Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
15567102) - 2022 - CRC - 11/17/21
252 DRIVING AND OPERATING
The timer will reset if the vehicle is
taken out of P (Park) while it is
running.
Engine Exhaust{
Warning
Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. Exposure to CO
can cause unconsciousness and
even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
.The vehicle idles in areas with
poor ventilation (parking garages,
tunnels, deep snow that may
block underbody airf low or tail
pipes).
.The exhaust smells or sounds
strange or different.
.The exhaust system leaks due to
corrosion or damage.
.The vehicle exhaust system has
been modified, damaged,
or improperly repaired. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.There are holes or openings in
the vehicle body from damage or
aftermarket modifications that
are not completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or if
it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle:
.Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
.Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed area
such as a garage or a building that
has no fresh air ventilation.
Running the Vehicle While
Parked
It is better not to park with the engine
running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine
running, follow the proper steps to be
sure the vehicle will not move. See
Shifting Into Park 0250 and
Engine Exhaust 0252. If parking on a hill and pulling a
trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and
Towing Tips 0336.
Automatic Transmission
The shift pattern is displayed in the
top of the shift lever. The selected
gear position will illuminate red on
the shift lever, while all others will be
displayed in white. If the shift is not
immediate, as in very cold conditions,
the indicator on the shift lever may
flash until it is fully engaged.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 337
.During the first 800 km (500 mi) of
trailer towing, do not drive over
80 km/h (50 mph) and do not make
starts at full throttle.
.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
Tow/Haul Mode is recommended
for heavier trailers. SeeDriver Mode
Control 0267. If the transmission
downshifts too often, a lower gear
may be selected using Manual
Mode. See Manual Mode 0256.
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be turned
off when towing a trailer:
.Park Assist
.Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
.Reverse Automatic Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be turned
to alert or off when towing a trailer,
unless equipped with Super Cruise:
.Automatic Emergency
Braking (AEB)
.Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB)
If equipped with Lane Change Alert
(LCA), the LCA detection zones that
extend back from the side of the
vehicle do not move further back when a trailer is towed. Use caution
while changing lanes when towing a
trailer.
If equipped with Rear Cross Traffic
Alert (RCTA), use caution while
backing up when towing a trailer, as
the RCTA detection zones that extend
out from the back of the vehicle do
not move further back when a trailer
is towed.
{Warning
When towing a trailer, exhaust
gases may collect at the rear of the
vehicle and enter if the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most window
is open.
When towing a trailer:
.Do not drive with the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most
window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on or
under the instrument panel.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Also adjust the climate control
system to a setting that brings in
only outside air. See“Climate
Control Systems” in the Index.
For more information about carbon
monoxide, see Engine Exhaust
0 252.
Towing a trailer requires experience.
The combination of the vehicle and
trailer is longer and not as responsive
as the vehicle itself. Get used to the
handling and braking of the
combination by driving on a level road
surface before driving on public roads.
The trailer structure, the tires, and the
brakes must be all be rated to carry
the intended cargo. Inadequate trailer
equipment can cause the combination
to operate in an unexpected or unsafe
manner. Before driving, inspect all
trailer hitch parts and attachments,
safety chains, electrical connectors,
lamps, tires, and mirrors. See Towing
Equipment 0344. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the combination
moving and then manually apply the
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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DRIVING AND OPERATING 339
Parking on Hills
{Warning
To prevent serious injury or death,
always park your vehicle and trailer
on a level surface when possible.
When parking your vehicle and your
trailer on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn the
wheels into the curb if facing
downhill or into traffic if facing
uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, gradually release the brake
pedal to allow the chocks to absorb
the load of the trailer.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and shift
into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
.Start the engine.
.Shift into a gear.
.Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Launching and Retrieving a Boat
Backing the Trailer into the Water
{Warning
.Have all passengers get out of
the vehicle before backing onto
the sloped part of the ramp.
Lower the driver and passenger
side windows before backing
onto the ramp. This will provide
a means of escape in the unlikely
event the vehicle slides into the
water.
.If the boat launch surface is
slippery, have the driver remain
in the vehicle with the brake
pedal applied while the boat is
being launched. The boat launch
can be especially slippery at low
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
tide when part of the ramp was
previously submerged at high
tide. Do not back onto the ramp
to launch the boat if you are not
sure the vehicle can maintain
traction.
.Do not move the vehicle if
someone is in the path of the
trailer. Some parts of the trailer
might be underwater and not
visible to people who are
assisting in launching the boat.
Disconnect the wiring to the trailer
before backing the trailer into the
water to prevent damage to the
electrical circuits on the trailer.
Reconnect the wiring to the trailer
after removing the trailer from the
water. If the trailer has electric brakes
that can function when the trailer is
submerged, it might help to leave the
electrical trailer connector attached to
maintain trailer brake functionality
while on the boat ramp.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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382 VEHICLE CARE
Check to see if the engine cooling
fan(s) are running. If the engine is
overheating, the fans should be
running. If they are not, do not
continue to run the engine. Have the
vehicle serviced.
If Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam and scalding liquids from a
hot cooling system are under
pressure. Turning the pressure cap,
even a little, can cause them to
come out at high speed and you
could be burned. Never turn the cap
when the cooling system, including
the pressure cap, is hot. Wait for
the cooling system and pressure
cap to cool.
If No Steam is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
The ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE or the ENGINE
OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE message,
along with a low coolant condition,
can indicate a serious problem.If there is an engine overheat warning,
but no steam is seen or heard, the
problem may not be too serious.
Sometimes the engine can get a little
too hot when the vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
.Stops after high-speed driving.
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
.Tows a trailer; see
Trailer Towing
0 340.
If the ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP
ENGINE or the ENGINE
OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE message
appears with no sign of steam, try this
for a minute or so: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest fan
speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral), and let the engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge is no longer in the overheat
zone or an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally
and have the cooling system checked
for proper fill and function.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle right away.
If there is still no sign of steam and
the vehicle is equipped with an engine
driven cooling fan, push down the
accelerator until the engine speed is
about twice as fast as normal idle
speed for at least five minutes while
the vehicle is parked. If the warning is
still there, turn off the engine and get
everyone out of the vehicle until it
cools down.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for five minutes while parked.
If the warning is still displayed, turn
off the engine until it cools down.
Engine Fan
If the vehicle has a diesel engine, see
the Duramax diesel supplement.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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406 VEHICLE CARE
(3) Aspect Ratio:A 2-digit
number that indicates the tire
height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect
ratio is 75, as shown in item (3) of
the illustration, it would mean
that the tire's sidewall is
75 percent as high as it is wide.
(4) Construction Code
:A letter
code is used to indicate the type
of ply construction in the tire. The
letter "R" means radial ply
construction; the letter "D" means
diagonal or bias ply construction.
(5) Rim Diameter
:Diameter of
the wheel in inches.
(6) Service Description
:These
characters represent the load
index and speed rating of the tire.
The load index represents the load
carrying capacity a tire is certified
to carry. The speed rating is the
maximum speed a tire is certified
to carry a load.
Tire Terminology and
Definitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air
inside the tire pressing outward
on each square inch of the tire.
Air pressure is expressed in kPa
(kilopascal) or psi (pounds per
square inch).
Accessory Weight
:The combined
weight of optional accessories.
Some examples of optional
accessories are automatic
transmission, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of
a tire's height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of
cords between the plies and the
tread. Cords may be made from
steel or other reinforcing
materials. Bead
:The tire bead contains steel
wires wrapped by steel cords that
hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire
:A pneumatic tire in
which the plies are laid at
alternate angles less than
90 degrees to the centerline of the
tread.
Cold Tire Pressure
:The amount
of air pressure in a tire, measured
in kPa (kilopascal) or psi (pounds
per square inch) before a tire has
built up heat from driving. See
Tire Pressure 0409.
Curb Weight
:The weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and
optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and
coolant, but without passengers
and cargo.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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444 VEHICLE CARE
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0464.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash
it often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they
can damage the vehicle's paint,
metal, or plastic parts. If damage
occurs, it would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Approved
cleaning products can be obtained
from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
safety precautions, and appropriate
disposal of any vehicle care
product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes
closer than 30 cm (12 in) to the
surface of the vehicle. Use of power
washers exceeding 8 274 kPa
(1,200 psi) can result in damage or
removal of paint and decals.
If using an automatic car wash, follow
the car wash instructions. The
windshield wiper and rear window
wiper, if equipped, must be off.
Remove any accessories that may be
damaged or interfere with the car
wash equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing
and after, to remove all cleaning
agents completely. If they are allowed
to dry on the surface, they could stain. Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.
Cleaning Underhood Components
Caution
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this
e
symbol.
This could cause damage that
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Solvents or aggressive cleaners may
harm underhood components. The
usages of these chemicals should be
avoided.
Recommend water only.
A pressure washer may be used, but
care must be utilized. The following
criteria must be followed:
.Water pressure must be kept below
14,000 KPa (2,000 PSI).
.Water temperature must be below
80 °C (180 °F).
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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VEHICLE CARE 449
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions,
regularly clean the vehicle's interior.
Before using cleaners, read and follow
all safety instructions on the label.
While cleaning the interior, open the
doors and windows to get proper
ventilation. Newspapers or dark
garments can transfer color to the
vehicle’s interior.
Caution
Immediately remove cleaners, hand
lotions, sunscreen, and insect
repellent from all interior surfaces
or permanent damage may result.
Caution
Use cleaners specifically designed
for the surfaces being cleaned to
prevent permanent damage to the
vehicle. Apply all cleaners directly
to a cleaning cloth. Do not spray
cleaners on any switches or
controls.When using liquid soap cleaners,
follow the directions on the specific
cleaner or soap solution for dilution
instructions.
Caution
To prevent damage:
.Never use a razor or any other
sharp object to remove soil from
any interior surface
.Never use a brush with stiff
bristles.
.Never rub any surface
aggressively or with too much
pressure.
.Do not get any exposed electrical
components wet.
.Do not use laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with
degreasers. Do not use solutions
that contain strong or
caustic soap.
.Do not heavily saturate the
upholstery when cleaning.
.Do not use solvents or cleaners
containing solvents.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Do not use disinfecting wipes
that are scented or contain
bleach. Do not use wipes or
cleaners that show a color
transfer to the wipe or change
the appearance of the interior
surface when used.
.Do not use scented or gel-type
hand sanitizers. If hand sanitizer
comes in contact with interior
surfaces of the vehicle, blot
immediately and clean with a
soft cloth dampened with a mild
soap and water solution.
Interior Glass
To clean, use a microfiber cloth fabric
dampened with water. Wipe droplets
left behind with a clean dry cloth.
If necessary, use a commercial glass
cleaner after cleaning with plain water.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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450 VEHICLE CARE
Caution
To prevent scratching, never use
abrasive cleaners on automotive
glass. Abrasive cleaners or
aggressive cleaning may damage
the rear window defogger.
Cleaning the windshield with water
during the first three to six months of
ownership will reduce tendency to fog.
Speaker Covers
Vacuum around a speaker cover
gently, so that the speaker will not be
damaged. Clean spots with water and
mild soap.
Coated Moldings
Coated moldings should be cleaned.
.When lightly soiled, wipe with a
sponge or soft, lint-free cloth
dampened with water.
.When heavily soiled, use warm
soapy water.
Vinyl/Rubber
If equipped with vinyl floor and
rubber floor mats, use a soft cloth
and/or brush dampened with water to
remove dust and loose dirt. For more
thorough cleaning, use a mild soap
and water solution.
{Warning
Do not use cleaners that contain
silicone, wax-based products,
or cleaners that increase gloss on
vinyl/rubber floor and mats. These
cleaners can permanently change
the appearance and feel of the
vinyl/rubber and can make the floor
slippery. Your foot could slip while
operating the vehicle, and you
could lose control, resulting in a
crash. You or others could be
injured.
Fabric/Carpet/Suede
Start by vacuuming the surface using
a soft brush attachment. If a rotating
vacuum brush attachment is being
used, only use it on the floor carpet.
Before cleaning, gently remove as
much of the soil as possible:
.Gently blot liquids with a paper
towel. Continue blotting until no
more soil can be removed.
.For solid soils, remove as much as
possible prior to vacuuming.
To clean: 1. Saturate a clean, lint-free colorfast cloth with water. Microfiber cloth is
recommended to prevent lint
transfer to the fabric or carpet.
2. Remove excess moisture by gently wringing until water does not drip
from the cleaning cloth.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub toward the
center. Fold the cleaning cloth to a
clean area frequently to prevent
forcing the soil into the fabric.