Cadillac Escalade 2011, Escalade ESV 2011 User Manual

Black plate (1,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

2011 Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual M

In Brief . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . 1-1

Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . .1-4

Vehicle Features. . . . . . . . . . . . .1-16

Performance and

Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

Keys, Doors and Windows . . . 2-1

Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2

Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Vehicle Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Exterior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Interior Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . ... .2-18

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-19

Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22

Seats and Restraints . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

Front Seats . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . 3-3

Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-22

Airbag System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..3-39

Child Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-55

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 4-1

Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . 4-1

Roof Rack System . . . . . . . .. . . . . 4-3

Instruments and Controls . . . . 5-1

Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Warning Lights, Gauges, and

Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11

Information Displays . . . . . . . .. . 5-26

Vehicle Messages.. . . . . . . . . . . 5-31

Vehicle Personalization.. . . . . . 5-40

Universal Remote System . . . . 5-50

Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Interior Lighting . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . 6-9

Lighting Features . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-11

Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Introduction . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 7-2

Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .....7-10

Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-19

Rear Seat Infotainment . . . . . . . 7-33

Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . 7-60

Voice Recognition... . . . . . . . . .7-99

Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . 7-102

Climate Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Climate Control Systems . . . . . . 8-1

Air Vents.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8

Driving and Operating . . . . . . . . 9-1

Driving Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2

Starting and Operating . . . . . . . 9-30

Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38

Automatic Transmission . . . . . .9-40

Drive Systems . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 9-45

Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-45

Ride Control Systems . . . . . . . .9-47

Cruise Control . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 9-51

Object Detection Systems . . . . 9-54

Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-63

Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-70

Conversions and Add-Ons . . . 9-82

Vehicle Care . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . 10-1

General Information . . . . . . . . . .10-2

Vehicle Checks.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4

Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37

Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-39

Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41

Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 10-50

Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-89

Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-94

Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . .10-97

Black plate (2,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

2011 Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual M

Service and Maintenance . . . 11-1

General Information . . . . . . . . . . 11-1

Scheduled Maintenance . . . . . . 11-2

Recommended Fluids,

Lubricants, and Parts . . . . . . . 11-7

Maintenance Records . . . . . . . 11-10

Technical Data . . . . . . ......... 12-1

Vehicle Identification.. . . . . . . . 12-1

Vehicle Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-2

Customer Information . . . . . . . 13-1

Customer Information . . . . . . . . 13-1

Reporting Safety Defects . . . . 13-16

Vehicle Data Recording and

Privacy . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-17

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1

Black plate (3,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Introduction iii

The names, logos, emblems,
slogans, vehicle model names,
and vehicle body designs appearing
in this manual including, but not
limited to, GM, the GM logo,
CADILLAC, the CADILLAC Crest
and Wreath, ESCALADE, and
ESV are trademarks and/or service
marks of General Motors LLC, its
subsidiaries, affiliates, or licensors.

Litho in U.S.A.
Part No. 25965920 A First Printing

This manual describes features that
may or may not be on your specific
vehicle either because they are
options that you did not purchase
or due to changes subsequent to
the printing of this owner manual.
Please refer to the purchase
documentation relating to your
specific vehicle to confirm each of
the features found on your vehicle.
For vehicles first sold in Canada,
substitute the name “General
Motors of Canada Limited” for
Cadillac Motor Division wherever
it appears in this manual.

If the vehicle is a hybrid, see the
hybrid supplement for more
information.

Keep this manual in the vehicle for
quick reference.

©

2010 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Canadian Vehicle Owners

Propriétaires Canadiens

A French language copy of this
manual can be obtained from your
dealer or from:

On peut obtenir un exemplaire de
ce guide en français auprès du
concessionnaire ou à l'adresse
suivante:

Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207

1-800-551-4123
Numéro de poste 6438 de langue
française
www.helminc.com

Black plate (4,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

iv Introduction

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, Warnings, and Cautions

Warning messages found on vehicle
labels and in this manual describe
hazards and what to do to avoid or
reduce them.

Danger indicates a hazard with a
high level of risk which will result in
serious injury or death.

Warning or Caution indicates a
hazard that could result in injury or
death.

WARNING

{

These mean there is something
that could hurt you or other
people.

Notice: This means there is
something that could result
in property or vehicle damage.
This would not be covered by
the vehicle's warranty.

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 : This symbol is shown when

you need to see your owner manual
for additional instructions or
information.

* : This symbol is shown when

you need to see a service manual
for additional instructions or
information.

Black plate (5,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Introduction v

Vehicle Symbol Chart

Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the Index.

0 : Adjustable Pedals
9 : Airbag Readiness Light
# : Air Conditioning
! : Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g : Audio Steering Wheel Controls

or OnStar

®

$ : Brake System Warning Light
" : Charging System

I : Cruise Control

B : Engine Coolant Temperature

O : Exterior Lamps

# : Fog Lamps

. : Fuel Gauge

+ : Fuses

3 : Headlamp High/Low-Beam

Changer

( : Heated Steering Wheel
j : LATCH System Child

Restraints

* : Malfunction Indicator Lamp
: : Oil Pressure

g : Outside Power Foldaway

Mirrors

} : Power
/ : Remote Vehicle Start
> : Safety Belt Reminders
7 : Tire Pressure Monitor
_ : Tow/Haul Mode

F : Traction Control
M : Windshield Washer Fluid

Black plate (6,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

vi Introduction

2 NOTES

Black plate (1,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-1

In Brief

Instrument Panel

Instrument Panel . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 1-2

Initial Drive Information

Initial Drive Information . . . . . . . . 1-4

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

System . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . 1-6

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-6

Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7

Memory Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8

Second Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

Third Row Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9

Heated and Ventilated

Seats . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 1-9

Head Restraint

Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 1-10

Sensing System for

Passenger Airbag . . . . . . . . . . 1-10

Mirror Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11

Steering Wheel

Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

Throttle and Brake Pedal

Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

Interior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12

Exterior Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13

Windshield Wiper/Washer .... 1-14

Climate Controls . . . . . .. . . . . . . 1-15

Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

Vehicle Features

Radio(s) . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16

Satellite Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16

Portable Audio Devices . . . . . . 1-16

Bluetooth

Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . 1-17

®

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17

Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18

Navigation System . . . . . . . .. . . 1-18

Driver Information

Center (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-19

Side Blind Zone

Alert (SBZA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

Rear Vision

Camera (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-20

Ultrasonic Parking Assist . . . . 1-20

Power Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-21

Universal Remote System . . . 1-21

Performance and Maintenance

StabiliTrak®System . . . . . . . . . 1-21

Tire Pressure Monitor . . . . . . . . 1-22

Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . 1-22

Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . 1-23

Driving for Better Fuel

Economy .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23

Roadside Service . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-23

®

OnStar

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24

Black plate (2,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

1-2 In Brief

Instrument Panel

United States Version Shown; Canada Similar.

Black plate (3,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-3

A. Air Vents on page 8‑8.

B. Turn and Lane‐Change Lever.

See Turn and Lane-Change

Signals on page 6‑8.

Windshield Wiper/Washer on
page 5‑5.

C. Instrument Cluster on

page 5‑12.

D. Hazard Warning Flashers on

page 6‑8.

E. Shift Lever. See Automatic

Transmission on page 9‑40.

Driver Shift Control (DSC).
See Manual Mode on
page 9‑43.

F. Tow/Haul Mode on page 9‑43.

G. Driver Information Center (DIC)

Buttons. See Driver Information
Center (DIC) on page 5‑26.

H. Clock on page 5‑8.

I. AM-FM Radio on page 7‑10.

®

J. StabiliTrak

System on

page 9‑47.

Rear Park Aid Disable Button.
See Ultrasonic Parking Assist
on page 9‑54.

K. Steering Wheel Adjustment on

page 5‑2.

L. Exterior Lamp Controls on

page 6‑1.

M. Dome Lamp Override.

See Dome Lamps on

page 6‑10.

Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑9.

Fog Lamps on page 6‑9.

N. Data Link Connector (DLC).

See Malfunction Indicator Lamp
on page 5‑18.

O. Automatic Transfer Case

Control (Hybrid only). See the
hybrid supplement for more
information.

P. Cruise Control on page 9‑51.

Heated Steering Wheel on
page 5‑5 (If Equipped).

Q. Horn on page 5‑5.

R. Steering Wheel Controls on

page 5‑3.

S. Dual Automatic Climate Control

System on page 8‑1.

T. Pedal Adjust Button.

See Adjustable Throttle and

Brake Pedal on page 9‑31.

Power Assist Steps on
page 2‑13 (If Equipped).

U. Glove Box on page 4‑1.

Black plate (4,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

1-4 In Brief

Initial Drive Information

This section provides a brief
overview about some of the
important features that may or may
not be on your specific vehicle.

For more detailed information, refer
to each of the features which can be
found later in this owner manual.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

The RKE transmitter is used to
remotely lock and unlock the doors
from up to 60 m (195 ft) away from
the vehicle.

Press K to unlock the driver door.

K again within 3 seconds to

Press
unlock all remaining doors.

Q to lock all doors.

Press

Lock and unlock feedback can
be personalized. See Vehicle
Personalization on page 5‑40.

Press and hold
close the liftgate.

Press and hold
liftglass.

Press

L and release to locate the

vehicle.

L and hold for

Press
three seconds to sound the panic
alarm.

Press

L again to cancel the panic

alarm.

See Keys on page 2‑2 and Remote

Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2‑3.

& to open or

m to open the

Black plate (5,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-5

Remote Vehicle Start

With this feature the engine can be
started from outside of the vehicle.

Starting the Vehicle

1. Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle.

2. Press

3. Immediately after completing

When the vehicle starts, the parking
lamps will turn on and remain on
as long as the engine is running.
The doors will be locked and the
climate control system may
come on.

Q.

Step 2, press and hold
the turn signal lamps flash.

/ until

The engine will continue to run for
10 minutes. Repeat the steps for a
10-minute time extension. Remote
start can be extended only once.

Canceling a Remote Start

To cancel a remote start:

.

Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and press and hold

until the parking lamps turn off.

.

Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.

.

Turn the ignition on and then
back off.

See Remote Vehicle Start on
page 2‑5.

/

Door Locks

There are several ways to lock and
unlock the vehicle.

From outside, use the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
or the key in the driver door. From
inside, use the power door locks or
the manual door locks. To lock or
unlock the door with the manual
locks, push down or pull up on
the manual lock knob.

Power Door Locks

If available, these switches are on
the front doors.

K : Press to unlock the doors.
Q : Press to lock the doors.

See Door Locks on page 2‑7.

Black plate (6,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

1-6 In Brief

Liftgate

Power Liftgate

Press K on the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter or use the
power door lock switches to unlock
the liftgate.

There are several ways to open and
close the power liftgate:

.

Press and hold & on the RKE
transmitter until the liftgate starts
moving.

.

Press & on the overhead
console inside the vehicle.

.

Press the touchpad switch (B)
on the outside liftgate handle
to open.

.

Press the l button next to the
liftgate latch to close.

To disable the power liftgate
function, press OFF on the
overhead console.

Liftglass

There are two ways to unlatch the
liftglass:

.

Press the button on the
underside of the license plate
applique (A).

.

Press m on the RKE
transmitter.

See Liftgate (Manual) on page 2‑9
or Liftgate (Power) on page 2‑10.

Windows

The power window switches
are located on the driver door.
In addition, each passenger door
has a switch for its own window.

Press the switch to lower the
window. Pull the switch up to
raise it.

For more information, see:

.

Windows on page 2‑19.

.

Power Windows on page 2‑20.

Black plate (7,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-7

Seat Adjustment

To adjust the seat:

.

Move the seat forward or
rearward by sliding the control
forward or rearward.

.

Raise or lower the front or rear
part of the seat cushion by
moving the front or rear of the
control up or down.

.

Raise or lower the entire seat
by moving the entire control up
or down.

See Power Seat Adjustment on
page 3‑3 for more information.

Lumbar Adjustment

To adjust the lumbar support:

.

To increase or decrease lumbar
support, press and hold the front
or rear of the control.

.

To raise or lower the height of
the support, press and hold the
top or bottom of the control.

See Lumbar Adjustment on
page 3‑6 for more information.

Reclining Seatbacks

To recline the seatback:

.

Tilt the top of the control
rearward to recline.

.

Tilt the top of the control forward
to raise.

See Reclining Seatbacks on
page 3‑6 for more information.

Black plate (8,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

1-8 In Brief

Memory Features

The controls on the driver door are
used to program and recall memory
settings for the driver seat, outside
mirrors, power steering column, and
the adjustable throttle and brake
pedals.

Storing Memory Positions

To save into memory:

1. Adjust the driver seat, including
the seatback recliner and
lumbar, both outside mirrors,
power steering column, and the
throttle and brake pedals.

See Power Mirrors on page 2‑16
and Adjustable Throttle and
Brake Pedal on page 9‑31 for
more information.

Not all mirrors and adjustable
throttles and brake pedals will
have the ability to save and
recall their positions.

2. Press and hold “1” until
two beeps sound.

3. Repeat for a second driver
position using “2.”

To recall, press and release “1” or
“2.” The vehicle must be in P (Park).
A single beep will sound. The seat,

outside mirrors, steering column,
and adjustable throttle and brake
pedals will move to the positions
previously stored for the identified
driver.

See “Memory Features” under

Power Seat Adjustment on page 3‑3
and Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑40 for more information.

Easy Exit Positions

This feature can move the driver
seat rearward and the power
steering column up and forward to
allow extra room to exit the vehicle.

B : Press to recall the easy exit

positions. The vehicle must be in
P (Park).

See “Memory Features” under

Power Seat Adjustment on page 3‑3
and Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑40 for more information.

Black plate (9,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-9

Second Row Seats

On vehicles with a 60/40 split bench
or buckets seats, the seatbacks
can be folded for additional cargo
space, or the seats can be folded
and tumbled for easy entry/exit to
the third row seats, if equipped.
On vehicles with bucket seats,
the seatbacks also recline.

See Second Row Seats (60/40 Split

Bench Seat) on page 3‑10 or
Second Row Seats (Bucket Seats)
on page 3‑13 for more information.

Third Row Seats

On vehicles with third row seats,
the seatbacks can be folded, and
the entire seat can be tumbled or
removed from the vehicle.

For detailed instructions, see Third
Row Seats on page 3‑18.

Heated and Ventilated Seats

The buttons are on the climate
control panel.

{ : Press to cool the entire seat.
+ : Press to heat the

seatback only.

z : Press to heat the seat and

seatback.

Repeatedly press and release the
desired button to cycle through the
temperature settings.

See Heated and Ventilated Front
Seats on page 3‑8.

Rear Seats

The buttons are on the Rear Sear
Audio (RSA) panel.

M : Press to heat the seat

cushion and to cycle through
the temperature settings.

See Heated Rear Seats on
page 3‑9.

Black plate (10,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

1-10 In Brief

Head Restraint Adjustment

Do not drive until the head restraints
for all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.

To achieve a comfortable seating
position, change the seatback
recline angle as little as necessary
while keeping the seat and the
head restraint height in the proper
position.

For more information see Head

Restraints on page 3‑2 and Power
Seat Adjustment on page 3‑3.

Safety Belts

Refer to the following sections for
important information on how to use
safety belts properly.

.

Safety Belts on page 3‑22.

.

How to Wear Safety Belts
Properly on page 3‑25.

.

Lap-Shoulder Belt on page 3‑31.

.

Lower Anchors and Tethers for
Children (LATCH System) on
page 3‑63.

Sensing System for Passenger Airbag

The passenger sensing system,
if equipped, will turn off the right
front passenger frontal airbag
under certain conditions. The driver
airbags, seat‐mounted side impact
airbags and roof‐rail airbags are not
affected by this.

If the vehicle has one of the
indicators pictured in the following
illustrations, then the vehicle has a
passenger sensing system for the
right front passenger position.

The passenger airbag status
indicator, if equipped, will be visible
on the overhead console when the
vehicle is started.

Black plate (11,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-11

United States

Canada and Mexico

See Passenger Sensing System on
page 3‑48 for important information.

Mirror Adjustment

Exterior Mirrors

Vehicles with outside power mirrors
and foldaway mirrors have controls
on the driver door.

1. Press (A) or (B) to select the
driver or passenger side mirror.

2. Press one of the four arrows on
the control pad to adjust the
mirror.

3. Press the opposite side to get
the control pad to a neutral
position.

Power Foldaway Mirrors

To fold the mirrors:

1. Press (C) to fold the mirrors out
to the driving position.

2. Press (D) to fold the mirrors in to
the folded position.

See Power Mirrors on page 2‑16.

Interior Mirror

The automatic dimming rearview
mirror reduces the glare of
lights from behind the vehicle.
The dimming feature comes on
and the indicator light illuminates
each time the vehicle is started.

O : Press to turn the dimming

feature on or off.

See Automatic Dimming Rearview
Mirror on page 2‑18 for more
information.

Black plate (12,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

1-12 In Brief

Steering Wheel Adjustment

The power tilt wheel control is
located on the left side of the
steering column.

Push the control up or down to tilt
the steering wheel up or down.

To set the memory position, see

“Memory Features” in Power Seat
Adjustment on page 3‑3.

Throttle and Brake Pedal Adjustment

The vehicle has adjustable throttle
and brake pedals that allow you to
change their positions.

The switch used to adjust the
pedals is located on the center
console below the climate control
system.

Press the right and left arrows to
move the pedals either closer or
further from your body.

Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
on page 9‑31

Interior Lighting

Dome Lamps

The dome lamps are located in the
overhead console.

They come on when any door is
opened and turn off after all the
doors are closed.

Turn the instrument panel
brightness knob located below
the dome lamp override button,
clockwise to the farthest position to
manually turn on the dome lamps.
The dome lamps remain on until the
knob is turned counterclockwise.

Black plate (13,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-13

Dome Lamp Override

The dome lamp override button is
located next to the exterior lamps
control.

k : Press the button in and the

dome lamps remain off when a door
is opened. Press the button again to
return it to the extended position so
that the dome lamps come on when
a door is opened.

Reading Lamps

For vehicles with reading lamps in
the overhead console, press the
button located next to the lamp to
turn it on or off.

The vehicle may also have reading
lamps in other locations. The lamps
cannot be adjusted.

For more information about interior
lamps, see:

.

Dome Lamps on page 6‑10.

.

Reading Lamps on page 6‑10.

.

Instrument Panel Illumination
Control on page 6‑9.

Exterior Lighting

The exterior lamps control is located
on the instrument panel to the left of
the steering wheel.

P : Turns off the automatic

headlamps and Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL). Turning the headlamp
control to the off position again will
turn the automatic headlamps and
DRL back on.

Black plate (14,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

1-14 In Brief

For vehicles first sold in Canada,
the off position only works when the
vehicle is shifted into the P (Park)
position.

AUTO: Automatically turns on the
headlamps at normal brightness,
along with the parking lamps,
instrument panel lights, license
plate lamps, and taillamps.

;: Turns on the parking lamps,
along with the instrument panel
lights, license plate lamps, and
taillamps.

2: Turns on the headlamps,
parking lamps, instrument panel
lights, license plate lamps, and
taillamps.

For more information, see:

.

Exterior Lamp Controls on
page 6‑1.

.

Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
on page 6‑6.

.

Fog Lamps on page 6‑9.

Windshield Wiper/Washer

The lever is on the left side of the
steering column.

8 : Single wipe, turn to 8, then

release. Several wipes, hold the
band on

8 longer.

9 : Turns the windshield

wipers off.

6 : Turn the band up for more

frequent wipes or down for less
frequent wipes.

6 : Slow wipes.
? : Fast wipes.
L : Push the paddle at the top of

the lever to spray washer fluid on
the windshield.

Rear Wiper Window Wiper/Washer

To turn the rear wiper on, slide the
lever to a wiper position.

9 : Turns the wiper off.
5 : Turns on the rear wiper delay.
Z : Turns on the rear wiper.
= : Press the button on the end of

the lever to spray washer fluid on
the rear window.

See Windshield Wiper/Washer on

page 5‑5 and Rear Window Wiper/
Washer on page 5‑6.

Black plate (15,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-15

Climate Controls

The heating, cooling, and ventilation in the vehicle can be controlled with
this system.

Climate Control with Cooled and Heated Seats shown

A. Driver and Passenger

Temperature Controls

B. AUTO (Automatic Operation)

C. Defrost

D. Air Recirculation

E. Rear Window Defogger

F. Air Conditioning

G. Heated and Cooled Seats

H. Fan Control

I. REAR (Rear Climate Control)

J. Air Delivery Mode Control

See Dual Automatic Climate

Control System on page 8‑1 and
Rear Climate Control System (Rear
Climate with Rear Seat Audio) on
page 8‑6 (If Equipped).

Transmission

Driver Shift Control (DSC)

The DSC switch is located on
the shift lever. To enable the
DSC feature, move the column shift
lever to the M (Manual) position.

Black plate (16,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

1-16 In Brief

The Driver Information Center (DIC)
display will show the message
MANUAL SHIFT on the first line and
the current gear will be displayed on
the second line. This is the highest
attainable range with all lower gears
accessible. As an example, when
5 (Fifth) gear is selected, 1 (First)
through 5 (Fifth) gears are available.

Press the plus/minus buttons,
located on the steering column shift
lever, to select the desired range of
gears for current driving conditions.
See Manual Mode on page 9‑43.

While using DSC, cruise control and
the tow/haul mode can be used.

Grade Braking is not available when
DSC is active. See Tow/Haul Mode
on page 9‑43.

Vehicle Features

Radio(s)

This vehicle's radio is part of the
navigation system. See AM-FM
Radio on page 7‑10 later in this
manual.

Satellite Radio

XM is a satellite radio service
that is based in the 48 contiguous
United States and 10 Canadian
provinces. XM satellite radio has
a wide variety of programming
and commercial-free music,
coast-to-coast, and in digital-quality
sound.

A fee is required to receive the XM
service.

For more information, refer to:

.

www.xmradio.com or call
1-800-929-2100 (U.S.)

.

www.xmradio.ca or call
1-877-438-9677 (Canada)

Also, see Satellite Radio on
page 7‑16.

Portable Audio Devices

This vehicle has an auxiliary input,
located on the audio faceplate,
and a USB port located on the
instrument panel or in the center
console. External devices such
as iPod
MP3 players, CD changers,
USB storage device, etc. can
be connected to the auxiliary
port using a 3.5 mm (1/8 in) input
jack or the USB port depending
on the audio system.

See Auxiliary Devices on page 7‑31
for further information.

®

, laptop computers,

Black plate (17,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-17

Bluetooth

For vehicles with a Bluetooth
system, it allows users with a
Bluetooth‐enabled cell phone to
make and receive hands-free calls
using the vehicle’s audio system
and controls.

The Bluetooth‐enabled cell phone
must be paired with the Bluetooth
system before it can be used in the
vehicle. Not all phones will support
all functions. For more information,
visit www.gm.com/bluetooth.

For more information, see Bluetooth
on page 7‑102.

®

Steering Wheel Controls

If available, some audio controls
can be adjusted at the steering
wheel.

w / c x : Press to change

favorite radio stations, select tracks
on a CD/DVD, or to navigate tracks
or folders on an iPod or USB
device.

b g : Press to silence the vehicle

speakers only. Press again to turn
the sound on. Press and hold longer
than two seconds to interact with

®

OnStar
if equipped.

+

decrease volume.

or Bluetooth systems,

e − e : Press to increase or

c x : Press to reject an

incoming call, or to end a call.

SRCE: Press to switch between
the radio and CD, and for equipped
vehicles, the DVD, front auxiliary,
and rear auxiliary.

¨ : Press to seek the next radio

station, the next track or chapter
while sourced to the CD or DVD
slot, or to select tracks and folders
on an iPod or USB device.

For more information, see Steering
Wheel Controls on page 5‑3.

Black plate (18,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

1-18 In Brief

Cruise Control

Cruise Control Shown With

Heated Steering Wheel Button

(If Equipped)

The cruise control buttons are
located on left side of the steering
wheel.

I : Press to turn the system on or

off. The indicator light is on when
cruise control is on and turns off
when cruise control is off.

+ RES : Press briefly to make the
vehicle resume to a previously
set speed, or press and hold to
accelerate.

SET − : Press to set the speed and
activate cruise control or make the
vehicle decelerate.

[ : Press to disengage cruise

control without erasing the set
speed from memory.

See Cruise Control on page 9‑51.

Navigation System

The vehicle's navigation system
provides detailed maps of most
major freeways and roads
throughout the United States
and Canada. After a destination
has been set, the system provides
turn-by-turn instructions for reaching
the destination. In addition, the
system can help locate a variety
of points of interest (POI), such
as banks, airports, restaurants,
and more.

See Destination on page 7‑69 in this
manual for more information.

Black plate (19,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-19

Driver Information Center (DIC)

The DIC display is located at the
bottom of the instrument panel
cluster. It shows the status of
many vehicle systems and enables
access to the personalization menu.

The DIC buttons are located on
the instrument panel, next to the
steering wheel.

3 : Press to display the

odometer, trip odometer, fuel
range, average economy, fuel
used, timer, transmission
temperature, instantaneous
economy, and average vehicle
speed. The compass and outside
air temperature will also be shown
in the display. The temperature
will be shown in °C or °F depending
on the units selected.

T : Press to display the oil life,

units, side blind zone system on/off,
tire pressure readings for vehicles
with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), compass zone
setting, and compass recalibration.

U : Press to customize the

feature settings on your vehicle.
See Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑40 for more information.

V : Press to set or reset certain

functions and to turn off or
acknowledge messages on the DIC.

For more information, see Driver

Information Center (DIC) on
page 5‑26.

Vehicle Customization

Some vehicle features can be
programmed by using the DIC
buttons next to the steering wheel.
These features include:

.

Language

.

Door Lock and Unlock Settings

.

RKE Lock and Unlock Feedback

.

Lighting

.

Chime Volume

.

Memory Features

.

Digital Speedometer Display

See Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑40.

Black plate (20,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

1-20 In Brief

Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)

If available, this feature will alert you
to vehicles located in the vehicle's
side blind zone. When the system
detects a vehicle in the side blind
zone, an amber SBZA display will
light up in the corresponding outside
side mirror.

The system is enabled at every
vehicle startup. It can be disabled
through the Driver Information
Center (DIC).

If the message SIDE BLIND ZONE
SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE appears
on the DIC, the system has been
disabled because the sensor is
blocked and cannot detect vehicles
in the blind zone. The sensor may
be blocked by mud, dirt, snow, ice,
slush, or even heavy rainstorms.

This message may also activate
during heavy rain or due to road
spray. The vehicle does not need
service.

See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
on page 9‑56 for more information.

Rear Vision Camera (RVC)

If available, the rear vision camera
displays a view of the area behind
the vehicle on the navigation screen
when the vehicle is shifted into
R (Reverse). Once shifted out of
R (Reverse), the navigation screen
will go back to the last screen that
had been displayed, after a delay.

To clean the camera lens, located
above the license plate, rinse it with
water and wipe it with a soft cloth.

See Rear Vision Camera (RVC) on
page 9‑59.

Ultrasonic Parking Assist

If available, Ultrasonic Rear Parking
Assist (URPA) uses sensors on the
rear bumper to detect objects while
parking the vehicle. URPA comes
on automatically when the shift lever
is moved into R (Reverse) and
operates at speeds less than 8 km/h
(5 mph). URPA uses audio beeps
to provide distance and system
information.

Keep the sensors on the vehicle's
rear bumper clean to ensure proper
operation.

The system can be disabled by
pressing the rear park aid disable
button located next to the radio.

See Ultrasonic Parking Assist on
page 9‑54 for more information.

Black plate (21,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-21

Power Outlets

The accessory power outlets can be
used to plug in electrical equipment,
such as a cell phone or MP3 player.

The vehicle has three accessory
power outlets located:

.

Inside the floor console
storage bin.

.

On the rear of the floor console.

.

In the rear cargo area on the
passenger side.

The accessory power outlets are
powered, even when the ignition is
in LOCK/OFF. Continuing to use
power outlets while the ignition is in
LOCK/OFF may cause the vehicle's
battery to run down.

See Power Outlets on page 5‑9.

Universal Remote System

This system provides a way to
replace up to three remote control
transmitters used to activate
devices such as garage door
openers, security systems, and
home automation devices.

Read the instructions completely
before attempting to program the
transmitter. Because of the steps
involved, it may be helpful to
have another person assist with
programming the transmitter.

See Universal Remote System on
page 5‑50.

Performance and Maintenance

StabiliTrak®System

The vehicle has a traction control
system that limits wheel spin and
the StabiliTrak system that assists
with directional control of the vehicle
in difficult driving conditions. Both
systems turn on automatically every
time the vehicle is started.

.

To turn off traction control, press
and release
panel.

appropriate DIC message
displays. See Ride Control
System Messages on page 5‑37.

.

To turn off both traction control
and StabiliTrak, press and hold

5 until F illuminates and the

appropriate DIC message
displays. See Ride Control
System Messages on page 5‑37.

.

Press and release 5 again to
turn on both systems.

5 on the instrument

F illuminates and the

Black plate (22,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

1-22 In Brief

For more information, see

StabiliTrak

®

System on page 9‑47.

Tire Pressure Monitor

This vehicle may have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System (TPMS).

The TPMS warning light alerts you
to a significant loss in pressure of
one of the vehicle's tires. If the
warning light comes on, stop as
soon as possible and inflate the
tires to the recommended pressure
shown on the Tire and Loading

Information label. See Vehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑24. The warning
light will remain on until the tire
pressure is corrected.

During cooler conditions, the low tire
pressure warning light may appear
when the vehicle is first started and
then turn off. This may be an early
indicator that the tire pressures are
getting low and the tires need to be
inflated to the proper pressure.

The TPMS does not replace normal
monthly tire maintenance. It is the
driver’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressures.

See Tire Pressure Monitor System
on page 10‑59.

Engine Oil Life System

The engine oil life system calculates
engine oil life based on vehicle use
and displays a DIC message when
it is necessary to change the engine
oil and filter. The oil life system
should be reset to 100% only
following an oil change.

Resetting the Oil Life System

1. Display OIL LIFE REMAINING
on the DIC.

2. Press and hold the SET/RESET
button on the DIC for more than
five seconds. The oil life will
change to 100%.

See Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑11.

Black plate (23,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)

Vehicles that have a FlexFuel badge
and a yellow fuel cap can use either
unleaded gasoline or ethanol fuel
containing up to 85% ethanol (E85).
See Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) on
page 9‑66. For all other vehicles,
use only the unleaded gasoline
described under Recommended
Fuel on page 9‑64.

Driving for Better Fuel Economy

Driving habits can affect fuel
mileage. Here are some driving
tips to get the best fuel economy
possible.

.

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.

In Brief 1-23

Roadside Service

U.S. or Canada: 1-800-882-1112

TTY Users (U.S. or Canada):

1-888-889-2438

Mexico: 01-800-466-0805

As the owner of a new Cadillac,
you are automatically enrolled in
the Roadside Service program
which is available 24 hours a day,
365 days a year to give minor
repair information or make towing
arrangements.

For more information see Roadside

Service (U.S. and Canada) on
page 13‑7 or Roadside Service
(Mexico) on page 13‑10.

Black plate (24,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

1-24 In Brief

Roadside Service and OnStar
(U.S. and Canada)

If you have a current OnStar
subscription, press the

and the current GPS location will
be sent to an OnStar advisor who
will assess your problem, contact
Roadside Service, and relay your
exact location to get the help
you need.

Online Owner Center
(U.S. and Canada)

The Online Owner Center is a
complimentary service that includes
online service reminders, vehicle
maintenance tips, online owner
manual, special privileges,
and more.

Sign up today at:

www.cadillacownercenter.com
(U.S.) or www.gm.ca (Canada).

Q button

OnStar

OnStar®uses several innovative
technologies and live advisors to
provide a wide range of safety,
security, navigation, diagnostics,
and calling services.

Automatic Crash Response

In a crash, built in sensors can
automatically alert an OnStar
advisor who is immediately
connected to the vehicle to
see if you need help.

®

How OnStar Service Works

Q : This blue button connects you

to a specially trained OnStar advisor
to verify your account information
and to answer questions.

] : Push this red emergency

button to get priority help from
specially trained OnStar emergency
advisors.

X : Push this button for hands‐free,

voice‐activated calling and to give
voice commands for turn‐by‐turn
navigation.

Black plate (25,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

In Brief 1-25

Crisis Assist, Stolen Vehicle
Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostics,
Remote Door Unlock, Roadside
Assistance, Turn‐by‐Turn
Navigation and Hands‐Free
Calling are available on most
vehicles. Not all OnStar services are
available on all vehicles. For more
information see the OnStar Owner's
Guide or visit www.onstar.com
(U.S.) or www.onstar.ca (Canada),
contact OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR
(1‐888‐466‐7827) or TTY

1‐877‐248‐2080, or press
speak with an OnStar advisor
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For a full description of OnStar
services and system limitations, see
the OnStar Owner's Guide in the
glove box.

OnStar service is subject to the
OnStar terms and conditions
included in the OnStar Subscriber
Information.

Q to

OnStar service cannot work unless
the vehicle is in a place where
OnStar has an agreement with
a wireless service provider for
service in that area. OnStar service
also cannot work unless the vehicle
is in a place where the wireless
service provider OnStar has hired
for that area has coverage, network
capacity and reception when the
service is needed, and technology
that is compatible with the OnStar
service. Not all services are
available everywhere, particularly
in remote or enclosed areas, or at
all times.

The OnStar system can record
and transmit vehicle information.
This information is automatically
sent to an OnStar call center when

Q is pressed, ] is pressed, or if

the airbags or ACR system deploy.
This information usually includes the
vehicle's GPS location and, in the
event of a crash, additional

information regarding the crash that
the vehicle was involved in (e.g. the
direction from which the vehicle was
hit). When the virtual advisor feature
of OnStar hands-free calling is
used, the vehicle also sends OnStar
the vehicle's GPS location so they
can provide services where it is
located.

Location information about the
vehicle is only available if the GPS
satellite signals are unobstructed
and available.

The vehicle must have a working
electrical system, including
adequate battery power, for the
OnStar equipment to operate.
There are other problems OnStar
cannot control that may prevent
OnStar from providing OnStar
service at any particular time or
place. Some examples are damage
to important parts of the vehicle in
a crash, hills, tall buildings, tunnels,
weather or wireless phone network
congestion.

Black plate (26,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

1-26 In Brief

See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑19 for information

regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.

OnStar Steering Wheel
Controls

This vehicle may have a Talk/Mute
button that can be used to interact
with OnStar hands-free calling.
See Steering Wheel Controls on
page 5‑3 for more information.

On some vehicles, the mute button
can be used to dial numbers into
voice mail systems, or to dial phone
extensions. See the OnStar Owner's
Guide for more information.

Your Responsibility

Increase the volume of the radio if
the OnStar advisor cannot be heard.

If the light next to the OnStar
buttons is red, the system may
not be functioning properly.

Q and request a vehicle

Press
diagnostic. If the light appears clear
(no light is appearing), your OnStar
subscription has expired and all
services have been deactivated.

Press

Q to confirm that the

OnStar equipment is active.

Black plate (1,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-1

Keys, Doors and Windows

Keys and Locks

Keys . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . . . . 2-2

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

System . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 2-2

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)

System Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . 2-8

Doors

Liftgate (Manual) . . . . . . . . .. . .. . 2-9

Liftgate (Power) . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 2-10

Power Assist Steps . . . . . . . . . . 2-13

Vehicle Security

Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 2-13

Anti-Theft Alarm System . . . . . 2-13

Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14

Immobilizer Operation . . . . . . . 2-15

Exterior Mirrors

Convex Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16

Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 2-16

Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 2-17

Automatic Dimming Mirror . . . 2-18

Park Tilt Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 2-18

Interior Mirrors

Automatic Dimming Rearview

Mirror . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2-18

Windows

Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 2-19

Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20

Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . 2-22

Roof

Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . 2-22

Black plate (2,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

2-2 Keys, Doors and Windows

Keys and Locks

Keys

WARNING

{

Leaving children in a vehicle with
the ignition key is dangerous for
many reasons. Children or others
could be badly injured or even
killed. They could operate the
power windows or other controls
or even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function with the
keys in the ignition and children
could be seriously injured or killed
if caught in the path of a closing
window. Do not leave the keys in
a vehicle with children.

The key can be used for the ignition
and door locks.

See your dealer if a replacement
key or additional key is needed.

Notice: If the keys get locked
in the vehicle, it may have to be
damaged to get them out. Always
carry a spare key.

If you are locked out of your
vehicle, contact Roadside Service.
See Roadside Service (U.S. and

Canada) on page 13‑7 or Roadside
Service (Mexico) on page 13‑10 for

more information.

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System

See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑19 for information

regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission
(FCC) rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.

If there is a decrease in the RKE
operating range:

.

Check the distance.
The transmitter may be
too far from the vehicle.

.

Check the location. Other
vehicles or objects may be
blocking the signal.

.

Check the transmitter's battery.
See “Battery Replacement” later
in this section.

.

If the transmitter is still not
working correctly, see your
dealer or a qualified technician
for service.

Black plate (3,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-3

Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation

The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter functions work up to
60 m (195 ft) away from the vehicle.

There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter. See Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) System on page 2‑2.

With Remote Start and

Power Liftgate and Liftglass

(Without Remote Start Similar)

The following functions may be
available if this vehicle has the
RKE system:

Q (Lock): Press to lock all the

doors.

If enabled through the Driver
Information Center (DIC), the turn
signal lamps flash once to indicate
locking has occurred. If enabled
through the DIC, the horn chirps

when

Q is pressed again within

three seconds. See Vehicle
Personalization on page 5‑40

for additional information.

Pressing
theft‐deterrent system. See

Anti-Theft Alarm System on
page 2‑13.

Q arms the content

K (Unlock): Press once to unlock

only the driver door. If
again within three seconds, all
remaining doors unlock. The interior
lamps may come on and stay on for
20 seconds or until the ignition is
turned on.

K is pressed

Black plate (4,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

2-4 Keys, Doors and Windows

If enabled through the DIC, the turn
signal lamps flash twice to indicate
unlocking has occurred. See Vehicle
Personalization on page 5‑40.
If enabled through the DIC, the
exterior lamps turn on briefly if
it is dark enough outside. See

“Approach Lighting” under Vehicle
Personalization on page 5‑40.

Pressing
disarms the content theft‐deterrent
system. See Anti-Theft Alarm
System on page 2‑13.

K on the RKE transmitter

/ (Remote Vehicle Start): For

vehicles with this feature, press
to start the engine from outside the
vehicle using the RKE transmitter.
See Remote Vehicle Start on
page 2‑5 for additional information.

/

& (Power Liftgate): Press and

hold to open and close the liftgate.
The taillamps flash and a chime
sounds to indicate when the liftgate
is opening and closing.

m (Liftglass): Press and hold to

open the liftglass.

L (Vehicle Locator/Panic

Alarm): Press and release to
locate the vehicle. The turn signal
lamps flash and the horn sounds
three times.

Press and hold
three seconds to activate the
panic alarm. The turn signal
lamps flash and the horn sounds
repeatedly for 30 seconds.
The alarm turns off when the
ignition is moved to ON/RUN

or

L is pressed again. The ignition

must be in LOCK/OFF for the panic
alarm to work.

The vehicle comes with
two transmitters. Each transmitter
will have a number on top of
it, “1” or “2”. These numbers
correspond to the driver of the
vehicle. For example, the memory
seat position for driver 1 will be
recalled when using the transmitter
labeled “1”, if enabled through the
DIC. See “Memory Features” under

Power Seat Adjustment on page 3‑3

for more information.

L for

Programming Transmitters to
the Vehicle

Only RKE transmitters
programmed to this vehicle
will work. If a transmitter is lost
or stolen, a replacement can be
purchased and programmed through
your dealer. When the replacement
transmitter is programmed to this
vehicle, all remaining transmitters
must also be reprogrammed.
Any lost or stolen transmitters
will no longer work once the
new transmitter is programmed.
Each vehicle can have up to eight
transmitters programmed to it.
See your dealer to have transmitters
programmed to the vehicle.

Battery Replacement

Replace the battery if the REPLACE
BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY
message displays in the DIC.
See “REPLACE BATTERY IN
REMOTE KEY” under Key and

Lock Messages on page 5‑35

for additional information.

Black plate (5,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-5

Notice: When replacing the
battery, do not touch any of
the circuitry on the transmitter.
Static from your body could
damage the transmitter.

To replace the battery:

1. Separate the transmitter with
a flat, thin object inserted into
the notch, located above the
metal base.

2. Remove the old battery. Do not
use a metal object.

3. Insert the new battery, positive
side facing up. Replace with a
CR2032 or equivalent battery.

4. Snap the transmitter back
together.

Remote Vehicle Start

This feature allows you to start the
engine from outside of the vehicle.
It may also start up the vehicle's
heating or air conditioning systems
and rear window defogger. Normal
operation of the system will return
after the key is turned to the
ON/RUN position.

During a remote start, the climate
control system will default to a
heating or cooling mode depending
on the outside temperatures.

During a remote start, if the vehicle
has an automatic climate control
system and heated seats, the
heated seats will turn on during
colder outside temperatures and
will shut off when the key is turned
to ON/RUN. If the vehicle does not
have an automatic climate control

system, during remote start, you will
need to manually turn the heated
seats on and off. See Heated and

Ventilated Front Seats on page 3‑8

for additional information.

Laws in some communities
may restrict the use of remote
starters. For example, some laws
may require a person using the
remote start to have the vehicle in
view when doing so. Check local
regulations for any requirements
on remote starting of vehicles.

Do not use the remote start
feature if the vehicle is low on fuel.
The vehicle may run out of fuel.

If the vehicle has the remote start
feature, the RKE transmitter
functions will have an increased
range of operation. However,
the range may be less while the
vehicle is running.

There are other conditions which
can affect the performance of the
transmitter, see Remote Keyless

Entry (RKE) System on page 2‑2

for additional information.

Black plate (6,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

2-6 Keys, Doors and Windows

/ (Remote Start): This button will

be on the RKE transmitter if you
have remote start.

To start the vehicle using the remote
start feature:

1. Aim the transmitter at the
vehicle.

2. Press and release
The vehicle's doors will lock.

Immediately press and hold
until the turn signal lamps flash.
If you cannot see the vehicle's

lamps, press and hold
two to four seconds. Pressing

again after the vehicle has
started will turn the engine off.

When the vehicle starts, the
parking lamps will turn on and
remain on while the engine is
running.

If the vehicle is left running it
will automatically shut off after
10 minutes unless a time
extension has been done.

Q.

/

/ for

/

3. If it is the first remote start since
the vehicle has been driven,
repeat these steps, while the
engine is still running, to extend
the engine running time by
10 minutes. Remote start can
be extended one time.

After entering the vehicle during a
remote start, insert and turn the key
to ON/RUN to drive the vehicle.

To manually shut off a remote start,
do any of the following:

.

Aim the RKE transmitter at the
vehicle and

lamps turn off.

.

Turn on the hazard warning
flashers.

.

Turn the ignition on and then
back off.

The vehicle can be remote started
two separate times between driving
sequences. The engine will run for
10 minutes after each remote start.

/ until the parking

Or, you can extend the engine run
time by another 10 minutes within
the first 10 minute remote start time
frame, and before the engine stops.

For example, if
pressed again after the vehicle
has been running for five minutes,
10 minutes are added, allowing the
engine to run for 15 minutes.

The additional 10 minutes are
considered a second remote vehicle
start.

After the vehicle's engine has been
started two times using

single remote start with one time
extension, the vehicle must be
started with the key.

After the key is removed from the
ignition, the vehicle can be remote
started again.

The vehicle cannot be remote
started if the key is in the ignition,
the hood is not closed, or if there
is an emission control system
malfunction and the malfunction
indicator lamp is on.

Q and then / are

/, or a

Black plate (7,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-7

Also, the engine will turn off during a
remote vehicle start if the coolant
temperature gets too high or if the
oil pressure gets low.

Door Locks

WARNING

{

Unlocked doors can be
dangerous.

.

Passengers, especially
children, can easily open
the doors and fall out of a
moving vehicle. When a door
is locked, the handle will not
open it. The chance of being
thrown out of the vehicle in
a crash is increased if the
doors are not locked. So, all
passengers should wear
safety belts properly and the
doors should be locked
whenever the vehicle is
driven.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

.

Young children who get into
unlocked vehicles may be
unable to get out. A child can
be overcome by extreme heat
and can suffer permanent
injuries or even death from
heat stroke. Always lock the
vehicle whenever leaving it.

.

Outsiders can easily enter
through an unlocked door
when you slow down or stop
your vehicle. Locking your
doors can help prevent this
from happening.

There are several ways to lock and
unlock the vehicle.

From outside, use the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
or the key in the driver door.

From inside, use the power door
locks or manual door locks. To lock
or unlock the door with the manual
locks, push down or pull up on the
manual lock knob.

Power Door Locks

With power door locks, the switches
on the front doors can be used to
lock and unlock the vehicle.

K (Unlock): Press to unlock the

doors.

Q (Lock): Press to lock the doors.

Black plate (8,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

2-8 Keys, Doors and Windows

Delayed Locking

When locking the doors with the
power lock switch and a door or the
liftgate is open, the doors will lock
five seconds after the last door is
closed. You will hear three chimes
to signal that the delayed locking
feature is in use.

Pressing the power lock switch
twice will override the delayed
locking feature and immediately
lock all the doors.

This feature will not operate if the
key is in the ignition.

You can program this feature using
the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See “Delay Door Lock” under

Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑40.

Automatic Door Locks

The vehicle may have an automatic
lock/unlock feature. This feature
can be programmed using the
Driver Information Center (DIC).

See Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑40 for more information on
DIC programming.

Lockout Protection

If the driver side power door lock
switch is pressed when the driver
door is open and the key is in the
ignition, all of the doors will lock and
then the driver door will unlock.

If the passenger side power door
lock switch is pressed when the
front passenger door is open and
the key is in the ignition, all of the
doors will lock and then the front
passenger door will unlock.

Safety Locks

The vehicle has rear door security
locks to prevent passengers from
opening the rear doors from the
inside.

Open the rear doors to access the
security locks on the inside edge of
each door.

To set the locks, insert a key into
the slot and turn it to the horizontal
position. The door can only be
opened from the outside with the
door unlocked. To return the door
to normal operation, turn the slot to
the vertical position.

Black plate (9,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-9

Doors

Liftgate (Manual)

WARNING

{

It can be dangerous to drive
with the liftglass or liftgate open
because carbon monoxide (CO)
gas can come into your vehicle.
You cannot see or smell CO.
It can cause unconsciousness
and even death.

If you must drive with the liftglass
or liftgate open, or if electrical
wiring or other cable connections
must pass through the seal
between the body and the
liftglass or liftgate:

.

Make sure all other windows
are shut.

.

Turn the fan on your heating
or cooling system to its
highest speed with the

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

recirculation mode off.
That will force outside air
into your vehicle. See Dual

Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8‑1.

.

If you have air outlets on or
under the instrument panel,
open them all the way.

.

If your vehicle is equipped
with a power liftgate, disable
the power liftgate function.

See Engine Exhaust on
page 9‑38.

To unlock the liftgate, use the power
door lock switch or press

the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter twice. See Remote

Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation on page 2‑3.

K on

On vehicles with a liftglass, press
the button on the underside of the
license pocket applique (A) to open
it. The liftglass can also be opened

by pressing

To open the entire liftgate, press

m on the RKE.

& on the RKE or in the vehicle.

See “Power Liftgate Operation” in
this section. You can also press
the touchpad on the underside of
the liftgate handle (B). The liftgate
will open after a slight delay. The
vehicle must be in P (Park) to open
the liftgate. To close the liftgate, use
the pull cup or pull strap as an aid.

Black plate (10,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

2-10 Keys, Doors and Windows

The liftgate or liftglass cannot be
opened if the rear wipers are in
motion. Attempting to open the
liftgate or liftglass while the rear
wipers are in motion will cause the
release of the liftglass or liftgate to
delay until the wipers are parked off
the liftglass.

Both the liftglass and liftgate have
an electric latch. If the battery is
disconnected or has low voltage,
the liftglass and liftgate will not
open. The liftglass and liftgate will
resume operation when the battery
is reconnected and charged.

If the battery is properly connected
and has adequate voltage, and
the liftgate or liftglass still will not
function, your vehicle should be
taken to a dealership for service.

Liftgate (Power)

Power Liftgate Operation

WARNING

{

Exhaust gases can enter the
vehicle if it is driven with the
liftgate, trunk/hatch open,
or with any objects that pass
through the seal between the
body and the trunk/hatch or
liftgate. Engine exhaust contains
Carbon Monoxide (CO) which
cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness
and even death.

If the vehicle must be driven with
the liftgate, or trunk/hatch open:

.

Close all of the windows.

.

Fully open the air outlets on
or under the instrument
panel.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

.

Adjust the Climate Control
system to a setting that
brings in only outside air
and set the fan speed to the
highest setting. See Climate
Control System in the Index.

.

If the vehicle is equipped with
a power liftgate, disable the
power liftgate function.

For more information about
carbon monoxide, see Engine
Exhaust on page 9‑38.

On vehicles with a power liftgate the
button is on the overhead console.

The vehicle must be in P (Park) to
use the power liftgate feature.

& : Press the top of the button to

open or close the power liftgate.

OFF: Press the bottom of the
button for manual operation of the
power liftgate.

Black plate (11,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-11

The taillamps will flash and a chime
will sound when the power liftgate is
moving.

WARNING

{

You or others could be injured if
caught in the path of the power
liftgate. Make sure there is no one
in the way of the liftgate as it is
opening and closing.

Notice: If you open the liftgate
without checking for overhead
obstructions such as a garage
door, you could damage the
liftgate or the liftgate glass.
Always check to make sure the
area above and behind the liftgate
is clear before opening it.

The power liftgate can be power
opened and closed in the
following ways:

.

Press and hold & on the
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter until the liftgate starts
moving. See Remote Keyless

Entry (RKE) System Operation
on page 2‑3.

.

Press & on the overhead
console.

.

Press the touchpad on the
outside liftgate handle.

Pressing the buttons, or touchpad
switch a second time while the
liftgate is moving reverses the
direction.

l : The liftgate can also be

closed by pressing this button next
to the liftgate latch.

Press the button a second time
during liftgate operation to reverse
that operation.

The power liftgate may be
temporarily disabled under extreme
temperatures, or under low battery
conditions. If this occurs, the liftgate
can still be operated manually.

If the transmission is shifted out of
P (Park) while the power function
is in progress, the liftgate power
function will continue to completion.
If the transmission is shifted out of
P (Park) and the vehicle accelerates
before the power liftgate latches
closed, the liftgate may reverse to
the open position. Cargo could fall
out of the vehicle. Always make
sure the power liftgate is closed and
latched before you drive away.

If you power open the liftgate and
the liftgate support struts have lost
pressure, the lamps will flash and a
chime will sound. The liftgate will
stay open temporarily, then slowly
close. See your dealer for service
before using the liftgate.

Black plate (12,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

2-12 Keys, Doors and Windows

Obstacle Detection Features

If the liftgate encounters an obstacle
during a power open or close
cycle, a warning chime will sound
and the liftgate will automatically
reverse direction to the full closed
or open position. After removing
the obstruction, the power liftgate
operation can be used again.
If the liftgate encounters multiple
obstacles on the same power
cycle, the power function will
deactivate, and you must manually
open or close the liftgate. The
REAR ACCESS OPEN warning
message in the Driver Information
Center (DIC) will indicate that the
liftgate is open. After removing the
obstructions, manually open the
liftgate to the full open position or
close the liftgate to the fully closed
and latched position. The liftgate
will now resume normal power
operation.

Pinch sensors are located on the
sides of the liftgate. If an object is
caught between the liftgate and the

body and presses against this
sensor, the liftgate will reverse
direction and open fully. The liftgate
will remain open until it is activated
again or closed manually. Do not
force the liftgate open or closed
during a power cycle.

Manual Operation of Power
Liftgate

To change the liftgate to manual
operation, press the switch on
the overhead console to the OFF
position.

With the power liftgate disabled
and all of the doors unlocked, the
liftgate can be manually opened
and closed.

To open the liftgate, press the
touchpad on the handle on the
outside of the liftgate, and lift the
gate open. To close the liftgate, use
the pull cup to lower the liftgate and
close. The liftgate latch will power
close. Always close the liftgate
before driving.

If the RKE button or the power close
button on the liftgate is pressed
while power operation is disabled,
the lamps will flash three times, but
the liftgate will not move.

It is not recommended that
you drive with the liftgate open,
however, if you must drive with the
liftgate open, the liftgate should be
set to manual operation by pressing
the OFF switch on the center
console.

The liftgate has an electric latch.
If the battery is disconnected or
has low voltage, the liftgate will
not open. The liftgate will resume
operation when the battery is
reconnected and charged.

If the battery is properly connected
with adequate voltage, the switch is
not disabled, and the liftgate still will
not function, your vehicle should be
taken to a dealer for service.

Black plate (13,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-13

Power Assist Steps

The vehicle may have power assist
steps.

The switch used to disable the
power assist steps is located on the
center console below the climate
control system.

The power assist steps
automatically extend from
beneath the vehicle on the side in
which the door has been opened.
Once the door is closed, the assist
steps automatically move back
under the vehicle after a brief delay.
The vehicle must not be moving for
the assist steps to extend or retract.

The assist steps cannot be disabled
in the extended position.

Vehicle Security

This vehicle has theft-deterrent
features; however, they do not make
it impossible to steal.

Anti-Theft Alarm System

Your vehicle has a content
theft-deterrent alarm system.

This is the security light.

To arm the theft-deterrent system:

1. Open the door.

2. Lock the door with the Remote
Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter
or the power door lock switch.
The security light will come on to
inform the driver the system is

arming. If a door is open when
the doors are locked, the
security light will flash.

If the delayed locking feature is
turned on, the theft‐deterrent
system will not start the arming
process until the last door is
closed and the delay timer has
expired. See Delayed Locking
on page 2‑8.

3. Close all doors. The security
light should go off after about
30 seconds. The alarm is not
armed until the security light
goes off.

If a locked driver door is opened
without using the RKE transmitter,
a 10-second pre-alarm will occur.
The horn will chirp and the lights
will flash. If the key is not placed
in the ignition and turned to
START or the door is not unlocked
by pressing the unlock button
on the RKE transmitter during
the 10-second pre-alarm,
the alarm will go off.

Black plate (14,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

2-14 Keys, Doors and Windows

Your vehicle's headlamps will flash
and the horn will sound for about
30 seconds, then will turn off to save
the battery power.

The theft-deterrent system will not
activate if the doors are locked with
the vehicle's key or the manual
door lock. It activates only if you use
the power door lock switch with the
door open or the RKE transmitter.
You should also remember that
you can start your vehicle with the
correct ignition key if the alarm has
been set off.

To avoid setting off the alarm by
accident:

.

If you do not want to activate
the theft-deterrent system, the
vehicle should be locked with
the door key after the doors are
closed.

.

Always unlock the doors with the
RKE transmitter. Unlocking a
door any other way will set off
the alarm if it is armed.

If you set off the alarm by accident,
press unlock on the RKE transmitter
or place the key in the ignition and
turn it to START to turn off the
alarm. The alarm will not stop if you
try to unlock a door any other way.

Testing the Alarm

To test the alarm:

1. From inside the vehicle, lower
the driver window and open the
driver door.

2. Activate the system by locking
the doors with the power door
lock switch while the door
is open, or with the RKE
transmitter.

3. Get out of the vehicle, close the
door and wait for the security
light to go out.

4. Then reach in through the
window, unlock the door with
the manual door lock and open
the door. This should set off the
alarm.

While the alarm is set, the power
door unlock switch will not work.

If the alarm does not sound when
it should but the headlamps flash,
check to see if the horn works.
The horn fuse may be blown.
To replace the fuse, see Fuses and
Circuit Breakers on page 10‑42.

If the alarm does not sound or the
headlamps do not flash, the vehicle
should be serviced by your dealer.

Immobilizer

See Radio Frequency Statement on
page 13‑19 for information

regarding Part 15 of the Federal
Communications Commission
(FCC) rules and Industry Canada
Standards RSS-210/220/310.

Black plate (15,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-15

Immobilizer Operation

This vehicle has PASS-Key®III+
(Personalized Automotive Security
System) theft-deterrent system.
PASS-Key III+ is a passive
theft-deterrent system.

The system is automatically armed
when the key is removed from the
ignition.

The system is automatically
disarmed when the key is turned
to ON/RUN, ACC/ACCESSORY,
or START from the LOCK/OFF
position.

You do not have to manually arm or
disarm the system.

The security light will come on if
there is a problem with arming or
disarming the theft-deterrent
system.

When the PASS-Key III+ system
senses that someone is using the
wrong key, it prevents the vehicle
from starting. Anyone using a
trial-and-error method to start the

vehicle will be discouraged because
of the high number of electrical key
codes.

If the engine does not start and the
security light on the instrument
panel cluster comes on when trying
to start the vehicle, there may be
a problem with the theft-deterrent
system. Turn the ignition off and
try again.

If the engine still does not start, and
the key appears to be undamaged,
try another ignition key. At this time,
you may also want to check the
fuse. See Fuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 10‑42. If the
engine still does not start with the
other key, the vehicle needs service.
If the vehicle does start, the first key
may be faulty. See your dealer who
can service the PASS-Key III+ to
have a new key made.

It is possible for the PASS-Key III+
decoder to learn the transponder
value of a new or replacement key.
Up to 10 keys may be programmed

for the vehicle. The following
procedure is for programming
additional keys only. If all the
currently programmed keys are
lost or do not operate, you must
see your dealer or a locksmith who
can service PASS-Key III+ to have
keys made and programmed to the
system.

See your dealer or a locksmith who
can service PASS-Key III+ to get a
new key blank cut exactly as the
ignition key that operates the
system.

To program the new additional key:

1. Verify that the new key has
a

1 stamped on it.

2. Insert the original, already
programmed key in the ignition
and start the engine. If the
engine will not start, see your
dealer for service.

3. After the engine has started,
turn the key to LOCK/OFF, and
remove the key.

Black plate (16,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

2-16 Keys, Doors and Windows

4. Insert the new key to be
programmed and turn it to
the ON/RUN position within
five seconds of turning the
ignition to the LOCK/OFF
position in Step 3.

The security light will turn
off once the key has been
programmed.

5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if
additional keys are to be
programmed.

If you lose or damage your
PASS-Key III+ key, see your dealer
or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key III+ to have a new
key made.

Do not leave the 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.

The passenger side mirror is convex
shaped. A convex mirror's surface is
curved so more can be seen from
the driver seat.

Power Mirrors

Controls for the outside power
foldaway mirrors are on the driver
door armrest.

Black plate (17,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-17

Mirror Adjustment

1. Press (A) or (B) to select the
driver or passenger side mirror.

2. Press the arrows on the control
pad to adjust the mirror.

3. Press the opposite side to get
the control pad to a neutral
position.

Power Foldaway Mirrors

1. Press (C) to fold the mirrors out
to the driving position.

2. Press (D) to fold the mirrors into
the folded position.

Resetting the Power Foldaway
Mirrors

Reset the power foldaway mirrors if:

.

The mirrors are accidentally
obstructed while folding.

.

They are accidentally manually
folded/unfolded.

.

The mirrors will not stay in the
unfolded position.

.

The mirrors vibrate at normal
driving speeds.

Fold and unfold the mirrors one time
using the mirror controls to reset
them to their normal position.
A popping noise may be heard
during the resetting of the power
foldaway mirrors. This sound is
normal after a manual folding
operation.

See Power Mirrors on page 2‑16.

Turn Signal Indicator

The vehicle has a turn signal
indicator on the mirror. An arrow on
the mirror flashes in the direction of
the turn or lane change.

Heated Mirrors

The heated outside rearview mirrors
turn on when the rear window
defogger is on and helps to clear
fog or frost from the surface of the
mirrors.

< (Rear Window Defogger):

This button is on the climate control
panel.

See “Rear Window Defogger” under

Dual Automatic Climate Control
System on page 8‑1.

Black plate (18,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

2-18 Keys, Doors and Windows

Automatic Dimming Mirror

The vehicle has an automatic
dimming mirror. The driver outside
mirror automatically adjusts for the
glare of headlamps behind you.
This feature is controlled by the
on and off setting on the inside
rearview mirror. See Automatic

Dimming Rearview Mirror on
page 2‑18 for more information.

Park Tilt Mirrors

If the vehicle has the memory
package, the passenger and/or
driver mirror tilts to a preselected
position when the vehicle is in
R (Reverse). This feature lets the
driver view the curb when parallel
parking. The mirror(s) return to the
original position when the vehicle
is shifted out of R (Reverse), or
the ignition is turned off or to
OFF/LOCK.

Turn this feature on or off through
the Driver Information Center (DIC).
See Driver Information Center (DIC)
on page 5‑26 for more information.

Interior Mirrors

Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror

Automatic dimming reduces the
glare of lights from behind the
vehicle. The dimming feature comes
on and the indicator light illuminates
each time the vehicle is started.

O (On/Off): Press to turn the

dimming feature on or off.

The vehicle may have IntelliBeam
For more information on
IntelliBeam, see “IntelliBeam
Intelligent High‐Beam Headlamp
Control System” under Exterior
Lamp Controls on page 6‑1.

®

.

Black plate (19,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-19

Vehicles with OnStar®have three
additional control buttons located at
the bottom of the mirror. See your
dealer for more information about
OnStar and how to subscribe to it.
See the OnStar Owner's Guide for
more information about the services
OnStar provides.

Cleaning the Mirror

Do not spray glass cleaner directly
on the mirror. Use a soft towel
dampened with water.

Windows

WARNING

{

Leaving children, helpless adults,
or pets in a vehicle with the
windows closed is dangerous.
They can be overcome by
the extreme heat and suffer
permanent injuries or even death
from heat stroke. Never leave a
child, a helpless adult, or a pet
alone in a vehicle, especially with
the windows closed in warm or
hot weather.

The vehicle aerodynamics are
designed to improve fuel economy
performance. This may result in a
pulsing sound when either rear
window is down and the front
windows are up. To reduce the
sound, open either a front window
or the sunroof (if equipped).

Black plate (20,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

2-20 Keys, Doors and Windows

Power Windows

WARNING

{

Leaving children in a vehicle with
the keys is dangerous for many
reasons. Children or others could
be badly injured or even killed.
They could operate the power
windows or other controls or
even make the vehicle move.
The windows will function and
they could be seriously injured or
killed if caught in the path of a
closing window. Do not leave
keys in a vehicle with children.

When there are children in the
rear seat use the window lockout
button to prevent unintentional
operation of the windows.

The power window switches are on
the driver door.

In addition, each door has a switch
for its own window. The front power
window switch operates with two
positions for both up and down
movement and the rear power
window switch operates with one
position for up and two positions
for down movement. Press the
switch to the first position to lower
the window to the desired level.
Pull the switch up to raise the
window.

The vehicle has Retained
Accessory Power (RAP) that allows
you to use the power windows once
the ignition has been turned off.
For more information, see Retained

Accessory Power (RAP) on
page 9‑35.

Express-Down/Up Windows

Windows with the express feature
allow the windows to be raised and
lowered all the way without holding
the switch.

Press or pull the switch fully and
release it to activate the express
feature.

The express mode can be canceled
at any time by briefly pressing or
pulling the switch.

Black plate (21,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-21

Express Window Anti-Pinch
Feature

If any object is in the path of the
window when the express‐up is
active, the window will stop at the
obstruction and auto‐reverse to a
preset factory position. Weather
conditions such as severe icing
may also cause the window to
auto‐reverse. The window will
return to normal operation once the
obstruction or condition is removed.

Express Window Anti‐Pinch
Override

WARNING

{

If express override is activated,
the window will not reverse
automatically. You or others could
be injured and the window could
be damaged. Before you use
express override, make sure that
all people and obstructions are
clear of the window path.

In an emergency, the anti‐pinch
feature can be overridden in a
supervised mode. Hold the window
switch all the way up to the second
position. The window will rise for
as long as the switch is held. Once
the switch is released, the express
mode is re‐activated.

In this mode, the window can still
close on an object in its path. Use
care when using the override mode.

Programming the Power
Windows

If the battery on the vehicle has
been recharged, disconnected,
or is not working, you will need to
reprogram each front power window
for the express-up feature to work.
Before reprogramming, replace or
recharge the vehicle's battery.

To program each front window,
follow these steps:

1. With the ignition in
ACC/ACCESSORY, ON/RUN,
or when Retained Accessory
Power (RAP) is active, close
all doors.

2. Press and hold the power
window switch until the window
is fully open.

3. Pull the power window switch up
until the window is fully closed.

4. Continue holding the switch up
for approximately two seconds
after the window is completely
closed.

The window is now reprogrammed.
Repeat the process for the other
windows.

Black plate (22,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

2-22 Keys, Doors and Windows

Window Lockout

o (Window Lockout): This button

is on the driver door near the
window switches.

Press the right side of the
button to disable the rear window
controls. The light on the button will
illuminate, indicating the feature is in
use. The rear windows still can be
raised or lowered using the driver
window switches when the lockout
feature is active.

To restore power to the rear
windows, press the button again.
The light on the button will go out.

Sun Visors

Pull the sun visor down to block
glare. Detach the sun visor from the
center mount to pivot to the side
window, or to extend along the rod if
available.

Roof

Sunroof

On vehicles with a sunroof, there
are two sunroof switches on the
overhead console above the
rearview mirror.

Black plate (23,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Keys, Doors and Windows 2-23

The sunroof only operates
when the ignition is in ON/RUN
or ACC/ACCESSORY, or in
Retained Accessory Power (RAP).
See Retained Accessory Power
(RAP) on page 9‑35.

To open or close the sunroof, press
the open or close sunroof switch (A)
to the first detent position.

To express open or close the
sunroof, press the open or close
sunroof switch (A) to the second
detent position and release. To stop
the movement, press the switch
again.

The sunroof has a comfort stop
feature which stops the sunroof from
opening to the full-open position.
From the comfort stop position,

press the open or close sunroof
switch (A) a second time to open
the sunroof to the full-open position.

To automatically vent or close the
sunroof, press the vent open or
close sunroof switch (B).

When the sunroof is opened, an air
deflector will automatically raise.
The air deflector will retract when
the sunroof is closed.

The sunroof also has a sunshade
which can be pulled forward to block
sun rays. The sunshade must be
opened and closed manually.

If an object is in the path of the
sunroof while it is closing, the
anti-pinch feature will detect the
object and stop the sunroof.

Dirt and debris may collect on
the sunroof seal or in the track.
This could cause an issue
with sunroof operation, noise,
or plugging the water drainage
system. Periodically open the
sunroof and remove any obstacles
or loose debris. Wipe the sunroof
seal and roof sealing area using a
clean cloth, mild soap, and water.
Do not remove grease from the
sunroof.

Black plate (24,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

2-24 Keys, Doors and Windows

2 NOTES

Black plate (1,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-1

Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints

Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 3-2

Front Seats

Power Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . 3-3

Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Heated and Ventilated Front

Seats . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . .. . . 3-8

Rear Seats

Heated Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

Second Row Seats (60/40

Split Bench Seat) . . . . . . . . . .. 3-10

Second Row Seats (Bucket

Seats) . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . .. 3-13

Third Row Seats . . . . . .. . . . . . . 3-18

Safety Belts

Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 3-22

How to Wear Safety Belts

Properly .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . 3-25

Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31

Safety Belt Use During

Pregnancy .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 3-36

Lap Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-37

Safety Belt Extender . . . . . . . . . 3-38

Safety System Check . . . . . . . . 3-38

Safety Belt Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38

Replacing Safety Belt System

Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-39

Airbag System

Airbag System . . . . . .. . . . . . .. . 3-39

Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . 3-42

When Should an Airbag

Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . 3-44

What Makes an Airbag

Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . 3-45

How Does an Airbag

Restrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 3-46

What Will You See After an

Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-46

Passenger Sensing

System . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . . . . 3-48

Servicing the Airbag-Equipped

Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . 3-52

Adding Equipment to the

Airbag-Equipped Vehicle . . . 3-53

Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . 3-54

Replacing Airbag System

Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-54

Child Restraints

Older Children . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 3-55

Infants and Young

Children . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . 3-57

Child Restraint Systems . . . . . 3-60

Where to Put the Restraint . . . 3-62
Lower Anchors and Tethers

for Children (LATCH

System) . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . 3-63

Replacing LATCH System

Parts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . 3-71

Securing Child Restraints

(Rear Seat Position) . . . . . .. . 3-72

Securing Child Restraints

(Center Front Seat

Position) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-75

Securing Child Restraints

(Right Front Seat

Position) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-75

Black plate (2,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

3-2 Seats and Restraints

Head Restraints

The front seats have adjustable
head restraints in the outboard
seating positions.

WARNING

{

With head restraints that are not
installed and adjusted properly,
there is a greater chance that
occupants will suffer a neck/
spinal injury in a crash. Do not
drive until the head restraints for
all occupants are installed and
adjusted properly.

Adjust the head restraint so that the
top of the restraint is at the same
height as the top of the occupant's
head. This position reduces the
chance of a neck injury in a crash.

Pull the head restraint up to raise it.
To lower the head restraint, press
the button, located on the top
of the seatback, and push the
restraint down.

Black plate (3,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Push down on the head restraint
after the button is released to make
sure that it is locked in place.

The head restraints are not
designed to be removed.

The vehicle's 2nd-row seats have
head restraints in the outboard
seating positions that cannot be
adjusted.

The vehicle's 3rd-row seat,
if equipped, has headrests that
can be adjusted up and down.

Front Seats

Power Seat Adjustment

To adjust a power seat:

.

Move the seat forward or
rearward by sliding the control
forward or rearward.

Seats and Restraints 3-3

.

Raise or lower the front or rear
part of the seat cushion by
moving the front or rear of the
control up or down.

.

Raise or lower the entire seat
by moving the entire control up
or down.

To adjust the seatback, see
Reclining Seatbacks on page 3‑6.

Black plate (4,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

3-4 Seats and Restraints

Memory Features

The controls on the driver door are
used to program and recall memory
settings for the driver seat, outside
mirrors, power steering column, and
the adjustable throttle and brake
pedals.

Storing Memory Positions

To save into memory:

1. Adjust the driver seat, including
the seatback recliner and
lumbar, both outside mirrors,
power steering column, and
the throttle and brake pedals.

See Power Mirrors on page 2‑16
and Adjustable Throttle and
Brake Pedal on page 9‑31 for
more information.

Not all mirrors and adjustable
throttles and brake pedals will
have the ability to save and
recall their positions.

2. Press and hold “1” until
two beeps sound.

3. Repeat for a second driver
position using “2.”

To recall, press and release “1” or
“2.” The vehicle must be in P (Park).
A single beep will sound. The seat,
outside mirrors, power steering
column, and adjustable throttle
and brake pedals will move to the
positions previously stored for the
identified driver.

Black plate (5,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-5

Memory Remote Recall

The memory feature can recall the
driver seat, outside mirrors, power
steering column, and pedals to
stored positions when entering the
vehicle.

To activate, unlock the driver
door with the Remote Keyless
Entry (RKE) transmitter. The driver
seat, outside mirrors, power steering
column, and adjustable pedals will
move to the memory positions
associated with the transmitter
used to unlock the vehicle.

This feature can be turned on or off
using the vehicle personalization
menu. See “Memory Seat Recall”
under Vehicle Personalization on
page 5‑40 for more information.

To stop recall movement, press one
of the power seat controls, memory
or power mirror buttons, power
steering column control, or the
adjustable pedal switch.

If something has blocked the driver
seat, power steering column, or the
adjustable pedals while recalling a
memory position, the recall may
stop. Remove the obstruction; then
press and hold the appropriate
manual control for the memory item
that is not recalling for two seconds.
Try recalling the memory position
again by pressing the appropriate
memory button. If the memory
position is still not recalling, see
your dealer for service.

Easy Exit Positions

This feature can move the driver
seat rearward and the power
steering column up and forward to
allow extra room to exit the vehicle.

B (Easy Exit Positions): Press

to recall the easy exit positions.
The vehicle must be in P (Park).

If the easy exit feature is
programmed on in the vehicle
personalization menu, automatic
driver seat and power steering
column movement occur when
the ignition key is removed.

Black plate (6,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

3-6 Seats and Restraints

A single beep sounds. The driver
seat moves back approximately
8 cm (3 in) and the power steering
column moves up and forward.
To move the seat back farther,
press the easy exit button again
until the seat is all the way back.

If something has blocked the driver
seat while recalling the exit position,
the recall may stop. Remove the
obstruction; then press and hold
the power seat control rearward for
two seconds. Try recalling the exit
position again. If the exit position is
still not recalling, see your dealer for
service.

See “Easy Exit Recall” and

“Easy Exit Setup” under Vehicle
Personalization on page 5‑40 for

more information.

Lumbar Adjustment

Power Lumbar

To adjust the lumbar support:

.

To increase or decrease lumbar
support, press and hold the front
or rear of the control.

.

To raise or lower the height of
the lumbar support, press and
hold the top or bottom of the
control.

Reclining Seatbacks

Power Reclining Seatbacks

WARNING

{

You can lose control of the
vehicle if you try to adjust the
seat while the vehicle is moving.
The sudden movement could
startle and confuse you, or make
you push a pedal when you do
not want to. Adjust the driver seat
only when the vehicle is not
moving.

Black plate (7,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

To adjust the seatback:

.

Tilt the top of the control
rearward to recline the seatback.

.

Tilt the top of the control forward
to raise the seatback.

WARNING

{

Sitting in a reclined position when
the vehicle is in motion can be
dangerous. Even when buckled
up, the safety belts cannot do
their job when reclined like this.

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

The shoulder belt cannot do its
job because it will not be against
your body. Instead, it will be in
front of you. In a crash, you could
go into it, receiving neck or other
injuries.

The lap belt cannot do its job
either. In a crash, the belt could
go up over your abdomen. The
belt forces would be there, not at
your pelvic bones. This could
cause serious internal injuries.

For proper protection when the
vehicle is in motion, have the
seatback upright. Then sit well
back in the seat and wear the
safety belt properly.

Seats and Restraints 3-7

Do not have a seatback reclined if
the vehicle is moving.

Black plate (8,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

3-8 Seats and Restraints

Heated and Ventilated Front Seats

WARNING

{

If you cannot feel temperature
change or pain to the skin,
the seat heater may cause
burns even at low temperatures.
To reduce the risk of burns,
people with such a condition
should use care when using
the seat heater, especially for
long periods of time. Do not
place anything on the seat that
insulates against heat, such as
a blanket, cushion, cover or
similar item. This may cause
the seat heater to overheat.
An overheated seat heater may
cause a burn or may damage
the seat.

The buttons are on the climate
control panel.

{ (Cooled Seat): Press to cool

the seat.

+ (Heated Seatback): Press to

heat the seatback.

z (Heated Seat and Seatback):

Press to heat seat and seatback.

One of these symbols appears on
the climate control display when this
feature is on.

Press the desired button once for
the highest setting. With each press
of the button, the seat will change to
the next lower setting, and then to
the off setting.

Indicator bars next to the symbol on
the climate control display show the
selected setting: three for high, two
for medium, and one for low.

The heated and cooled seats
are canceled when the ignition is
turned off. To use this feature after
restarting the vehicle, press the
desired button again.

Black plate (9,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-9

Rear Seats

Heated Rear Seats

WARNING

{

If you cannot feel temperature
change or pain to the skin, the
seat heater may cause burns
even at low temperatures.
See the Warning under Heated

and Ventilated Front Seats on
page 3‑8.

The buttons are on the Rear Seat
Audio (RSA) panel.

L or M heat the left outboard

Press
or right outboard seat cushion.
An indicator on the RSA display
appears when this feature is on.

Press the button once for the
highest setting. With each press of
the button, the heated seat changes
to the next lower setting, and then
the off setting. Indicator bars next to
the symbol show the setting: three
for high, two for medium, and one
for low.

The heated seats are canceled
ten seconds after the ignition is
turned off. To use this feature after
the vehicle is restarted, press the
desired button.

Black plate (10,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

3-10 Seats and Restraints

Second Row Seats (60/40 Split Bench Seat)

If the vehicle has a 60/40 split
bench, the seat can be folded for
additional cargo space or folded
and tumbled for easy entry and exit
to the third row seat, if equipped.
The seat has either the manual fold
and tumble feature or the automatic
seat release fold and tumble
feature.

Manual Fold and Tumble
Feature

Folding and Tumbling the Seat

To fold and tumble the seat:

1. Make sure that there is nothing
under, in front of, or on the seat.

Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.

The seatback will fold forward to
create a flat load floor.

If the seatback cannot fold flat,
try moving the front seat forward
and/or put the front seatback in
the upright position.

2. Lift the lever, on the outboard
side of the seat, to release the
seatback.

Black plate (11,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

3. Lift the same lever again to
release the rear of the seat from
the floor. The seat will tumble
forward.

Folding and Tumbling the Seat
from the Third Row Seat

WARNING

{

Using the third row seating
position while the second row is
folded, or folded and tumbled,
could cause injury in a sudden
stop or crash. Be sure to return
the seat to the passenger seating
position. Push and pull on the
seat to make sure it is locked into
place.

To fold and tumble the seat from the
third row seat, if equipped:

1. Make sure that there is nothing
under, in front of, or on the seat.

Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.

Seats and Restraints 3-11

2. Lift the lever, on the bottom
rear of the second row seat on
the inboard side, to release the
seatback. The seatback will fold
forward.

3. Lift the same lever again to
release the rear of the seat from
the floor. The seat will tumble
forward.

Black plate (12,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

3-12 Seats and Restraints

Automatic Seat Release Fold
and Tumble Feature

The transmission must be in
P (Park) for this feature to work.

WARNING

{

Automatically folding and
tumbling the seat when someone
is sitting in the seat, could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always make sure there is no one
sitting in the seat before pressing
the automatic seat release button.

Folding and Tumbling the Second
Row Seat from the Third Row Seat
or Outside

WARNING

{

Using the third row seating
position while the second row is
folded, or folded and tumbled,
could cause injury in a sudden
stop or crash. Be sure to return
the seat to the passenger seating
position. Push and pull on the
seat to make sure it is locked into
place.

To fold and tumble the seat from the
third row seat, if equipped:

1. Make sure that there is nothing
under, in front of, or on the seat.

Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.

Driver Side Rear Panel Button

Shown

2. Press the automatic seat release
button on the panel behind the
rear doors.

The seatback automatically
folds flat and the seat tumbles
forward. There will be a slight
delay between the folding of the
seatback and the tumbling of
the seat.

Black plate (13,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-13

Returning the Seat to the
Sitting Position

To return the seat to the sitting
position:

1. Pull the seat down until it latches
to the floor. The seatback cannot
be raised if the seat is not
latched to the floor.

WARNING

{

If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.

2. Lift the seatback and push it
rearward. Push and pull on the
seatback to make sure it is
locked.

WARNING

{

A safety belt that is improperly
routed, not properly attached,
or twisted will not provide the
protection needed in a crash.
The person wearing the belt could
be seriously injured. After raising
the rear seatback, always check
to be sure that the safety belts
are properly routed and attached,
and are not twisted.

3. Make sure that the safety belt in
the center seating position is not
caught between the two seats
and is not twisted.

Second Row Seats (Bucket Seats)

If the vehicle has bucket seats, the
seatbacks can be reclined, and the
seats can be folded for additional
cargo space or folded and tumbled
for easy entry and exit to the third
row seat, if equipped. The seat has
either the manual fold and tumble
feature or the automatic seat
release fold and tumble feature.

Black plate (14,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

3-14 Seats and Restraints

Reclining Seatbacks

To recline the seatback:

1. Lift the lever on the outboard
side of the seat.

2. Move the seatback to the
desired position, and then
release the lever to lock the
seatback in place.

3. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.

To return the seatback to the upright
position:

1. Lift the lever fully without
applying pressure to the
seatback, and the seatback will
return to the upright position.

WARNING

{

If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.

2. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.

Manual Fold and Tumble
Feature

Folding and Tumbling the Seat

To fold and tumble the seat:

1. Make sure that there is nothing
under, in front of, or on the seat.

Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.

Black plate (15,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-15

2. Lift the lever, on the outboard
side of the seat, to release the
seatback.

The seatback will fold forward to
create a flat load floor.

If the seatback cannot fold flat,
try moving the front seat forward
and/or put the front seatback in
the upright position.

3. Lift the lever again to release the
rear of the seat from the floor.
The seat will tumble forward.

Black plate (16,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

3-16 Seats and Restraints

Folding and Tumbling the Seat
from the Third Row Seat

WARNING

{

Using the third row seating
position while the second row is
folded, or folded and tumbled,
could cause injury in a sudden
stop or crash. Be sure to return
the seat to the passenger seating
position. Push and pull on the
seat to make sure it is locked into
place.

To fold and tumble the seat from the
third row seat, if equipped:

1. Make sure that there is nothing
under, in front of, or on the seat.

Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.

2. Lift the lever, on the bottom rear
of the second row seat on the
inboard side, to release the
seatback. The seatback will
fold forward.

3. Lift the same lever again to
release the rear of the seat from
the floor. The seat will tumble
forward.

Automatic Seat Release Fold
and Tumble Feature

The transmission must be in
P (Park) for this feature to work.

WARNING

{

Automatically folding and
tumbling the seat when someone
is sitting in the seat, could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always make sure there is no one
sitting in the seat before pressing
the automatic seat release button.

Black plate (17,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-17

Folding and Tumbling the Second
Row Seat from the Third Row Seat
or Outside

WARNING

{

Using the third row seating
position while the second row is
folded, or folded and tumbled,
could cause injury in a sudden
stop or crash. Be sure to return
the seat to the passenger seating
position. Push and pull on the
seat to make sure it is locked into
place.

To fold and tumble the seat from the
third row seat, if equipped:

1. Make sure that there is nothing
under, in front of, or on the seat.

Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.

Driver Side Rear Panel Button

Shown

2. Press the automatic seat release
button on the panel behind the
rear doors.

The seatback automatically
folds flat and the seat tumbles
forward. There will be a slight
delay between the folding of the
seatback and the tumbling of
the seat.

Returning the Seat to the
Sitting Position

To return the seat to the sitting
position:

1. Pull the seat down until it latches
to the floor. The seatback cannot
be raised if the seat is not
latched to the floor.

WARNING

{

If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.

2. Lift the seatback and push it
rearward. Push and pull on the
seatback to make sure it is
locked.

Black plate (18,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

3-18 Seats and Restraints

Third Row Seats

If the vehicle has a third row seat,
the seatback can be folded, and
the entire seat can be tumbled or
removed from the vehicle.

Folding the Seatback

To fold the seatback:

1. Open the liftgate to access the
controls for the seat.

2. Remove all items on the seat
cushion.

Notice: Folding a rear seat with
the safety belts still fastened may
cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the
safety belts and return them to
their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.

3. Lift the release lever “1,” on the
bottom rear of the seatback on
the outboard side of the seat,
and the seatback folds forward.

Returning the Seatback to the
Upright Position

To return the seatback to the upright
position:

1. Open the liftgate to access the
controls for the seat.

2. Raise the seatback to the
upright position.

WARNING

{

If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.

3. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.

Black plate (19,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-19

Tumbling the Third Row Seat

To tumble the seat:

1. Open the liftgate to access the
controls for the seat.

2. Make sure the headrests are
completely lowered and there is
nothing under, in front of, or on
the seat.

3. Fold the seatbacks forward
using lever “1” and the
instructions listed previously
under “Folding the Seatback.”
The seat cannot be unlatched
from the floor unless the
seatback is folded.

4. Unlatch the seat from the floor
by lifting lever “2” next to the
carrying handle on the rear of
the seat, near the bottom.

5. Lift the rear of the seat up from
the floor.

6. Tilt the seat fully forward to lock
it into place.

7. Push and pull on the seat to
make sure it is locked.

Put the seat in this position only
when necessary for additional cargo
space.

Returning the Third Row Seat
from a Tumbled Position

To return the seat to the normal
seating position:

1. Open the liftgate to access the
controls for the seat.

2. Make sure there is nothing that
could become trapped under
the seat.

3. Release the seat from the
tumbled position by lifting lever
“2” next to the carrying handle at
the bottom rear of the seat.

4. Pull the seat down until it latches
to the floor. The seatback cannot
be raised to the upright position
unless the seat is latched to the
floor.

Black plate (20,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

3-20 Seats and Restraints

5. Raise the seatback to the
upright position.

WARNING

{

If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.

6. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.

Removing the Third Row Seat

To remove the seat:

1. Open the liftgate to access the
controls for the seat.

2. Fold the seatbacks forward
using lever “1” and the
instructions listed previously
under “Folding the Seatback.”
The seat cannot be unlatched
from the floor unless the
seatback is folded.

3. Unlatch the seat from the floor
by pulling the handle at the rear
of the seat “3 Removal Only”
toward the rear of the vehicle.

4. Roll the seat out of the vehicle.
There is a track in the floor to
guide the seat wheels out of the
vehicle.

Black plate (21,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-21

Installing the Third Row Seat

To install the seat:

1. Open the liftgate to access the
rear of the vehicle.

2. Slide the front outboard seat
wheels into the track on the
floor and roll the seat forward.
The front latches should lock
into place. If the latches do not
lock, try tilting the rear of the
seat upward slightly.

3. Lower the rear of the seat and
push down on the seat to
engage the rear floor latches.

WARNING

{

A seat that is not locked into
place properly can move around
in a collision or sudden stop.
People in the vehicle could be
injured. Be sure to lock the
seat into place properly when
installing it.

4. Push and pull on the seat to
make sure it is locked into place.
The seatback cannot be raised
to the upright position unless
the seat is latched to the floor.

5. Raise the seatback to the
upright position.

WARNING

{

If either seatback is not locked, it
could move forward in a sudden
stop or crash. That could cause
injury to the person sitting there.
Always push and pull on the
seatbacks to be sure they are
locked.

6. Push and pull on the seatback to
make sure it is locked.

WARNING

{

A safety belt that is improperly
routed, not properly attached,
or twisted will not provide the
protection needed in a crash.
The person wearing the belt could
be seriously injured. After raising
the rear seatback, always check
to be sure that the safety belts
are properly routed and attached,
and are not twisted.

7. Make sure the safety belts are
returned to the original position
over the seatbacks.

Black plate (22,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

3-22 Seats and Restraints

Safety Belts

This section of the manual
describes how to use safety belts
properly. It also describes some
things not to do with safety belts.

WARNING

{

Do not let anyone ride where
a safety belt cannot be worn
properly. In a crash, if you or your
passenger(s) are not wearing
safety belts, the injuries can be
much worse. You can hit things
inside the vehicle harder or
be ejected from the vehicle.
You and your passenger(s) can
be seriously injured or killed.
In the same crash, you might
not be, if you are buckled up.
Always fasten your safety belt,
and check that your passenger(s)
are restrained properly too.

WARNING

{

It is extremely dangerous to ride
in a cargo area, inside or outside
of a vehicle. In a collision, people
riding in these areas are more
likely to be seriously injured or
killed. Do not allow people to ride
in any area of your vehicle that
is not equipped with seats and
safety belts. Be sure everyone in
your vehicle is in a seat and using
a safety belt properly.

This vehicle has indicators as a
reminder to buckle the safety belts.
See Safety Belt Reminders on
page 5‑15 for additional information.

In most states and in all Canadian
provinces, the law requires wearing
safety belts. Here is why:

You never know if you will be in
a crash. If you do have a crash,
you do not know if it will be a
serious one.

A few crashes are mild, and some
crashes can be so serious that even
buckled up, a person would not
survive. But most crashes are in
between. In many of them, people
who buckle up can survive and
sometimes walk away. Without
safety belts they could have been
badly hurt or killed.

After more than 40 years of safety
belts in vehicles, the facts are clear.
In most crashes buckling up does
matter ... a lot!

Black plate (23,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Why Safety Belts Work

When you ride in or on anything,
you go as fast as it goes.

Seats and Restraints 3-23

Take the simplest vehicle. Suppose
it is just a seat on wheels.

Put someone on it. Get it up to speed. Then stop the

vehicle. The rider does not stop.

Black plate (24,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

3-24 Seats and Restraints

The person keeps going until
stopped by something. In a real
vehicle, it could be the windshield...

or the instrument panel... or the safety belts!

With safety belts, you slow down
as the vehicle does. You get more
time to stop. You stop over more
distance, and your strongest bones
take the forces. That is why safety
belts make such good sense.

Black plate (25,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-25

Questions and Answers About
Safety Belts

Q: Will I be trapped in the vehicle

after a crash if I am wearing a
safety belt?

A: You could be — whether you

are wearing a safety belt or
not. But your chance of being
conscious during and after an
accident, so you can unbuckle
and get out, is much greater if
you are belted. And you can
unbuckle a safety belt, even if
you are upside down.

Q: If my vehicle has airbags, why

should I have to wear safety
belts?

A: Airbags are supplemental

systems only; so they work with
safety belts — not instead of
them. Whether or not an airbag
is provided, all occupants still
have to buckle up to get the
most protection. That is true
not only in frontal collisions,
but especially in side and
other collisions.

Q: If I am a good driver, and I

never drive far from home,
why should I wear safety
belts?

A: You may be an excellent driver,

but if you are in a crash — even
one that is not your fault — you
and your passenger(s) can be
hurt. Being a good driver does
not protect you from things
beyond your control, such
as bad drivers.

Most accidents occur within
40 km (25 miles) of home.
And the greatest number of
serious injuries and deaths
occur at speeds of less than
65 km/h (40 mph).

Safety belts are for everyone.

How to Wear Safety Belts Properly

This section is only for people of
adult size.

Be aware that there are special
things to know about safety belts
and children. And there are different
rules for smaller children and
infants. If a child will be riding in
the vehicle, see Older Children on

page 3‑55 or Infants and Young
Children on page 3‑57. Follow those

rules for everyone's protection.

It is very important for all occupants
to buckle up. Statistics show that
unbelted people are hurt more often
in crashes than those who are
wearing safety belts.

Occupants who are not buckled up
can be thrown out of the vehicle in a
crash. And they can strike others in
the vehicle who are wearing safety
belts.

Black plate (26,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

3-26 Seats and Restraints

First, before you or your
passenger(s) wear a safety belt,
there is important information you
should know.

Sit up straight and always keep
your feet on the floor in front of you.
The lap part of the belt should be

worn low and snug on the hips,
just touching the thighs. In a crash,
this applies force to the strong
pelvic bones and you would be
less likely to slide under the lap
belt. If you slid under it, the belt
would apply force on your abdomen.
This could cause serious or even
fatal injuries. The shoulder belt
should go over the shoulder and
across the chest. These parts of
the body are best able to take belt
restraining forces.

The shoulder belt locks if there is a
sudden stop or crash.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is too loose.

It will not give as much
protection this way.

Black plate (27,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-27

WARNING

{

You can be seriously hurt if your
shoulder belt is too loose. In a
crash, you would move forward
too much, which could increase
injury. The shoulder belt should fit
snugly against your body.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The lap belt is too loose.

It will not give nearly as much
protection this way.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously hurt if your
lap belt is too loose. In a crash,
you could slide under the lap
belt and apply force on your
abdomen. This could cause
serious or even fatal injuries.
The lap belt should be worn
low and snug on the hips, just
touching the thighs.

Black plate (28,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

3-28 Seats and Restraints

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is buckled in the wrong

buckle.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously injured
if your belt is buckled in the
wrong place like this. In a crash,
the belt would go up over your
abdomen. The belt forces would
be there, not on the pelvic bones.
This could cause serious internal
injuries. Always buckle your belt
into the buckle nearest you.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is over an armrest.

Black plate (29,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-29

WARNING

{

You can be seriously injured if
your belt goes over an armrest
like this. The belt would be much
too high. In a crash, you can
slide under the belt. The belt
force would then be applied on
the abdomen, not on the pelvic
bones, and that could cause
serious or fatal injuries. Be sure
the belt goes under the armrests.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The shoulder belt is worn under

the arm. It should be worn over
the shoulder at all times.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously injured if
you wear the shoulder belt under
your arm. In a crash, your body
would move too far forward,
which would increase the chance
of head and neck injury. Also,
the belt would apply too much
force to the ribs, which are not
as strong as shoulder bones.
You could also severely injure
internal organs like your liver or
spleen. The shoulder belt should
go over the shoulder and across
the chest.

Black plate (30,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

3-30 Seats and Restraints

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is behind the body.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously injured by
not wearing the lap-shoulder belt
properly. In a crash, you would
not be restrained by the shoulder
belt. Your body could move
too far forward increasing the
chance of head and neck injury.
You might also slide under the lap
belt. The belt force would then be
applied right on the abdomen.
That could cause serious or fatal
injuries. The shoulder belt should
go over the shoulder and across
the chest.

Q: What is wrong with this?

A: The belt is twisted across

the body.

WARNING

{

You can be seriously injured by a
twisted belt. In a crash, you would
not have the full width of the belt
to spread impact forces. If a belt
is twisted, make it straight so it
can work properly, or ask your
dealer to fix it.

Black plate (31,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-31

Lap-Shoulder Belt

All seating positions in the vehicle
have a lap-shoulder belt except for
the center front passenger position,
if equipped, which has a lap belt.
See Lap Belt on page 3‑37 for more
information.

The lap‐shoulder belts for the first
and second row seating positions
are equipped with free‐falling latch
plates. If the vehicle has a third row,
the lap‐shoulder belts have either
free‐falling or cinching latch plates.

Use the following pictures to
determine the latch plate style:

Free-Falling Latch Plate

Cinching Latch Plate

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.

Black plate (32,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

3-32 Seats and Restraints

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 with a free‐falling
latch plate is pulled out all the
way, the child restraint locking
feature may be engaged. If this
happens, let the belt go back all
the way and start again.

Engaging the child restraint
locking feature in the right front
seating position may affect the
passenger sensing system,
if equipped. See Passenger

Sensing System on page 3‑48

for more information.

If the belt stops before it reaches
the buckle, for lap‐shoulder belts
with cinching latch plates, tilt
the latch plate and keep pulling
the safety belt until it can be
buckled.

3. Push the latch plate into the
buckle until it clicks. If you find
that the latch plate will not go
fully into the buckle, see if you
are using the correct buckle.

Pull up on the latch plate to
make sure it is secure. If the belt
is not long enough, see Safety
Belt Extender on page 3‑38.

Position the release button on
the buckle so that the safety belt
could be quickly unbuckled if
necessary.

Black plate (33,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-33

4. If equipped with a shoulder
belt height adjuster, move it to
the height that is right for you.
See “Shoulder Belt Height
Adjuster” in this section for
instructions on use and
important safety information.

5. To make the lap part tight, pull
up on the shoulder belt.

It may be necessary to pull
stitching on the safety belt
through the latch plate to fully
tighten the lap belt on smaller
occupants.

To unlatch the belt, push the button
on the buckle. The belt should
return to its stowed position.

Before a door is closed, be sure
the safety belt is out of the way. If a
door is slammed against a safety
belt, damage can occur to both the
belt and the vehicle.

Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster

The vehicle has a shoulder belt
height adjuster for the driver and
right front passenger positions.

Adjust the height so the shoulder
portion of the belt is on the
shoulder and not falling off of it.
The belt should be close to, but
not contacting, the neck. Improper
shoulder belt height adjustment
could reduce the effectiveness of
the safety belt in a crash. See How

to Wear Safety Belts Properly on
page 3‑25.

Squeeze the buttons (A) on the
sides of the height adjuster and
move the height adjuster to the
desired position.

The adjuster can be moved up just
by pushing up on the shoulder belt
guide.

After the adjuster is set to the
desired position, try to move it
down without squeezing the buttons
to make sure it has locked into
position.

Black plate (34,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

3-34 Seats and Restraints

Safety Belt Pretensioners

This vehicle has safety belt
pretensioners for front outboard
occupants. Although the safety
belt pretensioners cannot be seen,
they are part of the safety belt
assembly. They can help tighten the
safety belts during the early stages
of a moderate to severe frontal,
near frontal, or rear crash if the
threshold conditions for pretensioner
activation are met. And, if the
vehicle has side impact airbags,
safety belt pretensioners can help
tighten the safety belts in a side
crash or a rollover event.

Pretensioners work only once. If the
pretensioners activate in a crash,
the pretensioners and probably
other parts of the vehicle's safety
belt system will need to be replaced.
See Replacing Safety Belt System
Parts After a Crash on page 3‑39.

Rear Safety Belt Comfort
Guides

This vehicle may have rear shoulder
belt comfort guides. If not, they
are available through your dealer.
The guides may provide added
safety belt comfort for older children
who have outgrown booster seats
and for some adults. When installed
and properly adjusted, the comfort
guide positions the belt away from
the neck and head.

There is one guide, if equipped, for
each outside passenger position in
the second row seat and the third
row, if the vehicle has one.

Second Row

Here is how to install a comfort
guide to the safety belt:

1. For the second row, remove the
guide from its storage clip on the
interior body.

Black plate (35,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-35

Third Row

If your vehicle has a third row,
remove the guide from its
storage pocket on the side of
the seat.

2. Place the guide over the belt,
and insert the two edges of the
belt into the slots of the guide.

3. Be sure that the belt is
not twisted and it lies flat.
The elastic cord must be under
the belt and the guide on top.

Black plate (36,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

3-36 Seats and Restraints

WARNING

{

A safety belt that is not properly
worn may not provide the
protection needed in a crash.
The person wearing the belt could
be seriously injured. The shoulder
belt should go over the shoulder
and across the chest. These parts
of the body are best able to take
belt restraining forces.

4. Buckle, position, and release
the safety belt as described
previously in this section. Make
sure the shoulder portion of the
belt is on the shoulder and not
falling off of it. The belt should
be close to, but not contacting,
the neck.

To remove and store the comfort
guide, squeeze the belt edges
together so that the safety belt can
be removed from the guide. Slide
the guide into its storage clip on the
interior body or storage pocket on
the side of the seat.

Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy

Safety belts work for everyone,
including pregnant women. Like all
occupants, they are more likely to
be seriously injured if they do not
wear safety belts.

Black plate (37,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-37

A pregnant woman should wear
a lap-shoulder belt, and the lap
portion should be worn as low as
possible, below the rounding,
throughout the pregnancy.

The best way to protect the fetus is
to protect the mother. When a safety
belt is worn properly, it is more likely
that the fetus will not be hurt in a
crash. For pregnant women, as for
anyone, the key to making safety
belts effective is wearing them
properly.

Lap Belt

This part is only for the lap belt.
To learn how to wear a lap-shoulder
belt, see Lap-Shoulder Belt on
page 3‑31.

The vehicle may have a center
seating position. When you sit in
the center front seating position,
you have a lap safety belt, which
has no retractor.

To make the belt longer, tilt the latch
plate and pull it along the belt.

Buckle, position and release it the
same way as the lap part of a
lap-shoulder belt.

To make the belt shorter, pull its free
end as shown until the belt is snug.

If the belt is not long enough, see
Safety Belt Extender on page 3‑38.

Make sure the release button on the
buckle is positioned so you would
be able to unbuckle the safety belt
quickly if necessary.

Black plate (38,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

3-38 Seats and Restraints

If you find that the latch plate will
not go fully into the buckle, see if
you are using the correct buckle.
Be sure that the latch plate clicks
when inserted into the buckle.

Safety Belt Extender

If the vehicle's safety belt will fasten
around you, you should use it.

But if a safety belt is not long
enough, your dealer will order you
an extender. When you go in to
order it, take the heaviest coat you
will wear, so the extender will be
long enough for you. To help avoid
personal injury, do not let someone
else use it, and use it only for the
seat it is made to fit. The extender
has been designed for adults.
Never use it for securing child seats.
To wear it, attach it to the regular
safety belt. For more information,
see the instruction sheet that comes
with the extender.

Safety System Check

Now and then, check that the safety
belt reminder light, safety belts,
buckles, latch plates, retractors,
and anchorages are working
properly. Look for any other loose
or damaged safety belt system parts
that might keep a safety belt system
from doing its job. See your dealer
to have it repaired. Torn or frayed
safety belts may not protect you in
a crash. They can rip apart under
impact forces. If a belt is torn or
frayed, get a new one right away.

Make sure the safety belt reminder
light is working. See Safety Belt
Reminders on page 5‑15 for more
information.

Keep safety belts clean and dry.
See Safety Belt Care on page 3‑38.

Safety Belt Care

Keep belts clean and dry.

WARNING

{

Do not bleach or dye safety belts.
It may severely weaken them.
In a crash, they might not be able
to provide adequate protection.
Clean safety belts only with mild
soap and lukewarm water.

Black plate (39,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-39

Replacing Safety Belt System Parts After a Crash

WARNING

{

A crash can damage the safety
belt system in the vehicle.
A damaged safety 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
safety 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
safety belts may not be necessary.
But the safety belt assemblies that
were used during any crash may
have been stressed or damaged.
See your dealer to have the safety
belt assemblies inspected or
replaced.

New parts and repairs may be
necessary even if the safety belt
system was not being used at the
time of the crash.

Have the safety 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 on page 5‑16.

Airbag System

The vehicle has the following
airbags:

.

A frontal airbag for the driver.

.

A frontal airbag for the right front
passenger.

.

A seat‐mounted side impact
airbag for the driver.

.

A seat‐mounted side impact
airbag for the right front
passenger.

.

A roof-rail airbag for the driver
and passenger directly behind
the driver.

.

A roof-rail airbag for the right
front passenger and the person
seated directly behind that
passenger.

Black plate (40,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

3-40 Seats and Restraints

The vehicle may have the following
airbags:

.

If the vehicle has a third row
seat, it will have a third row
roof-rail airbag.

All of the airbags in the vehicle will
have the word AIRBAG embossed
in the trim or on an attached label
near the deployment opening.

For frontal airbags, the word
AIRBAG will appear on the middle
part of the steering wheel for the
driver and on the instrument panel
for the right front passenger.

With seat‐mounted side impact
airbags, the word AIRBAG will
appear on the side of the seatback
closest to the door.

With roof-rail airbags, the word
AIRBAG will appear along the
headliner or trim.

Airbags are designed to supplement
the protection provided by safety
belts. Even though today's airbags
are also designed to help reduce
the risk of injury from the force of an
inflating bag, all airbags must inflate
very quickly to do their job.

Here are the most important things
to know about the airbag system:

WARNING

{

You can be severely injured or
killed in a crash if you are not
wearing your safety belt — even
if you have airbags. Airbags are
designed to work with safety

(Continued)

WARNING (Continued)

belts, but do not replace them.
Also, airbags are not designed to
deploy in every crash. In some
crashes safety belts are your only
restraint. See When Should an
Airbag Inflate? on page 3‑44.

Wearing your safety belt during a
crash helps reduce your chance
of hitting things inside the vehicle
or being ejected from it. Airbags
are “supplemental restraints” to
the safety belts. Everyone in your
vehicle should wear a safety belt
properly — whether or not there is
an airbag for that person.

Black plate (41,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Seats and Restraints 3-41

WARNING

{

Airbags inflate with great force,
faster than the blink of an eye.
Anyone who is up against, or
very close to, any airbag when it
inflates can be seriously injured
or killed. Do not sit unnecessarily
close to the airbag, as you would
be if you were sitting on the edge
of your seat or leaning forward.
Safety belts help keep you in
position before and during a
crash. Always wear your safety
belt, even with airbags. The driver
should sit as far back as possible
while still maintaining control of
the vehicle.

Occupants should not lean on or
sleep against the door or side
windows in seating positions with
seat-mounted side impact airbags
and/or roof-rail airbags.

WARNING

{

Children who are up against,
or very close to, any airbag
when it inflates can be seriously
injured or killed. Airbags plus
lap-shoulder belts offer protection
for adults and older children,
but not for young children and
infants. Neither the vehicle's
safety belt system nor its airbag
system is designed for them.
Young children and infants
need the protection that a child
restraint system can provide.
Always secure children properly
in your vehicle. To read how, see

Older Children on page 3‑55 or
Infants and Young Children on
page 3‑57.

There is an airbag readiness light
on the instrument panel cluster,
which shows the airbag symbol.

The system checks the airbag
electrical system for malfunctions.
The light tells you if there is an
electrical problem. See Airbag

Readiness Light on page 5‑16

for more information.

Black plate (42,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

3-42 Seats and Restraints

Where Are the Airbags?

The driver frontal airbag is in the
middle of the steering wheel.

The right front passenger frontal
airbag is in the instrument panel on
the passenger side.

Driver Side Shown, Passenger

Side Similar

The seat‐mounted side impact
airbags for the driver and right front
passenger are in the side of the
seatbacks closest to the door.

Black plate (43,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

Driver Side Shown, Passenger

Side Similar

The roof-rail airbags for the driver,
right front passenger, and second
row outboard passengers are in the
ceiling above the side windows.

Driver Side Shown, Passenger

Side Similar

If the vehicle has a third row
passenger seat, the roof-rail airbags
are located in the ceiling above
the rear windows for the outboard
passenger positions in the third row.

WARNING

{

If something is between an
occupant and an airbag, the
airbag might not inflate properly
or it might force the object into

(Continued)

Seats and Restraints 3-43

WARNING (Continued)

that person causing severe
injury or even death. The path
of an inflating airbag must be
kept clear. Do not put anything
between an occupant and an
airbag, and do not attach or put
anything on the steering wheel
hub or on or near any other
airbag covering.

Do not use seat accessories
that block the inflation path of a
seat-mounted side impact airbag.

Never secure anything to the roof
of a vehicle with roof-rail airbags
by routing a rope or tie down
through any door or window
opening. If you do, the path
of an inflating roof-rail airbag
will be blocked.

Black plate (44,1)

Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2011

3-44 Seats and Restraints

When Should an Airbag Inflate?

Frontal airbags are designed to
inflate in moderate to severe frontal
or near-frontal crashes to help
reduce the potential for severe
injuries mainly to the driver's or
right front passenger's head and
chest. However, they are only
designed to inflate if the impact
exceeds a predetermined
deployment threshold. Deployment
thresholds are used to predict how
severe a crash is likely to be in time
for the airbags to inflate and help
restrain the occupants.

Whether the frontal airbags will
or should deploy is not based on
how fast your vehicle is traveling.
It depends largely on what you hit,
the direction of the impact, and how
quickly your vehicle slows down.

Frontal airbags may inflate
at different crash speeds.
For example:

.

If the vehicle hits a stationary
object, the airbags could inflate
at a different crash speed than if
the vehicle hits a moving object.

.

If the vehicle hits an object
that deforms, the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits an object
does not deform.

.

If the vehicle hits a narrow object
(like a pole), the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle hits a wide
object (like a wall).

.

If the vehicle goes into an object
at an angle, the airbags could
inflate at a different crash speed
than if the vehicle goes straight
into the object.

Thresholds can also vary with
specific vehicle design.

Frontal airbags are not intended to
inflate during vehicle rollovers, rear
impacts, or in many side impacts.

In addition, the vehicle has
dual-stage frontal airbags.
Dual-stage airbags adjust the
restraint according to crash severity.
The vehicle has electronic frontal
sensors, which help the sensing
system distinguish between a
moderate frontal impact and
a more severe frontal impact.
For moderate frontal impacts,
dual-stage airbags inflate at a
level less than full deployment.
For more severe frontal impacts,
full deployment occurs.

The vehicle has a seat position
sensor. Vehicles with dual stage
airbags also have seat position
sensors which enable the sensing
system to monitor the position of
the driver seat and the right front
passenger seat.