consists of the following components:
• seat lumbar support switch
• seat lumbar support control module
• seat lumbar/bolster pump
Lumbar Support Operation
When the lumbar support switch is in the forward
direction, the control module activates the lumbar
pump, inflating the upper and lower lumbar support
bladders until the driver or passenger releases the
switch.
When the lumbar support switch is in the rearward
direction, the control module slowly deflates the upper
and lower lumbar support bladders until the driver or
passenger releases the switch.
When the lumbar support switch is in the up direction,
the seat control module slowly inflates the upper lumbar
support bladder until the driver or passenger releases
the switch.
When the lumbar support switch is in the down
direction, the control module slowly deflates the upper
lumbar bladder and inflates the lower lumbar bladder.
The seat lumbar support control module continues this
operation until the driver or passenger releases the
switch.
6-Way Power Seats (A7J)
Some standard models may have a front passenger
6-way power seat. The X53A fuse block 30A fuse
located at the rear of the vehicle supplies power to the
seat adjuster switch. The power seat consists of the
following components:
• seat adjuster switch
• seat horizontal motor (fore and aft adjustment)
• seat rear vertical motor (height adjustment)
• seat recline motor
8-Way (A2X) and 10-Way Power Seats (AUN/A45)
The uplevel trims feature either an 8-way or a 10-way
front power seat system, which consists of the following
components:
• seat adjuster switch
• seat horizontal motor
• seat front vertical motor (if equipped)
• seat rear vertical motor
• seat recline motor
If equipped with memory seats, the following additional
components are included:
• seat memory control module
• seat memory switch
Seat Motors
Seat switches provide both power and ground to the
seat motors. Each seat motor is reversible and
operates independently of the others. Each motor
contains an electronic circuit breaker that opens in the
event of a circuit overload and resets once voltage has
been removed from the circuit.

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October, 2020

There are four seat position motors and two lumbar
motors. The motors include the horizontal motor, front
vertical motor, rear vertical motor, and the seat back
recline motor. The seat horizontal motor moves the
entire seat forward and rearward. The seat vertical
motors may operate independently to tilt the front or
rear of the seat cushion up or down. Both motors can
run simultaneously to move the entire seat up or down.
The recline motor moves the angle of the seat back
forward or rearward.
Heated/Vented Seat System
The heated/vented seat system consists of the
following components:
• heated and vented seat switches
• BCM
• front seat heating control module
• driver seat cushion heating element
• driver seat cushion temperature sensor
• driver seat back heating element
• driver seat back temperature sensor
• driver seat temperature control module
• driver seat cushion blower motor
• driver seat back blower motor
• passenger seat cushion heating element
• passenger seat cushion temperature sensor
• passenger seat back heating element
• passenger seat back temperature sensor
• passenger seat temperature control module
• passenger seat cushion blower motor
• passenger seat back blower motor
Heated/Vented Seat Switches

5619549

The driver and passenger heated and vented seats are
controlled by separate heated/vented seat switches
(shown circled above). They are located on the center
stack near the HVAC controls. To operate the switches,
the engine must be running. The BCM monitors
activation of the heated/vented seat switches. The

Bulletin No.: 20-NA-211

BCM also controls the indicators used to provide the
operator with feedback as to the operating status of the
system. With each press of the switch, the system
cycles through HIGH, MEDIUM, LOW, and then back to
OFF again.
Heated Seat Operation:
The seat heating control module controls heated seat
operation for the driver and passenger seats. There are
two modes for heated seat operation: seat back and
cushion heat mode and seat back-only heat mode.
When active, individual Pulse Width Modulated (PWM)
voltage supply control circuits apply power to the seat
cushion and back heater elements. The K29F Front
Seat Heating Control Module switches each individual
heater element to ground by a common low-side drive
control circuit.
When the heaters are off, the front seat heater control
module directs the heating element low-side outputs to
a common circuit internal to the module, which is
biased to approximately 3.5 volts. The seat heating
control module uses the biased voltage in to test the
high-side and low-side control circuits for a short to
battery positive or ground before turning on the driver
and passenger seat heating elements. During heated
seat operation, the front seat heating control module
interrupts control of the heating elements every 10
seconds for approximately 10 milliseconds to make this
biased voltage check.
If the high-side output of the module is measured when
both the seat cushion and seat back heater elements
are disconnected, a digital multimeter will display a low
current 12V bleed off voltage. This bleed off voltage
does not have a meaningful diagnostic purpose. With
the heater elements connected, only 3.5V biased
voltage is seen from this circuit.
Temperature Regulation
The seat back and cushion temperature sensors, or
thermistors, are packaged with the seat heating
elements located just under the seat covers. The front
seat heater control module supplies each temperature
sensor with a 5V reference signal circuit and a low
reference circuit. The module monitors the voltage from
the signal circuit to determine the temperature of
the seat.
The temperature sensor varies in resistance based on
the temperature of the heating element that is causing
the signal voltage to change. Once the module senses
the seat reached the set temperature, it will then begin
to regulate the current flow through the heater elements
in order to maintain the desired seat temperature based
on the feedback voltage from the sensor.
If the heated seats are on HIGH, the temperature level
may automatically be lowered after approximately 30
min of operation.
Vented Seat Operation
Each vented seat consists of two blower motors: one in
the seat back and one in the seat cushion. During
vented seat operation, the vented seat blower motors
move cabin air through channels in the foam pad and
small holes in the seat covers, causing a cooling effect
to the occupant.

Bulletin No.: 20-NA-211

October, 2020

Battery voltage is supplied to the blower motors by a
10-amp fuse located in the left instrument panel fuse
block. Ground for each blower motor is provided
through separate ground circuits and a common ground
connection.
When the seat heater control module receives a
ventilation seat command and supplies a low-side
driver PWM signal through the blower motor control
circuit to each seat cushion blower motor. The logic in
the blower motors interprets the signal and responds by
adjusting the blower speed as requested. When the
blower motors are operating, the occupant of the seat
feels cooler as the air passes through the seat
cushions.
Rear Seats
Second Row Seats
The second row seats may be a manual bench, an
optional power bench, or bucket seats with a power
option (for uplevel trims).
The left and right second row folding seat systems each
consist of the following components.
• folding seat switch
• folding seat motor
The folding second row seats are operated by the
folding seat switches, located on the passenger side
rear panel and on the trim panel in the rear cargo area.
While in a de-energized state, the park enable relay
supplies battery voltage at all times to the folding seat
switches. At all times, a 20A fuse, located in the rear
body fuse block, also supplies battery voltage to the
folding seat motors. When a folding seat switch is
pressed, the switch contacts and the control circuit
battery apply voltage to the folding seat motor. The
motor runs to move the seat back to the folded position.
Second Row Heated Seats
Depending on the trim level, the second row seating
may be equipped with an optional rear heated seat
system, with control switches located on the rear
console.
The rear heated seat system consists of the following
components:
• rear heated seat switches
• BCM
• rear seat heating control module
• left and right rear seat cushion heating elements
• left and right rear seat cushion temperature
sensors (thermistors)
Rear Heated Seat Operation
The rear seat heating control module controls heated
seat operation for the left and right rear seats. When
active, power is applied to the seat cushion heater
element through a PWM voltage supply control circuit.
The heater element is switched to ground by the
module through a low-side drive control circuit.

Page 31

Rear Heated Seat Switches

5619550

When a heated seat switch on the rear center console
is pressed, a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) bus
serial data message is sent from the rear heated seat
switches (shown circled above) to the BCM, indicating
the rear heated seat command. The BCM serves as the
heated seat system master and determines the
requested operating mode. The BCM sends serial data
messages to the rear seat heating control module,
indicating the heated seat command. In response to
this serial data message from the BCM, the rear seat
heating control module turns on the appropriate seat
heating elements. The BCM also controls the seat
temperature and mode indicators via the LIN serial data
line to provide the operator with feedback as to the
operating status of the system.
Temperature Regulation
The seat cushion temperature sensor (thermistor) is
packaged with the seat heating element located just
under the seat cover. The rear seat heating control
module supplies the temperature sensor with a 5V
reference signal circuit and a low reference circuit. The
module monitors the voltage from the signal circuit to
determine the temperature of the seat.
The temperature sensor varies in resistance, based on
the temperature of the heating element causing the
signal voltage to change. Once the module senses the
seat has reached the set temperature, it will then begin
to regulate the current flow through the heater elements
in order to maintain the desired seat temperature,
based on the feedback voltage from the sensor.
If the heated seats are on HIGH, the temperature level
may automatically be lowered after approximately 30
min of operation.

Page 32

October, 2020

Third Row 40/60 Split-Folding Seats
The 2021 Escalade is equipped with a standard 40/60
split folding third row seat. The larger portion of the seat
is located on the driver’s side of the vehicle. The
feature provides a larger cargo load area on the folded
driver side seat and still maintains the provision for a
rear-seating passenger on the passenger side. An
optional power bench is available.
The left and right third row folding seat system each
consist of the following components:
• folding seat control module – third row
• folding seat switch – D-pillar third row
• folding seat motor – seat back release third row
• folding seat motor – third row
Third Row Seats – Control Module
The folding seat control module controls both sides of
the 60/40 split folding seat. The folding seat control
module is in a low-power sleep state until it detects the
activation of one of the folding seat switches. The
module remains in its normal operating awake mode
and returns to sleep mode when all outputs and inputs
such as the switches are inactive for 30 seconds.
A 30A fuse, located in the rear body fuse block,
supplies battery positive voltage at all times to the
folding seat control module. The module uses this
voltage for both logic power and to power the seat
motors and seat back release motors. Each folding seat
motor and release motor is controlled by a relay internal
to the folding seat control module and through two
control circuits to each motor. The control module
checks to see if the control circuits are shorted to
ground or voltage before enabling folding seat
operation.
Third Row Folding Seat Switches

5619551

Note: The Right Rear Quarter Trim - Power Folding
Rear Seat Switches are shown in the graphic above.

Bulletin No.: 20-NA-211

The third row folding seat switches are located on the
D-pillar of the rear cargo area. Each side of the 60/40
split folding seat has a pair of fold and unfold, normally
open, momentary switches designed to prevent
simultaneous activation.
The folding power seats only operate when the
transmission is in the PARK position. Battery voltage is
supplied to the power folding seat switches through the
normally closed contacts of the park enable relay,
which is controlled by the BCM. When the transmission
is placed in any gear other than PARK, the BCM
energizes the relay, removing battery voltage from the
switches.
Third Row Folding Seat Motor – Seat Back Release
The folding seat back release motor is spring-loaded
and latches the seat back into its desired parked
position, and unlatches the seat back for folding or
unfolding seat operation. There are three modes of
release motor control.
• retract
• hold
• release
Pressing the folding seat switch signals the seat control
module to apply PWM voltage at approximately 95%
duty cycle to the seat back release motor control circuit,
releasing the seat back. The control module holds the
release motor at a reduced voltage (approximately 25%
duty cycle) until the motor stalls. Once the motor stalls,
the module releases the motor, latching the seat back
in place. One second after releasing, the seat motor
moves in the opposite direction of travel to confirm the
seat back is locked in a secure position. This action
continues until a stall condition is detected. After the
completion of the latch lock confirmation, the module
releases tension.
Each switch contact is connected to an individual,
discrete input of the folding seat control module that
provides a pull down to ground on these signal circuits.
When a folding seat switch is pressed, battery voltage
is applied through the switch contacts and the signal
circuit to the folding seat control module. The module
commands the folding seat to move in response to the
switch signal.
Third Row Folding Seat Sensor
The folding seat motor contains an internal seat sensor.
The sensor is a two-wire Hall-effect type sensor used to
determine the stall status of the folding seat motor and
provide seat position information to the K169 Folding
Seat Control Module – Third Row.
The folding seat control module supplies 10 volts to the
folding seat motors. During folding seat motor
operation, the sensor provides four pulses per
revolution input to the control module to determine
when the seat motor reaches a stalled condition. A
stalled condition is when the seat back is fully folded,
fully unfolded, or if an object prevents seat movement
during seat operation. If the module does not detect a
pulse from the sensor for 100 ms, the module stops the
folding seat operation.

Bulletin No.: 20-NA-211

October, 2020

Power Door Locks
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with power
door locks. The power door locks are controlled by the
BCM. The BCM provides a power door lock command
to the door lock actuators within the door latches
whenever it receives an input signal from one of the
following sources.
• power door lock switches (located on the driver
and passenger doors)
• keyless entry lock or unlock command
• passive keyless entry
• door lock cylinder switch unlock actuation
• delayed locking command
• automatic door lock command
The door locks also feature lockout prevention, which
prevents the doors from locking if the transmitter is in
the vehicle
The doors may be unlocked using the power door lock
switches, the unlock button on the keyless entry
transmitter, or by approaching the vehicle with the
passive keyless entry transmitter and pressing the
button on the door handle. Low frequency transmitting
antennas are located in the front door handles. The
liftgate sends a challenge to the key fob to determine if
it is within the 1 meter range to allow the vehicle to
unlock.
The doors may be manually unlocked from inside the
vehicle by pulling on the inside door handle. The first
pull of the handle unlocks the door, and the second pull
of the door handle opens the door.
Note: The lighting control module monitors the voltage
of the rear door lock switches.
Automatic Door Locks
The doors lock automatically when all doors are closed,
the ignition is on, and the transmission range is moved
out of PARK.
If a vehicle door is unlocked and then opened and
closed, the doors lock when the brake pedal is released
or the vehicle speed is greater than 13 km/h (8 MPH).
To automatically unlock the doors, set the transmission
range to PARK.
Automatic door unlocking can be programmed in the
vehicle personalization menu.
The vehicle personalization menu offers the following
selections for the automatic door locks:
• Auto Door Lock ‒ When this feature is turned on,
all doors will automatically lock when the vehicle is
shifted out of PARK or when the vehicle starts
moving. Select OFF or ON.
• Auto Door Unlock ‒ This setting allows selection
of which doors will automatically unlock when the
vehicle is shifted into PARK. Select OFF, ALL
DOORS, or DRIVER DOOR.
• Delayed Door Lock ‒ When enabled, the feature
delays locking of all doors. To override the delay,
press the power door lock switch on the door.
Select OFF or ON.

Page 33

Child Safety Locks
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with child
safety locks. When engaged, the rear door safety locks
prevent passengers from opening the rear doors from
within the vehicle. The safety lock is on the inside edge
of the rear doors.

5619552

Note: The child safety lock is shown in locked position
in the graphic above.

Rear Hands-Free Power Liftgate
The 2021 Cadillac Escalade features an optional
hands-free power liftgate with a Cadillac logo light
projection.
Hands-Free Operation
This system uses a motion sensor located under the
right rear bumper fascia and an optional logo projector.
Waving your foot under the sensor area near the
projected logo signals the liftgate to open.
If equipped, the power liftgate switch, located on the
overhead console, can be used to change the liftgate
height settings. The vehicle must be in 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. This is used to prevent the
liftgate from opening into overhead obstructions
such as a garage door or roof-mounted cargo. The
liftgate can be opened manually all the way
• OFF ‒ Opens manually only.
To power open or close the liftgate, select MAX or 3/4
mode and then perform any of the following:
• Press the liftgate button on the remote key fob
twice until the liftgate moves.
• Press the center button on the overhead console.
The driver door must be unlocked or locked
without the security armed.

Page 34
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•

October, 2020

Press the touch pad on the underside of the
liftgate handle after unlocking all doors. A locked
vehicle can be opened if the remote if it is within 1
m (3 ft) of the touch pad.
Press the button on the bottom edge of the liftgate
next to the latch to close.
Press any liftgate button, the touch pad, or the
remote key while the liftgate is moving to stop it.
Pressing any liftgate button or pressing the key
fob button twice quickly on the remote key restarts
the operation in the reverse direction. Pressing the
touch pad on the liftgate handle 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.
When stopping the gate at low heights, it may
partially reopen.
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.
Select OFF on the liftgate switch.
If the vehicle is shifted out of 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 messages and
make sure the liftgate is closed and latched before
driving.
Note: The foot activated liftgate default setting is set to
“On Open Only”, which does not allow the liftgate to
close using foot activation. To change the setting, go
into the personalization menu and select “On-Open and
Close”. There is also an “Off” selection to turn the
feature off.

•
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•
•
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•

Projected Logo
A vehicle brand logo is projected onto the ground
for 1 minute near the rear bumper whenever either
of the following conditions occurs:
A remote keyless entry transmitter is detected
within an area of approximately 2 m (6 ft) outside
the liftgate.
A successful hands-free operation has occurred.
The logo serves as a target area for the operator’s
foot to make a kicking motion above the projected
logo. Once activated, the projected vehicle logo
remains active for one minute.
The projection logo does not illuminate if any of
the following conditions are present:
The vehicle battery is low.
The transmission is not in the PARK range.
Hands-free liftgate operation is set to OFF in
vehicle personalization.
The power liftgate is turned off.
The vehicle remains parked for 72 hours or more,
with no remote keyless entry transmitter use or
keyless access operation.

Bulletin No.: 20-NA-211

To re-enable operation, press any button on the remote
keyless entry transmitter or open and close a
vehicle door.
If the procedure has been performed correctly, the
hands-free liftgate sensor control module will send a
serial data message to the liftgate control module. The
tail lamps will then flash to indicate that the command
has been received, and the liftgate will power open or
power close.
Keyless Entry Transmitter
The BCM may get a liftgate release command from the
remote keyless entry module. When the liftgate button
is pressed on the keyless entry transmitter, a liftgate
release request is sent to the remote keyless entry
module. The remote keyless entry module then sends a
serial data message to the BCM, and the BCM sends a
serial data message to the liftgate control module,
commanding the release of the liftgate.
Interior Switch

5619555

The power liftgate control switch located in the
overhead console is controllable from the driver’s seat
of the vehicle. The liftgate control switch (shown circled
above) contains a push-button style switch that opens
and closes the liftgate, as well as a selector knob that
allows the driver to select between opening the liftgate
all the way, opening the liftgate 3/4 of the way, or
deactivating the power liftgate switch.
Liftgate Programming/Calibration
Garage Height Calibration
If any liftgate component is replaced or repaired, it will
be necessary to perform a liftgate relearn procedure.

Mirrors
The exterior rearview mirrors are larger for increased
visibility and highly tuned for aerodynamics, reduced
noise, and vibration. They are available with manual