Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
Seats and Restraints 73
.Front seats, including stitching, seams or
zippers
.Seat belts
.Steering wheel, instrument panel,
overhead console, ceiling trim, or pillar
garnish trim
.Inner door seals, including speakers
Your dealer and the service manual have
information about the location of the airbag
modules and sensors, sensing and diagnostic
module, and airbag wiring along with the
proper replacement procedures.
In addition, the vehicle has a passenger
sensing system for the front outboard
passenger position, which includes sensors
that are part of the passenger's seat. The
passenger sensing system may not operate
properly if the original seat trim is replaced
with non-GM covers, upholstery, or trim,
or with GM covers, upholstery, or trim
designed for a different vehicle. Any object,
such as an aftermarket seat heater or a
comfort enhancing pad or device, installed
under or on top of the seat fabric, could
also interfere with the operation of the
passenger sensing system. This could either
prevent proper deployment of the passenger
airbag(s) or prevent the passenger sensing system from properly turning off the
passenger airbag(s). See
Passenger Sensing
System 069.
If the vehicle has rollover roof-rail airbags,
see Different Size Tires and Wheels 0384 for
additional important information.
If the vehicle must be modified because you
have a disability and you have questions
about whether the modifications will affect
the vehicle's airbag system, or if you have
questions about whether the airbag system
will be affected if the vehicle is modified for
any other reason, call Customer Assistance.
See Customer Assistance Offices 0429.
Airbag System Check
The airbag system does not need regularly
scheduled maintenance or replacement.
Make sure the airbag readiness light is
working. See Airbag Readiness Light 0113.
Caution
If an airbag covering is damaged, opened,
or broken, the airbag may not work
properly. Do not open or break the airbag
coverings. If there are any opened or
broken airbag coverings, have the airbag
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
covering and/or airbag module replaced.
For the location of the airbags, see Where
Are the Airbags? 065. See your dealer
for service.
Replacing Airbag System Parts
after a Crash
{Warning
A crash can damage the airbag systems
in the vehicle. A damaged airbag system
may not properly protect you and your
passenger(s) in a crash, resulting in
serious injury or even death. To help
make sure the airbag systems are
working properly after a crash, have
them inspected and any necessary
replacements made as soon as possible.
If an airbag inflates, you will need to
replace airbag system parts. See your dealer
for service.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/11/22
206 Driving and Operating
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . 304
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Driving Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Towing Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Trailering App . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Conversions and Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Driving Information
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here
are some driving tips to get the best fuel
economy possible:
.Set the climate controls to the desired
temperature after the engine is started,
or turn them off when not required.
.Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
.Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
.Avoid idling the engine for long periods
of time.
.When road and weather conditions are
appropriate, use cruise control.
.Always follow posted speed limits or
drive more slowly when conditions
require.
.Keep vehicle tires properly inflated.
.Combine several trips into a single trip.
.Replace the vehicle's tires with the same
TPC Spec number molded into the tire's
sidewall near the size.
.Follow recommended scheduled
maintenance.
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and can
take your focus from the task of driving.
Exercise good judgment and do not let other
activities divert your attention away from
the road. Many local governments have
enacted laws regarding driver distraction.
Become familiar with the local laws in
your area.
To avoid distracted driving, keep your eyes
on the road, keep your hands on the
steering wheel, and focus your attention on
driving.
.Do not use a phone in demanding driving
situations. Use a hands-free method to
place or receive necessary phone calls.
.Watch the road. Do not read, take notes,
or look up information on phones or
other electronic devices.
.Designate a front seat passenger to
handle potential distractions.
.Become familiar with vehicle features
before driving, such as programming
favorite radio stations and adjusting
climate control and seat settings. Program
all trip information into any navigation
device prior to driving.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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216 Driving and Operating
Tire and Loading Information Label
Label Example
A vehicle specific Tire and Loading
Information label is attached to the
center pillar (B-pillar). The tire and
loading information label shows the
number of occupant seating
positions (1), and the maximum vehicle
capacity weight (2) in kilograms and
pounds.
The Tire and Loading Information label
also shows the size of the original
equipment tires (3) and the
recommended cold tire inflationpressures (4). For more information on
tires and inflation see
Tires0369 and
Tire Pressure 0374.
There is also important loading
information on the vehicle Certification/
Tire label. It may show the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and the
Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for
the front and rear axles. See
“Certification/Tire Label” later in this
section.
“Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit–
1.
Locate the statement "The combined
weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs." on your vehicle’s placard.
2.Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3.Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kg
or XXX lbs.
4.The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example, if the "XXX" amount equals 1400 lbs.
and there will be five 150 lb
passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400-750 (5 x 150) = 650 lbs.)
5.Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in
Step 4.
6.If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your
vehicle.”
See
Trailer Towing 0309 for important
information on towing a trailer, towing
safety rules, and trailering tips.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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218 Driving and Operating
Certification/Tire Label
Label Example
A vehicle specific Certification/Tire label
is attached to the B-pillar. The label
may show the size of the vehicle's
original tires and the inflation pressures
needed to obtain the gross weight
capacity of the vehicle. This is called
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
The GVWR includes the weight of the
vehicle, all occupants, fuel, and cargo.
The Certification/Tire label may also
show the maximum weights for the
front and rear axles, called Gross Axle
Weight Rating (GAWR). To find out theactual loads on the front and rear axles,
weigh the vehicle at a weigh station.
Your dealer can help with this. Be sure
to spread the load equally on both
sides of the center line.
The warranty does not cover parts or
components that fail because of
overloading.
The label will help determine how much
cargo and installed equipment the
vehicle can carry.
Using heavier suspension components
to get added durability might not
change the weight ratings. Ask your
dealer to help load the vehicle properly.
{Warning
Things you put inside the vehicle can
strike and injure people in a sudden
stop or turn, or in a crash.
.Put things in the cargo area of the
vehicle. Try to spread the weight
evenly.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
.Never stack heavier things, like
suitcases, inside the vehicle so
that some of them are above the
tops of the seats.
.Do not leave an unsecured child
restraint in the vehicle.
.When you carry something inside
the vehicle, secure it whenever
you can.
.Do not leave a seat folded down
unless you need to.
There is also important loading
information for off-road driving in this
manual. See “Loading the Vehicle for
Off-Road Driving” underOff-Road
Driving 0209.
Add-On Equipment
There may be a limit on how many
people can be inside the vehicle when
carrying removable items. Be sure to
weigh the vehicle before buying and
installing the new equipment.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 335
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 336
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 336
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . 339
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . 345
Engine Air Filter Life System . . . . . . . . . . 345
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Engine Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356 Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 361
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . 365
Rear Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . 367
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 372
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 376
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . 377 Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 382
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 384
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 384
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 385
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 398
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle . . . . . . . 401
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 402
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 413
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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370 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
.Do not spin the tires in excess of
56 km/h (35 mph) on slippery
surfaces such as snow, mud, ice,
etc. Excessive spinning may cause
the tires to explode.
See Tire Pressure for High-Speed
Operation 0375 for inflation pressure
adjustment for high-speed driving.
All-Season Tires
This vehicle may come with all-season tires.
These tires are designed to provide good
overall performance on most road surfaces
and weather conditions. Original equipment
tires designed to GM's specific tire
performance criteria have a TPC specification
code molded onto the sidewall. Original
equipment all-season tires can be identified
by the last two characters of this TPC code,
which will be “MS.”
Consider installing winter tires on the
vehicle if frequent driving on snow or
ice-covered roads is expected. All-season tires
provide adequate performance for most
winter driving conditions, but they may not offer the same level of traction or
performance as winter tires on snow or
ice-covered roads. See
Winter Tires0370.
Winter Tires
This vehicle was not originally equipped
with winter tires. Winter tires are designed
for increased traction on snow and
ice-covered roads. Consider installing winter
tires on the vehicle if frequent driving on ice
or snow covered roads is expected. See your
dealer for details regarding winter tire
availability and proper tire selection. Also,
see Buying New Tires 0382.
With winter tires, there may be decreased
dry road traction, increased road noise, and
shorter tread life. After changing to winter
tires, be alert for changes in vehicle
handling and braking.
If using winter tires:
.Use tires of the same brand and tread
type on all four wheel positions.
.Use only radial ply tires of the same size,
load range, and speed rating as the
original equipment tires.
Winter tires with the same speed rating as
the original equipment tires may not be
available for H, V, W, Y, and ZR speed rated tires. If winter tires with a lower speed
rating are chosen, never exceed the tire's
maximum speed capability.
Low-Profile Tires
If the vehicle has 275/50R22 size tires,
they are classified as low-profile tires.
Caution
Low-profile tires are more susceptible to
damage from road hazards or curb impact
than standard profile tires. Tire and/or
wheel assembly damage can occur when
coming into contact with road hazards
like potholes, or sharp edged objects,
or when sliding into a curb. The warranty
does not cover this type of damage. Keep
tires set to the correct inflation pressure
and when possible, avoid contact with
curbs, potholes, and other road hazards.
Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is
molded into the sidewall. The example
shows a typical passenger vehicle tire
sidewall.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 371
Passenger/Spare Tire
(1) Tire Size:The tire size is a
combination of letters and numbers
used to define a particular tire's width,
height, aspect ratio, construction type,
and service description. See the "Tire
Size" illustration in this section.
(2) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Specification)
:Original equipment tires
designed to GM's specific tire
performance criteria have a TPC
specification code molded onto the
sidewall. GM's TPC specifications meet
or exceed all federal safety guidelines. (3) DOT (Department of
Transportation)
:The Department of
Transportation (DOT) code indicates that
the tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards.
DOT Tire Date of Manufacture
:The last
four digits of the Tire Identification
Number indicate the tire manufactured
date. The first two digits represent the
week and the last two digits, the year.
For example, the third week of the year
2020 would have a 4-digit DOT date
of
0320. Week 01 is the first full week (Sunday
through Saturday) of each year.
(4) Tire Identification Number (TIN):
The letters and numbers following the
DOT code are the TIN. The TIN shows
the manufacturer and plant code, tire
size, and date the tire was
manufactured. The TIN is molded onto
both sides of the tire, although only
one side may have the date of
manufacture. (5) Tire Ply Material
:The type of cord
and number of plies in the sidewall and
under the tread.
(6) Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG)
:Tire manufacturers are
required to grade tires based on three
performance factors: tread wear,
traction, and temperature resistance.
For more information, see Uniform Tire
Quality Grading 0384.
(7) Maximum Cold Inflation Load
Limit
:Maximum load that can be
carried and the maximum pressure
needed to support that load. For
information on recommended tire
pressure see Tire Pressure 0374 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0215.
(8) Temporary Use Only
:Only use a
temporary spare tire until the road tire
is repaired and replaced. This spare tire
should not be driven on over 112 km/h
(70 mph), or 88 km/h (55 mph) when
pulling a trailer, with the proper
inflation pressure. See Full-Size Spare
Tire 0398.
Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
16417396) - 2023 - CRC - 5/9/22
372 Vehicle Care
Tire Designations
Tire Size
The example shows a typical passenger
vehicle tire size.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
(1) Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:The
United States version of a metric tire
sizing system. The letter "P" as the first
character in the tire size means a
passenger vehicle tire engineered to
standards set by the U.S. Tire and Rim
Association.
(2) Tire Width
:The 3-digit number
indicates the tire section width in
millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
(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). Aspect Ratio
:The relationship of a
tire's height to its width.
Belt
:A rubber coated layer of cords
that is located 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 Pressure0374.
DOT Markings
:A code molded into the
sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire
is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT)
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. The
DOT code includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric