Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
VEHICLE CARE 363
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 428
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . 429
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 432
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 437
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit your
dealer. You will receive genuine GM
parts and GM-trained and supported
service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of these
marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
{Warning
Most motor vehicles, including this
one, as well as many of its service
parts and fluids, contain and/or
emit chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Engine exhaust, many parts
and systems, many fluids, and
some component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these
chemicals. For more information go
to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0380 and
Jump Starting - North America 0425
and the back cover.
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag initiators,
seat belt pretensioners, and lithium
batteries contained in electronic keys,
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
VEHICLE CARE 415
Use the following tools:
1. Jack
2. Wheel Blocks
3. Jack Handle
4. Jack Handle Extensions
5. Wheel Wrench
To access the spare tire, refer to the
following graphics and instructions:
1. Hoist Assembly
2. Hoist Shaft
3. Hoist Shaft Access Cover/Hole
4. Jack Handle Extension
5. Wheel Wrench
6. Spare Tire Lock
7. Hoist End of Extension Tool
8. Hoist Shaft Access Hole
9. Spare Tire (Valve StemPointed Up)
10.Tire/Wheel Retainer
11.Hoist Cable
1. Open the hoist shaft access cover (3) on the bumper to access
the spare tire lock (6).
2. To remove the spare tire lock (6), insert the mechanical key, turn it
clockwise and then pull it
straight out.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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VEHICLE CARE 431
7. Place the vehicle in ACC/ACCESSORY mode by pressing the
start button without stepping on
the brake pedal.
8. Release the parking brake only when you are confident it is
secured to tow vehicle and will
not roll.
Before going on to the next step, be
sure to take the mechanical key
with you. It will be needed to
re-enter the vehicle after the power
is disconnected. See “Drive Door
Key Lock Cylinder Access” under
Door Locks 015.
9. Disconnect the negative battery cable at the battery and secure the
nut and bolt. Cover the negative
battery post with a non-conductive
material to prevent any contact
with the negative battery terminal.
Caution
Failure to disconnect the negative
battery cable or to have it contact
the terminals can cause damage to
the vehicle. 10. Move the steering wheel to make
sure the steering column is
unlocked.
Caution
If the steering column is locked,
vehicle damage may occur.
11. Rock the vehicle to make sure the parking brake is not set and
transfer case is in N (Neutral).
Caution
Towing the vehicle with the parking
brake set can damage it. Always
release the parking brake prior to
towing the vehicle.
Disconnecting the Towed Vehicle
Before disconnecting the towed
vehicle: 1. Park on a level surface.
2. Connect the battery.
3. Apply the brake pedal.
{Warning
The vehicle can roll when the brake
pedal is released. Always apply and
hold the brake pedal when setting
the parking brake. Make sure the
parking brake is fully engaged
before releasing the brake pedal.
4. Start the engine and shift the transfer case out of N (Neutral) to
2
m. See “Shifting out of
N (Neutral)” underFour-Wheel Drive
0 256. See your dealer if the
transfer case cannot be shifted out
of N (Neutral).
5. Check that the vehicle is in 2
mby
shifting the transmission to
R (Reverse) and then to D (Drive).
There should be movement of the
vehicle while shifting.
6. Shift the transmission to P (Park) and turn off the vehicle.
7. Set the parking brake.
8. Release the parking brake.
9. Disconnect the vehicle from the tow vehicle.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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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-
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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 451
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
This maintenance section applies to vehicles with a gasoline engine. If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see“Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants” in the Duramax diesel supplement.
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name or specification, including fluids or lubricants not listed here, can be
obtained from your dealer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Automatic Transmission DEXRON ULV Automatic Transmission Fluid. Chassis Lubrication Lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2, Category LB or GC-LB.Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant. See Cooling System0372.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. See Engine Oil0367.
Front Axle (4WD Only) and Rear Axle. See your dealer. Hydraulic Brake System DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid.
Key Lock Cylinders, Hood Hinges, Body Door Hinge Pins, Power Assist Steps,Liftgate Hinge, and Fuel Door Hinge Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube. See your dealer.
Transfer Case (4WD Only) See your dealer.
Weatherstrip Conditioning Weatherstrip lubricant. See your dealer. Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
472 ONSTAR
PressQto connect to an Advisor to:
.Verify account information or
update contact information.
.Get driving directions.
.Receive a Diagnostic check of the
vehicle's key operating systems.
.Receive Roadside Service.
.Manage Wi-Fi Settings, if equipped.
Press
>to get a priority connection
to an OnStar Advisor available 24/7 to:
.Get help for an emergency.
.Be a Good Samaritan or respond to
an AMBER Alert.
.Get assistance in severe weather or
other crisis situations and find
evacuation routes.
OnStar Services
Emergency
Emergency Services require an active
safety and security plan. With
Automatic Crash Response, built-in
sensors can automatically alert a
specially trained OnStar Advisor who
is immediately connected in to the
vehicle to help. Press
>for a priority connection to
an OnStar Advisor who can contact
emergency service providers, direct
them to your exact location, and relay
important information.
With OnStar Crisis Assist, specially
trained Advisors are available
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to
provide a central point of contact,
assistance, and information during a
crisis.
With Roadside Service, Advisors can
locate a nearby service provider to
help with a flat tire, a battery jump,
or an empty gas tank.
Security
If equipped, OnStar provides these
services:
.With Stolen Vehicle Assistance,
OnStar Advisors can use GPS to
pinpoint the vehicle and help
authorities quickly recover it.
.With Remote Ignition Block,
if equipped, OnStar can block the
engine from being restarted.
.With Stolen Vehicle Slowdown,
if equipped, OnStar can work with
law enforcement to gradually slow
the vehicle down.
Theft Alarm Notification
If equipped, if the doors are locked
and the vehicle alarm sounds, a
notification by text, e-mail, or phone
call will be sent. If the vehicle is
stolen, an OnStar Advisor can work
with authorities to recover the vehicle.
OnStar Additional
Information
In-Vehicle Audio Messages
Audio messages may play important
information at the following times:
.Prior to vehicle purchase. PressQ
to set up an account.
.After change in ownership and at
90 days.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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478 CONNECTED SERVICES
.Send destinations to the vehicle.
.Locate the vehicle on a map (U.S.
market only).
.Turn the vehicle's Wi-Fi hotspot on/
off, manage settings, and monitor
data consumption, if equipped.
.Locate a dealer and schedule
service.
.Request Roadside Service.
.Set a parking reminder with pin
drop, take a photo, make a note,
and set a timer.
.Connect with Cadillac on social
media.
Features are subject to change. For
myCadillac mobile app information
and compatibility, see my.cadillac.com.
An active OnStar or connected service
plan may be required. A compatible
device, factory-installed remote start,
and power locks are required. Data
rates apply. See www.onstar.com for
details and system limitations.
Remote Services
Contact an OnStar Advisor to unlock
the doors or sound the horn and flash
the lamps.
Marketplace
OnStar Advisors can provide offers
from restaurants and retailers on your
route, help locate hotels, or book a
room. These services vary by market.
Diagnostics
By monitoring and reporting on the
vehicle’s key systems, OnStar
Advanced Diagnostics, if equipped,
provides a way to keep up on
maintenance. Capabilities vary by
model. See www.onstar.com for
details and system limitations.
Features are subject to change. For
updates on feature capabilities, see
my.cadillac.com. Message and data
rates may apply.