check engine light CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV 2007 2.G Owners Manual

When the PASS-Key®III+ system senses that
someone is using the wrong key, it prevents the
vehicle from starting. Anyone using a trial-and-error
method to start the vehicle will be discouraged
because of the high number of electrical key codes.
If the engine does not start and the security light
on the instrument panel comes on when trying
to start the vehicle, the key may have a damaged
transponder. Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key
appears to be undamaged, try another ignition key.
At this time, you may also want to check the fuse,
seeFuses and Circuit Breakers on page 507.Ifthe
engine still does not start with the other key, your
vehicle needs service. If your vehicle does start, the
rst key may be faulty. See your dealer who can
service the PASS-Key
®III+ to have a new key
made. In an emergency, contact Roadside
Assistance.It is possible for the PASS-Key
®III+ decoder to
“learn” the transponder value of a new or
replacement key. Up to nine additional keys may
be programmed for the vehicle. The following
procedure is for programming additional keys only.
If all the currently programmed keys are lost or
do not operate, you must see your dealer or
a locksmith who can service PASS-Key
®III+ to
have keys made and programmed to the system.
See your dealer or a locksmith who can service
PASS-Key
®III+ to get a new key blank that is cut
exactly as the ignition key that operates the
system.
To program the new additional key do the
following:
1. Verify that the new key has a
1stamped on it.
2. Insert the original, already programmed, key
in the ignition and start the engine. If the
engine will not start, see your dealer
for service.
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Warning Lights, Gages, and
Indicators
This part describes the warning lights and gages
on your vehicle. The pictures will help you
locate them.
Warning lights and gages can signal that
something is wrong before it becomes serious
enough to cause an expensive repair or
replacement. Paying attention to your warning
lights and gages could also save you or others
from injury.
Warning lights come on when there may be or
is a problem with one of your vehicle’s functions.
As you will see in the details on the next few
pages, some warning lights come on briey when
you start the engine just to let you know they’re
working. If you are familiar with this section,
you should not be alarmed when this happens.Gages can indicate when there may be or is a
problem with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Often gages and warning lights work together to
let you know when there’s a problem with
your vehicle.
When one of the warning lights comes on and
stays on when you are driving, or when one of
the gages shows there may be a problem, check
the section that tells you what to do about it.
Please follow this manual’s advice. Waiting to do
repairs can be costly – and even dangerous.
So please get to know your warning lights and
gages. They’re a big help.
Your vehicle also has a Driver Information Center
(DIC) that works along with the warning lights
and gages. SeeDriver Information Center (DIC)
on page 245.
228

Charging System Light
The charging system
light will come on briey
when you turn on the
ignition, but the
engine is not running,
as a check to show you
it is working.
It should go out once the engine is running. If it
stays on, or comes on while you are driving,
you may have a problem with the charging system.
It could indicate that you have problems with the
generator, the generator drive belt, or another
electrical problem. Have it checked right away.
Driving while this light is on could drain your
battery.
When this light comes on, the DIC will also display
the SERVICE BATTERY NOT CHARGING
SYSTEM message. SeeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 250for more information.If you must drive a short distance with the light on,
be certain to turn off all your accessories, such
as the radio and air conditioner, to reduce
the drain on your battery.
Brake System Warning Light
With the ignition on, the brake system warning
light will come on when you set the parking brake.
If you try to drive with the parking brake engaged,
a chime will sound when the vehicle speed is
greater than 3 mph (5 km/h).
Your vehicle’s hydraulic brake system is divided
into two parts. If one part is not working, the
other part can still work and stop you. For good
braking, though, you need both parts working well.
235

If the StabiliTrak®system warning light comes
on and stays on for an extended period of
time when the system is turned on, your vehicle
needs service. SeeStabiliTrak
®System on
page 330for more information.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the
engine coolant
temperature.
If the gage pointer moves towards the shaded in
thermostat, it means that your engine coolant
has overheated. If you have been operating your
vehicle under normal driving conditions, you
should pull off the road, stop your vehicle and turn
off the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 422.
Tire Pressure Light
This light will come on
briey when you turn
the ignition to RUN.
This light will also come on when one or more of
your tires are signicantly underinated.
If equipped, a CHECK TIRE PRESSURE DIC
message will accompany the light.
Stop and check your tires as soon as it is safe to do
so. If underinated, inate to the proper pressure.
SeeTires on page 454for more information.
This light will ash for 60 seconds and then turn
on solid if a problem is detected with the Tire
Pressure Monitor system.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor System on page 462
for more information.
238

Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
Your vehicle has a
computer which
monitors operation of
the fuel, ignition,
and emission control
systems.
This system is called OBD II (On-Board
Diagnostics-Second Generation) and is intended
to assure that emissions are at acceptable
levels for the life of the vehicle, helping to produce
a cleaner environment. The check engine light
comes on to indicate that there is a problem and
service is required. Malfunctions often will be
indicated by the system before any problem is
apparent. This may prevent more serious damage
to your vehicle. This system is also designed to
assist your service technician in correctly
diagnosing any malfunction.Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with
this light on, after awhile, your emission
controls may not work as well, your fuel
economy may not be as good, and your engine
may not run as smoothly. This could lead to
costly repairs that may not be covered by your
warranty.
Notice:Modications made to the engine,
transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system
of your vehicle or the replacement of the
original tires with other than those of the same
Tire Performance Criteria (TPC) can affect
your vehicle’s emission controls and may
cause this light to come on. Modications to
these systems could lead to costly repairs not
covered by your warranty. This may also
result in a failure to pass a required Emission
Inspection/Maintenance test. SeeAccessories
and Modifications on page 396.
239

This light should come on, as a check to show
you it is working, when the ignition is on and the
engine is not running. If the light does not
come on, have it repaired. This light will also
come on during a malfunction in one of two ways:
Light Flashing— A misre condition has
been detected. A misre increases vehicle
emissions and may damage the emission
control system on your vehicle. Diagnosis and
service may be required.
Light On Steady— An emission control
system malfunction has been detected on your
vehicle. Diagnosis and service may be
required.
If the Light is Flashing
The following may prevent more serious damage
to your vehicle:
Reducing vehicle speed
Avoiding hard accelerations
Avoiding steep uphill grades
If you are towing a trailer, reduce the amount
of cargo being hauled as soon as it is
possibleIf the light stops ashing and remains on steady,
see “If the Light Is On Steady” following.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do
so, stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park
your vehicle. Turn the key off, wait at least
10 seconds and restart the engine. If the light
remains on steady, see “If the Light Is On Steady”
following. If the light is still ashing, follow the
previous steps, and see your dealer for service as
soon as possible.
If the Light Is On Steady
You may be able to correct the emission system
malfunction by considering the following:
Did you recently put fuel into your vehicle?
If so, reinstall the fuel cap, making sure to fully
install the cap. SeeFilling the Tank on page 401.
The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap
has been left off or improperly installed. A loose or
missing fuel cap will allow fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. A few driving trips with the cap
properly installed should turn the light off.
240

Did you just drive through a deep puddle of
water?
If so, your electrical system may be wet. The
condition will usually be corrected when the
electrical system dries out. A few driving trips
should turn the light off.
Have you recently changed brands of fuel?
If so, be sure to fuel your vehicle with quality fuel.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 398. Poor fuel
quality will cause your engine not to run as
efficiently as designed. You may notice this as
stalling after start-up, stalling when you put the
vehicle into gear, misring, hesitation on
acceleration, or stumbling on acceleration. (These
conditions may go away once the engine is warmed
up.) This will be detected by the system and cause
the light to turn on.
If you experience one or more of these conditions,
change the fuel brand you use. It will require at
least one full tank of the proper fuel to turn the
light off.
If none of the above steps have made the light
turn off, your dealer can check the vehicle.
Your dealer has the proper test equipment and
diagnostic tools to x any mechanical or electrical
problems that may have developed.Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have
or may begin programs to inspect the emission
control equipment on your vehicle. Failure to pass
this inspection could prevent you from getting a
vehicle registration.
Here are some things you need to know to help
your vehicle pass an inspection:
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
check engine light is on or not working properly.
Your vehicle will not pass this inspection if
the OBD (on-board diagnostic) system determines
that critical emission control systems have not
been completely diagnosed by the system.
The vehicle would be considered not ready for
inspection. This can happen if you have recently
replaced your battery or if your battery has
run down. The diagnostic system is designed to
evaluate critical emission control systems
during normal driving. This may take several days
of routine driving. If you have done this and
your vehicle still does not pass the inspection for
lack of OBD system readiness, your GM dealer
can prepare the vehicle for inspection.
241

Oil Pressure Light
This light will come on
briey when you start
your engine.
{CAUTION:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is
low. If you do, your engine can become so
hot that it catches re. You or others could
be burned. Check your oil as soon as
possible and have your vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
may damage the engine. The repairs would
not be covered by your warranty. Always follow
the maintenance schedule in this manual for
changing engine oil.That is a check to be sure the light works. If it
does not come on, be sure to have it xed so it will
be there to warn you if something goes wrong.
When the light comes on and stays on, it means
that oil is not owing through your engine
properly. You could be low on oil and you might
have some other system problem.
Security Light
This light will come on
briey when you turn
the key toward START.
The light will stay on
until the engine starts.
SeePASS-Key
®III+ Operation on page 137for
more information.
242

CHECK TIRE PRESSURE
If your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
system, this message will display when the
pressure in one or more of the vehicle’s tires need
to be checked. This message will also display
LEFT FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, LEFT REAR, or
RIGHT REAR to indicate which tire needs to
be checked. You can receive more than one tire
pressure message at a time. To read the other
messages that may have been sent at the same
time, press the set/reset button. If a tire pressure
message appears on the DIC, stop as soon
as you can. Have the tire pressures checked
and set to those shown on your Tire Loading
Information Label. SeeTires on page 454,Loading
Your Vehicle on page 370, andInation - Tire
Pressure on page 460. The DIC display also
shows the tire pressure values for the front and
rear tires by pressing the vehicle information
button. SeeDIC Operation and Displays on
page 245. If the tire pressure is low, the low tire
pressure warning light will come on. SeeTire
Pressure Light on page 238.
DRIVER DOOR OPEN
If the driver’s door is not fully closed and the
vehicle is in a drive gear, this message will display
and a chime will sound. Stop and turn off the
vehicle, check the door for obstructions, and close
the door again. Check to see if the message
still appears on the DIC.
ENGINE HOT A/C (Air Conditioning)
TURNED OFF
This message will display when the engine coolant
becomes hotter than the normal operating
temperature. SeeEngine Coolant Temperature
Gage on page 238. To avoid added strain on
a hot engine, the air conditioning compressor
automatically turns off. When the coolant
temperature returns to normal, the air conditioning
compressor will turn back on. You can continue to
drive your vehicle.
If this message continues to appear, have the
system repaired by your dealer as soon as
possible to avoid damage to your engine.
251

The message could be displayed if the
stability system takes longer than usual
to complete its diagnostic checks due to
driving conditions.
If an engine or vehicle related problem has
been detected and the vehicle needs
service, the message will appear. See your
dealer.
The message will also appear if the vehicle is
shifted into 4LO.
The message will turn off as soon as the
conditions that caused the message to be
displayed are no longer present.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP
If the vehicle’s fuel cap is not tightened properly,
this message may display along with the check
engine light on the instrument panel cluster.
SeeMalfunction Indicator Lamp on page 239.
Reinstall the fuel cap fully. SeeFilling the Tank on
page 401. The diagnostic system can determine
if the fuel cap has been left off or improperly
installed. A loose or missing fuel cap will allow fuel
to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few driving
trips with the cap properly installed should turn this
light and message off.
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
If your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)
system, this message will display when the
system is re-learning the tire positions on your
vehicle. SeeDIC Operation and Displays on
page 245for more information. The tire positions
must be re-learned after rotating the tires or
after replacing a tire or sensor. SeeTire Inspection
and Rotation on page 467,Tire Pressure Monitor
System on page 462, andInation - Tire
Pressure on page 460for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak®, this message will
display when the traction control system is
turned off. Adjust your driving accordingly. See
StabiliTrak
®System on page 330for more
information.
258