Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
240 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
0269.
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-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
VEHICLE CARE 261
1. Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump
Starting - North America 0322.
2. Battery - North America 0273.
3. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See Cooling System 0266.
4. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0265.
5. Remote Negative (–) Location (Out of View). See Jump Starting -
North America 0322.
6. Engine Cooling Fans (Out of View). See Cooling System 0266.
7. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to
Add Engine Oil” underEngine Oil
0 261.
8. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0261.
9. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid ”under Washer Fluid 0271.
10. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake
Fluid 0272.
11. Engine Compartment Fuse Block
0281.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 0263.
. 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 0260 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-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
VEHICLE CARE 267
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL engine coolant.
This coolant is designed to remain in
the vehicle for 5 years or 240 000 km
(150,000 mi), whichever occurs first.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to check and add
coolant when it is low. If there is a
problem with engine overheating, see
Engine Overheating0269.
What to Use
{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
would not be an overheat warning.
The engine could catch fire and you
or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean,
drinkable water and DEX-COOL
coolant. This mixture: .
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 0260.
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
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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268 VEHICLE CARE
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)
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.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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VEHICLE CARE 269
3. Fill the coolant surge tank withthe 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.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
0 118.
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 0360.
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)
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13566588) - 2020 - CRC - 4/24/19
340 SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
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 System0263.
Extended Idle Use
When the vehicle is 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) 0130 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 Rotation0304.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter,
and reset oil life system. See
Engine Oil 0261 and
Engine Oil Life System 0263.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0266.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0271.
. Check tire inflation pressures,
including the spare. See Tire
Pressure 0297.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0304. .
Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0265.
. Inspect brake system. See Exterior
Care 0329.
. 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 0329. Lubricate the
suspension and steering
components at least every other
oil change (if equipped with grease
fittings).
. Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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INDEX 385
K
Keyless EntryRemote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Lamps Cornering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . 150
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . . 150
Exterior Lighting BatterySaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Lane Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
LATCH System Replacing Parts after a Crash . . . . . . 94
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Level Control
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Lighter, Cigarette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Lights
Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Antilock Brake System (ABS)Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . 150
Lane Keep Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Lights (cont'd)
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Service Electric Parking Brake . . . 124
Sport Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Winter Driving Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Lock
Steering Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . 86