engine coolant CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT 2009 3.G Owner's Manual

If No Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment
The ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE or the
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE message, along
with a low coolant condition, can indicate a serious
problem.
If you get an engine overheat warning, but see or hear
no steam, the problem may not be too serious.
Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer. SeeTowing a Trailer on page 5-40.
If you get the ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE
or the ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
message 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 gage is no longer in the
overheat zone or an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive
the vehicle slow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the car in front of you. 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
ve 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.
6-32

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 ring
groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage. In this
mode, you will notice a loss in power and engine
performance. This operating mode allows the vehicle to
be driven to a safe place in an emergency. Driving
extended miles (km) 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. SeeEngine Oil on
page 6-15.
Engine Fan Noise
The 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.
Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 6-14for
reservoir location.
6-33

Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it. Add
washer uid until the
tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 6-14for 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.
Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder
reservoir is lled with
DOT-3 brake uid. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 6-14for
the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid level in
the reservoir might go down:
The brake uid level goes down because of normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are installed,
the uid level goes back up.
A uid leak in the brake hydraulic system can also
cause a low uid level. Have the brake hydraulic
system xed, since a leak means that sooner
or later the brakes will not work well.
6-35

❑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.
7-5

(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 6-26
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 driving 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. Check to be sure vent hose is
unobstructed, clear, and free of debris. During any
maintenance, if a power washer is used to clean mud
and dirt from the underbody, care should be taken to not
directly spray the transfer case output seals. High
pressure water can overcome the seals and contaminate
the transfer case uid. Contaminated uid will decrease
the life of the transfer case and should be replaced.
(n)Severe Service: Change transfer case uid if
the vehicle is mainly used for trailer towing or driven in
city traffic, wet environment, or high ambient
temperatures.Owner Checks and Services
These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure vehicle
safety, dependability, and emission control performance.
Your dealer/retailer can assist with these checks and
services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to the
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-13.
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 the vehicle
warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. SeeEngine Oil on page 6-15.
7-9

Engine Coolant Level Check
Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL®
coolant mixture if necessary. SeeEngine Coolant
on page 6-26.
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 the 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 6-60. Check to make sure the spare tire is stored
securely. SeeChanging a Flat Tire on page 6-77.
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 6-67.
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 starting this check, be sure there is 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 P (Park) or N (Neutral). If the
vehicle starts in any other position, contact
your dealer/retailer for service.
7-10

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, seeEngine Oil on
page 6-15
Engine Coolant50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL
®
Coolant. SeeEngine Coolant on
page 6-26.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
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).
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant (GM Part
No. U.S. 12377985, in
Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
Front and
Rear AxleSAE 75W-90 Synthetic Axle
Lubricant (GM Part
No. U.S. 89021677, in
Canada 89021678) meeting GM
Specication 9986115.
Transfer CaseDEXRON
®-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
7-13

Child Restraints
Child Restraint Systems...............................1-38
Infants and Young Children...........................1-34
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children..........1-41
Older Children.............................................1-32
Securing a Child Restraint in a Rear Seat
Position..................................................1-47
Securing a Child Restraint in the Right Front
Seat Position...........................................1-50
Where to Put the Restraint...........................1-40
Cigarette Lighter.............................................3-21
Cleaning
Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheels.............6-100
Exterior Lamps/Lenses.................................6-98
Fabric/Carpet..............................................6-95
Finish Care.................................................6-98
Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other Plastic
Surfaces.................................................6-96
Interior.......................................................6-94
Leather......................................................6-96
Speaker Covers..........................................6-96
Tires........................................................6-100
Underbody Maintenance.............................6-101
Washing Your Vehicle...................................6-97
Weatherstrips..............................................6-97
Windshield and Wiper Blades........................6-99
Wood Panels..............................................6-96Climate Control System
Dual Automatic............................................3-22
Outlet Adjustment........................................3-26
Clock............................................................3-22
Collision Damage Repair..................................8-11
Compass.......................................................3-46
Content Theft-Deterrent....................................2-27
Control of a Vehicle.......................................... 5-3
Coolant
Engine.......................................................6-26
Engine Temperature Gage............................3-35
Cooled Seats................................................... 1-6
Cooling System..............................................6-25
Cruise Control................................................3-10
Cruise Control Light........................................3-40
Cupholders....................................................2-66
Customer Assistance Information
Courtesy Transportation.................................. 8-9
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone (TTY)
Users....................................................... 8-5
Customer Assistance Offices........................... 8-5
Customer Satisfaction Procedure..................... 8-2
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program............... 8-6
Reporting Safety Defects to General Motors....8-15
Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian
Government............................................8-14
3

Electronic Immobilizer
PASS-Key®III+...........................................2-29
Electronic Immobilizer Operation
PASS-Key
®III+...........................................2-29
Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................6-19
Check and Service Engine Soon Lamp...........3-36
Coolant......................................................6-26
Coolant Heater............................................2-34
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-35
Drive Belt Routing.......................................7-16
Engine Compartment Overview......................6-14
Exhaust.....................................................2-45
Fan Noise..................................................6-33
Oil .............................................................6-15
Oil Life System...........................................6-18
Overheated Protection Operating Mode...........6-33
Overheating................................................6-30
Starting......................................................2-32
Entry/Exit Lighting...........................................3-19
Event Data Recorders.....................................8-16
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-31
Exterior Cargo Lamps......................................3-18
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-13
F
Features
Memory ....................................................... 1-7
Filter
Engine Air Cleaner......................................6-19
Finish Damage.............................................6-101
Fixed Mast Antenna........................................3-90
Flashers, Hazard Warning.................................. 3-5
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-8
Flat Tire........................................................6-76
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................6-77
Flat Tire, Storing.............................................6-90
Fluid
Automatic Transmission................................6-21
Power Steering...........................................6-33
Windshield Washer......................................6-34
Fog Lamp
Fog ...........................................................3-18
Fog Lamp Light..............................................3-40
Front Axle......................................................6-47
Fuel............................................................... 6-5
Additives...................................................... 6-7
California Fuel.............................................. 6-6
Driving for Better Economy............................. 5-2
E85 (85% Ethanol)........................................ 6-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container....................6-11
5

Fuel (cont.)
Filling the Tank............................................. 6-9
Fuels in Foreign Countries.............................. 6-9
Gage .........................................................3-41
Gasoline Octane........................................... 6-5
Gasoline Specications.................................. 6-6
Fuses
Center Instrument Panel Fuse Block.............6-106
Fuses and Circuit Breakers.........................6-103
Instrument Panel Fuse Block.......................6-104
Underhood Fuse Block...............................6-107
Windshield Wiper.......................................6-103
G
Gage
Engine Coolant Temperature.........................3-35
Fuel..........................................................3-41
Speedometer..............................................3-29
Tachometer.................................................3-29
Garage Door Opener.......................................2-59
Gasoline
Octane........................................................ 6-5
Specications............................................... 6-6
Getting Started
Getting Started, Navigation............................. 4-4
Global Positioning System (GPS)......................4-54
Glove Box.....................................................2-66
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program.................. 8-6
H
Hazard Warning Flashers................................... 3-5
Head Restraints............................................... 1-2
Headlamp
Aiming .......................................................6-48
Headlamps
Bulb Replacement.......................................6-51
Daytime Running Lamp................................3-17
Exterior Lamps............................................3-13
Flash-to-Pass............................................... 3-8
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting...........6-51
High/Low Beam Changer................................ 3-7
On Reminder..............................................3-16
Heated Seats............................................1-5, 1-6
Heated Steering Wheel..................................... 3-6
Heater
Engine Coolant...........................................2-34
Heater...........................................................3-22
Highbeam On Light.........................................3-40
High-Speed Operation, Tires.............................6-61
Highway Hypnosis...........................................5-26
Hill and Mountain Roads..................................5-26
Hood
Checking Things Under................................6-12
Release.....................................................6-13
Horn ............................................................... 3-5
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-17
6