2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE suspension

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 341
MeasurementHeight Example 1500 (mm)
H1 1000
H2 1050
H2-H1 50
(H2-H1)/2 25
H2- [(H2-H1)/2] 1025
Towing with the Four Corner Air
Suspension System 1. Adjust the vehicle air suspension to "Normal Ground Clearance Height."
2. Position the truck so that the trailer is ready to connect (Keep
trailer detached).
3. Enable air suspension ‘Service
Mode’ in the center infotainment
screen under Settings/Vehicle/
Suspension.
4. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening at the
fender to the ground (H1). 5. Attach the vehicle to the trailer, do
not attach weight distribution bars
at this time.
6. Measure the height of the top of the front wheel opening on the
fender to the ground (H2).
7. Install and adjust the tension in the weight distributing bars per the
manufacturers’ recommendations
so that the height of the front
fender is approximately H2-
[(H2-H1)/3] (1/3 between the two
measured ride heights, below the
secondary ride height {H2}). 8. Disable air suspension air
suspension "Service Mode."
9. Air suspension will automatically adjust ride height following step 8.
10. Visually inspect the trailer and weight-distributing hitch to ensure
that the manufacturers’
recommendations have been met.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
364 VEHICLE CARE
may contain perchlorate materials.
Perchlorate Material–special
handling may apply. See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/
perchlorate.
Accessories and
Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or
making modifications to the vehicle
can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as
airbags, braking, stability, ride and
handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and
electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability
control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Damage to suspension components
caused by modifying vehicle height
outside of factory settings will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components
resulting from modifications or the
installation or use of non-GM certified
parts, including control module or software modifications, is not covered
under the terms of the vehicle
warranty and may affect remaining
warranty coverage for affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on the vehicle. See your
dealer to accessorize the vehicle using
genuine GM Accessories installed by a
dealer technician.
Also, see
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 075.
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on
your vehicle if you do not have the
proper knowledge, service manual,
tools, or parts. Always follow
owner’s manual procedures and
consult the service manual for your
vehicle before doing any
service work. If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service manual.
It tells you much more about how to
service the vehicle than this manual
can. To order the proper service
manual, see
Publication Ordering
Information 0467.
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, see Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 075.
If equipped with remote vehicle start,
open the hood before performing any
service work to prevent remote
starting the vehicle accidentally. See
Remote Vehicle Start 014.
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of
any service work performed. See
Maintenance Records 0453.
Caution
Even small amounts of
contamination can cause damage to
vehicle systems. Do not allow
contaminants to contact the fluids,
reservoir caps, or dipsticks.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
412 VEHICLE CARE
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake
cooling, speedometer or odometer
calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle ground clearance,
and tire or tire chain clearance to
the body and chassis.
Used Replacement Wheels
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used one
is dangerous. How it has been used
or how far it has been driven may
be unknown. It could fail suddenly
and cause a crash. When replacing
wheels, use a new GM original
equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{Warning
Do not use tire chains. There is not
enough clearance. Tire chains used
on a vehicle without the proper(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
amount of clearance can cause
damage to the brakes, suspension,
or other vehicle parts. The area
damaged by the tire chains could
cause loss of control and a crash.
Use another type of traction device
only if its manufacturer
recommends it for the vehicle's tire
size combination and road
conditions. Follow that
manufacturer's instructions. To
avoid vehicle damage, drive slowly
and readjust or remove the traction
device if it contacts the vehicle. Do
not spin the wheels. If traction
devices are used, install them on
the rear tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blowout
while driving, especially if the tires are
maintained properly. If air goes out of
a tire, it is much more likely to leak
out slowly. But if there ever is a
blowout, here are a few tips about
what to expect and what to do: If a front tire fails, the flat tire creates
a drag that pulls the vehicle toward
that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering
wheel firmly. Steer to maintain lane
position, and then gently brake to a
stop, well off the road, if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and may
require the same correction as used in
a skid. Stop pressing the accelerator
pedal and steer to straighten the
vehicle. It may be very bumpy and
noisy. Gently brake to a stop, well off
the road, if possible.
{Warning
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has been
driven on while severely
underinflated or flat may cause a
blowout and a serious crash. Never
attempt to re-inflate a tire that has
been driven on while severely
underinflated or flat. Have your
(Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
428 VEHICLE CARE
7. Connect one end of the redpositive (+) cable to the remote
positive (+) terminal of the vehicle
with the discharged battery.
8. Do not let the other end touch metal. Connect it to the positive (+)
terminal of the good battery. Use a
remote positive (+) terminal if the
vehicle has one.
9. Connect one end of the black negative (−) cable to the negative
(−) terminal of the good battery.
Use a remote negative (−) terminal
if the vehicle has one.
Do not let the other end touch
anything until the next step.
10. Connect the other end of the negative (−) cable to the remote
negative (−) terminal to the
discharged battery.
11. Start the vehicle with the good battery and run the engine for a
while.
12. Try to start the vehicle that had the dead battery. If it will not start
after a few tries, it probably needs
service.Caution
If the jumper cables are connected
or removed in the wrong order,
electrical shorting may occur and
damage the vehicle. The repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always connect and
remove the jumper cables in the
correct order, making sure that the
cables do not touch each other or
other metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle and
removing the jumper cables, allow it
to idle for several minutes.
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Do not lash or (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
hook to suspension components.
Use the proper straps around the
tires to secure the vehicle. Do not
drag a locked wheel/tire. Use tire
skates or dollies under any locked
wheel/tire while loading the vehicle.
Do not use a sling type lift to tow
the vehicle. This could damage the
vehicle.
Caution
Improper use of the tow eye can
damage the vehicle. If equipped, use
the tow eye to load a disabled
vehicle onto a flatbed tow truck
from a flat road surface, or to move
the vehicle a short distance. Use
caution and low speeds. The
transmission must be
in (N) Neutral when moving the
vehicle.
GM recommends a flatbed tow truck
to transport a disabled vehicle. Use
ramps to help reduce approach angles,
if necessary. A towed vehicle should

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
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 443
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
under the best conditions, the engine
oil life system may not indicate the
need for vehicle service for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and the
oil life system must be reset. Your
trained dealer technician can perform
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 System0369.
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) 0132 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 Rotation0406.
.Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change
engine oil and filter, and reset oil
life system. See Engine Oil0367 and
Engine Oil Life System 0369.
.Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0372.
.Check windshield washer fluid level.
See Washer Fluid 0377.
.Check tire inflation pressures,
including the spare. See Tire
Pressure 0400.
.Inspect tire wear. See Tire Inspection
0 406.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect engine air cleaner filter. See
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0371.
.Inspect brake system. See Exterior
Care 0432.
.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 0432. Lubricate the
suspension and steering
components at least every other oil
change (if equipped with grease
fittings).

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
CUSTOMER INFORMATION 467
If another party's insurance company
is paying for the repairs, you are not
obligated to accept a repair valuation
based on that insurance company's
collision policy repair limits, as you
have no contractual limits with that
company. In such cases, you can have
control of the repair and parts choices
as long as the cost stays within
reasonable limits.
Publication Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service manuals have the diagnosis
and repair information on the engine,
transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical system, steering system,
body, etc.
Customer Literature
Owner’s manuals are written
specifically for owners and are
intended to provide basic operational
information about the vehicle. The
owner’s manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.Customer literature publications
available for purchase include owner’s
manuals, warranty manuals, and
portfolios. Portfolios include an
owner’s manual, warranty manual,
if applicable, and zip lock bag or
pouch.
Current and Past Models
Service manuals and customer
literature are available for many
current and past model year GM
vehicles.
To order, call 1-800-551-4123
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
eastern time
For credit card orders only (VISA,
MasterCard, or Discover), see Helm,
Inc. at: www.helminc.com.
To order by mail, write to:
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
Make checks payable in U.S. funds.
Radio Frequency
Statement
This vehicle uses license-exempt
transmitters / receivers / systems that
operate on a radio frequency that
complies with Part 15/Part 18 of the
Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) rules and with Innovation,
Science and Economic Development
(ISED) Canada's license-exempt RSS(s)
/ RSP-100 / ICES-GEN.
Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1. The device may not cause harmful interference.
2. The device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
Changes or modifications to any of
these systems by other than an
authorized service facility could void
authorization to use this equipment.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
INDEX 479
IndexA
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . 364
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . 360
Additional InformationOnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 472
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 448
Adjustments
Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . . . . . 211
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . . . . 371
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .220, 224
Air Filter
Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Air Suspension Four Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
How Does an Airbag Restrain? . . . . 70
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . . . . 71
What Makes an AirbagInflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Airbag System (cont'd)
What Will You See after an
Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Airbags
Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Passenger Status Indicator . . . . . . . 121
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Rear Pedestrian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . 321
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Antenna
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . . . . 261
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125