check transmission fluid CADILLAC ESCALADE 2003 2.G Owners Manual

TRANSMISSION HOT
If the transmission ¯uid temperature becomes high, the
message center will display this message.
When the transmission enters the protection mode, you
may notice a change in the transmission shifting
patterns. When the transmission ¯uid temperature
returns to normal, the display will turn off and the
transmission shifting patterns will return to normal.
Notice:If you keep driving your vehicle with the
transmission TRANS FLUID HOT message
displayed, you can damage the transmission. This
could lead to costly repairs that may not be covered
under your warranty.
The following situations can cause the transmission to
operate at higher temperatures:
·Towing a trailer
·Hot outside air temperatures
·Hauling a large or heavy load
·Low transmission ¯uid level
·High transmission ¯uid level
·Restricted air ¯ow to the radiator.A temporary solution to hotter transmission operating
temperatures may be to let the transmission cool down.
If the transmission is operated at higher temperatures
on a frequent basis, see
Scheduled Maintenance
on page 6-5for the proper transmission maintenance
intervals.
TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE
If the transmission ¯uid gets hot, this message will
appear on the DIC along with a continuous chime.
Driving with the transmission ¯uid temperature high can
cause damage to the vehicle. Stop the vehicle and
let it idle to allow the transmission to cool. This message
will clear and the chime will stop when the ¯uid
temperature reaches a safe level.
DRIVER DOOR AJAR
If the driver's door is not fully closed and the vehicle is
in a drive gear, this message will appear on the
display and you will hear a chime. Stop and turn off the
vehicle, check the door for obstacles, and close the
door again. Check to see if the message still appears on
the DIC. Pressing the select button will clear it from
the DIC display.
3-66

Service............................................................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-3
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your
Vehicle......................................................5-4
Fuel................................................................5-4
Gasoline Octane............................................5-4
Gasoline Speci®cations....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-6
Filling Your Tank............................................5-7
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.......................5-9
Checking Things Under
the Hood....................................................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-10
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............................................5-30Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-36
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-36
Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-38
Brakes........................................................5-39
Battery........................................................5-43
Jump Starting...............................................5-44
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-50
Rear Axle.......................................................5-51
Front Axle......................................................5-52
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-53
Headlamp Horizontal Aiming...........................5-54
Headlamp Vertical Aiming..............................5-55
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-57
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............5-57
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-57
Headlamps..................................................5-58
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps.........................................5-62
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL).........5-63
Taillamps.....................................................5-63
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-64
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-65
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
5-1

Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change
A good time to check your automatic transmission ¯uid
level is when the engine oil is changed.
Change both the ¯uid and ®lter 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 90ÉF (32ÉC) 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 ¯uid and ®lter every
100,000 miles (166 000 km).
See
Part A: Scheduled Maintenance Services on
page 6-4.
How to Check
Because this operation can be a little difficult, you may
choose to have this done at the dealership service
department.
If you do it yourself, be sure to follow all the instructions
here, or you could get a false reading on the dipstick.
Notice:Too much or too little ¯uid can damage
your transmission. Too much can mean that some
of the ¯uid could come out and fall on hot engine
part or exhaust system parts, starting a ®re.
Too little ¯uid could cause the transmission to
overheat. Be sure to get an accurate reading if you
check your transmission ¯uid.
Wait at least 30 minutes before checking the
transmission ¯uid level if you have been driving:
·When outside temperatures are above 90ÉF (32ÉC).
·At high speed for quite a while.
·In heavy traffic ± especially in hot weather.
·While pulling a trailer.
To get the right reading, the ¯uid should be at normal
operating temperature, which is 180ÉF to 200ÉF
(82ÉC to 93ÉC).
5-21

Get the vehicle warmed up by driving about 15 miles
(24 km) when outside temperatures are above 50ÉF
(10ÉC). If it's colder than 50ÉF (10ÉC), drive the vehicle
in THIRD (3) until the engine temperature gage
moves and then remains steady for 10 minutes.
A cold ¯uid check can be made after the vehicle has
been sitting for eight hours or more with the engine off,
but this is used only as a reference. Let the engine
run at idle for ®ve minutes if outside temperatures are
50ÉF (10ÉC) or more. If it's colder than 50ÉF (10ÉC), you
may have to idle the engine longer. Should the ¯uid
level be low during this cold check, you
mustcheck the
¯uid hot before adding ¯uid. Checking the ¯uid hot
will give you a more accurate reading of the ¯uid level.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare your vehicle as follows:
·Park your vehicle on a level place. Keep the engine
running.
·With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever
in PARK (P).
·With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, position the shift
lever in PARK (P).
·Let the engine run at idle for three minutes or more.Then, without shutting off the engine, follow these steps:
The transmission dipstick
handle with the graphic is
located at the rear of
the engine compartment,
on the passenger's side.
See
Engine Compartment Overview on page 5-12for
more information on location.
1. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick
and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
2. Push it back in all the way, wait three seconds and
then pull it back out again.
5-22

3. Check both sides of the dipstick, and read the lower
level. The ¯uid level must be in the COLD area,
below the cross-hatched area, for a cold check or in
the HOT area or cross-hatched area for a hot
check. Be sure to keep the dipstick pointed down to
get an accurate reading.
4. If the ¯uid level is in the acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way; then ¯ip the handle
down to lock the dipstick in place.
How to Add Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of transmission ¯uid to use. SeePart D:
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-18.
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 over®ll.
Notice:
We recommend you use only ¯uid labeled
DEXRONž-III, because ¯uid with that label is
made especially for your automatic transmission.
Damage caused by ¯uid other than DEXRON
ž-III is
not covered by your new vehicle warranty.
·After adding ¯uid, recheck the ¯uid level as
described under
How 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.
5-23

At Least Twice a Year
Restraint System Check
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.)
Wiper Blade Check
Inspect wiper blades for wear or cracking. Replace
blade inserts that appear worn or damaged or that
streak or miss areas of the windshield. Also see
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle on page 5-97.
Spare Tire Check
At least twice a year, after the monthly in¯ation check of
the spare tire determines that the spare is in¯ated to
the correct tire in¯ation pressure, make sure that
the spare tire is stored securely. Push, pull, and then try
to rotate or turn the tire. If it moves, use the wheel
wrench/ratchet to tighten the cable. See
Changing a Flat
Tire on page 5-76.
Weatherstrip Lubrication
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth. During very cold,
damp weather more frequent application may be
required. See
Part D: Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 6-18.
Automatic Transmission Check
Check the transmission ¯uid level; add if needed. SeeAutomatic Transmission Fluid on page 5-21. A ¯uid loss
may indicate a problem. Check the system and repair
if needed.
6-12

A
Accessory Power Outlets.................................3-23
Adding Washer Fluid.......................................5-38
Additional Program Information........................... 7-9
Additives, Fuel................................................. 5-6
Add-On Equipment..........................................4-52
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal..................2-22
Adjusting the Speakers (Balance/Fade)..............3-75
After Off-Road Driving.....................................4-32
Air Bag System, Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS).............................................1-76
Air Bag .........................................................3-38
Passenger Status Indicator...........................3-38
Readiness Light..........................................3-37
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine.................................5-19
Air Conditioning..............................................3-29
All-Wheel Drive...............................................5-50
AM .............................................................3-103
Analog Clock..................................................3-24
Antenna, Diversity Antenna System..................3-105
Antenna, XMŸ Satellite Radio Antenna
System.....................................................3-105
Anti-Lock Brake, System Warning Light..............3-42
Anti-lock Brake System..................................... 4-7
Appearance Care............................................5-94
Care of Safety Belts....................................5-96
Chemical Paint Spotting..............................5-100
Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle................5-94Appearance Care (cont.)
Cleaning the Outside of Your Vehicle..............5-97
Finish Damage..........................................5-100
Sheet Metal Damage...................................5-99
Underbody Maintenance.............................5-100
Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials...............5-100
Weatherstrips..............................................5-96
Approaching a Hill..........................................4-24
Ashtrays........................................................3-23
Audio Output..................................................3-92
Audio System(s).............................................3-70
Audio Steering Wheel Controls....................3-102
Care of Your Cassette Tape Player...............3-103
Care of Your CD and DVD Player................3-104
Care of Your CD Changer...........................3-104
Care of Your CDs and DVDs.......................3-104
CD Changer...............................................3-99
Diversity Antenna System............................3-105
Navigation/Radio System..............................3-96
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-71
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-97
Setting the Time..........................................3-70
Theft-Deterrent Feature...............................3-101
Understanding Radio Reception...................3-103
XMŸ Satellite Radio Antenna System...........3-105
Automatic Climate Control System.....................3-24
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-16
Automatic Level Control...................................4-53
Automatic Transmission Check..........................6-12
1

Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Control
System Check.............................................6-14
Automatic Transmission...................................5-21
Fluid..........................................................5-21
Operation...................................................2-24
B
Backing Up....................................................4-61
BATTERY NOT CHARGING.............................3-63
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-7
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-19
Battery..........................................................5-43
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-40
Before You Drive............................................3-85
Before You Go Off-Roading..............................4-19
Bench Seat Split (50/50)..................................1-13
Bench Seat, Split (60/40).................................1-10
Bench Seat....................................................1-19
Body Lubrication Service..................................6-13
Brake Adjustment............................................5-42
Brake Fluid....................................................5-39
Brake Pedal, Throttle.......................................2-22
Brake Pedal Travel.........................................5-42
Brake Wear...................................................5-41
Brake............................................................2-27
Parking......................................................2-27
System Inspection.......................................6-17
System Warning Light..................................3-40Brake (cont.)
Brakes..........................................................5-39
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-8
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-20
Bucket Seats, Rear.........................................1-25
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-57
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-63
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-62
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-57
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-53
Headlamps.................................................5-58
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting...........5-57
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-64
Taillamps....................................................5-63
Buying New Tires...........................................5-70
C
Cadillac Owner PrivilegesŸ............................... 7-6
California Fuel.................................................. 5-5
Canada ± Customer Assistance.......................... 7-4
Canadian Owners................................................ ii
Capacities and Speci®cations..........................5-112
Carbon Monoxide...................4-43, 4-54, 2-15, 2-31
Care of.........................................................5-96
Safety Belts................................................5-96
Your Cassette Tape Player..........................3-103
2

Engine Oil and Chassis Lubrication Scheduled
Maintenance................................................. 6-5
Engine Oil Level Check...................................6-11
ENGINE OVERHEATED..................................3-63
Engine..........................................................5-19
Air Cleaner/Filter.........................................5-19
Battery.......................................................5-43
Check and Service Engine Soon Light............3-44
Compartment Overview................................5-12
Coolant Heater............................................2-23
Coolant Temperature Gage...........................3-43
Coolant......................................................5-24
Cooling System Inspection............................6-17
Exhaust.....................................................2-31
Fan Noise..................................................5-36
Oil .............................................................5-14
Overheating................................................5-28
Starting......................................................2-21
Entering or Exiting the Third Row Seats.............. 1-8
Entertainment System....................................3-105
Cleaning the Video Screen..........................3-105
DVD Distortion..........................................3-102
Entry Lighting.................................................3-18
Environmental Concerns..................................4-21
Erasing HomeLink
žButtons..............................2-43
Exit Lighting...................................................3-19
Extender, Safety Belt.......................................1-50
Exterior Lamps...............................................3-15
F
Filter.............................................................5-19
Engine Air Cleaner......................................5-19
Finding a PTY Station (RDS and XMŸ).............3-75
Finding a Station............................................3-73
Finish Care....................................................5-97
Finish Damage.............................................5-100
Flash-to-Pass................................................... 3-9
Flat Tire, Changing.........................................5-76
Flat Tire........................................................5-75
Fluid.............................................................5-21
Automatic Transmission................................5-21
Power Steering...........................................5-36
Windshield Washer......................................5-38
FM Stereo....................................................3-103
Fog Lamps....................................................3-17
Folding the Seatback.......................................1-20
Folding the Seatbacks (60/40 Split Bench Seat).....1-10
Folding the Seatbacks.............................1-13, 1-25
Following Distance..........................................4-61
Footnotes........................................................ 6-5
Front Axle......................................................5-52
Fuel Information Button....................................3-54
FUEL LEVEL LOW.........................................3-65
Fuel............................................................... 5-4
Additives...................................................... 5-6
California Fuel.............................................. 5-5
6

Hitches..........................................................4-59
HomeLink Transmitter, Programming..................2-41
HomeLink
žTransmitter....................................2-40
Hood............................................................5-10
Checking Things Under................................5-10
Release.....................................................5-10
Horn............................................................... 3-7
How the System Works...................................3-21
How to Add Coolant to the Coolant
Surge Tank.................................................5-32
How to Add Fluid............................................5-23
How to Check Lubricant...................................5-51
How to Check Power Steering Fluid..................5-37
How to Check........................................5-21, 5-67
How to Inspect...............................................5-19
How to Use This Manual...................................... ii
How to Wear Safety Belts Properly...................1-33
Hydroplaning..................................................4-36
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.....................................3-45
If the Light Is On Steady.................................3-46
If You Are Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow.......4-48If You Do Decide To Pull A Trailer.....................4-55
If You're Caught in a Blizzard...........................4-45
Ignition Positions.............................................2-20
Ignition Transmission Lock Check......................6-14
Illuminated Visor Vanity Mirrors.........................2-17
Infants and Young Children, Restraints...............1-53
In¯ation -- Tire Pressure..................................5-67
Inspection......................................................6-17
Brake System.............................................6-17
Engine Cooling System................................6-17
Exhaust System..........................................6-16
Fuel System...............................................6-16
Part C - Periodic Maintenance.......................6-16
Steering and Suspension..............................6-16
Transfer Case and Front Axle
(All-Wheel Drive)......................................6-17
Instrument Panel Brightness.............................3-18
Instrument Panel Fuse Block..........................5-103
Instrument Panel.............................................3-34
Cluster.......................................................3-34
Overview..................................................... 3-4
Interior Lamps................................................3-18
J
Jump Starting.................................................5-44
8