Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/11/21
2 INTRODUCTION
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
USA
Using this Manual
To quickly locate information about
the vehicle, use the Index in the back
of the manual. It is an alphabetical
list of what is in the manual and the
page number where it can be found.
Danger, Warning, and
Caution
Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.
{Danger
Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result
in serious injury or death.
{Warning
Warning indicates a hazard that
could result in injury or death.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard that
could result in property or vehicle
damage.
A circle with a slash through it is a
safety symbol which means“Do not,”
“Do not do this,” or“Do not let this
happen.”
Symbols
The vehicle has components and
labels that use symbols instead of
text. Symbols are shown along with
the text describing the operation or information relating to a specific
component, control, message, gauge,
or indicator.
M:
Shown when the owner’s manual
has additional instructions or
information.
*: Shown when the service manual
has additional instructions or
information.
0: Shown when there is more
information on another page —
“see page.”
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that
may be found on the vehicle and what
they mean. See the features in this
manual for information.
u: Air Conditioning System
G:Air Conditioning Refrigerant Oil
9:Airbag Readiness Light
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
$:Brake System Warning Light
9:Dispose of Used Components
Properly
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
SEATS AND RESTRAINTS 71
locked, the interior lamps can be
turned off, and the hazard warning
flashers can be turned off using the
controls for those features. If any of
these systems are damaged in the
crash they may not operate as normal.
{Warning
A crash severe enough to inflate the
airbags may have also damaged
important functions in the vehicle,
such as the fuel system, brake and
steering systems, etc. Even if the
vehicle appears to be drivable after
a moderate crash, there may be
concealed damage that could make
it difficult to safely operate the
vehicle.
Use caution if you should attempt
to restart the engine after a crash
has occurred.
In many crashes severe enough to
inflate the airbag, windshields are
broken by vehicle deformation.
Additional windshield breakage may
also occur from the front outboard
passenger airbag.
.Airbags are designed to inflate only
once. After an airbag inflates, you
will need some new parts for the
airbag system. If you do not get
them, the airbag system will not be
there to help protect you in another
crash. A new system will include
airbag modules and possibly other
parts. The service manual for the
vehicle covers the need to replace
other parts.
.The vehicle has a crash sensing and
diagnostic module which records
information after a crash. See
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
0 469 and
Event Data Recorders 0469.
.Let only qualified technicians work
on the airbag systems. Improper
service can mean that an airbag
system will not work properly. See
your dealer for service.
Passenger Sensing System
The vehicle has a passenger sensing
system for the front outboard
passenger position. The passenger
airbag status indicator will light on
the overhead console when the vehicle
is started.
United States and Canada
The words ON and OFF, and the
symbols for on and off, will be visible
during the system check. When the
system check is complete, either the
word ON or OFF, and the symbol for
on or off, will be visible. See Passenger
Airbag Status Indicator 0121.
The passenger sensing system turns
off the front outboard passenger
frontal airbag under certain
conditions. No other airbag is affected
by the passenger sensing system.
The passenger sensing system works
with sensors that are part of the front
outboard passenger seat and seat belt.
The sensors are designed to detect the
presence of a properly seated
occupant and determine if the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
should be allowed to inflate or not.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
94 SEATS AND RESTRAINTS
Securing Child Restraints
(With the Seat Belt in the
Front Passenger Seat)
This vehicle has airbags. A rear seat is
a safer place to secure a
forward-facing child restraint. See
Where to Put the Restraint082.
In addition, the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system which is
designed to turn off the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag
under certain conditions. See
Passenger Sensing System 071 and
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator 0121
for more information, including
important safety information.
Never put a rear-facing child restraint
in the front. This is because the risk
to the rear-facing child is so great,
if the airbag deploys.
{Warning
A child in a rear-facing child
restraint can be seriously injured or
killed if the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag inflates.
This is because the back of the
rear-facing child restraint would be
very close to the inflating airbag.
A child in a forward-facing child
restraint can be seriously injured or
killed if the front outboard
passenger frontal airbag inflates
and the passenger seat is in a
forward position.
Even if the passenger sensing
system has turned off the front
outboard passenger frontal airbag,
no system is fail-safe. No one can
guarantee that an airbag will not
deploy under some unusual
circumstance, even though it is
turned off.
Secure rear-facing child restraints
in a rear seat, even if the airbag is
off. If you secure a forward-facing
child restraint in the front outboard
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
passenger seat, always move the
seat as far back as it will go. It is
better to secure the child restraint
in a rear seat.
SeePassenger Sensing System 071
for additional information.
If the child restraint uses a top tether,
see Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) 084 for top
tether anchor locations.
Do not secure a child seat in a
position without a top tether anchor if
a national or local law requires that
the top tether be anchored, or if the
instructions that come with the child
restraint say that the top tether must
be anchored.
In Canada, the law requires that
forward-facing child restraints have a
top tether, and that the tether be
attached.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
118 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
The engine coolant temperature gauge
measures the temperature of the
vehicle's engine.
This gauge displays on the
infotainment display. If show in
cluster is selected a digital value is
shown on the instrument cluster in
zone 2.
While driving under normal operating
conditions, if the needle moves into
the red area, the engine is too hot.
Pull off the road, stop the vehicle, and
turn off the engine as soon as
possible.Transmission Temperature
Gauge
Metric
EnglishThe transmission temperature gauge
shows the transmission fluid
temperature. If the gauge is reading in
the red area and/or a message appears
in the Driver Information Center
(DIC), the vehicle must be stopped
and the cause checked. One possible
cause is a low fluid level in the
transmission.
This gauge displays on the
infotainment display. If show in
cluster is selected a digital value is
shown on the instrument cluster in
zone 2.
Caution
Do not drive the vehicle while the
transmission fluid is overheating,
or the transmission can be
damaged. This could lead to costly
repairs that would not be covered
by the warranty.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS 119
Voltmeter Gauge
When the ignition is on, the voltmeter
gauge indicates the battery voltage.
This gauge displays on the
infotainment display. If show in
cluster is selected a digital value is
shown on the instrument cluster in
zone 2.
When the engine is running, this
gauge shows the condition of the
charging system. The gauge can
transition from a higher to lower or a
lower to higher reading. This is
normal. If the vehicle is operating
outside the normal operating range,
the charging system light comes on.See
Charging System Light 0122. The
voltmeter gauge may also read lower
when in fuel economy mode. This is
normal.
Readings outside the normal operating
range can also occur when a large
number of electrical accessories are
operating in the vehicle and the
engine is left idling for an extended
period. This condition is normal since
the charging system is not able to
provide full power at engine idle. As
engine speeds are increased, this
condition should correct itself as
higher engine speeds allow the
charging system to create maximum
power.
The vehicle can only be driven for a
short time with the readings outside
the normal operating range. If the
vehicle must be driven, turn off all
accessories, such as the radio and air
conditioner.
Readings outside the normal operating
range indicate a possible problem in
the electrical system. Have the vehicle
serviced as soon as possible.
Seat Belt Reminders
Driver Seat Belt Reminder Light
There is a driver seat belt reminder
light on the center stack, below the
infotainment screen.
When the vehicle is started, this light
flashes and a chime may come on to
remind the driver to fasten their
seat belt.
Then the light stays on solid until the
belt is buckled. This cycle may
continue several times if the driver
remains or becomes unbuckled while
the vehicle is moving.
If the driver seat belt is buckled,
neither the light nor the chime
comes on.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
122 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Warning (Continued)
the vehicle serviced right away. See
Airbag Readiness Light0120 for
more information, including
important safety information.
Charging System Light
The charging system light comes on
briefly when the ignition is turned on,
but the engine is not running, as a
check to show the light is working.
It should go out when the engine is
started.
If the light stays on, or comes on
while driving, there may be a problem
with the electrical charging system.
Have it checked by your dealer.
Driving while this light is on could
drain the battery. When this light comes on, or is
flashing, the Driver Information
Center (DIC) also displays a message.
If a short distance must be driven
with the light on, be sure to turn off
all accessories, such as the radio and
air conditioner. Find a safe place to
stop the vehicle.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light)
If equipped with a diesel engine, see
the Duramax Diesel Supplement.
This light is part of the vehicle’s
emission control on-board diagnostic
system. It is located on the center
stack, below the infotainment screen.
If this light is on while the engine is
running, a malfunction has been
detected and the vehicle may require
service. The light should come on to
show that it is working when the
ignition is in Service Mode. See
Ignition Positions
0245.
Malfunctions are often indicated by
the system before any problem is
noticeable. Being aware of the light
and seeking service promptly when it
comes on may prevent damage.
Caution
If the vehicle is driven continually
with this light on, the emission
control system may not work as
well, the fuel economy may be
lower, and the vehicle may not run
smoothly. This could lead to costly
repairs that might not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Modifications to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake,
or fuel system, or the use of
replacement tires that do not meet
(Continued)
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
138 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Vehicle Messages
Messages displayed on the DIC
indicate the status of the vehicle or
some action that may be needed to
correct a condition. Multiple messages
may appear one after another.
The messages that do not require
immediate action can be
acknowledged and cleared by pressing
the thumbwheel. The messages that
require immediate action cannot be
cleared until that action is performed.
All messages should be taken
seriously; clearing the message does
not correct the problem.
If a SERVICE message appears, see
your dealer.
Follow the instructions given in the
messages. The system displays
messages regarding the following
topics:
.Service Messages
.Fluid Levels
.Vehicle Security
.Brakes
.Ride Control Systems
.Driver Assistance Systems
.Cruise Control
.Lighting and Bulb Replacement
.Wiper/Washer Systems
.Doors and Windows
.Seat Belts
.Airbag Systems
.Engine and Transmission
.Tire Pressure
.Battery
Engine Power Messages
REDUCED ACCELERATION DRIVE
WITH CARE
This message displays when the
vehicle's propulsion power is reduced.
A reduction in propulsion power can
affect the vehicle's ability to
accelerate. If this message is on, but
there is no observed reduction in
performance, proceed to your
destination. Under certain conditions
the performance may be reduced the
next time the vehicle is driven. The
vehicle may be driven while this
message is on, but maximum
acceleration and speed may be
reduced. Anytime this message stayson, or displays repeatedly, the vehicle
should be taken to your dealer for
service as soon as possible.
Under certain operating conditions,
propulsion will be disabled. Try
restarting after the ignition has been
off for two minutes.
Vehicle Speed Messages
SPEED LIMITED TO XXX
KM/H (MPH)
This message shows that the vehicle
speed has been limited to the speed
displayed. The limited speed is a
protection for various propulsion and
vehicle systems, such as lubrication,
thermal, brakes, suspension, Teen
Driver if equipped, or tires.
Vehicle Personalization
The following are all possible vehicle
personalization features. Depending
on the vehicle, some may not be
available.
For System and Search functions, see
Settings
0203.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
140 INSTRUMENTS AND CONTROLS
Rear Climate on Startup
This setting controls the rear climate
system behavior at vehicle startup.
Mimic Front will sync the rear
settings with the front driver climate
settings.
Touch Off or Mimic Front.
Auto Defog
This setting automatically directs air
to the windshield to assist in
defogging, based on temperature and
humidity conditions.
Touch Off or On.
Auto Rear Defog
This setting automatically turns on
the rear window defogger on based on
temperature and humidity conditions.
Touch Off or On.
Ionizer
If equipped and on, this feature helps
clean the air inside the vehicle and
remove contaminants such as pollen,
odors, and dust. SeeDual Automatic
Climate Control System 0220.
Touch Off or On. Auto Air Distribution
This setting controls the way air flows
in the vehicle when using Auto
Climate Control.
Touch Direct Airflow, Normal Airflow,
or Diffuse Airflow.
Collision/Detection Systems
Touch and the following may display:
.Alert Type
.Forward Collision System
.Front Pedestrian Detection
.Intersection Stop Alert
.Adaptive Cruise Go Notifier
.Side Blind Zone Alert
.Lane Change Alert
.Seat Belt Tightening
.Park Assist
.Park Assist Towbar
.Rear Camera Park Assist Symbols
.Rear Cross Traffic Alert
.Rear Pedestrian Detection
.Super Cruise Lane Change
Alert Type
This feature sets the type of alert from
the driver assistance systems to help
avoid crashes.
Touch Beeps or Safety Alert Seat.
Forward Collision System
This setting can alert of a potential
crash with a detected vehicle ahead
and can apply brakes to help reduce a
collision’s severity.
Touch Off, Alert, or Alert and Brake.
Front Pedestrian Detection
This feature may help avoid or reduce
the harm caused by front-end crashes
with nearby pedestrians. See
Front
Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System 0317.
Touch Off, Alert, or Alert and Brake.
Intersection Stop Alert
This feature alerts the driver when the
vehicle is about to go through a red
light or when the vehicle enters an
intersection and detects a potential
crash with a vehicle crossing ahead.
Touch Off or Alert.