Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
436 VEHICLE CARE
Caution (Continued)
that have been sprayed with
magnesium chloride or calcium
chloride. These are used on roads
for conditions such as dust and ice.
Always wash the chrome with soap
and water after exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage on wheels
and wheel trim, do not use strong
soaps, chemicals, abrasive polishes,
cleaners, or brushes. Use only GM
approved cleaners. Do not drive the
vehicle through an automatic car
wash that uses silicon carbide tire/
wheel cleaning brushes. Damage
could occur and the repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake
pads for wear and rotors for surfacecondition. Inspect drum brake linings/
shoes for wear or cracks. Inspect all
other brake parts.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering, suspension,
and chassis components for damaged,
loose, or missing parts or signs of
wear at least once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
At least every other oil change
lubricate the outer tie rod ends.
Control arm ball joints are
maintenance-free.
Caution
Lubrication of applicable steering/
suspension points should not be
done unless the temperature is
−12 °C (10 °F) or higher, or damage
could result.
For a heavy-duty Suburban, see the
Suburban Heavy-Duty Package
supplement.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood
hinges, liftgate hinges, steel fuel door
hinge and power assist step hinges,
unless the components are plastic.
Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth will
make them last longer, seal better,
and not stick or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
Caution
Avoid pressure washing the vehicle
frame. Use of high-pressure washers
can result in removal of corrosion
protection and possible vehicle
damage.
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any corrosive
materials from the underbody. Take
care to thoroughly clean any areas
where mud and other debris can
collect. If equipped with power assist
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
444 SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
.Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
.Visually inspect halfshafts and drive
shafts for excessive wear, lubricant
leaks, and/or damage including:
tube dents or cracks, constant
velocity joint or universal joint
looseness, cracked or missing boots,
loose or missing boot clamps, center
bearing excessive looseness, loose or
missing fasteners, and axle seal
leaks.
.Check restraint system components.
SeeSafety System Check 064.
.Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust system and
nearby heat shields for loose or
damaged parts.
.Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0432.
.Check parking brake and automatic
transmission park mechanism. See
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism
Check 0381.
.Check accelerator pedal for damage,
high effort, or binding. Replace if
needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut for signs
of wear, cracks, or other damage.
Check the hold open ability of the
strut. If the hold open is low,
service the gas strut. See Gas
Strut(s) 0383.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof038.
.Verify spare tire key lock operation
and lubricate as needed. See Tire
Changing 0413.
.Visually inspect the spare tire to
ensure that it is tightly stowed
under the vehicle. Push, pull, and
try to turn the tire. If the spare tire
moves, tighten as necessary. See
Tire Changing 0413.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 449
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power to
start the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories.
.To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a battery
with full cranking power.
.Trained dealer technicians have the
diagnostic equipment to test the
battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
.Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of cracking or
splitting.
.Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment to
inspect the belts and recommend
adjustment or replacement when
necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are crucial
to safe driving.
.Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping.
.Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment to
inspect the brakes and recommend
quality parts engineered for the
vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved fluids
protect the vehicle’s systems and
components. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0451 for GM approved
fluids.
.Engine oil and windshield washer
fluid levels should be checked at
every fuel fill.
.Instrument cluster lights may come
on to indicate that fluids may be
low and need to be filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should be
regularly inspected to ensure that
there are no cracks or leaks. With a
multi-point inspection, your dealer
can inspect the hoses and advise if
replacement is needed. Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
.Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage. The
brake lamps need to be checked
periodically to ensure that they light
when braking.
.With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can check the lamps and
note any concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
.Signs of wear may include steering
wheel vibration, bounce/sway while
braking, longer stopping distance,
or uneven tire wear.
.As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect the
shocks and struts for signs of
leaking, blown seals, or damage, and
can advise when service is needed.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
INDEX 485
Lights (cont'd)Antilock Brake System (ABS)
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Automatic Vehicle Hold . . . . . . . . . . 125
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Check Engine (Malfunction Indicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Driver Mode Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Engine Coolant Temperature Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Four Corner Air Suspension . . . . . 128
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . . . . . 151
Lane Keep Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Seat Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Service Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
StabiliTrak OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Lights (cont'd)
Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Lock Steering Column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Locks
Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System) . . . . . . . . . 84
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
M
Magnetic Ride Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453 Maintenance and Care
Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 448
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . 442 Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 451
Transfer Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . . . 122
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Map Data Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Massage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Media
Avoiding Untrusted Devices . . . . . 169
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Messages Engine Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Vehicle Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Mirror Rear Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Mirrors
Automatic Dimming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Automatic Dimming Rearview . . . . 34
Convex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Tilt in Reverse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
488 INDEX
S
Safety Defects ReportingCanadian Government . . . . . . . . . . . . 468
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 468
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 468
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . . . . 463
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
How to Wear Seat BeltsProperly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Replacing after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Seats
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Heated and Ventilated Front . . . . . . 48
Heated, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Lumbar Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . 44
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Power Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . 43
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Second Row . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Seats (cont'd)
Third Row Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Securing Child Restraints . . . . . . . 91, 94
Security Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 472
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Vehicle Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227 Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . 453
Maintenance, General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 441
Parts Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 454
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . . 463
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Services
Special Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 448
Servicing System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249 Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . 321
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change . . . . 153
Software Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Special Application Services . . . . . . . 448
Specifications and Capacities . . . . . . 455
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
StabiliTrak
OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Start Assist, Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232 Heated Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Steering Column Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Steps
Power Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Storage Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Storage Areas Armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Roof Rack System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
490 INDEX
Transmission (cont'd)Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 464
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . 153
U
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . 410
Universal Remote System . . . . . . . . . . 145 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Updates Map Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Using the Navigation System . . . . . . 180
Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
V
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Automatic Hold Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Identification Number (VIN) . . . . . 454
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 Vehicle (cont'd)
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 428
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Vehicle Care
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469
Vehicle Hold
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Vehicle Hold (AVH) Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Vehicle Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Vehicle Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Vehicle Security
Steering Column Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Voice Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Voltmeter Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
W
Warning Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 Warning (cont'd)
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Warnings Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . 411
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 411
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . 407
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . . . . 82
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Windshield
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 382
Wipers
Rear Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111