weight CADILLAC ESCALADE 2004 2.G Owner's Manual

Weight-distributing Hitches and Weight
Carrying Hitches
When using a weight-distributing hitch, the hitch must
be adjusted so that the distance (A) remains the
same both before and after coupling the trailer to the
tow vehicle.If you’ll be pulling a trailer that, when loaded, will weigh
more than 5,000 lbs. (2 270 kg) be sure to use a
properly mounted weight-distributing hitch and sway
control of the proper size. This equipment is very
important for proper vehicle loading and good handling
when driving. You should always use a sway control
if your trailer will weigh more than these limits. You can
ask a hitch dealer about sway controls.
Safety Chains
You should always attach chains between your vehicle
and your trailer. Cross the safety chains under the
tongue of the trailer to help prevent the tongue from
contacting the road if it becomes separated from
the hitch. Always leave just enough slack so you can
turn with your rig. Never allow safety chains to drag on
the ground.
Trailer Brakes
If your trailer weighs more than 2,000 lbs (900 kg)
loaded, then it needs its own brakes — and they must
be adequate. Be sure to read and follow the instructions
for the trailer brakes so you’ll be able to install, adjust
and maintain them properly.
Since your vehicle is equipped with Stabilitrak
®, your
trailer brake system cannot tap into the vehicle’s
hydraulic brake system. (A) Body-to-Ground Distance (B) Front of Vehicle
4-63

Driving with a Trailer
{CAUTION:
If you have a rear-most window open and you
pull a trailer with your vehicle, carbon
monoxide (CO) could come into your vehicle.
You can not see or smell CO. It can cause
unconsciousness or death. SeeEngine
Exhaust on page 2-30. To maximize your safety
when towing a trailer:
Have your exhaust system inspected for
leaks, and make necessary repairs before
starting on your trip.
Keep the rear-most windows closed.
If exhaust does come into your vehicle
through a window in the rear or another
opening, drive with your front, main
heating or cooling system on and with the
fan on any speed. This will bring fresh,
outside air into your vehicle. Do not use
the climate control setting for maximum air
because it only recirculates the air inside
your vehicle. SeeAutomatic Climate
Control System on page 3-23.Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of experience.
Before setting out for the open road, you’ll want to get
to know your rig. Acquaint yourself with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the trailer.
And always keep in mind that the vehicle you are
driving is now a good deal longer and not nearly as
responsive as your vehicle is by itself.
Before you start, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connector, lamps,
tires and mirror adjustment. If the trailer has electric
brakes, start your vehicle and trailer moving and then
apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This lets you check your
electrical connection at the same time.
During your trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving your vehicle without a trailer.
This can help you avoid situations that require
heavy braking and sudden turns.
4-64

(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire. The letter
“R” means radial ply construction; the letter “D” means
diagonal or bias ply construction; and the letter “B”
means belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in inches.
(F) Service Description:The service description
indicates the load range and speed rating of a tire. The
load index can range from 1 to 279. Speed ratings
range from “A” to “Z”. The light truck tire size example
above shows dual or single tire congurations.
Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire pressing
outward on each square inch of the tire. Air pressure
is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined weight
of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
accessories are, automatic transmission, power steering,
power brakes, power windows, power seats, and air
conditioning.Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height to
its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be made
from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped by
steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies are
laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Cold Ination Pressure:The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat from
driving. SeeInation - Tire Pressure on page 5-74.
Curb Weight:This means the weight of a motor vehicle
with standard and optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil and coolant, but without
passengers and cargo.
5-71

DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall of a
tire signifying that the tire is in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation motor vehicle safety
standards. The DOT code includes the Tire Identication
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric designator which can
also identify the tire manufacturer, production plant,
brand and date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, seeLoading
Your Vehicle on page 4-50.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the front
axle, seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-50.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear axle,
seeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-50.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:The side of an
asymmetrical tire, that must always face outward when
mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):The metric unit for air pressure.
There are 6.9 kPa’s to one psi.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:A tire used on light duty
trucks and some multipurpose passenger vehicles.
Load Index:An assigned number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load carrying capacity of a tire.Maximum Ination Pressure:The maximum air
pressure to which a cold tire may be inated. The
maximum air pressure is molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating:The load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible ination pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:The sum of curb
weight; accessory weight; vehicle capacity weight;
and production options weight.
Normal Occupant Weight:The number of occupants a
vehicle is designed to seat multiplied by 150 pounds
(68 kg). SeeLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-50.
Occupant Distribution:Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall:The side of a asymmetrical
tire that has a particular side that faces outward when
mounted on a vehicle. The side of the tire that contains a
whitewall, bears white lettering or bears manufacturer,
brand and or model name molding that is higher or
deeper than the same moldings on the other sidewall of
the tire.
5-72

Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:A tire used on passenger
cars and some light duty trucks and multipurpose
vehicles.
Recommended Ination Pressure:Vehicle
manufacturer’s recommended tire ination pressure and
shown on the tire placard. SeeInation - Tire Pressure
on page 5-74andLoading Your Vehicle on page 4-50.
Radial Ply tire:A pneumatic tire in which the ply cords
that extend to the beads are laid at 90 degrees to the
centerline of the tread.
Rim:A metal support for a tire and upon which the tire
beads are seated.
Sidewall:The portion of a tire between the tread and
the bead.
Speed Rating:An alphanumeric code assigned to a
tire indicating the maximum speed at which a tire
can operate.
Traction:The friction between the tire and the road
surface. The amount of grip provided.
Tread:The portion of a tire that comes into contact
with the road.Treadwear Indicators:Narrow bands, sometimes
called “wear bars,” that show across the tread of a tire
when only 2/32 inch of tread remains. SeeWhen It
Is Time for New Tires on page 5-79.
UTQGS:Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards, a tire
information system that provides consumers with
ratings for a tire’s traction, temperature and treadwear.
Ratings are determined by tire manufacturers using
government testing procedures. The ratings are molded
into the sidewall of the tire. SeeUniform Tire Quality
Grading on page 5-81.
Vehicle Capacity Weight:The number of designated
seating positions multiplied by 150 lbs. (68 kg) plus
the rated cargo load. SeeLoading Your Vehicle
on page 4-50.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire:Load on an
individual tire due to curb weight, accessory weight,
occupant weight and cargo weight.
Vehicle Placard:A label permanently attached to a
vehicle showing the original equipment tire size
and recommended ination pressure. SeeLoading Your
Vehicle on page 4-50.
5-73

Tires (cont.)
Ination - Tire Pressure................................5-74
Inspection and Rotation................................5-78
Pressure Monitor System..............................5-75
Spare Tire................................................5-104
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.........................5-81
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance.................5-82
Wheel Replacement.....................................5-83
When It Is Time for New Tires......................5-79
To Use the Engine Coolant Heater....................2-21
Top Strap......................................................1-63
Top Strap Anchor Location...............................1-65
Torque Lock...................................................2-28
Total Weight on Your Vehicle’s Tires..................4-62
Tow/Haul Mode Light.......................................3-49
Tow/Haul Mode Selector Button........................2-25
Towing
Recreational Vehicle.....................................4-49
Towing a Trailer..........................................4-57
Your Vehicle...............................................4-49
Traction
Off Light.....................................................3-43
Road Sensing Suspension.............................. 4-9
Stabilitrak
®System......................................4-10
TRACTION ACTIVE........................................3-67
Traction Control Operation................................4-11
TRACTION SYS LIMITED................................3-68Trailer
Recommendations.......................................4-56
Trailer Brakes.................................................4-63
Trailer Wiring Harness.....................................4-67
TRANS HOT IDLE ENGINE.............................3-66
Transfer Case................................................5-49
Transmission
Fluid, Automatic...........................................5-21
Temperature Gage.......................................3-44
TRANSMISSION HOT.....................................3-65
Transmission Operation, Automatic....................2-22
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer Case Unit
Repair Manual............................................7-13
Transportation Options...................................... 7-9
Traveling to Remote Areas...............................4-20
Trip Information Button....................................3-51
Turn and Lane Change Signals.......................... 3-8
TURN SIGNAL ON.........................................3-64
Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever........................... 3-8
Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer..................4-65U
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)...............3-19
Underhood Fuse Block...................................5-119
Understanding Radio Reception.......................3-104
16

Unfolding the Seatback....................................1-22
Unfolding the Seatbacks..................................1-15
Uniform Tire Quality Grading............................5-81
United States – Customer Assistance.................. 7-5
Using HomeLink
®...........................................2-42
Using the Recovery Hooks...............................4-47
V
Vehicle
Control........................................................ 4-6
Damage Warnings........................................... iv
Loading......................................................4-50
Symbols......................................................... iv
Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data
Recorders..................................................7-10
Vehicle Identication
Number (VIN)............................................5-113
Service Parts Identication Label..................5-114
Vehicle Personalization
Memory Seat..............................................2-48
Vehicle Storage..............................................5-43
Ventilation Adjustment......................................3-30
Video Screen.................................................3-89
Visors...........................................................2-15
Voltmeter Gage..............................................3-40
W
Warning Lights, Gages and Indicators................3-34
Warnings
DIC Warnings and Messages........................3-62
Hazard Warning Flashers............................... 3-6
Other Warning Devices.................................. 3-7
Safety and Symbols......................................... iii
Vehicle Damage.............................................. iv
Washing Your Vehicle....................................5-108
Weight of the Trailer........................................4-60
Weight of the Trailer Tongue.............................4-61
What Kind of Engine Oil to Use........................5-15
What to Do with Used Oil................................5-18
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance..........................5-82
Replacement...............................................5-83
When to Add Engine Oil..................................5-14
When to Change Engine Oil (GM Oil
Life System)...............................................5-17
When to Check Lubricant.................................5-50
When to Check Power Steering Fluid................5-37
When You Are Ready to Leave After Parking
on a Hill.....................................................4-67
Where to Put the Restraint...............................1-62
17