2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE roof

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
SEATS AND RESTRAINTS 69
for the airbags to inflate and help
restrain the occupants. The vehicle
has electronic sensors that help the
airbag system determine the severity
of the impact. Deployment thresholds
can vary with specific vehicle design.
Frontal airbags are designed to inflate
in moderate to severe frontal or near
frontal crashes to help reduce the
potential for severe injuries, mainly to
the driver's or front outboard
passenger's head and chest.
Whether the frontal airbags will or
should inflate is not based primarily
on how fast the vehicle is traveling.
It depends on what is hit, the
direction of the impact, and how
quickly the vehicle slows down.
Frontal airbags may inflate at
different crash speeds depending on
whether the vehicle hits an object
straight on or at an angle, and
whether the object is fixed or moving,
rigid or deformable, narrow or wide.
Frontal airbags are not intended to
inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear
impacts, or many side impacts.In addition, the vehicle has advanced
technology frontal airbags. Advanced
technology frontal airbags adjust the
restraint according to crash severity.
The front center airbag is designed to
inflate in moderate to severe side
crashes depending upon the location
of the impact, when either side of the
vehicle is struck. In addition, the front
center airbag is designed to inflate
when the sensing system predicts that
the vehicle is about to roll over on its
side. The front center airbag is not
designed to inflate in frontal impacts,
near frontal impacts, or rear impacts.
Seat-mounted side impact airbags are
designed to inflate in moderate to
severe side crashes depending on the
location of the impact. Seat-mounted
side impact airbags are not designed
to inflate in frontal impacts, near
frontal impacts, rollovers, or rear
impacts. A seat-mounted side impact
airbag is designed to inflate on the
side of the vehicle that is struck.
Roof-rail airbags are designed to
inflate in moderate to severe side
crashes depending on the location of
the impact. In addition, these roof-railairbags are designed to inflate during
a rollover or in a severe frontal
impact. Roof-rail airbags are not
designed to inflate in rear impacts.
Both roof-rail airbags will inflate when
either side of the vehicle is struck,
if the sensing system predicts that the
vehicle is about to roll over on its
side, or in a severe frontal impact.
In any particular crash, no one can
say whether an airbag should have
inflated simply because of the vehicle
damage or the repair costs.
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate?
In a deployment event, the sensing
system sends an electrical signal
triggering a release of gas from the
inflator. Gas from the inflator fills the
airbag causing the bag to break out of
the cover. The inflator, the airbag, and
related hardware are all part of the
airbag module.
For airbag locations, see
Where Are the
Airbags? 067.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
70 SEATS AND RESTRAINTS
How Does an Airbag
Restrain?
In moderate to severe frontal or near
frontal collisions, even belted
occupants can contact the steering
wheel or the instrument panel. In
moderate to severe side collisions,
even belted occupants can contact the
inside of the vehicle.
Airbags supplement the protection
provided by seat belts by distributing
the force of the impact more evenly
over the occupant's body.
Rollover capable roof-rail airbags are
designed to help contain the head and
chest of occupants in the outboard
seating positions in the first, second,
and third rows. The rollover capable
roof-rail airbags are designed to help
reduce the risk of full or partial
ejection in rollover events, although
no system can prevent all such
ejections.
But airbags would not help in many
types of collisions, primarily because
the occupant's motion is not toward
those airbags. SeeWhen Should an
Airbag Inflate? 068. Airbags should never be regarded as
anything more than a supplement to
seat belts.What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates?
After frontal and seat-mounted side
impact airbags inflate, they quickly
deflate, so quickly that some people
may not even realize the airbags
inflated. The front center airbag and
roof-rail airbags may still be at least
partially inflated for some time after
they inflate. Some components of the
airbag module may be hot for several
minutes. For location of the airbags,
see
Where Are the Airbags? 067.
The parts of the airbag that come into
contact with you may be warm, but
not too hot to touch. There may be
some smoke and dust coming from
the vents in the deflated airbags.
Airbag inflation does not prevent the
driver from seeing out of the
windshield or being able to steer the
vehicle, nor does it prevent people
from leaving the vehicle.
{Warning
When an airbag inflates, there may
be dust in the air. This dust could
cause breathing problems for
people with a history of asthma or
other breathing trouble. To avoid
this, everyone in the vehicle should
get out as soon as it is safe to do
so. If you have breathing problems
but cannot get out of the vehicle
after an airbag inflates, then get
fresh air by opening a window or a
door. If you experience breathing
problems following an airbag
deployment, you should seek
medical attention.
The vehicle has a feature that may
automatically unlock the doors, turn
on the interior lamps and hazard
warning flashers, and shut off the fuel
system after the airbags inflate. The
feature may also activate, without
airbag inflation, after an event that
exceeds a predetermined threshold.
After turning the ignition off and then
on again, the fuel system will return
to normal operation; the doors can be

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
76 SEATS AND RESTRAINTS
sensing and diagnostic module, and
airbag wiring along with the proper
replacement procedures.
In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system for the front
outboard passenger position, which
includes sensors that are part of the
passenger's seat. The passenger
sensing system may not operate
properly if the original seat trim is
replaced with non-GM covers,
upholstery, or trim, or with GM
covers, upholstery, or trim designed
for a different vehicle. Any object,
such as an aftermarket seat heater or
a comfort enhancing pad or device,
installed under or on top of the seat
fabric, could also interfere with the
operation of the passenger sensing
system. This could either prevent
proper deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger
sensing system from properly turning
off the passenger airbag(s). See
Passenger Sensing System071.
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail
airbags, see Different Size Tires and
Wheels 0409 for additional important
information. If the vehicle must be modified
because you have a disability and you
have questions about whether the
modifications will affect the vehicle's
airbag system, or if you have
questions about whether the airbag
system will be affected if the vehicle is
modified for any other reason, call
Customer Assistance. See
Customer
Assistance Offices 0460.
Airbag System Check
The airbag system does not need
regularly scheduled maintenance or
replacement. Make sure the airbag
readiness light is working. See Airbag
Readiness Light 0120.
Caution
If an airbag covering is damaged,
opened, or broken, the airbag may
not work properly. Do not open or
break the airbag coverings. If there
are any opened or broken airbag
coverings, have the airbag covering
and/or airbag module replaced. For
the location of the airbags, see
Where Are the Airbags? 067. See
your dealer for service.
Replacing Airbag System
Parts after a Crash
{Warning
A crash can damage the airbag
systems in the vehicle. A damaged
airbag system may not properly
protect you and your passenger(s)
in a crash, resulting in serious
injury or even death. To help make
sure the airbag systems are working
properly after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as
possible.
If an airbag inflates, you will need to
replace airbag system parts. See your
dealer for service.
If the airbag readiness light stays on
after the vehicle is started or comes
on when you are driving, the airbag
system may not work properly. Have
the vehicle serviced right away. See
Airbag Readiness Light 0120.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
STORAGE 97
Storage
Storage Compartments
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Cupholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Armrest Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Rear Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Additional Storage Features
Cargo Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Roof Rack System
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Storage Compartments{
Warning
Do not store heavy or sharp objects
in storage compartments. In a
crash, these objects may cause the
cover to open and could result in
injury.
Glove Box
To open, pull the handle to the left.
To close, push the glove box up until
it latches. Use the vehicle key to lock
or unlock.
Cupholders
To access the cupholders, press the
cover and release.
There is storage in front of the
cupholders.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
STORAGE 101
Convenience Net
This vehicle may have a convenience
net in the rear of the vehicle. Attach
it to the cargo tie-downs for storing
small loads.
Do not use the net to store heavy
loads.
Roof Rack System{
Warning
If something is carried on top of the
vehicle that is longer or wider than
the roof rack —like paneling,
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
plywood, or a mattress —the wind
can catch it while the vehicle is
being driven. The item being carried
could be violently torn off, and this
could cause a collision and damage
the vehicle. Never carry something
longer or wider than the roof rack
on top of the vehicle unless using a
GM certified accessory carrier.
If equipped, the roof rack can be used
to load items. For roof racks that do
not have crossrails included,
GM Certified crossrails can be
purchased as an accessory. See your
dealer for additional information.
Caution
Loading cargo on the roof rack that
weighs more than 100 kg (220 lb) or
hangs over the rear or sides of the
vehicle may damage the vehicle. Do
not load cargo exceeding 100 kg
(220 lbs) and always load cargo so
that it rests evenly between the (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
crossrails and does not block the
vehicle lamps or windows. Fasten
the cargo securely.
To prevent damage or loss of cargo
when driving, check to make sure
crossrails and cargo are securely
fastened. Loading cargo on the roof
rack will make the vehicle’s center of
gravity higher. Avoid high speeds,
sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden
braking, or abrupt maneuvers,
otherwise it may result in loss of
control. If driving for a long distance,

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
106 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
has been activated. SeeWasher Fluid
0 377 for information on filling the
windshield washer fluid reservoir.
{Warning
In freezing weather, do not use the
washer until the windshield is
warmed. Otherwise the washer fluid
can form ice on the windshield,
blocking your vision.
{Warning
Before driving the vehicle, always
clear snow and ice from the hood,
windshield, washer nozzles, roof,
and rear of the vehicle, including all
lamps and windows. Reduced
visibility from snow and ice buildup
could lead to a crash.
Clear snow and ice from the wiper
blades and windshield before using
them. If frozen to the windshield,
carefully loosen or thaw them.
Damaged blades should be replaced.
See Wiper Blade Replacement 0382. Heavy snow or ice can overload the
wiper motor. See
Electrical System
Overload 0385.
Night Vision Camera Washer
When it is dark enough for the night
vision system to operate, activate the
front windshield washer five times to
clean the camera sensor.
See Night Vision System 0319 for
information on using the night vision
system.
Wiper Parking
If the ignition is turned off while the
wipers are on LO, HI, or AUTO with
Rainsense turned off, they will
immediately stop.
If the windshield wiper lever is then
moved to OFF before the driver door is
opened or within 10 minutes, the
wipers will restart and move to the
base of the windshield.
If the ignition is turned off while the
wipers are performing wipes due to
windshield washing or Rainsense, the
wipers continue to run until they
reach the base of the windshield.
Rainsense
If equipped with Rainsense and the
feature is turned on, a sensor near the
top center of the windshield detects
the amount of water on the
windshield and controls the frequency
of the windshield wiper based on the
current sensitivity setting.
Keep this area of the windshield clear
of debris to allow for best system
performance.
AUTO : Move the windshield wiper
lever to AUTO. Turn the band on the
wiper lever to adjust the sensitivity.
.Turn the band up for more
sensitivity to moisture.
.Turn the band down for less
sensitivity to moisture.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
168 INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
Favorites are stored by touchingH.
This will highlight indicating that it is
now saved as a favorite.
User Settings
From the SiriusXM source main page,
touch
%to display the following:
.Audio Settings
.Listener Options
.Account Information
Audio Settings
Touch
*to display the Audio
Settings menu. See “Audio Settings”in
AM-FM Radio 0163.
Listener Options
Select and the following may display:
SiriusXM Favorites : Touch to show
XM favorite channels.
History : Touch to show history of
channels.
Listener Settings : Touch to hide
explicit language channels and
content, start songs at the beginning
when tuning a music channel, or reset
the listening history. Account Information
Select to show the XM account
information.
Radio Reception
Unplug electronic devices from the
accessory power outlets if there is
interference or static in the radio.
FM
FM signals only reach about 16 to
65 km (10 to 40 mi). Although the
radio has a built-in electronic circuit
that automatically works to reduce
interference, some static can occur,
especially around tall buildings or
hills, causing the sound to fade in
and out.
AM
The range for most AM stations is
greater than for FM, especially at
night. The longer range can cause
station frequencies to interfere with
each other. Static can also occur when
things like storms and power lines
interfere with radio reception. When
this happens, try reducing the treble
on the radio.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio Service
If equipped, SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Service provides digital radio
reception. Tall buildings or hills can
interfere with satellite radio signals,
causing the sound to fade in and out.
In addition, traveling or standing
under heavy foliage, bridges, garages,
or tunnels may cause loss of the
SiriusXM signal for a period of time.
Some cellular services may interfere
with SXM reception causing loss of
signal.
Mobile Device Usage
Mobile device usage, such as making
or receiving calls, charging, or just
having the mobile device on may
cause static interference in the radio.
Unplug the mobile device or turn it
off if this happens.
Multi-Band Antenna
The roof antenna may be used for
radio, navigation, and OnStar,
depending on the equipped options.
Keep clear of obstructions for clear

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM 169
reception. If the vehicle has a sunroof,
and it is open, reception can also be
affected.
Audio Players
Avoiding Untrusted Media
Devices
When using media devices such as SD
cards, USB devices, and mobile
devices, consider the source.
Untrusted media devices could
contain files that affect system
operation or performance. Avoid use if
the content or origin cannot be
trusted.
USB Port
Audio stored on a USB device may be
listened to.
The vehicle may be equipped with two
USB ports in the center console under
the armrest and another two on the
center stack. These ports are for data
and charging. There may also be two
USB ports at the rear of the centerconsole and a USB port on each side
of the third row seats for
charging only.
Caution
To avoid vehicle damage, unplug all
accessories and disconnect all
accessory cables from the vehicle
when not in use. Accessory cables
left plugged into the vehicle,
unconnected to a device, could be
damaged or cause an electrical
short if the unconnected end comes
in contact with liquids or another
power source such as the accessory
power outlet.
Playing from a USB
A USB mass storage device can be
connected to the USB port.
Audio extensions supported by the
USB may include:
.MP3
.AAC
.OGG
.3GPGracenote
When plugging in a USB device,
Gracenote service builds voice tags for
music. Voice tags allow artists, albums
with hard to pronounce names, and
nicknames to be used to play music
through voice recognition, if equipped.
While indexing, infotainment features
may be available.
My Media Library
MyMedia is only available when more
than one indexed device is connected.
It allows access to content from all
indexed media sources. MyMedia will
show as an available source in the
Source page.
USB MP3 Player and USB Devices
The USB MP3 players and USB devices
connected must comply with the USB
Mass Storage Class specification
(USB MSC).
To play a USB device:
1. Connect the USB.
2. Touch Audio from the Home Page.
3. Touch the More option and then touch the USB device.