CADILLAC ESCALADE 2010 3.G Owners Manual

Inflation - Tire Pressure
If your vehicle is a Two-mode Hybrid, see the
Two-mode Hybrid manual for more information.
Tires need the correct amount of air pressure to
operate effectively.
Notice:Do not let anyone tell you that
under!inflation or over!inflation is all right.
It is not. If your tires do not have enough air
(under!inflation), you can get the following:
.Too much flexing
.Too much heat
.Tire overloading
.Premature or irregular wear
.Poor handling
.Reduced fuel economy
If your tires have too much air (over!inflation),
you can get the following:
.Unusual wear
.Poor handling
.Rough ride
.Needless damage from road hazards
A vehicle specific Tire and Loading Information
label is attached to your vehicle. This label shows
your vehicle's original equipment tires and the
correct inflation pressures for your tires when they
are cold. The recommended cold tire inflation
pressure, shown on the label, is the minimum
amount of air pressure needed to support your
vehicle's maximum load carrying capacity.
For additional information regarding how much
weight your vehicle can carry, and an example of
the Tire and Loading Information label, see
Loading the Vehicleon page 6!32. How you load
your vehicle affects vehicle handling and ride
comfort. Never load your vehicle with more weight
than it was designed to carry.
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Do not forget to check the pressure of the spare
tire. SeeSpare Tireon page 7!98for additional
information.
7-65

How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure. You cannot tell if your tires are properly
inflated simply by looking at them. Radial tires
may look properly inflated even when they are
underinflated. Check the tire's inflation pressure
when the tires are cold. Cold means your vehicle
has been sitting for at least three hours or driven
no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem.
Press the tire gage firmly onto the valve to get a
pressure measurement. If the cold tire inflation
pressure matches the recommended pressure on
the Tire and Loading Information label, no further
adjustment is necessary. If the pressure is low,
add air until you reach the recommended amount.
If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on
the metal stem in the center of the tire valve.
Recheck the tire pressure with the tire gage.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve
stems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt
and moisture.
High-Speed Operation
{WARNING:
Driving at high speeds, 160 km/h (100 mph) or
higher, puts an additional strain on tires.
Sustained high-speed driving causes excessive
heat build up and can cause sudden tire failure.
You could have a crash and you or others could
be killed. Some high-speed rated tires require
inflation pressure adjustment for high speed
operation. When speed limits and road conditions
are such that a vehicle can be driven at high
speeds, make sure the tires are rated for high
speed operation, in excellent condition, and set to
the correct cold tire inflation pressure for the
vehicle load.
If your vehicle has P265/65R18 or P285/45R22 sizetires and you will be driving at high speeds, speeds of100 mph (160 km/h) or higher, set the cold inflationpressure to 3 psi (20 kPa) above the recommended tirepressure shown on the Tire and Loading InformationLabel. When you end this high!speed driving, return thetires to the cold inflation pressure shown on the Tire andLoading Information label. SeeLoading the Vehicleonpage 6!32andInflation - Tire Pressure on page 7!65.
7-66

Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses radioand sensor technology to check tire pressure levels.The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in yourvehicle's tires and transmit tire pressure readings to areceiver located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should bechecked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflationpressure recommended by the vehicle manufactureron the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label.(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the sizeindicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressurelabel, you should determine the proper tire inflationpressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has beenequipped with a tire pressure monitoring system(TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale whenone or more of your tires is significantly under!inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltaleilluminates, you should stop and check your tires assoon as possible, and inflate them to the properpressure. Driving on a significantly under!inflated tirecauses the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.Under!inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tiretread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling andstopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for propertire maintenance, and it is the driver's responsibility tomaintain correct tire pressure, even if under!inflationhas not reached the level to trigger illumination of theTPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMSmalfunction indicator to indicate when the system isnot operating properly. The TPMS malfunction indicatoris combined with the low tire pressure telltale. Whenthe system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flashfor approximately one minute and then remaincontinuously illuminated. This sequence will continueupon subsequent vehicle start!ups as long as themalfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, thesystem may not be able to detect or signal low tirepressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occurfor a variety of reasons, including the installation ofreplacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehiclethat prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale afterreplacing one or more tires or wheels on your vehicle toensure that the replacement or alternate tires andwheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operationon page 7!68foradditional information.
7-67

Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) and Industry and Science Canada
SeeRadio Frequency Statementon page 9!20forinformation regarding Part 15 of the FederalCommunications Commission (FCC) Rules andRSS-210/211 of Industry and Science Canada.
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
If your vehicle is a Two!mode Hybrid, see theTwo!mode Hybrid manual for more information.
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System(TPMS). The TPMS is designed to warn the driver whena low tire pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors aremounted onto each tire and wheel assembly, excludingthe spare tire and wheel assembly. The TPMS sensorsmonitor the air pressure in the vehicle's tires andtransmit the tire pressure readings to a receiver locatedin the vehicle.
When a low tire pressurecondition is detected, theTPMS illuminates the lowtire pressure warning lightlocated on the instrumentpanel cluster.
At the same time a message to check the pressure in aspecific tire appears on the Driver Information Center(DIC) display. The low tire pressure warning light andthe DIC warning message come on at each ignitioncycle until the tires are inflated to the correct inflationpressure. Using the DIC, tire pressure levels can beviewed by the driver. For additional information anddetails about the DIC operation and displays seeDICOperation and Displayson page 4!41andDICWarnings and Messages on page 4!48.
The low tire pressure warning light may come on in coolweather when the vehicle is first started, and then turnoff as you start to drive. This could be an early indicatorthat the air pressure in the tire(s) are getting low andneed to be inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label, attached to yourvehicle, shows the size of your vehicle's originalequipment tires and the correct inflation pressure foryour vehicle's tires when they are cold. SeeLoading theVehicleon page 6!32, for an example of the Tire andLoading Information label and its location on yourvehicle. Also seeInflation - Tire Pressure on page 7!65.
7-68

Your vehicle's TPMS can warn you about a low tirepressure condition but it does not replace normal tiremaintenance. SeeTire Inspection and Rotationonpage 7!71andTires on page 7!58.
Notice:Liquid tire sealants could damage the TirePressure Monitor System (TPMS) sensors. Sensordamage caused by using a tire sealant is notcovered by your warranty. Do not use liquid tiresealants.
TPMS Malfunction Light and Message
The TPMS will not function properly if one or more ofthe TPMS sensors are missing or inoperable. When thesystem detects a malfunction, the low tire warning lightflashes for about one minute and then stays on for theremainder of the ignition cycle. A DIC warning messageis also displayed. The low tire warning light and DICwarning message come on at each ignition cycle untilthe problem is corrected. Some of the conditions thatcan cause the malfunction light and DIC message tocome on are:
.One of the road tires has been replaced with thespare tire. The spare tire does not have a TPMSsensor. The TPMS malfunction light and DICmessage should go off once you re!install theroad tire containing the TPMS sensor.
.The TPMS sensor matching process was startedbut not completed or not completed successfullyafter rotating the vehicle's tires. The DIC messageand TPMS malfunction light should go off once theTPMS sensor matching process is performedsuccessfully. See“TPMS Sensor MatchingProcess”later in this section.
.One or more TPMS sensors are missing ordamaged. The DIC message and the TPMSmalfunction light should go off when the TPMSsensors are installed and the sensor matchingprocess is performed successfully. See yourdealer/retailer for service.
.Replacement tires or wheels do not match yourvehicle's original equipment tires or wheels. Tiresand wheels other than those recommended foryour vehicle could prevent the TPMS fromfunctioning properly. SeeBuying New Tiresonpage 7!73.
.Operating electronic devices or being near facilitiesusing radio wave frequencies similar to the TPMScould cause the TPMS sensors to malfunction.
If the TPMS is not functioning it cannot detect or signala low tire condition. See your dealer/retailer for serviceif the TPMS malfunction light and DIC message comeson and stays on.
7-69

TPMS Sensor Matching Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique identification code.Any time you rotate your vehicle's tires or replace oneor more of the TPMS sensors, the identification codeswill need to be matched to the new tire/wheel position.The sensors are matched to the tire/wheel positionsin the following order: driver side front tire, passengerside front tire, passenger side rear tire, and driverside rear tire using a TPMS diagnostic tool. See yourdealer/retailer for service.
The TPMS sensors can also be matched to each tire/wheel position by increasing or decreasing the tire's airpressure. If increasing the tire's air pressure, do notexceed the maximum inflation pressure indicated on thetire's sidewall.
To decrease air-pressure out of a tire you can use thepointed end of the valve cap, a pencil-style air pressuregage, or a key.
You have two minutes to match the first tire/wheelposition, and five minutes overall to match all four tire/wheel positions. If it takes longer than two minutes, tomatch the first tire and wheel, or more than five minutesto match all four tire and wheel positions the matchingprocess stops and you need to start over.
The TPMS sensor matching process is outlined below:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Turn the ignition switch to ON/RUN with theengine off.
3. PressQandKon the Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) transmitter at the same time forapproximately five seconds. The horn sounds twiceto signal the receiver is in relearn mode and TIRELEARNING ACTIVE message displays on the DICscreen.
4. Start with the driver side front tire.
7-70

5. Remove the valve cap from the valve cap stem.Activate the TPMS sensor by increasing ordecreasing the tire's air pressure for five seconds,or until a horn chirp sounds. The horn chirp, whichmay take up to 30 seconds to sound, confirms thatthe sensor identification code has been matched tothis tire and wheel position.
6. Proceed to the passenger side front tire, andrepeat the procedure in Step 5.
7. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire, and repeatthe procedure in Step 5.
8. Proceed to the driver side rear tire, and repeat theprocedure in Step 5. The horn sounds two times toindicate the sensor identification code has beenmatched to the driver side rear tire, and the TPMSsensor matching process is no longer active. TheTIRE LEARNING ACTIVE message on the DICdisplay screen goes off.
9. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK/OFF.
10. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressurelevel as indicated on the Tire and LoadingInformation label.
11. Put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
Tire Inspection and Rotation
We recommend that you regularly inspect your
vehicle's tires, including the spare tire, for signs of
wear or damage. SeeWhen It Is Time for New
Tireson page 7!73for more information.
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km). SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 8!3.
The purpose of a regular tire rotation is to achieve
a uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. This will
ensure that your vehicle continues to perform
most like it did when the tires were new.
7-71

Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your
tires as soon as possible and check wheel
alignment. Also check for damaged tires or
wheels. SeeWhen It Is Time for New Tireson
page 7!73andWheel Replacementon page 7!77.
When rotating your vehicle's tires, always use the
correct rotation pattern shown here.
Do not include the spare tire in the tire rotation.
After the tires have been rotated, adjust the front
and rear inflation pressures as shown on the Tire
and Loading Information label. SeeInflation - Tire
Pressureon page 7!65andLoading the Vehicleon
page 6!32.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor Operationon page 7!68.
Make certain that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See“Wheel Nut Torque”under
Capacities and Specificationson page 7!115.
{WARNING:
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the parts to
which it is fastened, can make wheel nuts
become loose after time. The wheel could
come off and cause an accident. When you
change a wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to the
vehicle. In an emergency, you can use a
cloth or a paper towel to do this; but be
sure to use a scraper or wire brush later,
if needed, to get all the rust or dirt off.
SeeChanging a Flat Tireon page 7!80.
Make sure the spare tire is stored securely.
Push, pull, and then try to rotate or turn the tire.
If it moves, tighten the cable. SeeStoring a Flat
or Spare Tire and Toolson page 7!94.
7-72

When It Is Time for New Tires
Various factors, such as maintenance, temperatures,driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road conditions,influence when you need new tires.
One way to tell when it istime for new tires is tocheck the treadwearindicators, which appearwhen your tires have only1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or lessof tread remaining. Somecommercial truck tiresmay not have treadwearindicators.
You need new tires if any of the following statementsare true:
.You can see the indicators at three or moreplaces around the tire.
.You can see cord or fabric showing throughthe tire's rubber.
.The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut, or snaggeddeep enough to show cord or fabric.
.The tire has a bump, bulge, or split.
.The tire has a puncture, cut, or other damage thatcannot be repaired well because of the size orlocation of the damage.
The rubber in tires degrades over time, even if they arenot being used. This is also true for the spare tire,if your vehicle has one. Multiple conditions affect howfast this aging takes place, including temperatures,loading conditions, and inflation pressure maintenance.With proper care and maintenance tires will typicallywear out before they degrade due to age. If you areunsure about the need to replace your tires as they getolder, consult the tire manufacturer for more information.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched specific tires for yourvehicle. The original equipment tires installed on yourvehicle, when it was new, were designed to meetGeneral Motors Tire Performance Criteria Specification(TPC spec) system rating. If you need replacementtires, GM strongly recommends that you get tires withthe same TPC Spec rating. This way, your vehicle willcontinue to have tires that are designed to give thesame performance and vehicle safety, during normaluse, as the original tires.
7-73

GM's exclusive TPC Spec system considers over adozen critical specifications that impact the overallperformance of your vehicle, including brake systemperformance, ride and handling, traction control, and tirepressure monitoring performance. GM's TPC Specnumber is molded onto the tire's sidewall near the tiresize. If the tires have an all!season tread design, theTPC spec number will be followed by an MS for mudand snow. SeeTire Sidewall Labelingon page 7!60foradditional information.
GM recommends replacing tires in sets of four. This isbecause uniform tread depth on all tires will help keepyour vehicle performing most like it did when the tireswere new. Replacing less than a full set of tires canaffect the braking and handling performance of yourvehicle. SeeTire Inspection and Rotationon page 7!71for information on proper tire rotation.
{WARNING:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while
driving. If you mix tires of different sizes, brands,
or types (radial and bias-belted tires), the vehicle
might not handle properly, and you could have a
crash. Using tires of different sizes, brands,
or types could also cause damage to your vehicle.
Be sure to use the same size, brand, and type
tires on all wheels.
Your vehicle may have a different size spare than
the road tires (those originally installed on your
vehicle). When new, your vehicle included a spare
tire and wheel assembly with a similar overall
diameter as your vehicle's road tires and wheels,
so it is all right to drive on it. Because this spare
was developed for use on your vehicle, it will not
affect vehicle handling.
7-74