engine coolant CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT 2008 3.G Owner's Manual

{CAUTION:
You can be burned if you spill coolant on hot
engine parts. Coolant contains ethylene glycol
and it will burn if the engine parts are hot
enough. Do not spill coolant on a hot engine.
1. You can remove the
coolant surge tank
pressure cap when the
cooling system,
including the coolant
surge tank pressure
cap and upper radiator
hose, is no longer hot.
Remove the coolant surge tank pressure cap by
slowly turning the pressure cap counterclockwise
about one full turn. If you hear a hiss, wait for
that to stop. A hiss means there is still some
pressure left.2. Then keep turning the pressure cap slowly, and
remove it.
3. Fill the coolant surge tank with the proper mixture,
to the FULL COLD mark.
5-32

4. With the coolant surge tank pressure cap off, start
the engine and let it run until you can feel the upper
radiator hose getting hot. Watch out for the
engine cooling fan.
By this time, the coolant level inside the coolant
surge tank may be lower. If the level is lower, add
more of the proper mixture to the coolant surge tank
until the level reaches the FULL COLD mark.5. Then replace the pressure cap. Be sure the
pressure cap is hand-tight and fully seated.
6. Verify coolant level after engine is shut off and the
coolant is cold. If necessary, repeat coolant ll
procedure Steps 1 through 6.
Engine Fan Noise
Your vehicle has electric cooling fans. You might hear
the fans spinning at low speed during most everyday
driving. The fans can turn off if no cooling is required.
Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing, and/or
high outside temperatures, or if you are operating the
air conditioning system, the fans can change to
high speed and you might hear an increase in fan noise.
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.
5-33

Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer uid needs to be added, be
sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
Use a uid that has sufficient protection against
freezing in an area where the temperature may fall
below freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Your vehicle has a low washer uid message in the
DIC that comes on when the washer uid is low. The
message is displayed for 15 seconds at the start of each
ignition cycle. When the WASHER FLUID LOW ADD
FLUID message displays, you will need to add washer
uid to the windshield washer uid reservoir.Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer uid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview
on page 5-12for reservoir
location.
Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for adding
water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts
of the washer system. Also, water does not
clean as well as washer uid.
Fill the washer uid tank only three-quarters full
when it is very cold. This allows for uid
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage the vehicle’s
windshield washer system and paint.
5-35

Capacities and Specications
The following approximate capacities are given in English and metric conversions. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-13for more information.
ApplicationCapacities
English Metric
Air Conditioning Refrigerant R134aFor the Air Conditioning system refrigerant
charge amount, see the refrigerant caution label
located under the hood. Please see your
dealer/retailer for more information.
Cooling System 16.9 qt 16.0 L
Engine Oil with Filter 6.0 qt† 5.7 L†
Fuel Tank 31.5 gal 119.2 L
Transmission Fluid (Pan Removal and Filter Replacement) 6.0 qt 5.7 L
Transfer Case Fluid 1.5 qt 1.4 L
Wheel Nut Torque 140 lb ft 190Y
†Oil lter should be changed at every oil change.
After rell, the level must be rechecked. Add enough engine coolant so that the uid is within the proper
operating range.
Engine Specications
Engine VIN Code Transmission Spark Plug Gap
6.2L V8 8 Automatic 0.040 in (1.01 mm)
5-115

If the engine oil life system is ever reset accidentally,
you must service your vehicle within 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) since your last service. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil Life System on page 5-16for information on
the Engine Oil Life System and resetting the system.
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
appears, the following services, checks, and inspections
are required:
❑Change engine oil and lter. SeeEngine Oil on
page 5-13. Reset oil life system. SeeEngine Oil Life
System on page 5-16.An Emission Control Service.
❑Lubricate chassis components.See footnote #.
❑Visually check for any leaks or damage.
See footnote (j).
❑Inspect engine air cleaner lter or change indicator
(if equipped). If necessary, replace lter. SeeEngine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 5-17.See footnote (k).❑Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear.
SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 5-68and
“Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month
on page 6-10.
❑Inspect brake system.See footnote (a).
❑Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid
levels and add uid as needed.
❑Perform any needed additional services. See
“Additional Required Services” in this section.
❑Inspect suspension and steering components.
See footnote (b).
❑Inspect engine cooling system.See footnote (c).
❑Inspect wiper blades.See footnote (d).
❑Inspect restraint system components.
See footnote (e).
❑Lubricate body components.See footnote (f).
❑Check transmission uid level and add uid as
needed.
6-5

(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. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 5-23
for 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.
(k)If you drive regularly under dusty conditions,
inspect the lter at each engine oil change.
(l)Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks,
or obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
(m)Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and
proper installation.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure the safety,
dependability, and emission control performance of your
vehicle. Your dealer/retailer can assist you with these
checks and services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to your
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-13.
At Each Fuel Fill
It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel ll.
Engine Oil Level Check
Notice:It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by your warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 5-13.
6-9

Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-23.
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check
Check the windshield washer uid level in the windshield
washer uid reservoir and add the proper uid if
necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check
Inspect your vehicle’s tires and make sure they are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to
check the spare tire. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on
page 5-61. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 5-78.
Tire Wear Inspection
Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway
drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service
notication. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary,
rotate the tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotation
on page 5-68.
At Least Once a Year
Starter Switch Check
{CAUTION:
When you are doing this inspection, the
vehicle could move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be injured.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake and the regular
brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-41.
Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be ready to
turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. Try to start the engine in each gear. The vehicle
should start only in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
If the vehicle starts in any other position, contact
your dealer/retailer for service.
6-10

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identied below by name,
part number, or specication can be obtained from
your dealer/retailer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine OilThe engine requires a special
engine oil meeting GM Standard
GM4718M. Oils meeting this
standard can be identied as
synthetic, and should also be
identied with the American
Petroleum Institute (API) Certied
for Gasoline Engines starburst
symbol. However, not all synthetic
API oils with the starburst symbol
will meet this GM standard.
Look for and use only oil that
meets GM Standard GM4718M.
For the proper viscosity, see
Engine Oil on page 5-13.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 5-23.
Hydraulic Brake
SystemDelco
®Supreme 11 Brake Fluid
or equivalent DOT-3 brake uid.
Windshield
WasherOptikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184,
in Canada 89021186).
Automatic
TransmissionDEXRON
®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
CylindersMulti-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
6-13

Center Console Storage Area...........................2-67
Chains, Tire...................................................5-76
Charging System Light....................................3-35
Check
Engine Light...............................................3-40
Checking Things Under the Hood......................5-10
Chemical Paint Spotting.................................5-104
Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-39
Infants and Young Children...........................1-35
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-43
Older Children.............................................1-32
Securing a Child Restraint in a
Rear Seat Position...................................1-50
Securing a Child Restraint in the
Right Front Seat Position..........................1-53
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-42
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-23
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............5-103
Exterior Lamps/Lenses................................5-101
Fabric/Carpet..............................................5-99
Finish Care...............................................5-101
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other
Plastic Surfaces.....................................5-100
Interior.......................................................5-97
Leather......................................................5-99Cleaning (cont.)
Speaker Covers.........................................5-100
Tires........................................................5-104
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-104
Washing Your Vehicle.................................5-101
Weatherstrips............................................5-100
Windshield and Wiper Blades......................5-102
Wood Panels............................................5-100
Climate Control System
Dual Automatic............................................3-24
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-28
Clock............................................................3-23
Clock, Setting.................................................3-67
Collision Damage Repair..................................7-11
Compass...............................................2-46, 2-48
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-26
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 4-3
Coolant
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-39
Heater, Engine............................................2-35
Surge Tank Pressure Cap.............................5-26
Cooled Seats................................................... 1-5
Cooling System..............................................5-29
Cruise Control................................................3-11
Cruise Control Light........................................3-44
Cupholder(s)..................................................2-67
3

E
EDR .............................................................7-16
Electrical System
Add-On Equipment.....................................5-107
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block.............5-110
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................5-107
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................5-108
Power Windows and Other Power Options....5-107
Underhood Fuse Block...............................5-111
Windshield Wiper Fuses.............................5-107
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-17
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-40
Coolant......................................................5-23
Coolant Heater............................................2-35
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-39
Drive Belt Routing.......................................6-16
Engine Compartment Overview......................5-12
Exhaust.....................................................2-44
Fan Noise..................................................5-33
Oil .............................................................5-13
Oil Life System...........................................5-16
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........5-28
Overheating................................................5-26
Running While Parked..................................2-45
Starting......................................................2-32Entry/Exit Lighting...........................................3-20
Event Data Recorders.....................................7-17
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-32
Exterior Cargo Lamps......................................3-19
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-14
F
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-17
Finish Damage.............................................5-104
Fixed Mast Antenna.......................................3-105
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-6
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire........................................................5-77
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-78
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................5-94
Fluid.............................................................5-20
Power Steering...........................................5-34
Windshield Washer......................................5-35
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-19
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-43
Front Axle......................................................5-47
Fuel............................................................... 5-5
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-6
5