2023 Cadillac Escalade Doors and Alarm System User Guide

The Cadillac Escalade 2023 is equipped with cutting-edge keyless entry and locking technologies, giving drivers and passengers ease and security. The Escalade’s key fob enables keyless entry, making it simple to lock and unlock the doors without having to manually inserted a key. The remote start function on the key fob enables the driver to start the engine while standing outside the vehicle, allowing it to warm up or cool down before entering. The fob may also have a power liftgate button, which would make it simple to open and close the rear liftgate. The Escalade 2023 most likely has an advanced keyless ignition system for increased security. The key fob must be close to the vehicle for the engine to start in this situation. Even if someone has the physical key fob but is not inside the car, this technology helps prevent them from operating the vehicle.

The key fob might have keyless entry encryption to further increase security, protecting the car from unwanted persons who might try to hack the system or intercept signals. Overall, the keyless entry and locking system for the Cadillac Escalade 2023 provides a smooth and convenient driving experience while maintaining the security of the vehicle and its occupants.

Power Door Locks
Press or on the remote key. See Remote Key Operation.

• : Press to lock the doors. The indicator light in the switch will illuminate when locked.
• : Press to unlock the doors.
  The fuel door is also locked or unlocked using these features.

Security Status Indicator

• A light on the upper surface of the driver’s door trim is used to indicate vehicle security status.
• This light will be OFF any time the ignition is ON, except momentarily when vehicle doors are locking.
• Solid : Indicates securing with doors closed.
• Fast Flash : Indicates securing with doors open.
• Slow Flash : Indicates battery conserving secure state.
• No light : Indicates unsecured state.

Delayed Locking
This feature delays the actual locking of the doors until five seconds after all doors are closed.
When is pressed on the power door lock switch while the door is open, a chime will sound three times indicating that delayed locking is active.
The doors will then lock automatically five seconds after all doors are closed. If a door is reopened before five seconds have elapsed, the five-second timer will reset once all the doors are closed again.
Press on the door lock switch again, or press on the remote key, to override this feature and lock the doors immediately.
This feature can also be programmed. To view available settings for this feature, touch the Settings icon on the infotainment home page. Select “Vehicle” to display the list of available options and select “Power Door Locks”.

Automatic Door Locks
The doors will lock automatically when all doors are closed, the ignition is on, and the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park).
If a vehicle door is unlocked and then opened and closed, the doors will lock either when your foot is removed from the brake or the vehicle speed becomes faster than 13 km/h (8 mph).

To unlock the doors

• Press on the power door lock switch. }
• Shift the transmission into P (Park).

Automatic door locking cannot be disabled.
Automatic door unlocking can be programmed. To view available settings for this feature, touch the Settings icon on the infotainment home page. Select “Vehicle” to display the list of available options and select “Power Door Locks”.

Lockout Protection
If the ignition is on or in accessory mode and the power door lock switch is pressed with the driver door open, all the doors will lock and only the driver door will unlock. If the vehicle is off and locking is requested while a door is open, when all doors are closed the vehicle will check for remote keys inside. If a remote key is detected and the number of remote keys inside has not reduced, the driver door will unlock and the horn will chirp three times.

This can be manually overridden by pressing and holding on the power door lock switch.

Safety Locks
The rear door safety locks prevent passengers from opening the rear doors from inside the vehicle.

The safety lock is on the inside edge of the rear doors. To use the safety lock:

1. Move the lever down to the lock position.
2. Close the door.
3. Do the same for the other rear door.

To open a rear door when the safety lock is on

1. Unlock the door by activating the inside handle, by pressing the power door unlock switch, or by using the remote key.
2. Open the door from the outside.

When the safety lock is enabled, adults and older children will not be able to open the rear door from the inside. Cancel the safety locks to enable the doors to open from the inside.

To cancel the safety lock:

1. Unlock the door and open it from the outside.
2. Move the lever up to unlock. Do the same for the other door.

Doors

Liftgate

Warning
Exhaust gases can enter the vehicle if it is driven with the liftgate or trunk/hatch open, or with any objects that pass

Warning 
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.
• 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 Systems” in the Index.
• If the vehicle is equipped with a power liftgate, disable the power liftgate function.
  See Engine Exhaust .

Caution
To avoid damage to the liftgate or liftgate glass, make sure the area above and behind the liftgate is clear before opening it.

Power Liftgate Operation

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.

Caution
Driving with an open and unsecured liftgate may result in damage to the power liftgate components.

The power liftgate switch is on the overhead console. The vehicle must be in P (Park).

The modes are

• MAX : Opens to maximum height.
• 3/4 : Opens to a reduced height that can be set from 3/4 to fully open. Use to prevent the liftgate from opening into overhead obstructions such as a garage door or roof-mounted cargo. The liftgate can be manually opened all the way.
• OFF : Opens manually only.
  To power open or close the liftgate, select MAX or 3/4 mode and then:
• Press twice quickly on the remote key until the liftgate moves.
• Press on the overhead console. The driver door must be unlocked or locked without the security armed.
•  
• 
• Press the emblem under the lift glass, after unlocking all doors. A locked vehicle can be opened if the remote key is within 1 m (3 ft) of the emblem.
• Press  on the bottom edge of the liftgate next to the latch to close.
  Press any liftgate button, the emblem, or b on the remote key while the liftgate is moving to stop it. Pressing any liftgate button or pressing twice quickly on the remote key restarts the operation in the reverse direction. Pressing the emblem will restart the motion, but only in the opening direction.

Caution
Manually forcing the liftgate to open or close during a power cycle can damage the vehicle. Allow the power cycle to complete.
The power liftgate may be temporarily disabled in extremely low temperatures, or after repeated power cycling over a short period of time. If this occurs, the liftgate can still be operated manually.
If the vehicle is shifted out of P (Park) while the power function is in progress, the liftgate will continue to completion. If the vehicle is accelerated before the liftgate has completed moving, the liftgate may stop or reverse direction. Check for Driver Information Center (DIC) messages and make sure the liftgate is closed and latched before driving.

Falling Liftgate Detection
If the power liftgate automatically closes after a power opening cycle, it indicates that the system is reacting to excess weight on the liftgate or a possible support strut failure. A repetitive chime will sound while the falling liftgate detection feature is operating. Remove any excess weight. If the liftgate continues to automatically close after opening, see your dealer for service before using the power liftgate.
Interfering with the power liftgate motion or manually closing the liftgate too quickly after power opening may resemble a support strut failure. This could also activate the falling liftgate detection feature. Allow the liftgate to complete its operation and wait a few seconds before manually closing the liftgate.

Obstacle Detection Features

If the liftgate encounters an obstacle during a power open or close cycle, the liftgate will automatically reverse direction and move a short distance away from the obstacle. 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. After removing the obstructions, manually close the liftgate. This will allow normal power operation functions to resume.
If the vehicle is locked while the liftgate is closing, and an obstacle is encountered that prevents the liftgate from completely closing, the horn will sound as an alert that the liftgate did not close.

Setting the 3/4 Mode
To change the position the liftgate stops at when opening

1. Select MAX or 3/4 mode and power open the liftgate.
2. Stop the liftgate movement at the desired height by pressing any liftgate button. Manually adjust the liftgate position if needed.
3. Press and hold on the bottom edge of the liftgate next to the latch on the outside of the liftgate until the turn signals flash and a beep sounds. This indicates the setting has been recorded.
   The liftgate cannot be set below a minimum programmable height. If there is no light programmable height. If there is no light may be too low.

Manual Operation
Select OFF to manually operate the liftgate.

Caution
Attempting to move the liftgate too quickly and with excessive force may result in damage to the vehicle.
Operate the liftgate manually with a smooth motion and moderate speed. The system includes a feature which limits the manual closing speed to protect the components.

To open the liftgate, press on the power door lock switch or press on the remote key twice to unlock all doors, then press the emblem. Once opened, raise the liftgate using the handle on the interior
bottom edge.

Press the button above the license plate to open the lift glass, or press twice quickly on the remote key. Do not leave the lift glass open when raising the liftgate.
There will be a delay in the release of the lift glass if there is an attempt to open it while the rear wiper is in motion.
Use the pull cup to lower and close the liftgate. Do not press the emblem while closing the liftgate. This will cause the liftgate to be unlatched.
The liftgate can be opened when locked if the remote key is within 1 m (3 ft) of the emblem. See Remote Key Operation.
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.

Hands-Free Operation

If equipped, the liftgate may be operated with a kicking motion near the center of the rear bumper at the location of the projected logo. The remote key must be within 1 m (3 ft) of the rear bumper to operate the power liftgate hands-free.
The hands-free feature will not work while the liftgate is moving. To stop the liftgate while in motion use one of the liftgate switches.
The hands-free feature can be customized.To view available settings for this feature, touch the Settings icon on the infotainment home page. Select “Vehicle” to display the list of available options and select “Comfort and Convenience”. Choose from the following:

• On-Open and Close : The kicking motion is activated to both open and close the liftgate.
• On-Open Only : The kicking motion is activated to only open the liftgate.
• Off : The feature is disabled.

Kick Zone

To operate, move your foot in a forward kicking motion near the center of the rear bumper at the location of the projected logo, then pull it back. The kick must come within 14 cm (6 in) of the rear bumper to activate. Then step back.

• Do not sweep your foot side to side.
• Do not keep your foot under the bumper; the liftgate will not activate.
• Do not touch the liftgate until it has stopped moving.

This feature may be temporarily disabled under some conditions. If the liftgate does not respond to the kick, open or close the liftgate by another method or start the vehicle. The feature will be re-enabled.
When closing the liftgate using this feature, there will be a short delay. The taillamps will flash and a chime will sound.
Step away from the liftgate before it starts moving.

Projected Logo

If equipped with this feature, a vehicle logo will be projected for one minute onto the ground near the rear bumper when a remote key is detected within approximately 2 m (6 ft) from the rear bumper. The projected logo may not be visible under brighter daytime conditions.

• 1 m (3 ft) Hands-Free Operation Detection Zone
• 2 m (6 ft) Projected Logo Detection Zone

The projected logo shows where to kick towards the rear bumper.
The projected logo will not be restarted using the same remote key unless it has been out of range for longer than 20 seconds.
If a remote key is again detected within approximately 2 m (6 ft) of the liftgate, or another kick has been detected, the one-minute timer will be reset.
The projected logo will not work under these conditions

• The vehicle battery is low.
• The transmission is not in P (Park).
• Hands Free Liftgate Control is set to off in vehicle personalization. To view available settings for this feature, touch the Settings icon on the infotainment home page. Select “Vehicle” to display the list of available options and select “Comfort and Convenience”.
• Power liftgate is turned off.
• The vehicle remains parked for 72 hours or more, with no remote key use or Keyless Access operation. To reenable, press any button on the remote key or open and close a vehicle door.

The projected logo will not work for a single remote key when a remote key

• Has been left within approximately 5 m (15 ft) of the liftgate for several minutes.
• Has been left inside the vehicle and all vehicle doors are closed.
• Has approached the area outside of the liftgate five times within 10 minutes.

Lens Cleaning

If equipped, use a cotton swab to clean the lens.

Hands-Free Liftgate and Projected Logo Availability

Action	Hands-Free Liftgate	Projected Logo
Remote key entering projected logo detection zone	Operative	On for one minute
Remote key left inside projected logo detection zone for minimum of 10 minutes	Operative	Off until remote key button press or a door is opened and closed
Remote key brought in and out of projected logo detection zone five times or more within 10 minutes	Operative	Off for one hour or until remote key button press or a door is opened and closed
Vehicle remains parked for more than 72 hours	Operative	Off until remote key button press or a door is opened and closed
Vehicle battery is low	Non-operative	Off
Transmission is not in P (Park)	Non-operative	Off
Power liftgate is turned off	Non-operative	Off
Hands-free liftgate is disabled in vehicle personalization	Non-operative	Off

Power Assist Steps

Warning
To avoid personal injury or property damage, before entering or exiting the vehicle, be sure the power assist step is fully extended. Do not step on the power assist step while it is moving. Never place hands or other body parts between the extended power assist step and the vehicle.
If equipped, the power assist steps will deploy when the door is opened and automatically retract three seconds after the door is closed. The power assist steps will retract immediately if the vehicle starts moving.
Disable the power assist steps before jacking or placing any object under the vehicle. Too much ice buildup may prevent deployment of the power assist steps. Check the step position before exiting the vehicle. If this happens, disable the power assist steps, clear the ice, then enable the assist steps and confirm normal function prior to use.
Keep hands, children, pets, objects, and clothing clear of the power assist steps when in motion. The steps will reverse direction if they encounter an obstruction when opening or closing. Remove the obstruction, then open and close the door on the same side to complete the motion of the assist steps. If the obstruction is not cleared, the assist steps remain extended while driving.
The power assist steps can be extended or retracted for cleaning. To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.

Enable/Disable
The power assist steps can be enabled or disabled. To view available settings from the infotainment screen, touch Settings > Vehicle > Remote Lock, Unlock, Start.

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

Vehicle Alarm System
The indicator light, on the driver door near the window, indicates the status of the system. See Power Door Locks.

Arming the Alarm System

1. Turn off the vehicle.
2. Lock the vehicle in one of three ways:
   • Use the remote key.
   • Use the Keyless Access system.
   • With a door open, press on the interior of the door.
3. After 30 seconds the alarm system will arm, and the indicator light will begin to slowly flash. Pressing on the remote key a second time will bypass the 30-second delay and immediately arm the alarm system.
   The vehicle alarm system will not arm if the doors are locked with the mechanical key.
   If the driver door is opened without first unlocking with the remote key, the horn will chirp and the lights will flash to indicate pre-alarm. If the vehicle is not started, or the door is not unlocked by pressing on the remote key during the 10-second pre-alarm, the alarm will be activated.
   The alarm will also be activated if a passenger door, the liftgate, or the hood is opened without first disarming the system.
   When the alarm is activated, the turn signals flash and the horn sounds for about 30 seconds. The alarm system will then re-arm to monitor for the next unauthorized event.

Disarming the Alarm System

To disarm the alarm system or turn off the alarm if it has been activated:

• Press on the remote key.
• Unlock the vehicle using the Keyless Access system.
• Start the vehicle.

To avoid setting off the alarm by accident

• Lock the vehicle after all occupants have exited.
• Always unlock a door with the remote key, or use the Keyless Access system. Unlocking the driver door with the mechanical key will not disarm the system or turn off the alarm.

How to Detect a Tamper Condition
If is pressed on the remote key and the horn chirps three times, an alarm occurred previously while the alarm system was armed.
If the alarm has been activated, a message will appear on the DIC.

Power Sounder, Inclination Sensor, and Intrusion Sensor
In addition to the standard theft-deterrent system features, this system may also have a power sounder, inclination sensor, and intrusion sensor.
The power sounder provides an audible alarm which is distinct from the vehicle’s horn. It has its own power source, and can sound an alarm if the vehicle’s battery is compromised.
The inclination sensor can set off the alarm if it senses movement of the vehicle, such as a change in vehicle orientation.
The intrusion sensor monitors the vehicle interior, and can activate the alarm if it senses unauthorized entry into the vehicle’s interior. Do not allow passengers or pets to remain in the vehicle when the intrusion sensor is activated.
Before arming the theft-deterrent system and activating the intrusion sensor:

• Make sure all doors and windows are completely closed.
• Secure any loose items such as a sunshades.
• Make sure there are no obstructions blocking the sensors in the front overhead console.
• Close DVD screens before leaving the vehicle.

Intrusion and Inclination Sensors Disable Switch

It is recommended that the intrusion and inclination sensors be deactivated if pets are left in the vehicle or the vehicle is being transported.
With the vehicle off, press in the front overhead console to turn off the feature.
The indicator light may come on momentarily, or a message may display on the instrument cluster, indicating that these sensors have been disabled until the next time the alarm system is armed.

Steering Column Lock
If equipped, the steering column lock is a theft-deterrent device. This feature locks the steering column when the vehicle is turned off and the driver door is opened, or when the driver door is opened and then the vehicle is turned off. The steering column unlocks when the vehicle is turned on.

The Driver Information Center (DIC) may display one of these messages

• A message to service the steering column lock indicates that an issue has been detected with the column lock feature and the vehicle should be serviced.
• A message that the steering column is locked indicates that the engine is running, but the steering column is still locked. It is normal for the column to be locked during a remote start, but the column should unlock after the brake pedal is pressed and the vehicle is started. No message will display during a remote start.
• A message that the steering wheel must be turned and the vehicle must be started again indicates that the column lock mechanism is bound, the column locking device was unable to unlock the steering column, and the vehicle did not start. If this happens, immediately turn the steering wheel from side to side to unbind the column lock. If this does not unlock the steering column, turn the vehicle off and open the driver door to reset the system. Then turn the vehicle on and immediately turn the steering wheel side to side for about 15 seconds. In some cases, it may take significant force to unbind the column.
  To keep the steering column from binding, straighten the front wheels before turning off the vehicle.

Immobilizer
See Radio Frequency Statement.

Immobilizer Operation

• This vehicle has a passive theft-deterrent system.
• The system does not have to be manually armed or disarmed.
• The vehicle is automatically immobilized when the vehicle is turned off.
• The immobilization system is disarmed when the ignition is turned on or to accessory mode and a valid remote key is present in the vehicle.
• The security light, in the instrument cluster, comes on if there is a problem with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
  The system has one or more remote keys matched to an immobilizer control unit in the vehicle. Only a correctly matched remote key will start the vehicle. If the remote key is ever damaged, you may not be able to start your vehicle.
  When trying to start the vehicle, the security light may come on briefly.
  If the engine does not start and the security light stays on, there is a problem with the system. Turn the ignition off and try again.
  If the vehicle will not change ignition modes (accessory mode, on, off), and the remote key appears to be undamaged, try another
  remote key. Or, you may try placing the remote key in the backup location. See Remote Key Operation.
  If the ignition modes will not change with the other remote key or in the backup location, the vehicle needs service. If the ignition does change modes, the first remote key may be faulty. See your dealer.
  It is possible for the immobilizer system to learn new or replacement remote keys. Up to eight remote keys can be programmed for the vehicle. To program additional remote keys, see “Programming Remote Keys to the Vehicle” under Remote Key Operation.
  Do not leave the remote key or device that disarms or deactivates the theft-deterrent system in the vehicle.

FAQ

Useful Link

View Full Manual: https://www.cadillac.com/support/vehicle/manuals-guides
2023 Cadillac Escalade Keys and Locks User Guide