malfunction.
Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
The available side blind zone alert is intended to assist
drivers when changing lanes. The system uses the
following components:
• B218L Side Obstacle Detection Control Module
– Left
• B218R Side Obstacle Detection Control Module –
Right
• K9 BCM
• S79D Front Side Door Window Control Switch –
Drive
• S79P Front Side Door Window Switch ‒
Passenger
• A9A Outside Rearview Mirror – Driver
• A9B Outside Rearview Mirror – Passenger
• safety alert seat (HS1)

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An integrated function of the side blind zone alert
system is lane change alert. Lane change alert
supplements the side blind zone alert system by
detecting approaching vehicles on either side of the
vehicle that may not yet be in the side blind zone alert
area. The detection zone for lane change alert starts at
the outside rearview mirror and extends out:
• 0.5 to 2.0 m (1.5 to 6.0 ft) from the back corner of
the vehicle
• 70 m (230 ft) behind the vehicle at a height of 0.5
m (1.5 ft)
• 2.0 m (6.5 ft) above the ground
When the system detects a vehicle in the side blind
zone while driving forward, an amber warning symbol
illuminates in the appropriate outside mirror. This
indicates it may be unsafe to change lanes. If the driver
then activates the turn signal, the amber warning
symbol starts flashing as an extra warning not to
change lanes
In the event the system senses a malfunction through
its diagnostic routines, the system deactivates and the
driver is visually notified. Drivers can enable lane
change alert in the vehicle personalization menu under
collision/detection systems.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Rear cross traffic alert is designed to warn of impending
rear cross traffic when backing up.
The system only works when the vehicle is in
REVERSE at speeds below 10 km/h (6 MPH) to detect
and track objects within 20 m (65 ft) behind and to the
sides of the vehicle. The system then issues either an
audible alert or visual alert in the infotainment display to
alert the driver of objects that may cause a collision
with the vehicle. If the vehicle is equipped with a safety
alert seat, the system issues a haptic warning.

Safety Alert Seat
Based on trim level, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade may
be equipped with a safety alert within the driver’s seat.
Depending on the alert, either the left, right, or both
motors activate to alert the driver.
The two motors providing the vibration are located on
the left and right sides of the seat cushion. Depending
on the alert, either the left, right, or both motors activate
to alert the driver as to what side of the vehicle is of
concern
The safety alert seat includes the following
components:
• K9 BCM (without A45)
• K40 Seat Memory Control Module (with A45)
• P45LR Seat Haptic Motor – Driver Left
• P45RR Seat Haptic Motor – Driver Right

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October, 2020
•
•
•
•

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1. P45RR Seat Haptic Motor – Driver Right
2. P45LR Seat Haptic Motor – Driver Left
Safety Alert Seat Motors
The safety alert seat is used with the following driver
assist features:
• The lane departure warning and lane keep assist
use the left- and right-side pulses to alert drivers if
they unintentionally drift out of their lane
• The rear cross traffic alert uses left- or right-side
pulses to indicate the direction of approaching
cross traffic when in REVERSE
• The forward collision alert simultaneously pulses
on both sides to warn drivers of a possible
collision with the vehicle they are following
• Front pedestrian braking simultaneously pulses on
both sides to warn drivers of a potential collision
with a pedestrian directly ahead.
• Front and rear park assist and backing warning or
automatic braking system simultaneously pulse on
both sides of the seat when a potential rear
collision is detected under low speeds

Bulletin No.: 20-NA-211

A11 Radio or K74 Human Machine Interface
Module
B225L Left Sideview Camera
B225R Right Sideview Camera
X20 Memory Card Receptacle

HD Surround Camera System Displays
The HD surround camera system displays include the
following:
• overhead view alongside a rear camera view
displayed in REVERSE
• overhead view alongside a front camera view
displayed in NEUTRAL or DRIVE
The surround camera system displays a frontview
image when the front park assist object sensor detects
an object within 30 cm (12 in) and the vehicle is in a
forward gear.
The surround camera system image is removed from
the display when the vehicle speed exceeds 10 km/h (6
MPH) or when the system control button is pressed or
the infotainment screen control is touched.
There are nine selectable camera views:
1. Surround Vision
2. Rear Camera Mirror
3. Standard Front
4. Standard Rear
5. 1/2 Overhead Front
6. 1/2 Overhead Rear
7. Sideview Front
8. Sideview Rear
9. Hitch View Hitch Guidance

HD Surround Camera System (UV2)
The surround camera system provides an overhead
view of the area surrounding the vehicle. This view aids
in entering and leaving parking spaces by reducing the
blind spots during low-speed maneuvering. This view
also supplements the mirrors on the vehicle and
provides a view from the rear or front cameras,
depending on the direction of travel. The system uses
four cameras to create an overhead view of the area
around your vehicle.
HD Surround Camera System Components
The HD surround camera system consists of the
following components:
• B87 Rearview Camera
• B174G Grille Mounted Frontview Camera
• K157 Video Processing Control Module

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HD Surround Camera View
A processing module combines the four camera
images into a single image that is displayed on the
infotainment screen.

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October, 2020

HD Surround Camera System Operation
Each camera is connected to the video processing
control module by a shielded coaxial cable. The coaxial
cable provides power to the camera and sends the
video image from the camera to the video processing
control module for processing. The video processing
control module sends the processed image to the
infotainment system via another coaxial cable.
The video processing control module receives
information from the rear park assist object detection
module, and it receives steering wheel angle
information from the BCM while in REVERSE. The
video processing control module performs a system
camera calibration on every key cycle.
If the rear parking assist detects an object when the
vehicle is in REVERSE, a warning triangle may display.
This triangle changes from amber to red and increases
in size as the object gets closer. Dynamic guidelines
are also displayed in REVERSE to show the projected
path of the vehicle.

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Active Side Safety Obstacle Detection –
Extended Trailer View (UKV)
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade is available with an all new
trailering system with the following advanced features:
• Application for Infotainment System (Trailer
Light APP)
• Application for Infotainment System
(Trailering APP)
• sideview cameras
• auxiliary camera to view behind the trailer
• trailer tire pressure monitoring
• automatic parking brake apply
• trailer detection
• pre-departure checklist
• custom profile feature
• trailer lighting sequence and diagnostic
• trailer theft detection
• hitch guidance with hitch view
• surround vision camera

Trailer Vision System
The trailer vision system works similarly to the surround
camera system with the addition of a camera mounted
to the rear of the trailer. The infotainment system
incorporates the added camera into the surround view
display to assist the driver when parking a trailer.
Trailer Vision System Displays
The trailer vision system displays include the following:
• overhead view alongside a rear camera view
displayed in REVERSE
• overhead view alongside a front camera view
displayed in NEUTRAL or DRIVE

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1.
2.
3.
4.

Overhead View
Rear Camera View
Warning Triangle
Dynamic Guidelines
Surround Camera Views on Infotainment
Screen

Image Quality Considerations
The following conditions may cause a poor quality
image:
• ice, snow, or mud built up on the rear vision
camera
• darkness
• extreme light conditions, such as glare from the
sun or the headlights of another vehicle
• damage to the rear of the vehicle
• extreme high temperatures or extreme
temperature changes

Hitch Guidance with Hitch View
With available hitch guidance with hitch view, the
infotainment display adds a guided line for the driver to
follow back to the trailer hitch. Once the vehicle is in
position for the trailer hitch to be lowered onto it, the
trailering application will command the vehicle parking
brake on so that the vehicle will not roll forward or back
when the transmission is placed in PARK.

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Bulletin No.: 20-NA-211

Rearview Camera Full Display Mirror (CWA)

5619580

The available rearview camera full display mirror with
remote wash features an inside rearview mirror that can
be used as a standard reflective mirror or to display a
high resolution 1280×240 pixel image from a dedicated
HD camera. The rear glass washer sprays washer fluid
on the camera lens to help keep it clean.
The driver can set preferences on the mirror by pulling
on the tab to turn on the mirror, then selecting the check
mark, and using the left and right arrow buttons to scroll
through the menu and select the following:
• ON/OFF
• brightness
• zoom
• tilt
The rear washer camera system includes a
high-resolution digital camera located on the liftgate
above the license plate, connected to the outside
rearview camera via a shielded coaxial cable.

An image adjustment function allows drivers to pan up
and down to better view the trailer hitch when backing
up to it.

Trailer Theft Detection
Trailer theft detection is a new optional feature for the
2021 Cadillac Escalade. When activated, the vehicle
will flash the exterior lights and cycle the horn to alert of
a trailer theft event. If the antenna and the trailer tire
pressure monitor kit are included, the trailering
application will also monitor the trailer’s tire pressure.

HD Digital Rear Vision Camera (UVB)
The HD digital rear vision camera system consists of a
rear vision camera and the infotainment system. The
rear vision camera system consists of a video camera
located at the rear of the vehicle (shown circled above).
When the transmission is placed in REVERSE, a signal
is sent to the radio, indicating that camera operation is
requested. The rearview camera sends video
information to the radio through a coax cable. The coax
cable also provides power from the radio to the
rearview camera.
The following conditions may cause a degraded rear
vision camera image.
• ice, snow, or mud built up on the rear vision
camera
• dark conditions
• extreme light conditions, such as glare from the
sun or the headlights of another vehicle
• damage to the rear of the vehicle
• extreme high temperatures or extreme
temperature changes
If a malfunction is detected in the system, a SERVICE
REAR VISION CAMERA message may be displayed
on the infotainment screen.

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When the video monitor is turned off, the mirror acts
like a standard reflective mirror with auto dimming
features. When the video monitor is turned on, it
provides an unobstructed view behind the vehicle, with
a field of view approximately 300% wider than a
traditional mirror.
Note: The graphic below shows a rear vision zones
comparison.

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October, 2020

Page 57

Front Suspension
The base front suspension is an independent coil
spring suspension design, which allows each wheel to
compensate for uneven road surfaces without affecting
the opposing wheel. Each front wheel independently
connects to the frame with steering knuckles, ball joint
assemblies, and upper and lower control arms. This
design allows each front wheel to compensate for
changes in the road surface without affecting the
opposite wheel. The upper control arms have been
moved up and away from the wheel to enable improved
turning radius. The front suspension uses coil springs.
There are two optional suspensions, including an
automatic level control suspension with variable rate air
springs to improve performance under heavily loaded
and off-road conditions. The second option is an
electronic controlled magnetic ride suspension with
dampening coil springs for improved ride and handling.

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The rear washer camera washer nozzle is located on
the right side of the camera lens. To active the camera
washer, rotate the inner rear wiper switch on the turn
signal/multifunction switch to the upper wash position.

Suspension Systems
Overview
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade features an all-new
independent rear suspension with an enhanced
magnetic ride, an optional automatic level control
suspension, and an available electronic suspension
control system.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Air Spring
Upper Control Arm
Upper Ball Joint Assembly
Steering Knuckle
Lower Ball Joint Assembly
Lower Control Arm
Shock Absorber
Automatic Level Control Front Suspension

Rear Suspension
The base rear suspension design is an all-new lateral
link independent design that uses coil springs.

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Bulletin No.: 20-NA-211

Driver Information Center
The automatic level control module monitors the air
suspension system. If a malfunction is detected, a
serial data message is sent to the instrument cluster to
display a SERVICE LEVELING SYSTEM message on
the driver information center.
Pneumatic Control Unit
The pneumatic control unit is mounted to and controlled
by the automatic level control module. The pneumatic
control unit contains the pressure sensor and control
solenoid valves for each of the four air springs and
determines and directs the airflow throughout the air
suspension system. The automatic level control
module, pneumatic control unit, and air compressor are
located under the rear of the vehicle, above the spare
tire, and are serviced separately.

5619588

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Rear Air Spring
Rear Suspension Lateral Link
Rear Knuckle
Rear Suspension Adjust Link
Rear Suspension Trailing Arm
Shock Absorber
Rear Suspension Lower Control Arm
Rear Stabilizer Bar
Shock Absorber
Independent Rear Suspension with Automatic
Level Control

Compressor and Air Dryer
The air suspension compressor is a dual-stage,
positive displacement, piston air pump with boost mode
driven by a 12 volt DC permanent magnet motor. The
air compressor draws air from the atmosphere through
the air intake or reservoir and supplies the air to the
pneumatic control unit. The air dryer removes moisture
from the intake air. In addition, air from the pneumatic
control unit directed to the compressor is exhausted
into the atmosphere.

Automatic Level Control Suspension
The automatic level control suspension features a
variable rate spring design at each of the four wheels to
improve ride and handling performance under all
driving conditions, from rough road conditions to
heavily loaded situations.
K5 Automatic Level Control Module
The K5 automatic level control module controls the
system functions and monitors the suspension system
for proper operation. Other than the selected ride
height, the control module uses the following vehicle
parameters alone or in combination with one another to
establish a target ride height.
• vehicle speed
• lateral acceleration
• longitudinal acceleration
• throttle position
• cruise control status
• transmission range selection status
• stability control system status
• semi-active damping system status
• vehicle power mode
• suspension position sensors
• air spring pressures

5619589

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Air Suspension Compressor
Air Dryer Assembly
Automatic Leveling Control Module
Pneumatic Control Unit
Air Intake Muffler
Air Intake Port
Air Intake Particulate Filter
Exhaust Air Vent
Compressor, Level Control Module, and
Pneumatic Control Unit

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Page 59

Air Suspension Position Sensors
The automatic level control module provides each
Hall-effect suspension position sensor with a 5-volt
reference and ground. The position sensors provide the
control module with a pulse width modulated signal that
corresponds to the current height of the vehicle.
Air Suspension Reservoir
The reservoir stores the reserved dry air used to supply
the pneumatic control unit. The pneumatic control unit
uses this air to inflate the appropriate air spring. The air
suspension reservoir is located under the center of the
vehicle and is bolted to the frame support rails near the
automatic transmission.
Air Springs
Note: The vehicle will not lower when exiting if the
level switch is in Off-road, or tow-haul/trailering mode.
The four air springs raise or lower vehicle height based
on the automatic level control module inputs. The
automatic level control module determines the vehicle
height.

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1. Rear Air Spring
2. Rear Suspension Position Sensor
Rear Air Spring and Position Sensor
Interactive Air Suspension Driver Controls
The interactive air suspension driver control system
enables the driver to select four different suspension
ride heights:
• Entry/Exit
• Normal
• Increased Ground Clearance
• Maximum

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Note: The Interactive Driver Control Air Suspension
Mode Selector is shown circled above.
An additional mode, AERO, may be programmed, but
not selected.
When a mode is selected, a message displays on the
driver information center indicating the selected ride
height.
Entry/Exit
This mode may be programmed in the configurable
settings as an option and is selectable using the driver
controls. Entry/exit mode automatically lowers the front
and rear air suspension 51 mm (2 in.) under the
following conditions: every time the vehicle is shifted
into PARK and a door is opened to exit the vehicle as
well as when a door is opened to enter the vehicle.
Lowering takes approximately 8 seconds. The
automatic entry/exit mode does not operate when:
• the vehicle is raised above normal ride height
• tow/haul mode is active
• off-road mode is active
• a trailer is attached to the vehicle
Normal
Normal mode is not programmable in the configurable
settings. This mode is automatic at predetermined
speeds for safety and may be manually selected by the
driver.
Increased Ground Clearance
This mode is not programmable in the configurable
settings, but may be manually selected by the driver.
Available on four-wheel drive vehicles, this mode
increases vehicle ride height by 25 mm (1 in.). When
the vehicle is in off-road mode or terrain driver mode is
active, increased ground clearance is automatically
selected.
Maximum Ground Clearance
This mode also is not programmable in the configurable
settings, but may be manually selected by the driver
when the transfer case setting is in 4-LO. Only

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October, 2020

available on four-wheel drive vehicles, this mode
increases ride height by 51 mm (2 in.). This feature