tow CADILLAC ESCALADE 2012 3.G Repair Manual

Black plate (13,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-13
Hot Check Procedure
Use this procedure to check the
transmission fluid level when the
transmission fluid temperature
is between 71°C and 93°C
(160°F and 200°F).
The hot check is the most accurate
method to check the fluid level. The
hot check should be performed at
the first opportunity in order to verify
the cold check. The fluid level rises
as fluid temperature increases,
so it is important to ensure the
transmission temperature is within
range.
1. Locate the transmissiondipstick at the rear of the engine
compartment, on the passenger
side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 10‑6 for more
information.
2. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick and wipe it with
a clean rag or paper towel.
3. Install the dipstick by pushing it back in all the way, wait
three seconds, and then pull it
back out again.
4. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the lower level. Repeat
the check procedure to verify the
reading.5. Safe operating level is within theHOT cross hatch band on the
dipstick. If the fluid level is not
within the HOT band, and the
transmission temperature is
between 71°C and 93°C (160°F and 200°F), add or drain
fluid as necessary to bring the
level into the HOT band. If the
fluid level is low, add only
enough fluid to bring the level
into the HOT band. It does not
take much fluid, generally less
than 0.5 L (1 pint). Do not
overfill.
6. If the fluid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way, then
flip the handle down to lock the
dipstick in place.
Consistency of Readings
Always check the fluid level at
least twice using the procedures
described. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining
proper fluid level. If fluid is added,
it may take 15 minutes or longer
to obtain an accurate reading
because of residual fluid
draining down the dipstick tube.

Black plate (21,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-21
.Idles for long periods in traffic.
.Tows a trailer. SeeTrailer
Towing on page 9‑61.
If the ENGINE OVERHEATED
STOP ENGINE or the ENGINE
OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
message appears with no sign of
steam, try this for a minute or so:
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the highest
fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary.
3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral) while stopped.
If it is safe to do so, pull off
the road, shift to P (Park)
or N (Neutral) and let the
engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gauge
is no longer in the overheat zone
or an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull
over, stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle
the engine for five minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down. Also, see
“Overheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode”
later in this section.
Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode
If an overheated engine condition
exists and the ENGINE POWER IS
REDUCED message is displayed,
an overheat protection mode which
alternates firing groups of cylinders
helps prevent engine damage. In this mode, a loss in power and
engine performance will be noticed.
This operating mode allows the
vehicle to be driven to a safe place
in an emergency. Driving extended
distances and/or towing a trailer in
the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
Notice:
After driving in the
overheated engine protection
operating mode, to avoid engine
damage, allow the engine to cool
before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely
degraded. Repair the cause of
coolant loss, change the oil and
reset the oil life system. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑7.

Black plate (22,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
10-22 Vehicle Care
Engine Fan
The vehicle has electric cooling
fans. The fans spinning at low
speed during most everyday driving
might be heard. The fans can turn
off if no cooling is required. Under
heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing,
and/or high outside temperatures,
or if operating the air conditioning
system, the fans can change to high
speed and an increase in fan noise
might be heard. This is normal and
indicates that the cooling system
is functioning properly. The fans
change to low speed when
additional cooling is no longer
required.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment Overview
on page 10‑6 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
there is a leak suspected in the
system or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power Steering
Fluid
Notice:Extremely small amounts
of contamination can cause
steering system damage and
cause it to not work properly. Do
not allow contaminants to contact
the fluid side of the reservoir
cap/dipstick or from entering the
reservoir.
To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The level should be at the FULL
COLD mark. If necessary, add only
enough fluid to bring the level up to
the mark.

Black plate (59,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-59
SeeTire Pressure on
page 10‑52 andVehicle Load
Limits on page 9‑15.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor
System. See Tire Pressure
Monitor Operation on
page 10‑55.
Check that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See “Wheel
Nut Torque” underCapacities
and Specifications on
page 12‑2.
{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
changing a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where the
wheel attaches to the vehicle. In
an emergency, a cloth or a paper
(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
towel can be used; however, use
a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
Lightly coat the center of the
wheel hub with wheel bearing
grease after a wheel change or
tire rotation to prevent corrosion
or rust build-up. Do not get
grease on the flat wheel
mounting surface or on the
wheel nuts or bolts.
When It Is Time for New
Tires
Factors, such as maintenance,
temperatures, driving speeds,
vehicle loading, and road conditions
affect the wear rate of the tires.
Treadwear indicators are one way
to tell when it is time for new tires.
Treadwear indicators appear when
the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in)
or less of tread remaining. Some
commercial truck tires may not have
treadwear indicators. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑58 andTire
Rotation on page 10‑58 for
additional information.

Black plate (65,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-65
Tire Chains
{WARNING
Do not use tire chains. There is
not enough clearance. Tire chains
used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can
cause damage to the brakes,
suspension, or other vehicle
parts. The area damaged by the
tire chains could cause loss of
control and a crash. Use another
type of traction device only if its
manufacturer recommends it for
the vehicle's tire size combination
and road conditions. Follow that
manufacturer's instructions. To
avoid vehicle damage, drive
slowly and readjust or remove the
traction device if it contacts the
vehicle. Do not spin the wheels.
If traction devices are used, install
them on the rear tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out,
especially if the tires are maintained
properly. SeeTires on page 10‑46.
If air goes out of a tire, it is much
more likely to leak out slowly. But if
there is ever a blowout, here are a
few tips about what to expect and
what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire
creates a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and
may require the same correction as
used in a skid. Stop pressing the
accelerator pedal and steer to
straighten the vehicle. It may be
very bumpy and noisy. Gently
brake to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.{WARNING
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has
been driven on while severely
underinflated or flat may cause a
blowout and a serious crash.
Never attempt to re-inflate a tire
that has been driven on while
severely underinflated or flat.
Have your dealer or an authorized
tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon as
possible.

Black plate (73,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-73
15. Replace the air only hose (F)and the power plug (C) back in
its original location.
16. Place the equipment in the original storage location in the
vehicle.
Removal and Installation of the
Sealant Canister
To remove the sealant canister:
1. Unlock the air only hose (F) fromthe tire sealant canister (B) by
pulling up on the lever.
2. Pull the air only hose (F) from the tire sealant canister (B).
3. Unwrap the sealant/air hose (G) from the compressor (A).
4. Turn the tire sealant canister (B)
so the inflator filling hose is
aligned with the slot in the
compressor.
5. Lift the tire sealant canister (B) from the compressor and
replace with a new sealant
canister. See your dealer for
more information. To install a new sealant canister:
1. Align the sealant/air hose (G)
with the slot in the air
compressor.
2. Push the tire sealant canister (B) down and turn it clockwise.
3. Wrap the sealant/air hose (G) around the air compressor
channel to stow it in its original
location.
4. Push the air only hose (F) onto the sealant canister inlet and
push the lever down.

Black plate (76,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
10-76 Vehicle Care
To access the spare tire:
A. Hoist Assembly
B. Hoist Shaft
C. Hoist Shaft Access Cover/Hole
D. Jack Handle Extensions
E. Wheel Wrench
F. Hoist Cable
G. Tire/Wheel Retainer
H. Spare Tire (Valve StemPointed Down) I. Hoist Shaft Access Hole
J. Hoist End of Extension Tool
K. Spare Tire Lock
1. To reach the hoist shaft access
cover (C), remove the hitch
cover by turning the two
fasteners located at the bottom
of the cover counterclockwise
and then pull the cover down
and rotate it towards you.
2. Open the hoist shaft accesscover on the bumper to access
the spare tire lock. 3. To remove the spare tire lock
insert the ignition key, turn it
clockwise and then pull the
lock out.
4. Assemble the two jack handle
extensions (D) and wheel
wrench (E), as shown.

Black plate (77,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-77
5. Insert the open end of theextension (J) through the hole in
the rear bumper (I) (hoist shaft
access hole).
Be sure the hoist end (J) of the
extension connects to the hoist
shaft. The ribbed square end of
the extension is used to lower
the spare tire.
6. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to lower
the spare tire to the ground.
Continue to turn the wheel
wrench until the spare tire can
be pulled out from under the
vehicle. If the spare tire does not lower to
the ground, the secondary latch
is engaged causing the tire not
to lower. See
Secondary Latch
System on page 10‑85 for more
information.
7. Use the wheel wrench hook to pull the hoist cable closer to
assist in reaching the spare tire.
8. Tilt the tire toward the vehicle
with some slack in the cable to
access the tire/wheel retainer.
Separate the retainer from the
guide pin by sliding the retainer
up the pin while pressing down
on the latch.

Black plate (80,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
10-80 Vehicle Care
5. Remove all of the wheel nuts.
6. Take off the flat tire.
{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
changing a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where the
wheel attaches to the vehicle. In(Continued)
WARNING (Continued)
an emergency, a cloth or a paper
towel can be used; however, use
a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
7. Remove any rust or dirt from thewheel bolts, mounting surfaces,
and spare wheel.
{WARNING
Never use oil or grease on bolts
or nuts because the nuts might
come loose. The vehicle's wheel
could fall off, causing a crash.
8. Put the wheel nuts back on with the rounded end of the nuts
toward the wheel after mounting
the spare tire.
9. Tighten each wheel nut by hand. Then use the wheel wrench to
tighten the nuts until the wheel is
held against the hub.
10. Turn the wheel wrench counterclockwise to lower
the vehicle. Lower the jack
completely.

Black plate (82,1)Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner Manual - 2012
10-82 Vehicle Care
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools
{WARNING
Storing a jack, a tire, or other
equipment in the passenger
compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or
collision, loose equipment could
strike someone. Store all these in
the proper place.
Notice: Storing an aluminum
wheel with a flat tire under your
vehicle for an extended period
of time or with the valve stem
pointing up can damage the
wheel. Always stow the wheel
with the valve stem pointing
down and have the wheel/tire
repaired as soon as possible.
Store the tire under the rear of the
vehicle in the spare tire carrier.
A. Hoist Assembly
B. Hoist Shaft
C. Hoist Shaft Access Cover/Hole
D. Jack Handle Extensions
E. Wheel Wrench
F. Hoist Cable
G. Tire/Wheel Retainer
H. Spare Tire/Flat Tire (Valve Stem Pointed Down) I. Hoist Shaft Access Hole
J. Hoist End of Extension Tool
K. Spare Tire Lock
1. Put the tire (H) on the ground at
the rear of the vehicle with the
valve stem pointed down and to
the rear.
2. Tilt the tire toward the vehicle.Separate the tire/wheel retainer
from the guide pin. Pull the pin
through the center of the wheel.
Tilt the retainer down and
through the center wheel
opening.