How to Jump Start a Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV

1. Make sure the other vehicle has a 12-volt battery with a negative ground system, and park the vehicles close but not touching.
2. Set the parking brake on both vehicles, put automatic transmissions in P (Park), and turn the ignition off on both.
3. Turn off or unplug unneeded accessories and lights, then check that the jumper cables have no loose or missing insulation.
4. Connect one end of the red positive (+) cable to the discharged battery positive (+) terminal.
5. Connect the other end of the red cable to the good battery positive (+) terminal, or its remote positive (+) terminal.
6. Connect the black negative (−) cable to the good battery negative (−) terminal, then its other end to the discharged vehicle's negative (−) grounding point.
7. Start the vehicle with the good battery and let it run for a while, then try starting the disabled vehicle.

• To remove the cables, reverse Steps 8–11 in exact order, then let the started vehicle idle for several minutes.
• Do not connect the negative (−) cable to the dead battery's negative (−) terminal, because this can cause sparks.
• If the vehicle will not start after a few tries, it probably needs service.

Source: 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV owner's manual, PDF pages 375, 376. Steps are summarized in our own words (AI-assisted, checked against the cited pages 2026-10-18). Other model years can differ; your manual has the final word.