2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE recommended oil

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 133
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 touching and holding the
touchscreen display when trip
odometer is displayed.
Zone 2
Time/Date :Displays current date and
time information.
Auto Lane Change : Displays the
status of a driver-requested lane
change when Super Cruise is active.
See Super Cruise 0283.
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
touching reset in vehicle information
screen. Timer :
This display can be used as a
timer. To start the timer, touch Start
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, touch
Stop briefly while this display is active
and the timer is running. To reset the
timer to zero, touch and hold Reset
while this display is active.
Off Road : Displays vehicle pitch and
roll information, road wheel angle,
and four-wheel drive (4WD) status.
Battery Voltage : Shows the current
battery voltage.
Trailer Brake : On vehicles with the
Integrated Trailer Brake Control
(ITBC) system, the trailer brake
display appears in the DIC.
TRAILER GAIN shows the trailer gain
setting. This setting can be adjusted
from 0.0 to 10.0 with either a trailer
connected or disconnected.
TRAILER OUTPUT shows the power
output to the trailer any time a trailer
with electric brakes is connected.
Output is displayed as a bar graph. Dotted lines may appear in the
OUTPUT display if a trailer is not
connected.
Oil Life :
Shows an estimate of the
oil's remaining useful life.
If REMAINING OIL LIFE 99% is
displayed, that means 99% of the
current oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
will appear on the display. The oil
should be changed as soon as
possible. See Engine Oil0367. In
addition to the engine oil life system
monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended. See
Maintenance Schedule 0442.
The Oil Life display must be reset
after each oil change. It will not reset
itself. Do not reset the Oil Life display
accidentally at any time other than
when the oil has just been changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until the
next oil change. To reset, see Engine
Oil Life System 0369.
Fuel Economy : Displays information
about current and average fuel
economy.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 327
rated as low as 87 can be used. Using
unleaded gasoline rated below
93 octane, however, will lead to
reduced acceleration and fuel
economy. If knocking occurs, use a
gasoline rated at 93 octane as soon as
possible, otherwise, the engine could
be damaged. If heavy knocking is
heard when using gasoline with a
93 octane rating, the engine needs
service.
Do not use any fuel labeled E85 or
FlexFuel. Do not use gasoline with
ethanol levels greater than 15% by
volume.
Prohibited Fuels
Caution
Do not use fuels with any of the
following conditions; doing so may
damage the vehicle and void its
warranty:
.For vehicles that are not
FlexFuel, fuel labeled greater
than 15% ethanol by volume,(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
such as mid-level ethanol blends
(16–50% ethanol), E85,
or FlexFuel.
.Fuel with any amount of
methanol, methylal, ferrocene,
and aniline. These fuels can
corrode metal fuel system parts
or damage plastic and rubber
parts.
.Fuel containing metals such as
methylcyclopentadienyl
manganese tricarbonyl (MMT),
which can damage the emissions
control system and spark plugs.
.Fuel with a posted octane rating
of less than the recommended
fuel. Using this fuel will lower
fuel economy and performance,
and may decrease the life of the
emissions catalyst.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico post
fuel octane ratings in anti-knock index
(AKI). For fuel not to use in a foreign
country, seeProhibited Fuels 0327.
Fuel Additives
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is highly
recommended for use with your
vehicle. If your country does not have
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline, add
ACDelco Fuel System Treatment Plus
−Gasoline to the vehicle’s gasoline fuel
tank at every oil change or 15 000 km
(9,000 mi), whichever occurs first. TOP
TIER Detergent Gasoline and ACDelco
Fuel System Treatment Plus−Gasoline
will help keep your vehicle’s engine
fuel deposit free and performing
optimally.
Filling the Tank
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see
the Duramax diesel supplement.
An arrow on the fuel gauge indicates
which side of the vehicle the fuel door
is on. See Fuel Gauge 0116.
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn
violently and can cause injury or
death.
(Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
330 DRIVING AND OPERATING
assistance with preparing the vehicle
to tow a trailer. Read the entire
section before towing a trailer.
To tow a disabled vehicle, seeTowing
the Vehicle 0428. To tow the vehicle
behind another vehicle such as a
motor home, see Recreational Vehicle
Towing 0429.
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing a
trailer if the correct equipment is
not used or the vehicle is not driven
properly. For example, if the trailer
is too heavy or the trailer brakes are
inadequate for the load, the vehicle
may not stop as expected. You and
others could be seriously injured.
The vehicle may also be damaged,
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Pull a trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been followed. Ask
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just driving
the vehicle by itself. Trailering means
changes in handling, acceleration,
braking, durability, and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes correct
equipment, and it has to be used
properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are
important for your safety and that of
your passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.Become familiar with and follow all
state and local laws that apply to
trailer towing. These requirements
vary from state to state.
.State laws may require the use of
extended side view mirrors. Even if
not required, you should install extended side view mirrors if your
visibility is limited or restricted
while towing.
.Do not tow a trailer during the first
800 km (500 mi) of vehicle use to
prevent damage to the engine, axle,
or other parts.
.It is recommended to perform the
first oil change before heavy towing.
.During the first 800 km (500 mi) of
trailer towing, do not drive over
80 km/h (50 mph) and do not make
starts at full throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Tow/
Haul Mode is recommended for
heavier trailers. See
Tow/Haul Mode
0 256. If the transmission
downshifts too often, a lower gear
may be selected using Manual
Mode. See Manual Mode 0255.
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be turned
off when towing a trailer:
.Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
.Super Cruise Control
.Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking Assist (APA)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
368 VEHICLE CARE
improves when checking a cold
engine prior to starting. Remove the
dipstick and check the level.
.If unable to wait two hours, the
engine must be off for at least
15 minutes if the engine is warm,
or at least 30 minutes if the engine
is not warm. Pull out the dipstick,
wipe it with a clean paper towel or
cloth, then push it back in all the
way. Remove it again, keeping the
tip down, and check the level.
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched
area at the tip of the dipstick and the
engine has been off for at least
15 minutes, add 1 L (1 qt) of the
recommended oil and then recheck
the level. See“Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for an explanation of what kind of oil to use.
For engine oil crankcase capacity, see
Capacities and Specifications
0455.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil levels
above or below the acceptable
operating range shown on the
dipstick are harmful to the engine.
If the oil level is above the
operating range (i.e., the engine has
so much oil that the oil level gets
above the cross-hatched area that
shows the proper operating range),
the engine could be damaged. Drain
the excess oil or limit driving of the
vehicle, and seek a service
professional to remove the
excess oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview
0 366 for the location of the engine oil
fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level
somewhere in the proper operating
range. Push the dipstick all the way
back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil depends
on both the proper oil specification
and viscosity grade. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0451.
Specification
Use full synthetic engine oils that
meet the dexos1 specification. Engine
oils that have been approved by GM
as meeting the dexos1 specification
are marked with the dexos1
approved logo.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended
engine oil or equivalent can result
in engine damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
VEHICLE CARE 369
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade
engine oil.
When selecting an oil of the
appropriate viscosity grade, it is
recommended to select an oil of the
correct specification. See
“Specification”earlier in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil
Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the dexos1
specification are all that is needed for
good performance and engine
protection.
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain
elements that can be unhealthy for
your skin and could even cause
cancer. Do not let used oil stay on
your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water,
or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or rags
containing used engine oil. See the
manufacturer's warnings about the
use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the
environment. If you change your own
oil, be sure to drain all the oil from
the filter before disposal. Never
dispose of oil by putting it in the trash
or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of
water. Recycle it by taking it to a place
that collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system
that indicates when to change the
engine oil and filter. This is based on a
combination of factors which include
engine revolutions, engine
temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at
which an oil change is indicated can
vary considerably. For the oil life
system to work properly, the system
must be reset every time the oil is
changed.
When the system has calculated that
oil life has been diminished, it
indicates that an oil change is
necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message comes on. Change the
oil as soon as possible within the next
1 000 km (600 mi). It is possible that,
if driving under the best conditions,
the oil life system might indicate that
an oil change is not necessary for up
to a year. The engine oil and filter
must be changed at least once a year
and at this time the system must be
reset. Your dealer has trained service
people who will perform this work and
reset the system. It is also important
to check the oil regularly over the
course of an oil drain interval and
keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally,
the oil must be changed at 5 000 km
(3,000 mi) since the last oil change.
Remember to reset the oil life system
whenever the oil is changed.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
370 VEHICLE CARE
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
Reset the system whenever the engine
oil is changed so that the system can
calculate the next engine oil change.
To reset the system:1. Using the vehicle information screen controls on the right side of
the instrument cluster, display OIL
LIFE on the screen. See Vehicle
Information 0134. When remaining
oil life is low, the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message will
appear on the display.
2. Touch RESET on the screen to clear the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message and reset the oil life
at 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oil life
display accidentally at any time
other than after the oil is changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until
the next oil change.
The oil life system can also be reset as
follows: 1. Display OIL LIFE on the vehicle information screen. See Vehicle
Information 0134. 2. Fully press and release the
accelerator pedal three times
within five seconds.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message is not on, the system is
reset.
The system is reset when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
is off.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see
the Duramax diesel supplement.
It is usually not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level. The only
reason for fluid loss is a transmission
leak or overheated transmission. This
vehicle is not equipped with a
transmission fluid level dipstick. There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the
transmission fluid in these vehicles.
Because this procedure is difficult,
this should be done at the dealer.
Contact the dealer for additional
information or the procedure can be
found in the service manual. See
Publication Ordering Information
0467.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always use the correct automatic
transmission fluid. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0451.
Change the fluid and filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule 0442.
Be sure to use the transmission fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0451.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
VEHICLE CARE 433
Caution (Continued)
safety precautions, and appropriate
disposal of any vehicle care
product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes
closer than 30 cm (12 in) to the
surface of the vehicle. Use of power
washers exceeding 8 274 kPa
(1,200 psi) can result in damage or
removal of paint and decals.
If using an automatic car wash, follow
the car wash instructions. The
windshield wiper and rear window
wiper, if equipped, must be off.
Remove any accessories that may be
damaged or interfere with the car
wash equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing
and after, to remove all cleaning
agents completely. If they are allowed
to dry on the surface, they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.
Cleaning Underhood Components
Caution
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this
e
symbol.
This could cause damage that
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Solvents or aggressive cleaners may
harm underhood components. The
usages of these chemicals should be
avoided.
Recommend water only.
A pressure washer may be used, but
care must be utilized. The following
criteria must be followed:
.Water pressure must be kept below
14,000 KPa (2,000 PSI).
.Water temperature must be below
80 °C (180 °F).
.Spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide
angle spray pattern or wider must
be used.
.Nozzle must be kept at least 30 cm
(1 ft) away from all surfaces.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat
sealant/wax materials is not
recommended. If painted surfaces are
damaged, see your dealer to have the
damage assessed and repaired. Foreign
materials such as calcium chloride
and other salts, ice melting agents,
road oil and tar, tree sap, bird
droppings, chemicals from industrial
chimneys, etc., can damage the
vehicle's finish if they remain on
painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as
soon as possible. If necessary, use
non-abrasive cleaners that are marked
safe for painted surfaces to remove
foreign matter.
Occasional hand waxing or mild
polishing should be done to remove
residue from the paint finish. See your
dealer for approved cleaning products.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
438 VEHICLE CARE
.Do not use solvents or cleaners
containing solvents.
Interior Glass
To clean, use a terry cloth fabric
dampened with water. Wipe droplets
left behind with a clean dry cloth.
If necessary, use a commercial glass
cleaner after cleaning with plain water.
Caution
To prevent scratching, never use
abrasive cleaners on automotive
glass. Abrasive cleaners or
aggressive cleaning may damage
the rear window defogger.
Cleaning the windshield with water
during the first three to six months of
ownership will reduce tendency to fog.
Speaker Covers
Vacuum around a speaker cover
gently, so that the speaker will not be
damaged. Clean spots with water and
mild soap.
Coated Moldings
Coated moldings should be cleaned.
.When lightly soiled, wipe with a
sponge or soft, lint-free cloth
dampened with water.
.When heavily soiled, use warm
soapy water.
Fabric/Carpet/Suede
Start by vacuuming the surface using
a soft brush attachment. If a rotating
vacuum brush attachment is being
used, only use it on the floor carpet.
Before cleaning, gently remove as
much of the soil as possible:
.Gently blot liquids with a paper
towel. Continue blotting until no
more soil can be removed.
.For solid soils, remove as much as
possible prior to vacuuming.
To clean: 1. Saturate a clean, lint-free colorfast cloth with water. Microfiber cloth is
recommended to prevent lint
transfer to the fabric or carpet.
2. Remove excess moisture by gently wringing until water does not drip
from the cleaning cloth. 3. Start on the outside edge of the
soil and gently rub toward the
center. Fold the cleaning cloth to a
clean area frequently to prevent
forcing the soil in to the fabric.
4. Continue gently rubbing the soiled area until there is no longer any
color transfer from the soil to the
cleaning cloth.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild soap solution
followed only by plain water.
If the soil is not completely removed,
it may be necessary to use a
commercial upholstery cleaner or spot
lifter. Test a small hidden area for
colorfastness before using a
commercial upholstery cleaner or spot
lifter. If ring formation occurs, clean
the entire fabric or carpet.
After cleaning, use a paper towel to
blot excess moisture.
Cleaning High Gloss Surfaces
and Vehicle Information and
Radio Displays
Use a microfiber cloth on high gloss
surfaces or vehicle displays. First, use
a soft bristle brush to remove dirt that