Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
Climate Controls 197
Climate Controls
Climate Control Systems
Dual Automatic Climate ControlSystem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Rear Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . 200
Air Vents
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Maintenance
Passenger Compartment Air Filter . . . . . 203
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Climate Control Systems
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
The climate control buttons on the center stack and on the climate control display are used to
adjust the heating, cooling, and ventilation.
Center Stack Climate Controls
1. ON/OFF
2. AUTO (Automatic Operation)
3. Air distribution
4. Driver temperature
5. Fan Control
6. Passenger Temperature 7. Max Defrost
8. Rear Window Defogger
9. Air Conditioning
10. Recirculation
11. Sync
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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198 Climate Controls
Automatic Operation
The system automatically controls the fan
speed, air delivery, air conditioning, and
recirculation in order to heat or cool the
vehicle to the desired temperature.
When AUTO is underlined, the system is in
full automatic operation. If the air delivery
mode or fan setting is manually adjusted,
the auto indicator turns off and the display
will show the selected settings. Auto
operation can be turned off individually for
climate settings.
For automatic operation:1. Press AUTO.
2. Set the temperature. Allow the system time to stabilize. Then adjust the
temperature as needed for best comfort.
To improve fuel efficiency and to cool the
vehicle faster, recirculation may be
automatically selected in warm weather. The
recirculation light will not come on. Press
@to select recirculation; press it again to
select outside air.
English units can be changed to metric units
through the instrument cluster. See “Cluster
Options Menu” underInstrument Cluster
0 107. OFF :
Press OFF to turn the fan on or off.
When off is selected, the system will stop
air from flowing into the cabin. If on is
selected or any other buttons are pressed,
the climate control system will turn on and
operate at the current setting.
y/z: The temperature can be adjusted
separately for the driver and the passenger.
Press to decrease or lift to increase the
temperature. Press or lift and hold to rapidly
increase or decrease the temperature.
SYNC : Touch SYNC on the climate control
display to link all climate zone settings to
the driver settings. Adjust the driver side
temperature control to change the linked
temperature. When the passenger setting is
adjusted, the SYNC underline turns off.
Rear : Touch Rear on the infotainment
screen to open the rear climate control
screen. The rear climate control settings can
now be adjusted from the front
passenger area.
Manual Operation
z 9 y: Press to decrease or lift to
increase the fan speed. Press or lift and hold
the fan controls to adjust speed more
quickly. The fan speed setting displays. Any
adjustment of the fan speed cancels automatic fan control and the fan can be
controlled manually. Press AUTO to return
to automatic operation.
To turn off the fan and climate control
system, press OFF on the center stack
climate controls. The airflow will be blocked
from entering in all air delivery modes,
except defrost.
The maximum automatic fan speed can be
set to low, medium, or high. To adjust the
automatic fan speed select Settings >
Vehicle > Climate > Auto Fan Speed.
Air Delivery Mode Control :
When the
climate information is displayed, press the
desired air delivery mode on the climate
control display to change the direction of
the airflow. The selected air delivery mode
button is lit. Pressing any of the air delivery
buttons cancels automatic air delivery
control and the direction of the airflow can
be controlled manually. Press AUTO to
return to automatic operation.
To change the current mode, select one of
the following:z: Air is directed to the windshield,
outboard a/c outlets, and side window
outlets.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
Climate Controls 199
Y:Air is directed to the instrument panel
outlets.
[: Air is primarily directed to the floor
outlets, with some air directed to the
windshield, outboard a/c outlets, and side
window outlets.
d: Clears the windshield of fog or frost
more quickly. Air is directed to the
windshield. Press
dto turn on or off.
Changing the air delivery mode also turns
the defrost off.
A/C : Touch AC on the climate control
display to turn the automatic air
conditioning on or off. If the fan is turned
off or the outside temperature falls below
freezing, the air conditioner will not run.
Press AUTO to return to automatic operation
and the air conditioner runs as needed.
Automatic Air Recirculation : When the
AUTO indicator light is on, the air is
automatically recirculated as needed to help
quickly cool the inside of the vehicle.
@: Press to alternate between
recirculating air inside the vehicle or pulling
in outside air. The indicator light on the
button is lit when recirculation mode is active. This helps to quickly cool the air
inside the vehicle and reduce the entry of
outside air and odors.
Pressing this button cancels automatic
recirculation. Press AUTO to return to
automatic operation; recirculation runs
automatically as needed.
Manual recirculation mode is not available
when in Defrost or some air distribution
modes with air to the windshield.
Auto Defog :
The climate control system
uses a sensor to automatically detect high
humidity inside the vehicle. When high
humidity is detected, the climate control
system may adjust to outside air supply,
turn on the air conditioner, and direct more
air to the windshield. If the climate control
system does not detect possible window
fogging, it returns to normal operation. To
turn Auto Defog off or on, select Settings >
Climate > Auto Defog > Select ON or OFF.
Rear Window Defogger
K: Press to turn the rear window defogger
on or off. An indicator light on the button
comes on to show that the rear window
defogger is on. The rear window defogger only works when
the vehicle is on. The defogger turns off if
the vehicle is turned off or to
accessory mode.
To turn Auto Rear Defog off or on, select
Settings > Climate > Auto Rear Defog >
Select ON or OFF. When Auto Rear Defog is
selected, the rear window defogger turns on
automatically when the vehicle is first
started in cold weather and turns off when
the vehicle is warmed.
The heated outside rearview mirrors turn on
when the rear window defogger button is
on and help to clear fog or frost from the
surface of the mirrors.
Caution
Do not try to clear frost or other material
from the inside of the front windshield
and rear window with a razor blade or
anything else that is sharp. This may
damage the rear window defogger grid
and affect the radio's ability to pick up
stations clearly. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Driver and Passenger Heated and Cooled
Seats : Press
Ior+to heat the driver or
passenger seatback only.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
200 Climate Controls
PressJorzto heat the driver or
passenger seat cushion and seatback.
Press
Cor{to cool the driver or
passenger seat.
There are also auto heated and cooled seats,
for more information see Heated and
Ventilated Front Seats 047.
Remote Start Climate Control Operation :
The climate control system may run when
the vehicle is started remotely. The rear
defog may come on during remote start
based on cold ambient conditions. The rear
defog indicator light does not come on
during a remote start. If equipped with
heated or cooled seats, they may come on
during a remote start. See Remote Vehicle
Start 014 and
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats 047.
Sensor
The solar sensor, on top of the instrument
panel near the windshield, monitors the
solar heat.
The climate control system uses the sensor
information to adjust the temperature, fan
speed, recirculation, and air delivery mode
for best comfort.
If the sensor is covered, the automatic
climate control system may not work
properly. Afterblow Feature
If equipped, under certain conditions, the
fan may stay on or may turn on and off
several times after you turn off and lock the
vehicle. This is normal.
Rear Climate Control System
The rear climate control system is on the
rear of the center console. The settings can
be adjusted with the rear climate controls
and the rear climate display.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
204 Climate Controls
3. Unhook the string dampener to fullyremove the glove box bin.
4. Pull the lever (1) on the left side of thefilter door and slide left (2), then remove
the door. Remove the old filter.
5. Install the new air filter.
6. Reinstall the filter door.
7. Reverse the steps to reinstall the glove box.
See your dealer if additional assistance is
needed.
Service
All vehicles have a label underhood that
identifies the refrigerant used in the vehicle.
The refrigerant system should only be
serviced by trained and certified technicians.
The air conditioning evaporator should never
be repaired or replaced by one from a
salvage vehicle. It should only be replaced
by a new evaporator to ensure proper and
safe operation. During service, all refrigerants should be
reclaimed with proper equipment. Venting
refrigerants directly to the atmosphere is
harmful to the environment and may also
create unsafe conditions based on
inhalation, combustion, frostbite, or other
health-based concerns.
The air conditioning system requires periodic
maintenance. See
Maintenance Schedule
0 415.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
214 Driving and Operating
Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or IceCaution
To avoid damage to the wheels and
brake components, always clear snow and
ice from inside the wheels and
underneath the vehicle before driving.
Snow or ice between the tires and the road
creates less traction or grip, so drive
carefully. Wet ice can occur at about 0 °C
(32 °F) when freezing rain begins to fall.
Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain
until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
.Accelerate gently. Accelerating too quickly
causes the wheels to spin and makes the
surface under the tires slick.
.Turn on Traction Control. See Traction
Control/Electronic Stability Control 0238.
.The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves
vehicle stability during hard stops, but
the brakes should be applied sooner than
when on dry pavement. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS) 0235.
.Allow greater following distance and
watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can
occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded
areas. The surface of a curve or an
overpass can remain icy when the
surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden
steering maneuvers and braking while
on ice.
.Turn off cruise control.
Cold Weather Mode
In very low temperatures, a cold weather
message may display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The engine speed,
transmission shift patterns, and cabin fan
speed may operate differently to enable the
vehicle to warm up quicker. You can
manually override the cabin fan speed in
cold weather mode.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and signal
for help. Stay with the vehicle unless there
is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside
Assistance. See Roadside Assistance Program
0 430. To get help and keep everyone in
the vehicle safe:
.Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
.Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
{Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the
vehicle. This may cause exhaust gases to
get inside. Engine exhaust contains
carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot be
seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
.Clear snow from the base of the
vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
.Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on
the vehicle side that is away from the
wind, to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under
the instrument panel.
.Adjust the climate control system to
circulate the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest
setting. See “Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see
Engine Exhaust 0225.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
Driving and Operating 225
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
airflow 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.
.There are holes or openings in the
vehicle body from damage or
aftermarket modifications that are not
completely sealed. (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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
0 223 and Engine Exhaust 0225.
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 305.
Automatic Transmission
Base Model Shown, V-Series Similar
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.
The shift lever always starts from a center
position, represented by an up/down arrow
on the shift pattern. After releasing the shift
lever, it will return to the center position.
The transmission does not operate when the
vehicle is off.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 229
Caution
A transmission hot message may display
if the automatic transmission fluid is too
hot. Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle the
engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message clears
when the transmission fluid has cooled
sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal driving.
If more power is needed for passing, press
the accelerator pedal down.
To shift into D (Drive):
1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. From the center position, move the shift lever back.
.If the vehicle is in P (Park) press the
shift lock release button while pulling
the shift lever back.
.D will illuminate in red.
.After releasing the shift lever, it will
return to the center position.
To shift out of D (Drive): 1. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. Shift to the desired gear. 3. After releasing the shift lever, it will
return to the center position.
Downshifting the transmission on a slippery
road could result in skidding. See “Skidding”
under Loss of Control 0209.
Caution
Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle
in one place on a hill using only the
accelerator pedal may damage the
transmission. The repair will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. If the
vehicle is stuck, do not spin the tires.
When stopping on a hill, use the brakes
to hold the vehicle in place.
Manual Mode
Electronic Range Select (ERS)
Caution
Driving with the engine at a high rpm
without upshifting while using Tap Shift,
could damage the vehicle. Always upshift
when necessary while using Tap Shift.
Electronic Range Select (ERS), or Manual
Mode, allows manual selection of gear
positions. Use this mode when driving
downhill or towing a trailer to limit the top
gear and vehicle speed. The shift position
indicator within the Driver Information
Center (DIC) displays a number next to the L
indicating the highest available gear.
To enter ERS/Manual Mode:1. With the vehicle in D (Drive), pull back the shift lever to activate L (Low). The L
will illuminate red, and the D will turn
white.