The Escalade is manufactured and sold by Cadillac, which has been around for over 100 years. The Escalade offers a variety of upscale features and has been the car of choice for many big-name celebrities over the years. Just as with any vehicle, the Escalade can have problems starting and may require troubleshooting on some occasions. There are a few things that can be checked prior to calling in a professional mechanic to diagnose a problem with your Escalade.
Place the key into the ignition of the Escalade. Try to turn the key. If you are unable to turn it, adjust the steering wheel until it is in the locked position, then try again. If the steering column is not locked, you will be unable to turn the key at all.
Turn the key to the "Accessories" position and try to turn on the interior lights or headlights of the Escalade. If they do not light up, there may be a problem with the battery. You may need to charge, jump start or replace the battery.
Check the fuel level. The Escalade will not start properly if there is not enough fuel in the tank. Add one or two gallons of fuel to the vehicle if you are unsure how much fuel is in the tank. Attempt to start the engine again after the fuel is added.
Pull the lever that releases the hood. Walk to the front of the vehicle and open the hood. Locate the oil, transmission fluid and coolant levels. Consult the owner's manual to find the location of each of these, as they will differ slightly by model year. Check each fluid to be sure that it is filled between the minimum and maximum guidelines. If fluid levels are low, the engine of the Escalade can be damaged or have problems starting.
Attempt to start the car again while listening for any noises that the vehicle makes. Some sounds can indicate certain problems. No sound at all when attempting to start the engine could indicate a bad ignition switch. Clicking sounds can indicate a problem with the starter. The Escalade engine sputtering can indicate a problem with the fueling system.
Call a professional mechanic or have your Cadillac Escalade towed to a nearby garage or dealership if it still won't start. Dealerships will be able to answer further questions regarding diagnostic testing and repair.
