brakes CADILLAC ESCALADE 2004 2.G Owner's Guide

Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder reservoir is lled with DOT-3
brake uid. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for the location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake uid level in
the reservoir might go down. The rst is that the
brake uid goes down to an acceptable level during
normal brake lining wear. When new linings are put in,
the uid level goes back up. The other reason is
that uid is leaking out of the brake system. If it is, you
should have your brake system xed, since a leak
means that sooner or later your brakes will not work
well, or will not work at all.
So, it is not a good idea to “top off” your brake uid.
Adding brake uid will not correct a leak. If you add uid
when your linings are worn, then you will have too
much uid when you get new brake linings. You should
add (or remove) brake uid, as necessary, only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
{CAUTION:
If you have too much brake uid, it can spill on
the engine. The uid will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
uid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system. See “Checking Brake Fluid”
in this section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to check your brake uid. SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-5.
5-39

Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake uid without taking off the cap.
Just look at the brake uid reservoir. The uid level
should be above MIN. If it is not, have your brake
system checked to see if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system, make
sure the level is above the MIN but not over the
MAX mark.
What to Add
When you do need brake uid, use only DOT-3 brake
uid. Use new brake uid from a sealed container
only. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 6-13.
Always clean the brake uid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help
keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
{CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of uid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake uid.
5-40

Notice:
Using the wrong uid can badly damage brake
system parts. For example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as engine oil, in your
brake system can damage brake system parts so
badly that they will have to be replaced. Do not
let someone put in the wrong kind of uid.
If you spill brake uid on your vehicle’s painted
surfaces, the paint nish can be damaged. Be
careful not to spill brake uid on your vehicle. If
you do, wash it off immediately. SeeAppearance
Care on page 5-105.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a
high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are
worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come
and go or be heard all the time your vehicle is moving
(except when you are pushing on the brake pedal rmly).
{CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that
soon your brakes will not work well. That
could lead to an accident. When you hear the
brake wear warning sound, have your vehicle
serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brake
pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts in
the proper sequence to GM torque specications.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
5-41

Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a brake stop, your disc brakes
adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its many
parts have to be of top quality and work well together if
the vehicle is to have really good braking. Your
vehicle was designed and tested with top-quality GM
brake parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system — for example, when your brake linings
wear down and you need new ones put in — be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you do
not, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rear brakes can change — for the worse. The braking
performance you have come to expect can change
in many other ways if someone puts in the wrong
replacement brake parts.
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with a maintenance free
ACDelco®battery. When it is time for a new battery, get
one that has the replacement number shown on the
original battery’s label. We recommend an ACDelco
®
battery. SeeEngine Compartment Overview on
page 5-12for battery location.
Warning:Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of California to cause
cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
5-42

(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

Used Replacement Wheels
{CAUTION:
Putting a used wheel on your vehicle is
dangerous. You can’t know how it’s been used
or how far it’s been driven. It could fail
suddenly and cause a crash. If you have to
replace a wheel, use a new GM original
equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
Don’t use tire chains. There’s not enough
clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle without
the proper amount of clearance can cause
damage to the brakes, suspension or other
vehicle parts. The area damaged by the tire
chains could cause you to lose control of your
vehicle and you or others may be injured in a
crash. Use another type of traction device only
if its manufacturer recommends it for use on
your vehicle and tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer’s
instructions. To help avoid damage to your
vehicle, drive slowly, readjust or remove the
device if it’s contacting your vehicle, and don’t
spin your wheels. If you do nd traction devices
that will t, install them on the rear tires.
5-84

*1— Gasoline Engine and Fuel Injection Rail #2.
*2— Gasoline Engine and Fuel Injection Rail #1.
*3— Gasoline Engine; Oxygen Sensors.
*4— Gasoline Engine; Oxygen Sensors.
*5— PCM Ignition
Fuses Usage
GLOW PLUG Not Used
CUST FEED Accessory Power
STUD #1 Auxiliary Power
MBECMid Bussed Electrical Center
Power Feed, Front Seats,
Right Doors
BLOWER Front Climate Control Fan
LBECLeft Bussed Electrical Center,
Door Modules, Door Locks,
Auxiliary Power Outlet—Rear
Cargo Area and Instrument
Panel
STUD 2Accessory Power/Trailer
Wiring Brake Feed
ABS Anti-Lock Brakes
Fuses Usage
VSES/ECAS Vehicle Stability
IGN A Ignition Power
IGN B Ignition Power
LBEC 1Left Bussed Electrical Center,
Left Doors, Truck Body
Controller, Flasher Module
TRL PARK Parking Lamps Trailer Wiring
RR PARKRight Rear Parking and
Sidemarker Lamps
LR PARKLeft Rear Parking and
Sidemarker Lamps
PARK LP Parking Lamps Relay
STARTER Starter Relay
INTPARK Interior Lamps
STOP LP Stoplamps
TBC BATTTruck Body Controller
Battery Feed
SUNROOF Sunroof
SEO B2 Off-Road Lamps
5-121

Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle, suspension,
brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $120.00
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments and specications for GM
transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors cars
and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions to
assist in the diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
In Canada, information pertaining to Product Service
Bulletins can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483).
7-13

Audio System(s) (cont.)
Diversity Antenna System............................3-106
Navigation/Radio System..............................3-86
Radio with Cassette and CD.........................3-70
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)................................3-97
Setting the Time..........................................3-70
Theft-Deterrent Feature...............................3-102
Understanding Radio Reception...................3-104
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System...........3-106
Automatic Climate Control System.....................3-23
Automatic Dimming Mirror Operation..................2-32
Automatic Headlamp System............................3-15
Automatic Level Control...................................4-56
Automatic Transmission
Fluid..........................................................5-21
Operation...................................................2-22
B
Backing Up....................................................4-65
Battery..........................................................5-42
BATTERY NOT CHARGING.............................3-63
Battery Replacement......................................... 2-6
Battery Run-Down Protection............................3-19
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.........................4-38
Before You Drive............................................3-86
Before You Go Off-Roading..............................4-18
Bench Seat....................................................1-21Bench Seat Split (50/50)..................................1-14
Bench Seat, Split (60/40).................................1-12
Brake
Parking......................................................2-25
System Warning Light..................................3-40
Brake Adjustment............................................5-42
Brake Fluid....................................................5-39
Brake Pedal, Throttle.......................................2-20
Brake Pedal Travel.........................................5-42
Brake Wear...................................................5-41
Brakes..........................................................5-39
Braking........................................................... 4-6
Braking in Emergencies..................................... 4-9
Break-In, New Vehicle.....................................2-18
Bucket Seats, Rear.........................................1-27
BUCKLE PASSENGER....................................3-66
BUCKLE SEATBELT.......................................3-66
Bulb Replacement...........................................5-56
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)........5-62
Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker and Daytime
Running Lamps........................................5-61
Halogen Bulbs............................................5-56
Headlamp Aiming........................................5-52
Headlamps.................................................5-57
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting...........5-56
Replacement Bulbs......................................5-63
Taillamps....................................................5-62
Buying New Tires...........................................5-80
2

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