a
remote start. If equipped with heated
or cooled seats, they may come on
during a remote start. See Remote
Vehicle Start 015 and
Heated and Cooled Front Seats 049.
Sensor
The solar sensor, on top of the
instrument panel near the windshield,
monitors the solar heat.
The climate control system uses the
sensor information to adjust the
temperature, fan speed, recirculation,
and air delivery mode for best
comfort.
If the sensor is covered, the automatic
climate control system may not work
properly.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
CLIMATE CONTROLS 165
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
0339.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
DRIVING AND OPERATING 171
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by
taking reasonable care suited to
existing conditions, and by not
overdriving those conditions. But
skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow
these suggestions:
.Ease your foot off the accelerator
pedal and steer the way you want
the vehicle to go. The vehicle may
straighten out. Be ready for a
second skid if it occurs.
. Slow down and adjust your driving
according to weather conditions.
Stopping distance can be longer
and vehicle control can be affected
when traction is reduced by water,
snow, ice, gravel, or other material
on the road. Learn to recognize
warning clues —such as enough
water, ice, or packed snow on the
road to make a mirrored surface
— and slow down when you have
any doubt.
. Try to avoid sudden steering,
acceleration, or braking, including
reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any sudden
changes could cause the tires to
slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid
only the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
Four-wheel-drive vehicles can be used
for off-road driving. Vehicles without
four-wheel drive and vehicles not
equipped with All Terrain (AT) or
On-Off Road (OOR) tires must not be
driven off-road except on a level, solid
surface. For contact information about
the original equipment tires, see the
warranty manual.
One of the best ways for successful
off-road driving is to control the
speed.
{Warning
When driving off-road, bouncing
and quick changes in direction can
easily throw you out of position.
This could cause you to lose control
and crash. You and your passengers
should always wear seat belts.
Before Driving Off-Road
. Have all necessary maintenance
and service work completed.
. Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels,
and check inflation pressure in all
tires, including the spare,
if equipped.
. Read all the information about
four-wheel-drive vehicles in this
manual.
. Know the local laws that apply to
off-road driving.
To gain more ground clearance if
needed, it may be necessary to remove
the front fascia lower air dam,
if equipped. However, driving without
the air dam reduces fuel economy.
Caution
Operating the vehicle for extended
periods without the front fascia
lower air dam installed can cause
improper airf low to the engine.
Reattach the front fascia air dam
after off-road driving.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
DRIVING AND OPERATING 177
.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 0203.
. 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) 0200.
. 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 0360.
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-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
190 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Parking over Things
That Burn
{Warning
Things that can burn could touch
hot exhaust parts under the vehicle
and ignite. Do not park over papers,
leaves, dry grass, or other things
that can burn.
Active Fuel Management
This system allows the engine to
operate on either all or half of its
cylinders, depending on the driving
conditions.
When less power is required, such as
cruising at a constant vehicle speed,
the system will operate in the half
cylinder mode, allowing the vehicle to
achieve better fuel economy. When
greater power demands are required,
such as accelerating from a stop,
passing, or merging onto a freeway,
the system will maintain full-cylinder
operation.
Extended Parking
It is best not to park with the vehicle
running. If the vehicle is left running,
be sure it will not move and there is
adequate ventilation.
SeeShifting Into Park 0188 and
Engine Exhaust 0190.
If the vehicle is left parked and
running with the RKE transmitter
outside the vehicle, it will continue to
run for up to half an hour.
If the vehicle is left parked and
running with the RKE transmitter
inside the vehicle, it will continue to
run for up to an hour.
The vehicle could turn off sooner if it
is parked on a hill, due to lack of
available fuel.
The timer will reset if the vehicle is
taken out of P (Park) while it is
running.
Engine Exhaust
{Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if: . The vehicle idles in areas with
poor ventilation (parking
garages, tunnels, deep snow
that may block underbody
airflow or tail pipes).
. The exhaust smells or sounds
strange or different.
. The exhaust system leaks due
to corrosion or damage.
. The vehicle exhaust system
has been modified, damaged,
or improperly repaired.
(Continued)
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
DRIVING AND OPERATING 193
Caution
A transmission hot message may
display if the automatic
transmission fluid is too hot.
Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle
the engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message
clears when the transmission fluid
has cooled sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing,
press the accelerator pedal down.
Use D (Drive) and Tow/Haul Mode
when towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, driving on steep hills,
or driving off-road. Shift the
transmission to a lower gear selection
if the transmission shifts too often.
Downshifting the transmission in
slippery road conditions could result
in skidding. See “Skidding”underLoss
of Control 0170. The vehicle has a shift stabilization
feature that adjusts the transmission
shifting to the current driving
conditions in order to reduce rapid
upshifts and downshifts. This shift
stabilization feature is designed to
determine, before making an upshift,
if the engine is able to maintain
vehicle speed by analyzing things such
as vehicle speed, throttle position, and
vehicle load. If the shift stabilization
feature determines that a current
vehicle speed cannot be maintained,
the transmission does not upshift and
instead holds the current gear.
In some cases, this could appear to be
a delayed shift, however the
transmission is operating normally.
The transmission uses adaptive shift
controls. The adaptive shift control
process continually compares key shift
parameters to pre-programmed ideal
shifts stored in the transmission’s
computer. The transmission
constantly makes adjustments to
improve vehicle performance
according to how the vehicle is being
used, such as with a heavy load or
when the temperature changes.
During this adaptive shift control process, shifting might feel different
as the transmission determines the
best settings.
When temperatures are very cold, the
transmission's gear shifting could be
delayed providing more stable shifts
until the engine warms up. Shifts
could be more noticeable with a cold
transmission. This difference in
shifting is normal.
L :
This position allows selection of a
range of gears appropriate for current
driving conditions. If equipped, see
“Range Selection Mode ”under Manual
Mode 0194.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the
vehicle in one place on a hill using
only the accelerator pedal may
damage the transmission. The
repair will not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. If the vehicle is
stuck, do not spin the tires. When
stopping on a hill, use the brakes to
hold the vehicle in place.