2012 Cadillac Escalade Owner's Manual
Year:
2012
Make:
Cadillac
Model:
Escalade
Rating:
Table of Contents
2012 Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual BookTOC
1
Introduction
3
Canadian Vehicle Owners
3
Using this Manual
4
Danger, Warnings, and Cautions
4
Symbols
4
In Brief
7
Instrument Panel
8
Initial Drive Information
10
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
10
Remote Vehicle Start
10
Door Locks
11
Liftgate
12
Windows
13
Seat Adjustment
14
Memory Features
15
Second Row Seats
16
Third Row Seats
16
Heated and Ventilated Seats
16
Head Restraint Adjustment
17
Safety Belts
17
Passenger Sensing System
18
Mirror Adjustment
18
Steering Wheel Adjustment
20
Throttle and Brake Pedal Adjustment
20
Interior Lighting
20
Exterior Lighting
21
Windshield Wiper/Washer
22
Climate Controls
23
Transmission
23
Vehicle Features
24
Radio(s)
24
Satellite Radio
24
Portable Audio Devices
24
Bluetooth®
24
Mobile Apps
25
Steering Wheel Controls
25
Cruise Control
26
Navigation System
26
Driver Information Center (DIC)
26
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
27
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
28
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
28
Power Outlets
28
Universal Remote System
28
Sunroof
29
Performance and Maintenance
30
StabiliTrak® System
30
Tire Pressure Monitor
30
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
30
Engine Oil Life System
31
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
31
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
31
Roadside Service
32
OnStar®
32
Keys, Doors, and Windows
33
Keys and Locks
34
Keys
34
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
35
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
35
Remote Vehicle Start
37
Door Locks
39
Power Door Locks
39
Delayed Locking
40
Automatic Door Locks
40
Lockout Protection
40
Safety Locks
40
Doors
41
Liftgate
41
Power Assist Steps
44
Vehicle Security
45
Anti-theft Alarm System
45
Immobilizer
46
Immobilizer Operation
46
Exterior Mirrors
48
Convex Mirrors
48
Power Mirrors
48
Heated Mirrors
49
Automatic Dimming Mirror
49
Park Tilt Mirrors
49
Interior Mirrors
49
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
49
Windows
50
Power Windows
51
Sun Visors
53
Roof
53
Sunroof
53
Seats and Restraints
55
Head Restraints
56
Front Seats
57
Power Seat Adjustment
57
Lumbar Adjustment
57
Reclining Seatbacks
58
Memory Seats
59
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
61
Rear Seats
62
Heated Rear Seats
62
Second Row Seats
62
Third Row Seats
66
Safety Belts
69
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly
70
Lap-Shoulder Belt
71
Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
77
Lap Belt
77
Safety Belt Extender
78
Safety System Check
78
Safety Belt Care
78
Replacing Safety Belt System Parts after a Crash
79
Airbag System
79
Where Are the Airbags?
81
When Should an Airbag Inflate?
83
What Makes an Airbag Inflate?
85
How Does an Airbag Restrain?
85
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates?
86
Passenger Sensing System
87
Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
92
Adding Equipment to the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
92
Airbag System Check
94
Replacing Airbag System Parts after a Crash
94
Child Restraints
95
Older Children
95
Infants and Young Children
97
Child Restraint Systems
99
Where to Put the Restraint
101
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH System)
103
Replacing LATCH System Parts After a Crash
110
Securing Child Restraints (Rear Seat Position)
110
Securing Child Restraints (Center Front Seat Position)
113
Securing Child Restraints (Right Front Seat Position)
114
Storage
117
Storage Compartments
117
Glove Box
117
Cupholders
117
Armrest Storage
118
Rear Storage
118
Center Console Storage
119
Roof Rack System
119
Instruments and Controls
121
Controls
122
Steering Wheel Adjustment
122
Steering Wheel Controls
122
Heated Steering Wheel
124
Horn
124
Windshield Wiper/Washer
124
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
125
Compass
125
Clock
127
Power Outlets
128
Cigarette Lighter
129
Ashtrays
130
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators
130
Instrument Cluster
131
Speedometer
132
Odometer
132
Trip Odometer
132
Tachometer
132
Fuel Gauge
132
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
133
Safety Belt Reminders
133
Airbag Readiness Light
134
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator
134
Charging System Light
136
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
136
Brake System Warning Light
139
Antilock Brake System (ABS) Warning Light
140
Tow/Haul Mode Light
140
StabiliTrak® OFF Light
140
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak® Light
141
Tire Pressure Light
141
Engine Oil Pressure Light
142
Security Light
142
High-Beam On Light
142
Front Fog Lamp Light
143
Lamps On Reminder
143
Cruise Control Light
143
Information Displays
143
Driver Information Center (DIC)
143
Vehicle Messages
148
Battery Voltage and Charging Messages
149
Brake System Messages
149
Door Ajar Messages
149
Engine Cooling System Messages
150
Engine Oil Messages
151
Engine Power Messages
152
Fuel System Messages
152
Key and Lock Messages
152
Lamp Messages
152
Object Detection System Messages
153
Ride Control System Messages
154
Airbag System Messages
155
Anti-theft Alarm System Messages
156
Tire Messages
156
Transmission Messages
157
Vehicle Reminder Messages
157
Washer Fluid Messages
157
Vehicle Personalization
158
Universal Remote System
166
Universal Remote System Programming
166
Universal Remote System Operation
172
Lighting
173
Exterior Lighting
173
Exterior Lamp Controls
173
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder
177
Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
177
Flash-to-Pass
177
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
177
Automatic Headlamp System
178
Hazard Warning Flashers
179
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
179
Fog Lamps
180
Interior Lighting
180
Instrument Panel Illumination Control
180
Dome Lamps
181
Reading Lamps
181
Lighting Features
181
Entry Lighting
181
Exit Lighting
181
Battery Load Management
182
Battery Power Protection
182
Infotainment System
183
Introduction
184
Infotainment
184
Theft-Deterrent Feature
185
Overview
186
Radio
191
AM-FM Radio
191
Satellite Radio
197
Radio Reception
199
Rear Side Window Antenna
199
Satellite Radio Antenna
200
Audio Players
200
CD/DVD Player
200
MP3
209
Auxiliary Devices
212
Rear Seat Infotainment
213
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System (Overhead)
213
Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) System (Headrest DVD)
223
Rear Seat Audio (RSA) System
242
Navigation
244
Using the Navigation System
244
Maps
245
Navigation Symbols
247
Destination
252
Configure Menu
266
Global Positioning System (GPS)
278
Vehicle Positioning
279
Problems with Route Guidance
280
If the System Needs Service
280
Map Data Updates
280
Database Coverage Explanations
281
Voice Recognition
282
Phone
285
Bluetooth
285
Climate Controls
293
Climate Control Systems
293
Dual Automatic Climate Control System
293
Rear Climate Control System (Rear Climate with Rear Seat Audio)
298
Air Vents
299
Driving and Operating
301
Driving Information
302
Distracted Driving
302
Defensive Driving
303
Drunk Driving
303
Control of a Vehicle
304
Braking
304
Steering
304
Off-Road Recovery
305
Loss of Control
305
Off-Road Driving
306
Driving on Wet Roads
311
Highway Hypnosis
312
Hill and Mountain Roads
312
Winter Driving
313
If the Vehicle Is Stuck
315
Vehicle Load Limits
316
Starting and Operating
321
New Vehicle Break-In
321
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
322
Ignition Positions
322
Starting the Engine
324
Engine Heater
325
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
326
Shifting Into Park
326
Shifting out of Park
327
Parking over Things That Burn
328
Active Fuel Management®
328
Engine Exhaust
329
Running the Vehicle While Parked
330
Automatic Transmission
330
Manual Mode
333
Tow/Haul Mode
333
Drive Systems
334
All-Wheel Drive
334
Brakes
335
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
335
Parking Brake
336
Brake Assist
336
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
336
Ride Control Systems
337
StabiliTrak® System
337
Locking Rear Axle
340
Road Sensing Suspension
340
Continuous Damping Control (CDC)
340
Automatic Level Control
340
Cruise Control
341
Object Detection Systems
344
Ultrasonic Parking Assist
344
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
345
Rear Vision Camera (RVC)
348
Fuel
351
Recommended Fuel
352
Gasoline Specifications (U.S. and Canada Only)
352
California Fuel Requirements
352
Fuels in Foreign Countries
352
Fuel Additives
353
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
354
Filling the Tank
355
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
356
Towing
357
General Towing Information
357
Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips
357
Trailer Towing
361
Towing Equipment
365
Trailer Sway Control (TSC)
369
Conversions and Add-Ons
369
Add-On Electrical Equipment
369
Vehicle Care
371
General Information
372
California Proposition 65 Warning
373
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements
373
Accessories and Modifications
373
Vehicle Checks
374
Doing Your Own Service Work
374
Hood
374
Engine Compartment Overview
376
Engine Oil
377
Engine Oil Life System
379
Automatic Transmission Fluid
380
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
383
Cooling System
385
Engine Coolant
386
Engine Overheating
389
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
392
Engine Fan
392
Power Steering Fluid
392
Washer Fluid
393
Brakes
394
Brake Fluid
395
Battery
397
All-Wheel Drive
397
Front Axle
398
Rear Axle
399
Starter Switch Check
400
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control Function Check
400
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
401
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check
401
Wiper Blade Replacement
402
Glass Replacement
403
Headlamp Aiming
403
Bulb Replacement
405
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting
406
LED Lighting
406
Back-Up Lamps
406
License Plate Lamp
407
Replacement Bulbs
407
Electrical System
408
Electrical System Overload
408
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
409
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
409
Instrument Panel Fuse Block
413
Wheels and Tires
416
Tires
416
Tire Sidewall Labeling
417
Tire Designations
418
Tire Terminology and Definitions
419
Tire Pressure
422
Tire Pressure for High-Speed Operation
423
Tire Pressure Monitor System
423
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
425
Tire Inspection
427
Tire Rotation
428
When It Is Time for New Tires
429
Buying New Tires
430
Different Size Tires and Wheels
432
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
432
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
434
Wheel Replacement
434
Tire Chains
435
If a Tire Goes Flat
435
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
437
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
443
Tire Changing
444
Secondary Latch System
455
Full-Size Spare Tire
457
Jump Starting
458
Towing
463
Towing the Vehicle
463
Recreational Vehicle Towing
463
Appearance Care
466
Exterior Care
466
Interior Care
469
Floor Mats
472
Service and Maintenance
473
General Information
473
Cadillac Premium Care Maintenance
475
Maintenance Schedule
475
Special Application Services
481
Additional Maintenance and Care
481
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
485
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
485
Maintenance Replacement Parts
487
Maintenance Records
488
Technical Data
491
Vehicle Identification
491
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
491
Service Parts Identification Label
491
Vehicle Data
492
Capacities and Specifications
492
Engine Drive Belt Routing
493
Customer Information
495
Customer Information
495
Customer Satisfaction Procedure (U.S. and Canada)
495
Customer Satisfaction Procedure (Mexico)
497
Customer Assistance Offices (U.S. and Canada)
498
Customer Assistance Offices (Mexico)
499
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY) Users (U.S. and Canada)
500
Online Owner Center
500
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program (U.S. and Canada)
501
Roadside Service (U.S. and Canada)
501
Roadside Service (Mexico)
503
Scheduling Service Appointments (U.S. and Canada)
507
Courtesy Transportation Program (U.S. and Canada)
507
Collision Damage Repair (U.S. and Canada)
508
Service Publications Ordering Information
511
Reporting Safety Defects
512
Reporting Safety Defects to the United States Government
512
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian Government
512
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors
513
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy
513
Event Data Recorders
513
OnStar®
514
Navigation System
514
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
514
Radio Frequency Statement
515
OnStar
517
OnStar Overview
517
OnStar Services
518
Emergency
518
Security
518
Navigation
518
Connections
520
Diagnostics
521
OnStar Additional Information
521
Index
525
Index_A
525
Index_B
526
Index_C
526
Index_D
527
Index_E
528
Index_F
529
Index_G
529
Index_H
530
Index_I
530
Index_J
530
Index_K
530
Index_L
530
Index_M
531
Index_N
532
Index_O
532
Index_P
533
Index_R
533
Index_S
534
Index_T
536
Index_U
537
Index_V
537
Index_W
538
2012 Cadillac Escalade Overview
Introduction
The 2012 Cadillac Escalade stands as an emblem of luxury and performance in the full-size SUV market. Known for its upscale features, bold styling, and imposing presence, the Escalade caters to those who desire both comfort and capability. This vehicle captures the essence of American luxury, making it a top choice for families and executives alike. With its robust build and advanced technology, the 2012 Escalade blends elegance with functionality, ensuring a remarkable driving experience.
Powertrains
Under the hood, the 2012 Cadillac Escalade boasts a powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine, delivering an impressive output of 403 horsepower and a hearty 417 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Escalade promises smooth and responsive acceleration. Buyers can choose between rear-wheel drive for a sportier feel or all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and stability in varying conditions, ensuring that this SUV is ready for both urban landscapes and off-road adventures.
Trims
The 2012 Escalade is available in several trims: the base Escalade, the luxurious Escalade Luxury, and the top-tier Escalade Platinum. Each trim level offers distinct features catering to varied preferences, with the Platinum model showcasing premium leather upholstery, unique exterior accents, and an upgraded audio system for unparalleled indulgence while traveling.
Features
The interior of the 2012 Escalade is replete with high-end materials and cutting-edge technology. Standard amenities include a rear-view camera, a premium sound system, navigation, heated and ventilated front seats, and tri-zone climate control. Safety is also paramount, with features like stability control, blind-spot monitoring, and advanced airbag systems, ensuring peace of mind on every journey.
Owners Manual
The 2012 Cadillac Escalade owner's manual provides comprehensive guidance on operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. It includes essential information about safety features, infotainment system functionality, and service recommendations to enhance the longevity of this prestigious SUV. From understanding advanced technology setups to learning optimal driving techniques, the owner's manual serves as an indispensable resource for every Escalade owner.
User manual download
The Cadillac Escalade owner manual for the 2012 model year is to be found in PDF downloadable format on this page. The owner manual for the model year 2012 is free and in English, but the repair manuals are usually not easy to get and may cost more.
Posted by, John Mana
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