Bulletin No.:

Service Bulletin

Date:

20-NA-211
October, 2020

INFORMATION
Subject:

Brand:

Cadillac

2021 Cadillac Escalade New Model Features

Model:

Model Year:
From:

Escalade
Models

2021

Involved Countries and Regions

To:

VIN:
From:

2021

All

To:

All

Engines:

Transmissions:

6.2L, V8, DI, DFM,
ALUM, GEN 5 —
RPO L87
3.0L, L6, DOHC,
TURBO Diesel,
ALUM, CSS50V —
RPO LM2

AUTO 10 SPD,
10L80, ATSS, ETRS,
CPA, GEN 2 —
RPO MQC)

North America, Saudi Arabia, Columbia

Bulletin Purpose
This purpose of this bulletin is to introduce the
redesigned 2021 Cadillac Escalade.
This bulletin will help the Service Department
Personnel become familiar with the engines,
transmission, brake system and some of the other
vehicle systems.

General Information

Overview
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade is delivering leading
technology and precisely engineered features. The
vehicles offer a broad range of trim levels and options
and two different powertrain combinations: the all-new
3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel and the updated 6.2L
engine with dynamic fuel management. All powertrains
are equipped with a standard 10-speed transmission
with push-button electronic shift. These vehicles also
feature an all-new independent rear suspension, an
optional air ride adaptive suspension, and an all-new
power sliding console with a built-in cooler.

Exterior Features
5660153

2021 Cadillac Escalade

Copyright 2020 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Steel/Aluminum Structure
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade exterior features include a
new, thicker steel frame, a lighter frame body, and
aluminum closures. The structure uses a mix of
materials including advanced high strength steel, high
strength steel, steel, and aluminum.

Page 2

October, 2020

Panoramic Sunroof

Bulletin No.: 20-NA-211

Air Ride Adaptive Suspension
Note: The vehicle will not lower when exiting if the
level switch is in Off-road, or tow-haul/trailering mode.
The 2021 Escalade features an all-new, first-in-class,
active automatic level control suspension. The air
suspension improves ground clearance for off-road
driving conditions. The variable-rate air springs allow a
driver selectable ride height. While engaged, the
Escalade AT4 can be raised 25.4 mm (1 in) in
increased ground clearance mode or 50.8 mm (2 in)
when maximum ground clearance mode is selected.
The underside offers skid plates for chassis and
suspension component protection from road debris.

Interior Features

5619516

The 2021 Escalade features an all-new panoramic
power sunroof that allows for greater light and a sense
of openness in the cabin. The panoramic sunroof also
includes a power sunscreen shade cover.
The power panoramic sunroof system operates only
when the ignition is turned to the RUN or Accessory
positions; this allows for retained accessory power
control of the sunroof and sunshade through the BCM.
Once the ignition switch is turned to OFF, the sunroof
and sunshade continue to operate until any door is
opened or when the retained accessory power
times out.
The sunroof and sunroof shade switch assembly
contain two rocker-type switches that are used to
control the sunroof.

Interior Volume
The Escalades length has been stretched to increase
rear seat room. In addition, the SUVs are slightly wider
and taller as compared to previous models. The
independent rear suspension architectural change
enables a natural seating position for passengers in the
third row. Short wheelbase models now have more
cargo volume behind second and third row seating
areas. The third row leg room increases by 254 mm (10
in) and cargo space increases 66% over the previous
generation vehicles.

Performance Features
Independent Rear Suspension
The all-new standard independent rear suspension has
many advantages over the previous models. It creates
a smoother ride and increases handling dynamics due
to the independent wheel motion and optimized rear
suspension geometry. The independent rear
suspension also enables a more natural seating
position for passengers in the third row, creating a more
comfortable seating experience, particularly for adults,
as well as greater cargo area and volume.

5619517

1. 254 mm (10 in) Additional Third Row Legroom
2. 66% Additional Cargo Space Behind Third Row
Seating

Bulletin No.: 20-NA-211

October, 2020

Multicolor Head-Up Display

Page 3

Compared to conventional brake apply systems, the
integrated brake control enables additional brake
pressure and provides additional brake system
features.
Antilock Braking System Components
The following vehicle systems and components work in
conjunction with integrated brake control:
Body Control Module
The Body Control Module (BCM) monitors the brake
pedal position sensor signal when the brake pedal is
applied. Then the BCM sends a high-speed serial data
message to the brake system control module,
indicating the brake pedal position.

5619518

A new, available multicolor head-up display projects
key, customizable vehicle data on the windshield in a
76.2 by 177.8 mm (3 by 7 in) display to help drivers
keep their eyes on the road.
Power Sliding Console
The 2021 Escalade features the first-ever optional
power sliding center console in the large SUV market.
The center console can slide backwards up to 254 mm
(10 in) to enhance overall storage flexibility and
organization. A power rocker switch in the center
overhead console operates the power slide
functionality. In addition, there is a hidden storage
drawer that can secured valuables when in valet mode.

Brakes Systems

Instrument Cluster
The instrument cluster displays the vehicle speed
based on the information from the Engine Control
Module (ECM). The ECM communicates the vehicle
speed information via a high speed serial data
message to the BCM. The BCM then communicates
the vehicle speed information via a low speed serial
data message to the instrument cluster. Speed is
displayed in kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per
hour (MPH), based on the vehicle settings.
Multi-axis Acceleration Sensor
The yaw rate, lateral acceleration, and longitudinal
acceleration sensors are combined into one multi-axis
acceleration sensor, internal to the inflatable restraint
sensing and diagnostic module. The brake system
control module receives yaw rate, lateral acceleration,
and longitudinal acceleration inputs from the multi-axis
acceleration sensor via serial data. The module
activates stability control and the hill hold start assist
function depending on multi-axis acceleration sensor
input.
Traction Control Multifunction Switch

Brake System Overview
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade features an integrated
brake control system, including an electro-hydraulic
boost system that replaces the conventional
vacuum-based power assist brake system. The
electro-hydraulic brake system supplies on-demand
power when the driver presses the brake pedal. The
2021 Escalade feature 4-wheel, 17-inch disc brake
rotors as standard equipment. The brakes are
equipped with a new brake pad lining wear sensor
system and an electronic parking brake system.

Antilock Braking System
The Antilock Braking System (ABS) is equipped with
the integrated brake control system. Integrated brake
control relies upon an electromechanical device that
includes a brake system control module. The module
interprets and converts driver input and provides a
corresponding hydraulic pressure output to activate a
standard brake system according to the driver’s
demand. In an event of no electrical energy or failure
condition, the driver’s input is mechanically converted
to a hydraulic pressure output.

5619519

The BCM monitors the signal circuit from the traction
control multifunction switch (shown circled above). The
BCM communicates a high speed serial data message
to the brake system control module, indicating the

Page 4

October, 2020

switch position. The traction control and stability control
are manually disabled or enabled by pressing the
traction multifunction control switch.
Steering Wheel Angle Sensor
The brake system control module receives serial data
message inputs from the steering angle sensor.
Steering wheel rotation speed and direction are
calculated to determine the intended driving direction
and any abrupt or evasive maneuvers. The steering
wheel angle sensor is an internal component of the
power steering gear.
Transmission Control Module
The brake system control module receives high speed
serial data message inputs from the transmission
control module, indicating the gear position of the
transmission for hill start assist or hill hold functions.
Wheel Speed Sensors
Unique directional wheel speed sensors can detect
wheel direction as well as zero wheel speed. The wheel
speed sensors receive a 12 volt power supply voltage
from the brake system control module and provide an
output signal to the module. As the wheel spins, the
wheel speed sensor sends the brake system control
module a direct current (DC) square wave signal. The
brake system control module uses the frequency of the
square wave signal to calculate the wheel speed.

Power-Up self-Test
The brake system control module is able to detect
many malfunctions whenever the ignition is ON.
However, certain failures cannot be detected unless
active diagnostic tests are performed on the
components. Shorted solenoid coil or motor windings,
for example, cannot be detected until the components
are commanded ON by the brake system control
module. Therefore, a power-up self-test is performed to
verify correct operation of system components. The
brake system control module performs the first phase of
the power-up self-test when the ignition is first turned
ON. This phase consists of internal self-testing of the
brake system control module along with electrical
checks of system sensors and circuits.
Disconnecting the 12V battery is the only method that
ensures a self-test will not occur while servicing the
brakes. The self-test consists of an internal hydraulic
test of the brake master cylinder and an external
hydraulic leak test of the brake lines and calipers. The
self-test pressurizes all four circuits leading to the
calipers.

Antilock Brake System Performance
Enhancement Systems
Depending on options, the following ABS performance
enhancement systems may be provided:
• brake assist features
– panic brake assist
– hydraulic fade compensation
– rear brake boost

Bulletin No.: 20-NA-211

– electronic pre-fill
– motor-on-caliper torque overlay
• electronic stability control features
– roll over mitigation/pre-emptive electronic stability
control
– torque vectoring by brakes
– flat tire electronic stability enable
– electronic stability control with vehicle weight
estimation
• traction control
– vehicle stuck control
– power hop control
– engine drag control
– enhanced off-road control
• integrated brake control system
– brake drying/cleaning
– hill start assist
– driveline damping
– extended hill hold start assist
– automatic vehicle hold
– vehicle moding
– hill descent control
• brake pad life monitoring
• electric parking brake

Brake Assist Features
Brake assist provides additional brake pressure and
brake system features compared to conventional brake
apply systems.
Panic Brake Assist
This feature applies the brakes more quickly when a
panic brake situation is determined. Panic brake assist
detects that the driver’s intent is to stop the vehicle as
quickly as possible but the driver is not applying
sufficient brake pressure to do so. The feature detects
the driver’s intent and then actively applies brake
pressure to maximum pressure, thus activating the
ABS system and stopping the vehicle as quickly as
possible.
Hydraulic Fade Compensation
The hydraulic fade compensation increases brake
system pressure above the driver-applied brake
pressure when the brake system determines a gross
fade condition. The conditions are based on the
following conditions:
• brake disc/pad temperature estimate
• driver-applied master cylinder pressure
• vehicle deceleration rate
The goal of providing additional brake system pressure
is to reduce stopping distance during high deceleration
requests from the driver. The driver experiences fading
brakes while using low or medium brake pedal force
application. The hydraulic fade compensation only
activates during high brake pedal force application.

Bulletin No.: 20-NA-211

October, 2020

Rear Brake Boost
Rear brake boost provides rear hydraulic brake assist
to ensure all four wheels are achieving maximum
braking during an ABS event. When vehicle loading is
heavily rear axle biased, the rear brakes may not utilize
all of the available road adhesion. The hydraulic rear
brake boost design provides additional braking
pressure to the rear brakes when the front brakes are
using the ABS and the rear wheels are in a low slip
condition.

Page 5

Trailer Sway Control

Electronic Pre-fill
This feature reduces the brake response time when the
driver quickly releases the accelerator pedal. In
addition, this feature supports the use of low drag
calipers.
Motor-on-Caliper Torque Overlay
This feature reduces the driver's braking effort when in
backup (no power) mode. The operation of this feature
includes torque being applied with the electric park
brake motors on the front or rear calipers, preferably
isolating that hydraulic circuit, to provide assist. When
in this mode, the electric park brake motors apply
torque based on the driver's commanded deceleration,
instead of clamping to a certain force.

Electronic Stability Control Features
The electronic stability control system uses ABS
capabilities to minimize oversteer and understeer
conditions. This system uses inputs from a multi-axis
sensor and a steering angle sensor to ensure that the
vehicle continues traveling in the intended direction of
driver steering input. The electronic stability control
system applies the individual brakes selectively to
minimize oversteer or understeer. The driver may
disable electronic stability control by using the disable
switch in the center console.
The electronic stability control system include the
following features:
Roll Over Mitigation/Preemptive Electronic Stability
Control
The electronic stability control system features use the
standard sensor set. Roll over mitigation detects driving
situations that may cause a vehicle rollover. When a
potential rollover condition is detected, the electronic
stability control system is activated to reduce the
chance of vehicle rollover.
Torque Vectoring by Brakes
Torque vectoring by brakes enhances vehicle agility by
using brake applies and engine torque requests to
maximize traction on drive wheels. While cornering,
brakes are applied to the inside drive wheels, thus
allowing more torque to the outside wheels without
slipping the inside wheels. Increasing the engine
torque, above driver request, gives more torque to the
outer wheels. This feature is designed to improve high
cornering maneuvers and also allows for an all-around
increase in performance.

5619520

Trailer sway control uses the electronic stability control
system to detect trailer instability and apply differential
braking to dampen out trailer oscillation and instability.
If trailer sway control detects repeated trailer instability,
it communicates to a display device to warn the driver
of an unsafe trailer setup.
Flat Tire Electronic Stability Enable
Once a flat tire is detected, electronic stability control
cannot be disabled. If the electronic stability control
system was previously disabled, it can be re-enabled to
assist with stability. However, turning off the traction
control system is permissible.
Electronic Stability Control with Vehicle Weight
Estimation
The brake system control module has the capability to
estimate vehicle weight while the vehicle is being
driven. This feature may modify the electronic stability
control system based on estimated vehicle weight
when a compact spare tire is detected on the rear axle.

Traction Control System Features
The traction control system includes the following
features:
Vehicle Stuck Control
The traction control system detects a vehicle stuck
condition by monitoring excessive wheel slip for greater
than 5 seconds with a vehicle reference velocity of less
than 3 km/h (1 MPH). Once detected, the traction
control system allows additional wheel slip of 5% to
help get the vehicle unstuck. This feature does not
guarantee to recover the vehicle from a stuck condition;
it is only intended to assist the driver.
Power Hop Control
Power hop is an oscillation of the driven wheels due to
a rapid acceleration on high coefficient surfaces. Wheel
oscillation results in a vehicle bounce, and driver
discomfort, failure of driveline components, and
potentially other damage to the vehicle. This feature

Page 6

October, 2020

detects the power-hop by monitoring the wheel speed
sensor signal, and the traction control system will
attenuate the power-hop by reducing engine torque and
applying brake pressure. If the traction control system
is off, the brake system control module and engine
control module may mitigate the power hop condition.
Engine Drag Control
This feature is designed to mitigate drop-throttle
oversteer or understeer when the vehicle speed is
above 18 km/h (12 MPH).
While applying throttle during maximum cornering on a
rear-wheel drive, the vehicle could exhibit an oversteer
situation if the driver quickly releases the throttle. If this
condition is detected, engine torque is slowly reduced
in order to maintain vehicle stability.
Enhanced Off-Road Control
The intent of this feature is to maximize rock crawling
capability when the vehicle is in Off-Road mode or 4LO
transfer case mode. The traction control calibration is
then biased towards low-speed, active capability by
applying more brake control with less wheel slip.

Brake System Control Module Features
The brake system control module includes the following
features:
Brake Drying/Cleaning
Brake drying/cleaning autonomously applies a small
amount of brake pressure during long periods of driving
on wet roads in order to remove water from the rotor
surface. The brake application is transparent to the
driver and results in improved brake feel and
performance. Conditions to enable brake drying/
cleaning include:
• wipers on
• brake pressure build up to 3 bar (43.5 psi) at all
four wheels
If cruise control is active, brake drying/cleaning will not
function, as minimum pedal position is required. If the
driver brakes, the distance counter resets.

Bulletin No.: 20-NA-211

Extended Hold Hill Start Assist
The extended hold hill start assist feature functions the
same as hill start assist, except this feature allows an
indefinite vehicle hold rather than the temporary hold
provided by hill start assist alone.
Automatic Vehicle Hold
Automatic vehicle hold is a driver-enabled feature that
holds the vehicle at a standstill for an indefinite amount
of time. This feature is similar to the extended hold hill
start assist, but functions on all road grades. This
feature must be enabled by the driver and reverts to a
disabled state upon restarting the vehicle. The brake
system control module holds the vehicle and then
transfers the hold to the electric parking brake as
necessary.
The automatic vehicle hold function requires the vehicle
to have an electronic parking brake, which allows the
brake pressure hold time to increase for up to 5 minutes
before engaging the electronic park brake. Automatic
vehicle hold is available on vehicles with an automatic
transmission and is only available on vehicles with a
manual transmission if equipped with a neutral gear
position indicator (start/stop engines have neutral gear
position indicator).
Vehicle Moding
The brake system control module uses the
driver-selected mode status signals to determine which
mode the vehicle is in. Mode 0 corresponds to
NORMAL mode and is the default. Other supported
modes are: SPORT, OFF-ROAD, TRACK, SNOW/ICE,
and TOW/HAUL.
Hill Descent Control

Hill Start Assist
The hill start assist feature temporarily holds the vehicle
while on a grade for 2-5 seconds after the driver
removes their foot from the brake pedal and the vehicle
is on a grade exceeding 7%. The intent of this feature is
to prevent the vehicle from rolling down the hill before
the driver has an opportunity to apply the accelerator
pedal.
Driveline Damping
Driveline damping is required on vehicles with
electronic stability control, stop/start functionality, and
an automatic transmission. This feature holds brake
pressure to dampen driveline acceleration disturbance
as the engine is restarted and holds brake pressure to
retard or prevent the vehicle from rolling. It is used for
driver comfort and to extend vehicle hold on a steep
grade.

5619521

Hill descent control allows vehicles with an automatic