2021 CADILLAC ESCALADE maintenance

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
370 VEHICLE CARE
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life
System
Reset the system whenever the engine
oil is changed so that the system can
calculate the next engine oil change.
To reset the system:1. Using the vehicle information screen controls on the right side of
the instrument cluster, display OIL
LIFE on the screen. See Vehicle
Information 0134. When remaining
oil life is low, the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message will
appear on the display.
2. Touch RESET on the screen to clear the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message and reset the oil life
at 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oil life
display accidentally at any time
other than after the oil is changed.
It cannot be reset accurately until
the next oil change.
The oil life system can also be reset as
follows: 1. Display OIL LIFE on the vehicle information screen. See Vehicle
Information 0134. 2. Fully press and release the
accelerator pedal three times
within five seconds.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message is not on, the system is
reset.
The system is reset when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
is off.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message comes back on when the
vehicle is started, the engine oil life
system has not been reset. Repeat the
procedure.
Automatic Transmission
Fluid
When to Check and Change
Automatic Transmission Fluid
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see
the Duramax diesel supplement.
It is usually not necessary to check
the transmission fluid level. The only
reason for fluid loss is a transmission
leak or overheated transmission. This
vehicle is not equipped with a
transmission fluid level dipstick. There is a special procedure for
checking and changing the
transmission fluid in these vehicles.
Because this procedure is difficult,
this should be done at the dealer.
Contact the dealer for additional
information or the procedure can be
found in the service manual. See
Publication Ordering Information
0467.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always use the correct automatic
transmission fluid. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0451.
Change the fluid and filter at the
scheduled maintenance intervals
listed in Maintenance Schedule 0442.
Be sure to use the transmission fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0451.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Engine Air Filter Life
System
If equipped, this feature provides the
engine air filter’s remaining life and
best timing for a change. The timing
to change an engine air filter depends
on driving and environmental
conditions.
When to Change the Engine Air
Filter
When the Driver Information Center
(DIC) displays a message to replace
the engine air filter at the next oil
change, follow this timing.
When the DIC displays a message to
replace the engine air filter soon,
replace the engine air filter at the
earliest convenience.
The system must be reset after the
engine air filter is changed.
If the DIC displays a message to check
the engine air filter system, see your
dealer.
How to Reset the Engine Air
Filter Life System
To reset:1. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
2. Access the Air Filter Life screen from the Vehicle Information main
screen in the infotainment system.
See Vehicle Information 0134 for
instructions on navigating and
selecting items.
3. Touch Reset on the display screen.
4. Touch Yes to confirm the reset.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see
the Duramax diesel supplement. The engine air cleaner/filter is on the
driver side of the engine
compartment. See
Engine Compartment
Overview 0366.
When to Inspect the Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter
If the vehicle is not equipped with the
engine air filter life system see
Maintenance Schedule 0442 for
intervals on inspecting and replacing
the engine air cleaner filter.
How to Inspect/Replace the
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
Do not start the engine or have the
engine running with the engine air
cleaner/filter housing open. Before
removing the engine air cleaner/filter,
make sure that the engine air cleaner/
filter housing and nearby components
are free of dirt and debris. Do not
clean the engine air cleaner/filter or
components with water or
compressed air.
To inspect or replace the engine air
cleaner/filter:

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
380 VEHICLE CARE
the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule0442.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake
fluid from a clean, sealed container.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0451.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the paint
finish can be damaged. Immediately
wash off any painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the
cap and do not add fluid. Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0366
for battery location.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Batteries also contain other
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer. WASH
HANDS AFTER HANDLING. For
more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning
0 363 and the back cover.
Vehicle Storage
{Warning
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode. You
can be badly hurt if you are not
careful. See Jump Starting - North
America 0425 for tips on working
around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery to
keep the battery from running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the black,
negative (−) cable from the battery or
use a battery trickle charger.
Four-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
If the vehicle is equipped with
Four-Wheel Drive, be sure to perform
the lubricant checks described in this
section.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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When to Check Lubricant
Refer toMaintenance Schedule 0442
to determine how often to check the
lubricant.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle
should be on a level surface.
1. Fill Plug
2. Drain Plug
If the level is below the bottom of the
fill plug (1) hole, located on the
transfer case, some lubricant will need
to be added. Add enough lubricant to raise the level to the bottom of the fill
plug (1) hole. Use care not to
overtighten the plug.
What to Use
Refer to
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0451 to determine what
kind of lubricant to use.
Front Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check
the front axle fluid unless a leak is
suspected or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss could indicate a
problem. Have it inspected and
repaired. This service can be complex.
See your dealer.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water can
overcome the seals and contaminate
the fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer case
and/or drive axles and should be
replaced.
Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check
the rear axle fluid unless a leak is
suspected or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss could indicate a
problem. Have it inspected and
repaired. This service can be complex.
See your dealer.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water can
overcome the seals and contaminate
the fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer case
and/or drive axles and should be
replaced.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{Warning
When you are doing this check, the
vehicle could begin to move. You or
others could be injured and
property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front of the
(Continued)

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
382 VEHICLE CARE
Warning (Continued)
vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be
ready to apply the regular brake at
once should the vehicle begin
to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the
vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your
foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
.To check the parking brake's
holding ability: With the engine
running and the transmission in
N (Neutral), slowly remove foot
pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only.
.To check the P (Park) mechanism's
holding ability: With the engine
running, shift to P (Park). Then
release the parking brake followed
by the regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is
required.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be
inspected for wear or cracking.
For the proper type and size, see
Maintenance Replacement Parts 0452.
Caution
Allowing the wiper arm to touch
the windshield when no wiper blade
is installed could damage the
windshield. Any damage that occurs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not allow the wiper
arm to touch the windshield.
Front Wiper Blade Replacement
To replace the wiper blade assembly:
1. Pull the windshield wiper assembly away from the windshield.
2. Press the button in the middle ofthe wiper arm connector, and pull
the wiper blade away from the arm
connector.
3. Remove the wiper blade.
4. Reverse Steps 1–3 for wiper blade replacement.
Rear Wiper Blade Replacement
To replace the rear wiper blade:
1. With the rear wiper in the off position, open the liftglass to
access the rear wiper arm/blade.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
384 VEHICLE CARE
Caution
Do not apply tape or hang any
objects from gas struts. Also do not
push down or pull on gas struts.
This may cause damage to the
vehicle.
See Maintenance Schedule 0442.
Hood
Trunk
Liftgate
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp aim has been preset and
should need no further adjustment.
If the vehicle is damaged in a crash,
the headlamp aim may be affected.
If adjustment to the headlamps is
necessary, see your dealer.
Bulb Replacement
For the proper type of replacement
bulbs, or any bulb changing procedure
not listed in this section, contact your
dealer.
Caution
Do not replace incandescent bulbs
with aftermarket LED replacement
bulbs. This can cause damage to
the vehicle electrical system.
LED Lighting
This vehicle has several LED lamps.
For replacement of any LED lighting
assembly, contact your dealer.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
402 VEHICLE CARE
High Speed Operation Inf lation Pressures
Tire Size Cold Inf lation Pressure kPa (psi)
265/65R18 114T 240 kPa (35 psi)
275/55R20 113V (2WD) 270 kPa (39 psi)
275/55R20 113V (4WD) 260 kPa (38 psi) 275/60R20 115T 240 kPa (35 psi)
275/50R22 111H 270 kPa (39 psi)
Return the tires to the recommended
cold tire inflation pressure when
high-speed driving has ended. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0240 and
Tire Pressure 0400.
Tire Pressure Monitor
System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) uses radio and sensor
technology to check tire pressure
levels. The TPMS sensors monitor the
air pressure in your tires and transmit
tire pressure readings to a receiver
located in the vehicle. Each tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked monthly
when cold and inflated to the
inflation pressure recommended by
the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or tire
inflation pressure label, you should
determine the proper tire inflation
pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your tires
is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to
tire failure. Under-inflation also
reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread
life, and may affect the vehicle's
handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire maintenance,
and it is the driver's responsibility to

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
404 VEHICLE CARE
A Tire and Loading Information label
shows the size of the original
equipment tires and the correct
inflation pressure for the tires when
they are cold. SeeVehicle Load Limits
0 240, for an example of the Tire and
Loading Information label and its
location. Also see Tire Pressure0400.
The TPMS can warn about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not
replace normal tire maintenance. See
Tire Inspection 0406, Tire Rotation
0 406 and
Tires 0393.
Caution
Tire sealant materials are not all
the same. A non-approved tire
sealant could damage the TPMS
sensors. TPMS sensor damage
caused by using an incorrect tire
sealant is not covered by the
vehicle warranty. Always use only
the GM approved tire sealant
available through your dealer or
included in the vehicle.
TPMS Malfunction Light and
Message
The TPMS will not function properly if
one or more of the TPMS sensors are
missing or inoperable. When the
system detects a malfunction, the low
tire pressure warning light flashes for
about one minute and then stays on
for the remainder of the ignition cycle.
A DIC warning message also displays.
The malfunction light and DIC
warning message come on at each
ignition cycle until the problem is
corrected. Some of the conditions that
can cause these to come on are:
.One of the road tires has been
replaced with the spare tire. The
spare tire does not have a TPMS
sensor. The malfunction light and
the DIC message should go off after
the road tire is replaced and the
sensor matching process is
performed successfully. See "TPMS
Sensor Matching Process" later in
this section.
.The TPMS sensor matching process
was not done or not completed
successfully after rotating the tires.
The malfunction light and the DIC message should go off after
successfully completing the sensor
matching process. See "TPMS
Sensor Matching Process" later in
this section.
.One or more TPMS sensors are
missing or damaged. The
malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off when the
TPMS sensors are installed and the
sensor matching process is
performed successfully. See your
dealer for service.
.Replacement tires or wheels do not
match the original equipment tires
or wheels. Tires and wheels other
than those recommended could
prevent the TPMS from functioning
properly. See
Buying New Tires
0 408.
.Operating electronic devices or
being near facilities using radio
wave frequencies similar to the
TPMS could cause the TPMS
sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning
properly, it cannot detect or signal a
low tire pressure condition. See your