2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE Owner's Manual

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
240 DRIVING AND OPERATING
To save fuel, run the engine for short
periods to warm the vehicle and then
shut the engine off and partially close
the window. Moving about to keep
warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive,
when running the engine, push the
accelerator pedal slightly so the
engine runs faster than the idle speed.
This keeps the battery charged to
restart the vehicle and to signal for
help with the headlamps. Do this as
little as possible, to save fuel.
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels
to free the vehicle when stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow.
If stuck too severely for the traction
system to free the vehicle, turn the
traction system off and use the
rocking method. SeeTraction Control/
Electronic Stability Control 0264.
{Warning
If the vehicle's tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you or
others could be injured. The vehicle
can overheat, causing an engine
compartment fire or other damage.
Spin the wheels as little as possible
and avoid going above 56 km/h
(35 mph).
Rocking the Vehicle to Get it Out
Turn the steering wheel left and right
to clear the area around the front
wheels. Turn off any traction system.
Shift back and forth between
R (Reverse) and a low forward gear,
spinning the wheels as little as
possible. To prevent transmission
wear, wait until the wheels stop
spinning before shifting gears. Release
the accelerator pedal while shifting,
and press lightly on the accelerator
pedal when the transmission is in
gear. Slowly spinning the wheels in
the forward and reverse directions
causes a rocking motion that could
free the vehicle. If that does not get
the vehicle out after a few tries, it might need to be towed out. If the
vehicle does need to be towed out, see
Towing the Vehicle
0428.
Vehicle Load Limits
It is very important to know how
much weight the vehicle can carry.
This weight is called the vehicle
capacity weight and includes the
weight of all occupants, cargo, and
all nonfactory-installed options.
Two labels on the vehicle may
show how much weight it was
designed to carry, the Tire and
Loading Information label and the
Certification/Tire label.
{Warning
Do not load the vehicle any
heavier than the Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR),
or either the maximum front or
rear Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR). This can cause
systems to break and change
the way the vehicle handles.
(Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 241
Warning (Continued)
This could cause loss of control
and a crash. Overloading can
also reduce stopping
performance, damage the tires,
and shorten the life of the
vehicle.
Tire and Loading Information Label
Label Example
A vehicle specific Tire and
Loading Information label is
attached to the center pillar
(B-pillar). The tire and loading
information label shows thenumber of occupant seating
positions (1), and the maximum
vehicle capacity weight (2) in
kilograms and pounds.
The Tire and Loading Information
label also shows the size of the
original equipment tires (3) and
the recommended cold tire
inflation pressures (4). For more
information on tires and inflation
see
Tires 0393 and
Tire Pressure 0400.
There is also important loading
information on the vehicle
Certification/Tire label. It may
show the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR) and the Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR) for the
front and rear axles. See
“Certification/Tire Label” later in
this section.
“Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit–
1.
Locate the statement "The
combined weight of occupants
and cargo should never exceed
XXX kg or XXX lbs." on your
vehicle’s placard.
2.Determine the combined weight
of the driver and passengers
that will be riding in your
vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight
of the driver and passengers
from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For
example, if the "XXX" amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there will
be five 150 lb passengers in
your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
242 DRIVING AND OPERATING
5.Determine the combined weight
of luggage and cargo being
loaded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed
the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer
will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.”
SeeTrailer Towing 0334 for important
information on towing a trailer,
towing safety rules, and trailering tips.
Example 1
1. Maximum Vehicle Capacity
Weight for Example 1 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 2 = 136 kg
(300 lbs)
3. Available Occupant and Cargo Weight = 317 kg (700 lbs)
Example 2
1. Vehicle Capacity Weight for
Example 2 = 453 kg (1,000 lbs)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 68 kg (150 lbs) × 5 = 136 kg
(750 lbs)
3. Available Cargo Weight = 113 kg (250 lbs)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
DRIVING AND OPERATING 243
Example 3
1. Maximum Vehicle CapacityWeight for Example 3 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs)
2. Subtract Occupant Weight @ 91 kg (200 lbs) × 5 = 453 kg
(1,000 lbs)
3. Available Cargo Weight = 0 kg (0 lbs)
Refer to the vehicle's Tire and
Loading Information label for
specific information about the
vehicle's capacity weight and
seating positions. The combined weight of the driver, passengers,
and cargo should never exceed the
vehicle's capacity weight.
Certification/Tire Label
Label Example
A vehicle specific Certification/
Tire label is attached to the
B-pillar. The label may show the
size of the vehicle's original tires
and the inflation pressures needed
to obtain the gross weight
capacity of the vehicle. This is
called Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR). The GVWR
includes the weight of the vehicle,
all occupants, fuel, and cargo.
The Certification/Tire label may
also show the maximum weights
for the front and rear axles, called
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).
To find out the actual loads on
the front and rear axles, weigh the
vehicle at a weigh station. Your
dealer can help with this. Be sure
to spread the load equally on both
sides of the center line.
The warranty does not cover parts
or components that fail because of
overloading.
The label will help determine how
much cargo and installed
equipment the vehicle can carry.
Using heavier suspension
components to get added
durability might not change the
weight ratings. Ask your dealer to
help load the vehicle properly.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
244 DRIVING AND OPERATING
{Warning
Things you put inside the
vehicle can strike and injure
people in a sudden stop or turn,
or in a crash.
.Put things in the cargo area
of the vehicle. Try to spread
the weight evenly.
.Never stack heavier things,
like suitcases, inside the
vehicle so that some of them
are above the tops of the
seats.
.Do not leave an unsecured
child restraint in the vehicle.
.When you carry something
inside the vehicle, secure it
whenever you can.
.Do not leave a seat folded
down unless you need to. There is also important loading
information for off-road driving in
this manual. See
“Loading the
Vehicle for Off-Road Driving”
under Off-Road Driving 0234.
Add-On Equipment
There may be a limit on how
many people can be inside the
vehicle when carrying removable
items. Be sure to weigh the vehicle
before buying and installing the
new equipment.
Caution
Overloading the vehicle may cause
damage. Repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do
not overload the vehicle.
Remember not to exceed the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
of the front or rear axle.
Starting and Operating
New Vehicle Break-In
Caution
The vehicle does not need an
elaborate break-in. But it will
perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
.Keep the vehicle speed at
88 km/h (55 mph) or less for the
first 805 km (500 mi).
.Do not drive at any one constant
speed, fast or slow, for the first
805 km (500 mi). Do not make
full-throttle starts. Avoid
downshifting to brake or slow the
vehicle.
.Avoid making hard stops for the
first 322 km (200 mi) or so.
During this time the new brake
linings are not yet broken in.
Hard stops with new linings can
mean premature wear and earlier
replacement. Follow this
breaking-in guideline every time
you get new brake linings. (Continued)

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-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
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 247
Starting Procedure
1. The remote key must be in thevehicle. Press ENGINE START/
STOP with the brake pedal applied.
When the engine begins cranking,
let go of the button.
The idle speed will go down as the
engine gets warm. Do not race the
engine immediately after starting
it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently to allow the oil
to warm up and lubricate all
moving parts.
When the low fuel warning light is
on and the FUEL LEVEL LOW
message is displayed in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), press the
ENGINE START/STOP position to
continue engine cranking.
Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by trying to start
the engine immediately after
cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor,
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
and drain the battery. Wait at least
15 seconds between each try, to let
the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after five to 10 seconds, especially in
very cold weather (below −18 °C or
0 °F), it could be flooded with too
much gasoline. Try pushing the
accelerator pedal all the way to the
floor and holding it there while
pressing ENGINE START/STOP for
up to a maximum of 15 seconds.
Wait at least 15 seconds between
each try, to allow the cranking
motor to cool down. When the
engine starts, let go of the button
and accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briefly but then stops again, do the
same thing. This clears the extra
gasoline from the engine. Do not
race the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil
warms up and lubricates all
moving parts.
Stop/Start System
If equipped and enabled, the Stop/
Start system will shut off the engine
to help conserve fuel. It has
components designed for the
increased number of starts.
{Warning
The automatic engine Stop/Start
feature causes the engine to shut
off while the vehicle is still on. Do
not exit the vehicle before shifting
to P (Park). The vehicle may restart
and move unexpectedly. Always
shift to P (Park), and then turn the
ignition off before exiting the
vehicle.
Auto Engine Stop/Start
When the brakes are applied and the
vehicle is at a complete stop, the
engine may turn off. When stopped,
the tachometer displays AUTO STOP.
See Tachometer 0116. When the brake
pedal is released or the accelerator
pedal is pressed, the engine will
restart.