check engine light CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV 2004 2.G User Guide

TRACTION SYS LIMITED
If the brake traction-control system activates constantly
or if the brakes have heated up due to high-speed
braking, brake traction-control will be disabled and the
TRACTION SYS LIMITED message will be displayed.
For more information on the Stabilitrak
®system and
traction control, seeStabilitrak®System on page 4-10.
STABILITY SYS ACTIVE
You may see the STABILITY SYS ACTIVE message on
the DIC. It means that an advanced computer-controlled
system has come on to help your vehicle continue to
go in the direction in which you’re steering.
For more information on the Stabilitrak
®system, see
Stabilitrak®System on page 4-10.
SERVICE STABILITY
If you ever see the SERVICE STABILITY message, it
means there may be a problem with your
Stabilitrak
®system. If you see this message try to reset
the system (stop; turn off the engine; then start the
engine again). If the SERVICE STABILITY message still
comes on, it means there is a problem. You should
see your dealer for service. The vehicle is safe to drive,
however, you do not have the benet of Stabilitrak
®,
so reduce your speed and drive accordingly.
For more information on the Stabilitrak
®system, see
Stabilitrak®System on page 4-10.
STABILITY SYS DISABLED
The STABILITY SYS DISABLED message will turn on
when you press the Stabilitrak®button, or when the
stability control has been automatically disabled. There
are four conditions that can cause this message to
appear. One condition is overheating, which could occur
if Stabilitrak
®activates continuously for an extended
period of time. The message will also be displayed if the
brake system warning light is on. SeeBrake System
Warning Light on page 3-40Brake System Warning
Light. The message could be displayed if the stability
system takes longer than usual to complete its
diagnostic checks due to driving conditions. Also, if an
engine or vehicle related problem has been detected,
and the vehicle needs service, the message will appear.
3-68

Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is
a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool
between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much
faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace
with the traffic and allow realistic following distances,
you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking.
That means better braking and longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you are driving, brake
normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do,
the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist.
But you will use it when you brake. Once the power
assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.Anti-lock Brake System
Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes. ABS is an advanced
electronic braking system that will help prevent a
braking skid.
When you start your engine and begin to drive away,
your anti-lock brake system will check itself. You
may hear a momentary motor or clicking noise while
this test is going on. This is normal.
If there is a problem with
the anti-lock brake system,
this warning light will
stay on. SeeAnti-Lock
Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-42.
Along with ABS, your vehicle has a Dynamic Rear
Proportioning (DRP) system. If there is a DRP problem,
both the brake and ABS warning lights will come on
accompanied by a 10-second chime. The lights and
chime will come on each time the ignition is turned on
until the problem is repaired. See your dealer for service.
4-7

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-5
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-6
California Fuel...............................................5-6
Additives.......................................................5-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling Your Tank............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-14
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-19
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-21
Engine Coolant.............................................5-24
Coolant Surge Tank Pressure Cap..................5-27
Engine Overheating.......................................5-28
Cooling System............................................5-30
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-36Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-37
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-38
Brakes........................................................5-39
Battery........................................................5-42
Jump Starting...............................................5-43
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-49
Rear Axle.......................................................5-50
Front Axle......................................................5-51
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-52
Headlamp Horizontal Aiming...........................5-54
Headlamp Vertical Aiming..............................5-54
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-56
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............5-56
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-56
Headlamps..................................................5-57
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps.........................................5-61
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL).........5-62
Taillamps.....................................................5-62
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-63
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-64
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Adding Equipment to the Outside of
Your Vehicle
Things you might add to the outside of your vehicle can
affect the airow around it. This may cause wind
noise and affect windshield washer performance. Check
with your dealer before adding equipment to the
outside of your vehicle.
Fuel
The 8th digit of your vehicle identication number (VIN)
shows the code letter or number that identies your
engine. You will nd the VIN at the top left of the
instrument panel. SeeVehicle Identication
Number (VIN) on page 5-113.
Gasoline Octane
If your vehicle has the 5.3L engine (VIN Code T), use
regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane of 87 or
higher. If the octane is less than 87, you may get a
heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this occurs, use
a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as
possible. Otherwise, you might damage your engine. A
little pinging noise when you accelerate or drive
uphill is considered normal. This does not indicate a
problem exists or that a higher-octane fuel is necessary.
If you are using 87 octane or higher-octane fuel and
you hear heavy knocking, your engine needs service.
If your vehicle has the 6.0L HO engine (VIN Code N), use
premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane of 91 or
higher for best performance. You may also use middle
grade or regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87 octane or
higher, but your vehicle’s acceleration may be slightly
reduced. If the octane is less than 87, you may get a
heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this occurs, use
a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as
possible. Otherwise, you might damage your engine.
5-5

How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission uid to use. SeeRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Add uid only after checking the transmission uid while
it is hot. (A cold check is used only as a reference.) If
the uid level is low, add only enough of the proper uid
to bring the level up to the HOT area for a hot check.
It doesn’t take much uid, generally less than one
pint (0.5 L).Don’t overll.
Notice:We recommend you use only uid labeled
DEXRON
®-III, because uid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by uid other than DEXRON
®-III is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
After adding uid, recheck the uid level as
described underHow to Check.
When the correct uid level is obtained, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in your vehicle is lled with
DEX-COOL®engine coolant. This coolant is designed
to remain in your vehicle for 5 years or 150,000 miles
(240 000 km), whichever occurs rst, if you add
only DEX-COOL
®extended life coolant.
The following explains your cooling system and how to
add coolant when it is low. If you have a problem with
engine overheating, seeEngine Overheating on
page 5-28.
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and
DEX-COOL
®coolant will:
Give freezing protection down to−34°F (−37°C).
Give boiling protection up to 265°F (129°C).
Protect against rust and corrosion.
Help keep the proper engine temperature.
Let the warning lights and gages work as they
should.
Notice:Using coolant other than DEX-COOL
®may
cause premature engine, heater core or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may
require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50 000 km)
or 24 months, whichever occurs rst. Any repairs
would not be covered by your warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL
®(silicate-free) coolant in your vehicle.
5-24

1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt
battery with a negative ground system.
Notice:If the other vehicle’s system is not a 12-volt
system with a negative ground, both vehicles can
be damaged. Only use vehicles with 12-volt systems
with negative grounds to jump start your vehicle.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables
can reach, but be sure the vehicles aren’t touching
each other. If they are, it could cause a ground
connection you don’t want. You wouldn’t be able to
start your vehicle, and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, set
the parking brake rmly on both vehicles involved
in the jump start procedure. Put an automatic
transmission in PARK (P) or a manual transmission
in NEUTRAL before setting the parking brake.
Notice:If you leave your radio or other accessories
on during the jump starting procedure, they could
be damaged. The repairs would not be covered
by your warranty. Always turn off your radio and
other accessories when jump starting your vehicle.3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplug
unnecessary accessories plugged into the cigarette
lighter or accessory power outlets. Turn off the
radio and all lamps that aren’t needed. This
will avoid sparks and help save both batteries. And
it could save your radio!
4. Open the hoods and locate the positive (+) and
negative (−) terminal locations of the other vehicle.
Your vehicle has a remote positive (+) jump starting
terminal and a remote negative (−) jump starting
terminal. You should always use these remote
terminals instead of the terminals on the battery.
The remote positive (+)
terminal is located near the
engine accessory drive
bracket. On some vehicles,
the terminal may be
covered under under a red
plastic cover. To access
the remote positive (+)
terminal, open the
red plastic cover.
5-44

(c)Visually inspect hoses and have them replaced if they
are cracked, swollen or deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
ttings and clamps; replace with genuine GM parts as
needed. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test
of the cooling system and pressure cap and cleaning the
outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser is
recommended at least once a year.
(d)Visually inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking.
Replace blade inserts that appear worn or damaged
or that streak or miss areas of the windshield.
(e)Make sure the safety belt reminder light and all your
belts, buckles, latch plates, retractors and anchorages
are working properly. Look for any other loose or
damaged safety belt system parts. If you see anything
that might keep a safety belt system from doing its
job, have it repaired. Have any torn or frayed safety belts
replaced. Also look for any opened or broken air bag
coverings, and have them repaired or replaced. (The air
bag system does not need regular maintenance.)
(f)Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch assembly,
secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl, rear
compartment hinges, outer tailgate handle pivot points,
latch bolt, fuel door hinge and folding seat hardware.
More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed
to a corrosive environment. Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make them last
longer, seal better and not stick or squeak.(g)Inspect system. Check all fuel and vapor lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, routing and condition.
Check that the purge valve works properly (if equipped).
Replace as needed.
(h)Change automatic transmission uid and lter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery
service.
(i)Drain, ush and rell cooling system. See Engine
Coolant on page 5-24for what to use. Inspect hoses.
Clean radiator, condenser, pressure cap and ller neck.
Pressure test the cooling system and pressure cap.
(j)A uid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the uid level checked. Add uid if needed.
6-9

C
Cadillac Owner Privileges™............................... 7-7
California Fuel.................................................. 5-6
Canada – Customer Assistance.......................... 7-5
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Specications..........................5-124
Carbon Monoxide...................2-13, 2-30, 4-42, 4-57
Care of
Safety Belts..............................................5-108
Your Cassette Tape Player..........................3-104
Your CD and DVD Player...........................3-105
Your CD Player.........................................3-105
Your CDs and DVDs..................................3-105
Cargo Cover..................................................2-46
Cargo Tie Downs............................................2-47
Cassette Tape Messages.................................3-82
CD Adapter Kits.............................................3-82
CD Changer...................................................3-99
CD Changer Errors.......................................3-102
CD Functions...............................................3-101
CD Messages................................................3-85
Center Console Storage Area...........................2-43
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)...........5-62
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block................5-118
Center Passenger Position, Safety Belts.............1-44
Chains, Tire...................................................5-84
CHANGE ENGINE OIL....................................3-62Charging System Light....................................3-39
Check Engine Light.........................................3-45
CHECK OIL LEVEL.........................................3-62
CHECK TIRE PRESSURE...............................3-69
CHECK WASHER FLUID.................................3-65
Checking Brake Fluid......................................5-40
Checking Coolant............................................5-26
Checking Engine Oil........................................5-14
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-112
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-60
Infants and Young Children...........................1-55
Lower Anchorages and Top Tethers for
Children (LATCH System)..........................1-68
Older Children.............................................1-53
Securing a Child Restraint Designed for the
LATCH System........................................1-70
Securing a Child Restraint in a Center Rear
Seat Position...........................................1-73
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Outside
Seat Position...........................................1-70
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-75
Top Strap...................................................1-63
Top Strap Anchor Location............................1-65
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-62
3

Electrical System (cont.)
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-114
Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs...................................................3-47
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-19
Battery.......................................................5-42
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-45
Coolant......................................................5-24
Coolant Heater............................................2-21
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-43
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-16
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-30
Fan Noise..................................................5-36
Oil .............................................................5-14
Overheating................................................5-28
Starting......................................................2-19
ENGINE COOLANT HOT.................................3-63
Engine Oil Additives........................................5-17
ENGINE OVERHEATED..................................3-63
Entering or Exiting the Third Row Seats.............. 1-9
Entry Lighting and Exit Lighting.........................3-18
Environmental Concerns..................................4-20
Erasing HomeLink
®Buttons..............................2-42
Event Data Recorders (EDR)............................7-10
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-52
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-19
Finding a Program Type (PTY) Station
(RDS and XM™).........................................3-75
Finding a Station............................................3-72
Finish Care..................................................5-109
Finish Damage.............................................5-111
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-85
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-86
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................5-21
Power Steering...........................................5-37
Windshield Washer......................................5-38
FM Stereo....................................................3-104
Fog Lamps....................................................3-16
Folding the Seatback.......................................1-21
Folding the Seatbacks.............................1-15, 1-27
Folding the Seatbacks (60/40 Split
Bench Seat)...............................................1-12
Following Distance..........................................4-64
Front Axle......................................................5-51
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-7
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
6

Heated Seats....................................1-5, 1-6, 1-11
Heating.........................................................3-28
Highway Hypnosis...........................................4-39
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................4-40
Hitches..........................................................4-62
HomeLink
®Transmitter....................................2-39
HomeLink®Transmitter, Programming................2-39
Hood
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-11
Horn............................................................... 3-7
How the System Works...................................3-21
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank.................................................5-32
How to Add Fluid............................................5-24
How to Check Lubricant...................................5-50
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-37
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-35
Hydroplaning..................................................4-35
I
If No Steam Is Coming From Your Engine..........5-29
If Steam Is Coming From Your Engine...............5-28
If the Light is Flashing.....................................3-46If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-46
If You Are Caught in a Blizzard.........................4-44
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-46
If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-58
Ignition Positions.............................................2-18
Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirrors.........................2-15
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-55
Ination - Tire Pressure...................................5-74
Instrument Panel
Cluster.......................................................3-35
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-17
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..........................5-115
Interior Lamps................................................3-17
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-43
K
KEYFOB X BATTERY LOW.............................3-67
Keyless Entry System....................................... 2-4
Keys............................................................... 2-3
8