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 - 8/11/21
INTRODUCTION 5
1.Driver Information Center (DIC)
0132.
2. Air Vents 0225.
3. Turn Signal Lever. See Turn and
Lane-Change Signals 0153.
Exterior Lamp Controls 0149.
4. Tap Shift Controls (If Equipped). See Manual Mode 0255.
5. Instrument Cluster 0114.
6. Driver Monitoring Camera. See Super Cruise 0283 (If Equipped).
7. Windshield Wiper/Washer 0105.
Rear Window Wiper/Washer 0107.
8. Infotainment. See Overview0158.
9. Light Sensor. See Automatic
Headlamp System 0152.
10. Dual Automatic Climate Control
System 0220.
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
0 48 (If Equipped).
11. USB Ports. See USB Port0169.
12. Storage Compartment.
13. Infotainment Controls. See Overview 0158.
14. Hazard Warning Flashers 0153. 15.
Wireless Charging 0111.
16. Shift Lever. See Automatic
Transmission 0251.
17. Automatic Vehicle Hold (AVH) 0263.
Stop/Start Disable Button. See
Stop/Start System 0247.
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) 0324 (If
Equipped).
18. ENGINE START/STOP Button. See Ignition Positions 0245.
19. Steering Wheel Controls 0104.
20. Horn 0104.
21. Steering Column Adjustment. See Steering Wheel Adjustment 0104.
22. Hood Release. See Hood0365.
23. Cruise Control 0271 (If Equipped).
Adaptive Cruise Control (Advanced)
0 274 (If Equipped).
Super Cruise 0283 (If Equipped).
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System
0 313 (If Equipped).
Heated Steering Wheel 0104 (If
Equipped).
24. Instrument Panel Illumination
Control 0154. 25. Data Link Connector (DLC) (Out of
View). See Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (Check Engine Light) 0122.
26. Trailer Brake Control. See Towing
Equipment 0338 (If Equipped).
27. Electric Parking Brake 0261.
28. Four-Wheel Drive 0256 (If
Equipped).
Four Corner Air Suspension System
0 268 (If Equipped).
Driver Mode Control 0266
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
28 KEYS, DOORS, AND WINDOWS
Power Assist Steps
{Warning
To avoid personal injury or property
damage, before entering or exiting
the vehicle, be sure the power assist
step is fully extended. Do not step
on the power assist step while it is
moving. Never place hands or other
body parts between the extended
power assist step and the vehicle.
If equipped, the power assist steps will
deploy when the door is opened and
automatically retract three seconds
after the door is closed. The power
assist steps will retract immediately if
the vehicle starts moving.
Disable the power assist steps before
jacking or placing any object under
the vehicle. Too much ice buildup
may prevent deployment of the power
assist steps. Check the step position
before exiting the vehicle. If this
happens, disable the power assist
steps, clear the ice, then enable the
assist steps and confirm normal
function prior to use. Keep hands, children, pets, objects,
and clothing clear of the power assist
steps when in motion. The steps will
reverse direction if they encounter an
obstruction when opening or closing.
Remove the obstruction, then open
and close the door on the same side
to complete the motion of the assist
steps. If the obstruction is not cleared,
the assist steps remain extended while
driving.
To extend or retract both power assist
steps for cleaning, see
Vehicle
Personalization 0138.
Enable/Disable
To enable or disable the power assist
steps, see Vehicle Personalization
0 138.
Vehicle Security
This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not make
the vehicle impossible to steal.
Vehicle Alarm System
The indicator light, on the driver door
near the window, indicates the status
of the system. See Power Door Locks
0 18
Arming the Alarm System
1. Turn off the vehicle.
2. Lock the vehicle in one of
three ways:
.Use the remote key.
.Use the Keyless Access system.
.With a door open, pressQon
the interior of the door.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
KEYS, DOORS, AND WINDOWS 31
To keep the steering column from
binding, straighten the front wheels
before turning off the vehicle.
Immobilizer
SeeRadio Frequency Statement 0467.
Immobilizer Operation
This vehicle has a passive
theft-deterrent system.
The system does not have to be
manually armed or disarmed.
The vehicle is automatically
immobilized when the vehicle is
turned off.
The immobilization system is
disarmed when the ignition is turned
on or to ACC/ACCESSORY and a valid
remote key is present in the vehicle.
The security light, in the instrument
cluster, comes on if there is a problem
with arming or disarming the
theft-deterrent system.
The system has one or more remote
keys matched to an immobilizer
control unit in the vehicle. Only a
correctly matched remote key will
start the vehicle. If the remote key is
ever damaged, you may not be able to
start your vehicle.
When trying to start the vehicle, the
security light may come on briefly.
If the engine does not start and the
security light stays on, there is a
problem with the system. Turn the
ignition off and try again.
If the vehicle will not change ignition
modes (ACC/ACCESSORY, on, off), and
the remote key appears to be
undamaged, try another remote key.
Or, you may try placing the remote
key in the backup location. See
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation 07.
If the ignition modes will not change
with the other remote key or in the
backup location, the vehicle needs service. If the ignition does change
modes, the first remote key may be
faulty. See your dealer.
It is possible for the immobilizer
system to learn new or replacement
remote keys. Up to eight remote keys
can be programmed for the vehicle. To
program additional remote keys, see
“Programming Remote Keys to the
Vehicle
”under Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System Operation 07.
Do not leave the remote key or device
that disarms or deactivates the
theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.
Exterior Mirrors
Convex Mirrors
{Warning
A convex mirror can make things,
like other vehicles, look farther
away than they really are. If you cut
too sharply into the right lane, you
could hit a vehicle on the right.
Check the inside mirror or glance
over your shoulder before changing
lanes.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
KEYS, DOORS, AND WINDOWS 37
Power windows work when the
ignition is on, in ACC/ACCESSORY,
or when Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) is active. SeeRetained Accessory
Power (RAP) 0248.
Using the window switch, press to
open or pull to close the window.
The windows may be temporarily
disabled if they are used repeatedly
within a short time.
Window Lockout
This feature stops the rear passenger
window switches from working.
.Press2to engage the rear window
lockout feature. The indicator light
is on when engaged.
.Press2again to disengage.
Window Express Movement
All windows can be opened without
holding the window switch. Press the
switch down fully and quickly release
to express open the window.
If equipped, pull the window switch
up fully and quickly release to express
close the window.
Briefly press or pull the window
switch in the same direction to stop
that window’s express movement.
Window Automatic Reversal
System
The express-close feature will reverse
window movement if it comes in
contact with an object. Extreme cold
or ice could cause the window to
auto-reverse. The window will operate
normally after the object or condition
is removed.
Automatic Reversal System
Override
{Warning
If automatic reversal system
override is active, the window will
not reverse automatically. You or
others could be injured and the
window could be damaged. Before
using automatic reversal system
override, make sure that all people
and obstructions are clear of the
window path.
When the engine is on, override the
automatic reversal system by pulling
and holding the window switch if
conditions prevent it from closing.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
58 SEATS AND RESTRAINTS
Folding the Third Row Seats from
the Overhead Console
To fold the seats from the overhead
console, if equipped:
The vehicle must be in P (Park) for
this feature to work.1. Press and hold the switch to fold the third row seatback.
The left switch folds the left
seatback, and the right switch folds
the right seatback.
2. Repeat the steps for the other seatback, if desired. 3. Press and hold the switch to return
the seatback to the seating
position.
If the red light on the switch is
illuminated, the third row seatback
is not in the seating position.
If the red light on the switch is off,
the third row seatback is in the
seating position.
There are additional switches which
can be used to fold the third row
seatbacks from the cargo area. See
Third Row Seats 055.Seat Belts
This section describes how to use seat
belts properly, and some things not
to do.
{Warning
Do not let anyone ride where a seat
belt cannot be worn properly. In a
crash, if you or your passenger(s)
are not wearing seat belts, injuries
can be much worse than if you are
wearing seat belts. You can be
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
seriously injured or killed by hitting
things inside the vehicle harder or
by being ejected from the vehicle.
In addition, anyone who is not
buckled up can strike other
passengers in the vehicle.
It is extremely dangerous to ride in
a cargo area, inside or outside of a
vehicle. In a collision, passengers
riding in these areas are more likely
to be seriously injured or killed. Do
not allow passengers to ride in any
area of the vehicle that is not
equipped with seats and seat belts.
Always wear a seat belt, and check
that all passenger(s) are restrained
properly too.
This vehicle has indicators as a
reminder to buckle the seat belts. See
Seat Belt Reminders 0119.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
SEATS AND RESTRAINTS 61
Always use the correct buckle for your
seating position.
Never route the lap or shoulder belt
over an armrest.
{Warning
The seat belt can be pinched if it is
routed under plastic trim on the
seat, such as trim around the rear
seatback folding handle or side
airbag. In a crash, pinched seat
belts might not be able to provide
adequate protection. Never allow
seat belts to be routed under plastic
trim pieces.
Lap-Shoulder Belt
All seating positions in the vehicle
have a lap-shoulder belt.
If you are using a rear seating position
with a detachable seat belt and the
seat belt is not attached, seeThird
Row Seats 055 for instructions on
reconnecting the seat belt to the
mini-buckle.
The following instructions explain
how to wear a lap-shoulder belt
properly.
1. Adjust the seat, if the seat is adjustable, so you can sit up
straight. To see how, see “Seats”in
the Index.
2. Pick up the latch plate and pull the belt across you. Do not let it get
twisted.
The lap-shoulder belt may lock if
you pull the belt across you very
quickly. If this happens, let the belt
go back slightly to unlock it. Then
pull the belt across you more
slowly.
If the shoulder portion of a
passenger belt is pulled out all the
way, the child restraint locking
feature may be engaged. See Child
Restraint Systems 080. If this
occurs, let the belt go back all the
way and start again. If the locking
feature stays engaged after letting
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13690472) - 2021 - CRC - 8/10/21
SEATS AND RESTRAINTS 65
it replaced immediately. If a belt is
twisted, it may be possible to untwist
by reversing the latch plate on the
webbing. If the twist cannot be
corrected, ask your dealer to fix it.
Make sure the seat belt reminder light
is working. SeeSeat Belt Reminders
0 119.
Keep seat belts clean and dry. See Seat
Belt Care 065.
Seat Belt Care
Keep belts clean and dry.
Seat belts should be properly cared for
and maintained.
Seat belt hardware should be kept dry
and free of dust or debris. As
necessary, exterior hard surfaces and
seat belt webbing may be lightly
cleaned with mild soap and water.
Ensure there is not excessive dust or
debris in the mechanism. If dust or
debris exists in the system please see
the dealer. Parts may need to be
replaced to ensure proper
functionality of the system.
{Warning
Do not bleach or dye seat belt
webbing. It may severely weaken
the webbing. In a crash, they might
not be able to provide adequate
protection. Clean and rinse seat belt
webbing only with mild soap and
lukewarm water. Allow the webbing
to dry.
Replacing Seat Belt
System Parts after a Crash
{Warning
A crash can damage the seat belt
system in the vehicle. A damaged
seat belt system may not properly
protect the person using it,
resulting in serious injury or even
death in a crash. To help make sure
the seat belt systems are working
properly after a crash, have them
inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as
possible. After a minor crash, replacement of
seat belts may not be necessary. But
the seat belt assemblies that were
used during any crash may have been
stressed or damaged. See your dealer
to have the seat belt assemblies
inspected or replaced.
New parts and repairs may be
necessary even if the seat belt system
was not being used at the time of the
crash.
Have the seat belt pretensioners
checked if the vehicle has been in a
crash, or if the airbag readiness light
stays on after you start the vehicle or
while you are driving. See
Airbag
Readiness Light 0120.
Airbag System
The vehicle has the following airbags:
.A frontal airbag for the driver
.A frontal airbag for the front
outboard passenger
.A front center airbag for the driver
and front outboard passenger
.A seat-mounted side impact airbag
for the driver