towing CADILLAC ESCALADE 1999 1.G Owner's Manual

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4-51
CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to get out of your vehicle if
the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
If you have left the engine running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure your vehicle won't move, even
when you're on fairly level ground, use the steps
that follow.
Always put the shift lever fully in PARK (P) with
the parking brake firmly set.
If the transfer case on four-wheel drive vehicles is
in NEUTRAL, your vehicle will be free to roll,
even if your shift lever is in PARK (P). So, be
sure the transfer case is in a drive gear
-- not
in NEUTRAL.
When You Are Ready to Leave After
Parking on a Hill
1. Apply your regular brakes and hold the pedal down
while you:

Start your engine;

Shift into a gear; and

Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
Your vehicle will need service more often when you're
pulling a trailer. See the Maintenance Schedule booklet
for more on this. Things that are especially important in
trailer operation are automatic transmission fluid (don't
overfill), engine oil, axle lubricant, belt, cooling system
and brake system. Each of these is covered in this
manual, and the Index will help you find them quickly.
If you're trailering, it's a good idea to review these
sections before you start your trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.

5-
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5-1
Section 5 Problems On The Road
Here you'll find what to do about some problems that can occur on the road.
5
-2 Hazard Warning Flashers
5
-2 Other Warning Devices
5
-3 Jump Starting
5
-8 Towing Your Vehicle
5
-8 Engine Overheating5
-11 Cooling System
5
-18 Engine Fan Noise
5
-18 If a Tire Goes Flat
5
-19 Changing a Flat Tire
5
-32 If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow

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5-8
Towing Your Vehicle
CAUTION:
To help avoid serious personal injury to you
or others:

Never let passengers ride in a vehicle that is
being towed.

Never tow faster than safe or posted speeds.

Never tow with damaged parts not
fully secured.

Never get under your vehicle after it has
been lifted by the tow truck.

Always secure the vehicle on each side with
separate safety chains when towing it.

Use only the correct hooks.
NOTICE:
Use the proper towing equipment to avoid
damage to the bumper, fascia or fog lamp areas
of the vehicle.
With current trends in automotive styles and design, it is
essential that the correct towing equipment is used to
tow a vehicle. Your vehicle can be towed with wheel
-lift
equipment or car carrier equipment. The transfer case
must be placed in NEUTRAL. The towing limits for
wheel lift equipment are:

Front Towing
-- 55 mph (88 km/h) or legal speed
limit and distance is unlimited

Rear Towing
-- 35 mph (55 km/h) for
50 miles (80 km)
Consult your dealer or a professional towing service if
you need to have your vehicle towed. See ªRoadside
Assistanceº in the Index.
Engine Overheating
You will find a coolant temperature gage on your
vehicle's instrument panel. See ªEngine Coolant
Temperature Gageº in the Index.

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5-18
Engine Fan Noise
Your vehicle has a clutched engine cooling fan. When
the clutch is engaged, the fan spins faster to provide
more air to cool the engine. In most everyday driving
conditions, the fan is spinning slower and the clutch is
not fully engaged. This improves fuel economy and
reduces fan noise. Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer
towing and/or high outside temperatures, the fan speed
increases as the clutch more fully engages. So you may
hear an increase in fan noise. This is normal and should
not be mistaken as the transmission slipping or making
extra shifts. It is merely the cooling system functioning
properly. The fan will slow down when additional
cooling is not required and the clutch disengages.
You may also hear this fan noise when you start the
engine. It will go away as the fan clutch disengages.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It's unusual for a tire to ªblow outº while you're driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it's much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a ªblowout,º here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create 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 out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you'd use in a
skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop
-- well off the road if possible.
If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to use your
jacking equipment to change a flat tire safely.

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5-33 Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. Shift the
transfer case into 4HI. Then shift back and forth
between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear, spinning the
wheels as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal
while you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator
pedal when the transmission is in gear. By slowly
spinning your wheels in the forward and reverse
directions, you will cause a rocking motion that may
free your vehicle. If that doesn't get you out after a few
tries, you may need to be towed out. Or, you can use
your recovery hooks if your vehicle has them. If you do
need to be towed out, see ªTowing Your Vehicleº in
the Index.
Using the Recovery Hooks
Your vehicle is equipped with recovery hooks. The
recovery hooks are provided at the front of your vehicle.
You may need to use them if you're stuck off
-road and
need to be pulled to some place where you can
continue driving.

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6-17
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
replace the engine air cleaner/filter. See ªOwner Checks
and Servicesº in the Maintenance Schedule booklet.
CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/filter
off can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air, it stops flame if
the engine backfires. If it isn't there, and the
engine backfires, you could be burned. Don't
drive with it off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner/filter off.
NOTICE:
If the air cleaner/filter is off, a backfire can cause
a damaging engine fire. And, dirt can easily get
into your engine, which will damage it. Always
have the air cleaner/filter in place when
you're driving.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission fluid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the fluid and filter every 50,000 miles
(83 000 km) if the vehicle is mainly driven under one
or more of these conditions:

In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90F (32C) or higher.

In hilly or mountainous terrain.

When doing frequent trailer towing.

Uses such as found in taxi, police or delivery service.
If you do not use your vehicle under any of these
conditions, change the fluid and filter every
100,000 miles (166 000 km).
See ªScheduled Maintenance Servicesº in the
Maintenance Schedule booklet.

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7-5
GM Mobility Program for Persons
with Disabilities
This program, available to
qualified applicants, can
reimburse you up to $1,000
toward aftermarket driver or
passenger adaptive
equipment you may require
for your vehicle (hand
controls, wheelchair/scooter
lifts, etc.).
This program can also provide you with free resource
information, such as area driver assessment centers and
mobility equipment installers. The program is available
for a limited period of time from the date of vehicle
purchase/lease. See your dealer for more details or call
the GM Mobility Assistance Center at 1
-800-323-9935.
Text telephone (TTY) users, call 1
-800-833-9935.
GM of Canada also has a Mobility Program. Call
1
-800-GM-DRIVE (463-7483) for details. When
calling from outside Canada, please dial 1
-905-644-3063.
All TTY users call 1
-800-263-3830.
Roadside Service
Cadillac's exceptional Roadside Service is more than an
auto club or towing service. It provides every Cadillac
owner with the advantage of contacting a Cadillac
advisor and, when appropriate, a Cadillac trained dealer
technician who can provide on
-site service.

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7-6
Each technician travels with a specially equipped
service vehicle complete with the necessary Cadillac
parts and tools required to handle most roadside repairs.
Cadillac Roadside Service can be reached by dialing
1
-800-882-1112, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
This service is provided at no charge for any
warranty
-covered situation and for a nominal charge
if the Cadillac is no longer under warranty. Roadside
Service is available only in the United States
and Canada.
Cadillac Owner Privileges
Roadside Service provides several Cadillac
Owner Privileges at ªno charge,º throughout
your 1999 Cadillac Warranty Period
-- 48 months/
50,000 miles (80 000 km).
Emergency Road Service is performed on site for the
following situations:

Towing Service

Battery Jump Starting

Lock Out Assistance

Fuel Delivery

Flat Tire Change (Covers change only)

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8-3
Tires 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vinyl 6-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield and Wiper Blades 6-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wood Panels 6-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Climate Control System 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock, Setting the 3-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Controls 3-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comfort Guides, Rear Safety Belts 1-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compact Disc
Care 3
-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Player 3-14, 3-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Player Errors 3-15, 3-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compass, Electronic 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compass, Rearview Mirror with 2-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console Storage 2-56, 2-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Console-Mounted CD Changer 3-16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Control of a Vehicle 4-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convenience Net 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Convex Outside Mirror 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant 6-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heater, Engine 2-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank 5-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling System 5-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Courtesy Transportation 7-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Control 2-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cupholders 2-57, 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Assistance for Text Telephone Users 7-3 . . . . . . . . .
Customer Assistance Information 7-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer Satisfaction Procedure 7-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Finish 6-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Damage, Sheet Metal 6-52 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime Running Lamps 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Daytime Running Lamps Indicator Light 2-81 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dead Battery 5-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defects, Reporting Safety 7-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive Driving 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogger, Rear Window 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defogging 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defrosting 3-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dolby Noise Reduction 3-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dome Lamps 2-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door
Locks 2
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Panel 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear 2-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Security Locks 2-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Storage Pocket 2-58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driver Position 1-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving
City 4
-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defensive 4-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Drunken 4-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Freeway 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In a Blizzard 4-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In the Rain 4-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night 4-27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road 4-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Curves 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Grades While Towing a Trailer 4-50 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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8-5
Flat Tire, Changing 5-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Capacities 6-64, 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Leak Check 6-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fog Lamps 2-49, 6-36, 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Folding the Rear Seat 1-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign Countries, Fuel 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Four-Wheel Drive 2-29, 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Four-Wheel Drive, Automatic Transfer Case 2-29, 6-21 . . . .
Freeway Driving 4-32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
French Language Manual ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Front
Axle 6
-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Axle Locking Feature 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Park/Turn Signal Bulb Replacement 6-35, 6-62 . . . . . . . . .
Sidemarker Lamp Bulb Replacement 6-35, 6-62 . . . . . . . .
Towing 5-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Canada 6-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling a Portable Container 6-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Filling Your Tank 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gage 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries 6-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Capacity 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and Circuit Breakers 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gages
Engine Coolant Temperature 2-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine Oil Pressure 2-79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel 2-82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Speedometer 2
-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tachometer 2-71 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Voltmeter 2-74 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GAWR 4-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear Positions, Automatic Transmission 2-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Glove Box 2-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GM Mobility Program for Persons with Disabilities 7-5 . . . . .
GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials 6-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Axle Weight Rating 4-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 4-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Guide en Fran†ais ii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GVWR 4
-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Halogen Bulbs 6-33 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hazard Warning Flashers 5-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head Restraints 1-5, 1-6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamp Delay 2-49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Headlamps 2-47, 6-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement 6-34, 6-62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High/Low Beam Changer 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
On Reminder 2-48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wiring 6-56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hearing Impaired, Customer Assistance 7-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated Front Seats 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heated Rear Seats 1-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heating 3-2, 3-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
High-Beam Headlamps 2-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Highway Hypnosis 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hill and Mountain Roads 4-34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hitches, Trailer 4-46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .