2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE service indicator

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
122 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Warning (Continued)
the vehicle serviced right away. See
Airbag Readiness Light0120 for
more information, including
important safety information.
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on
briefly when the ignition is turned on,
but the engine is not running, as a
check to show the light is working.
It should go out when the engine is
started.
If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, there may be a problem
with the electrical charging system.
Have it checked by your dealer.
Driving while this light is on could
drain the battery. When this light comes on, or is
flashing, the Driver Information
Center (DIC) also displays a message.
If a short distance must be driven
with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the radio and
air conditioner. Find a safe place to
stop the vehicle.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)
If equipped with a diesel engine, see
the Duramax Diesel Supplement.
This light is part of the vehicle’s
emission control on-board diagnostic
system. It is located on the center
stack, below the infotainment screen.
If this light is on while the engine is
running, a malfunction has been
detected and the vehicle may require
service. The light should come on to
show that it is working when the
ignition is in Service Mode. See
Ignition Positions
0245.
Malfunctions are often indicated by
the system before any problem is
noticeable. Being aware of the light
and seeking service promptly when it
comes on may prevent damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually
with this light on, the emission
control system may not work as
well, the fuel economy may be
lower, and the vehicle may not run
smoothly. This could lead to costly
repairs that might not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not meet
(Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 127
Traction Off Light
This light comes on briefly when the
vehicle is turned on. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer. If the system is working
normally, the indicator light then
turns off.
The traction off light comes on when
the Traction Control System (TCS) has
been turned off. If StabiliTrak/
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is
turned off, TCS is also turned off. To
turn TCS and ESC off and on, see
Traction Control/Electronic Stability
Control0264.
If TCS is off, wheel spin is not limited
unless necessary to help protect the
driveline from damage. Adjust driving
accordingly.
StabiliTrak OFF Light
This light comes on briefly when the
vehicle is turned on. It is located on
the center stack, below the
infotainment screen. If the light does
not come on, have the vehicle serviced
by your dealer. If the system is
working normally, the indicator light
then turns off.
This light comes on when the
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) system is turned off.
If StabiliTrak/ESC is off, the Traction
Control System (TCS) is also off. To
turn ESC off and on, see Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control
0 264.
If ESC and TCS are off, the systems do
not assist in controlling the vehicle.
Adjust driving accordingly.
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak Light
This light comes on briefly when the
vehicle is turned on. It is located on
the center stack, below the
infotainment screen.
If the light does not come on, have
the vehicle serviced by your dealer.
If the system is working normally, the
indicator light turns off.
If the light is on and not flashing, the
TCS and potentially the StabiliTrak/
ESC system are not fully operational
and may not assist in maintaining
control. Adjust driving accordingly.
If the condition persists, see your
dealer as soon as possible. A Driver
Information Center (DIC) message
may display.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
128 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
The light flashes when the TCS and/or
the StabiliTrak/ESC system is actively
working.
SeeTraction Control/Electronic Stability
Control 0264.
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light
This light comes on briefly while
starting the vehicle.
If it does not, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the system
is working normally the indicator light
goes off.
Caution
The engine coolant temperature
warning light indicates that the
vehicle has overheated. Driving with
this light on can damage the engine
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
and it may not be covered by the
vehicle warranty. SeeEngine
Overheating 0375.
The engine coolant temperature
warning light comes on when the
engine has overheated.
If this happens, pull over and turn off
the engine as soon as possible. See
Engine Overheating 0375.
Driver Mode Control Light
This light comes on when Sport Mode
is selected.
This light comes on when Snow Mode
is selected.
This light comes on when Off-Road
Mode is selected.
This light comes on when the Tow/
Haul Mode is selected.
Four Corner Air Suspension
Light

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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130 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Engine Oil Pressure Light
Caution
Lack of proper engine oil
maintenance can damage the
engine. Driving with the engine oil
low can also damage the engine.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Check the
oil level as soon as possible. Add oil
if required, but if the oil level is
within the operating range and the
oil pressure is still low, have the
vehicle serviced. Always follow the
maintenance schedule for changing
engine oil.
This light should come on briefly as
the engine is started. If it does not
come on, have the vehicle serviced by
your dealer.If the light comes on and stays on, it
means that oil is not flowing through
the engine properly. The vehicle could
be low on oil and might have some
other system problem. See your dealer.
Low Fuel Warning Light
A Low Fuel Warning Light near the
fuel gauge comes on briefly when the
ignition is turned on as a check to
show it is working.
It also comes on when the fuel gauge
indicator nears empty. The light turns
off when fuel is added. If it does not,
have the vehicle serviced.
Security Light
The security light should come on
briefly as the engine is started. If it
does not come on, have the vehicle
serviced by your dealer. If the system
is working normally, the indicator
light turns off.
If the light stays on and the engine
does not start, there could be a
problem with the theft-deterrent
system. See
Immobilizer Operation
0 31.
High-Beam On Light

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 245
Caution (Continued)
.Do not tow a trailer during
break-in. SeeTrailer Towing 0334
for the trailer towing capabilities
of the vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed
and load can be gradually
increased.
Ignition Positions
Vehicles equipped with Keyless Access
have pushbutton starting. The Remote Key must be in the
vehicle for the system to operate.
If the pushbutton start is not working,
the vehicle may be near a strong radio
antenna signal causing interference to
the Keyless Access system. See
Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
0 7.
To shift out of P (Park), the ignition
must be on or in Service Mode, and
the brake pedal must be applied.
{Warning
Turning off the vehicle while
moving may cause loss of power
assist in the brake and steering
systems and disable the airbags.
While driving, only shut the vehicle
off in an emergency.
Stopping the Engine/LOCK/OFF (No
Indicator Lights) : When the vehicle
is stopped, press ENGINE START/
STOP once to turn the engine off.
If the vehicle is in P (Park), the
ignition will turn off, and Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) will remain
active. See Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) 0248. If the vehicle is not in P (Park), the
ignition will return to ACC/
ACCESSORY and display the message
SHIFT TO PARK in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). When the
vehicle is shifted into P (Park), the
ignition system will turn off.
The vehicle may have an electric
steering column lock. The lock is
activated when the ignition is turned
off and either front door is opened.
A sound may be heard as the lock
actuates or releases. The steering
column lock may not release with the
wheels turned off center. If this
happens, the vehicle may not start.
Move the steering wheel from left to
right while attempting to start the
vehicle. If this does not work, the
vehicle needs service.
If the vehicle must be shut off in an
emergency:
1. Brake using a firm and steady pressure. Do not pump the brakes
repeatedly. This may deplete power
assist, requiring increased brake
pedal force.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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246 DRIVING AND OPERATING
2. Shift the vehicle to N (Neutral).This can be done while the vehicle
is moving. After shifting to
N (Neutral), firmly apply the brakes
and steer the vehicle to a safe
location.
3. Come to a complete stop.
4. Hold the brake pedal down and shift to P (Park). The shift lever
must be in P (Park) to turn the
ignition off.
5. Continue to hold the brake pedal down.
6. Set the parking brake. See Electric
Parking Brake 0261.
7. Press ENGINE START/STOP once to turn the ignition off.
8. Release the brake pedal.
If the vehicle cannot be pulled over,
and must be shut off while driving,
press and hold ENGINE START/STOP
for longer than two seconds, or press
twice in five seconds.
ACC/ACCESSORY (Amber Indicator
Light) : This mode allows some
electrical accessories to be used when
the engine is off. With the ignition off, pressing the
button one time without the brake
pedal applied will place the ignition
system in ACC/ACCESSORY.
The ignition will switch from ACC/
ACCESSORY to off after five minutes
to prevent battery rundown.
ON/RUN/START (Green Indicator
Light) :
This mode is for driving and
starting. With the ignition off, and the
brake pedal applied, pressing the
button once will turn the ignition on.
Once engine cranking begins, release
the button. Engine cranking will
continue until the engine starts. See
Starting the Engine 0246.
Service Mode
This power mode is available for
service and diagnostics, and to verify
the proper operation of the
malfunction indicator lamp as may be
required for emission inspection
purposes. With the vehicle off, and the
brake pedal not applied, pressing and
holding the button for more than
five seconds will place the vehicle in
Service Mode. The instruments and
audio systems will operate as they do
when the ignition is on, but the vehicle will not be able to be driven.
The engine will not start in Service
Mode. Press the button again to turn
the ignition off.
Starting the Engine
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see
the Duramax diesel supplement.
Caution
If you add electrical parts or
accessories, you could change the
way the engine operates. Any
resulting damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. See
Add-On Electrical Equipment
0360.
Shift the vehicle into P (Park) or
N (Neutral). To restart the engine
when the vehicle is already moving,
use N (Neutral) only.
Caution
Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you
could damage the transmission.
Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 249
2. Press the button on top of the shiftlever to shift into P (Park). See
Automatic Transmission 0251.
3. The P indicator on the shift lever will turn red when the vehicle is in
P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle with the
Engine Running
{Warning
It can be dangerous to leave the
vehicle with the engine running.
It could overheat and catch fire.
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the vehicle is not in
P (Park) with the parking brake set.
The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when
the engine is running. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others
could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground,
always set the parking brake and
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
shift to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park 0248. If you are towing a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips 0330.
If you have to leave the vehicle with
the engine running, be sure the
vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking
brake is set before you leave it.
Shifting out of Park
This vehicle is equipped with an
electronic transmission. The shift lock
release button is designed to prevent
inadvertent shifting out of P (Park)
unless the ignition is on, the brake
pedal is applied, and the shift lock
release button is pressed.
The shift lock control is always
functional except in the case of an
uncharged or low voltage (less than
9-volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged
battery or a battery with low voltage,
try charging or jump starting the
battery. See Jump Starting - North
America 0425. To shift out of P (Park):
1. Ensure the engine is running.
2. Apply the brake pedal.
3. Press and hold the shift lock release button.
4. Move the shift lever to the desired position.
5. The P indicator will turn white and the gear indicator on the shift lever
will turn red when the vehicle is no
longer in P (Park).
6. After releasing the shift lever, it will return to the center position.
If the vehicle cannot be shifted from
P (Park), a Driver Information
Center (DIC) message, such as
CONDITIONS NOT CORRECT FOR
SHIFT, will be displayed. Ensure the
ignition is on, the engine is running,
and the brake pedal is applied. If the
vehicle still will not shift out of
P (Park), see your dealer for service.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 281
Curves in the Road
{Warning
On curves, ACC may not detect a
vehicle ahead in your lane. You
could be startled if the vehicle
accelerates up to the set speed,
especially when following a vehicle
exiting or entering exit ramps. You
could lose control of the vehicle or
crash. Do not use ACC while driving
on an entrance or exit ramp. Always
be ready to use the brakes if
necessary.
{Warning
On curves, ACC may respond to a
vehicle in another lane, or may not
have time to react to a vehicle in
your lane. You could crash into a
vehicle ahead of you, or lose control
of your vehicle. Give extra attention
in curves and be ready to use the
brakes if necessary. Select an
appropriate speed while driving in
curves.ACC may operate differently in a
sharp curve. It may reduce the vehicle
speed if the curve is too sharp.
The curve speed control indicator
n
may illuminate green when ACC is
actively controlling the vehicle speed
and detects a sharp curve on the road
ahead.
ACC automatically slows the vehicle
down while navigating the curve and
may increase speed out of the curve,
but will not exceed the set speed.
When following a vehicle and entering
a curve, ACC may not detect the
vehicle ahead and accelerate to the set
speed. When this happens, the vehicle
ahead indicator will not appear.
ACC may detect a vehicle that is not
in your lane and apply the brakes.
ACC may occasionally provide an alert
and/or braking that is considered
unnecessary. It could respond to
vehicles in different lanes, signs,
guardrails, and other stationary
objects when entering or exiting a
curve. This is normal operation. The
vehicle does not need service.