maintenance schedule CADILLAC ESCALADE 2008 3.G User Guide

All-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case
If your vehicle is equipped with All-Wheel Drive, be sure
to perform the lubricant checks described in this section.
There are two additional systems that need lubrication.
When to Check Lubricant
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine
how often to check the lubricant. SeeScheduled
Maintenance on page 6-4.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
If the level is below the bottom of the ller plug hole,
located on the transfer case, you’ll need to add some
lubricant. Add enough lubricant to raise the level to
the bottom of the ller plug hole. Use care not to
overtighten the plug.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Rear Axle
When to Check Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check rear axle uid
unless you suspect there is a leak or you hear an
unusual noise. A uid loss could indicate a problem.
Have it inspected and repaired.
All axle assemblies are lled by volume of uid during
production. They are not lled to reach a certain level.
When checking the uid level on any axle, variations
in the readings can be caused by factory ll differences
between the minimum and the maximum uid volume.
(A) Drain Plug (B) Filler Plug
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Also, if a vehicle has just been driven before checking
the uid level, it may appear lower than normal because
uid has traveled out along the axle tubes and has
not drained back to the sump area. Therefore, a reading
taken ve minutes after the vehicle has been driven
will appear to have a lower uid level than a vehicle that
has been stationary for an hour or two. Remember
that the rear axle assembly must be supported to get a
true reading.
How to Check Lubricant
To get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
For Two-Wheel-Drive vehicles, the proper level is
from 0.6 inch to 1.6 inches (15 mm to 40 mm)
below the bottom of the ller plug hole, located on
the rear axle. Add only enough uid to reach
the proper level.
For All-Wheel-Drive vehicles, the proper level is
from 0.04 inch to 0.75 inch (1.0 mm to 19.0 mm)
below the bottom of the ller plug hole, located on
the rear axle. Add only enough uid to reach the
proper level.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-13.
5-45

Front Axle
When to Check and Change Lubricant
It is not necessary to regularly check front axle uid
unless you suspect there is a leak or you hear an
unusual noise. A uid loss could indicate a problem.
Have it inspected and repaired.
How to Check Lubricant
(A) Fill Plug (B) Drain PlugTo get an accurate reading, the vehicle should be on a
level surface.
When the differential is cold, add enough lubricant
to raise the level from 0 (0 mm) to 1/8 inch
(3.2 mm) below the ller plug hole.
When the differential is at operating temperature
(warm), add enough lubricant to raise the level
to the bottom of the ller plug hole.
What to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine what
kind of lubricant to use. SeeRecommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 6-13.
Headlamp Aiming
The vehicle has a visual optical headlamp aiming
system. The aim of the headlamps have been preset at
the factory and should need no further adjustment.
However, if the vehicle is damaged in a crash, the aim
of the headlamps may be affected and adjustment
may be necessary.
5-46

Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected for wear
or cracking. SeeScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4.
Replacement blades come in different types and
are removed in different ways. To replace the wiper
blade assembly:
1. Pull the windshield wiper arm connector away from
the windshield.
2. Squeeze the grooved areas on each side of the
blade, and turn the blade assembly away from
the arm connector.3. Install the new blade onto the arm connector and
make sure the grooved areas are fully set in the
locked position.
For the proper type and size, seeMaintenance
Replacement Parts on page 6-15.
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6. Proceed to the passenger side front tire, and repeat
the procedure in Step 5.
7. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire, and repeat
the procedure in Step 5.
8. Proceed to the driver side rear tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 5. The horn sounds two times to
indicate the sensor identication code has been
matched to the driver side rear tire, and the TPMS
sensor matching process is no longer active.
The TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE message on the
DIC display screen goes off.
9. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK/OFF.
10. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure
level as indicated on the Tire and Loading
Information label.
11. Put the valve caps back on the valve stems.Tire Inspection and Rotation
We recommend that you regularly inspect your
vehicle’s tires, including the spare tire, for signs of
wear or damage. SeeWhen It Is Time for New
Tires on page 5-69for more information.
Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km). SeeScheduled Maintenance
on page 6-4.
The purpose of a regular tire rotation is to achieve a
uniform wear for all tires on the vehicle. This will
ensure that your vehicle continues to perform most
like it did when the tires were new.
Any time you notice unusual wear, rotate your
tires as soon as possible and check wheel
alignment. Also check for damaged tires or wheels.
SeeWhen It Is Time for New Tires on page 5-69
andWheel Replacement on page 5-74.
5-67

Maintenance Schedule......................................6-2
Introduction...................................................6-2
Maintenance Requirements..............................6-2
Your Vehicle and the Environment....................6-2
Using the Maintenance Schedule......................6-2
Scheduled Maintenance...................................6-4
Additional Required Services............................6-6
Maintenance Footnotes...................................6-8Owner Checks and Services..........................6-10
At Each Fuel Fill..........................................6-10
At Least Once a Month.................................6-10
At Least Once a Year...................................6-11
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants...............6-13
Maintenance Replacement Parts.....................6-15
Engine Drive Belt Routing..............................6-16
Maintenance Record.....................................6-17
Section 6 Maintenance Schedule
6-1

Maintenance Schedule
Introduction
Important: Keep engine oil at the proper level and
change as recommended.
Have you purchased the GM Protection Plan? The Plan
supplements your new vehicle warranties. See your
Warranty and Owner Assistance booklet or your
dealer/retailer for details.
Maintenance Requirements
Notice:Maintenance intervals, checks, inspections,
replacement parts, and recommended uids and
lubricants as prescribed in this manual are
necessary to keep your vehicle in good working
condition. Any damage caused by failure to follow
scheduled maintenance might not be covered
by warranty.
Your Vehicle and the Environment
Proper vehicle maintenance not only helps to keep your
vehicle in good working condition, but also helps the
environment. All recommended maintenance is
important. Improper vehicle maintenance can even
affect the quality of the air we breathe. Improper uid
levels or the wrong tire ination can increase the level
of emissions from your vehicle. To help protect our
environment, and to keep your vehicle in good condition,
be sure to maintain your vehicle properly.
Using the Maintenance Schedule
We want to help you keep your vehicle in good working
condition. But we do not know exactly how you will
drive it. You might drive very short distances only a few
times a week. Or you might drive long distances all
the time in very hot, dusty weather. You might use your
vehicle in making deliveries. Or you might drive it to
work, to do errands, or in many other ways.
Because of all the different ways people use their
vehicles, maintenance needs vary. You might need more
frequent checks and replacements. So please read
the following and note how you drive. If you have any
questions on how to keep your vehicle in good condition,
see your dealer/retailer.
6-2

This schedule is for vehicles that:
carry passengers and cargo within recommended
limits. You will nd these limits on the Tire and
Loading Information label. SeeLoading Your
Vehicle on page 4-35.
are driven on reasonable road surfaces within legal
driving limits.
are driven off-road in the recommended manner.
SeeOff-Road Driving on page 4-12.
use the recommended fuel. SeeGasoline Octane
on page 5-5.
The services inScheduled Maintenance on page 6-4
should be performed when indicated. SeeAdditional
Required Services on page 6-6andMaintenance
Footnotes on page 6-8for further information.
{CAUTION:
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle can
be dangerous. In trying to do some jobs,
you can be seriously injured. Do your own
maintenance work only if you have the required
know-how and the proper tools and equipment
for the job. If you have any doubt, see your
dealer/retailer to have a qualied technician do
the work. SeeDoing Your Own Service Work
on page 5-4.
Some maintenance services can be complex.
So, unless you are technically qualied and have
the necessary equipment, you should have your
dealer/retailer do these jobs.
6-3

When you go to your dealer/retailer for your service
needs, you will know that trained and supported service
technicians will perform the work using genuine parts.
If you want to purchase service information, seeService
Publications Ordering Information on page 7-15.
Owner Checks and Services on page 6-10tells you
what should be checked, when to check it, and what you
can easily do to help keep your vehicle in good
condition.
The proper replacement parts, uids, and lubricants to
use are listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants
on page 6-13andMaintenance Replacement Parts
on page 6-15. When your vehicle is serviced, make sure
these are used. All parts should be replaced and all
necessary repairs done before you or anyone else
drives the vehicle. We recommend the use of genuine
parts from your dealer/retailer.Scheduled Maintenance
To maintain the ride, handling, and performance of your
vehicle, it is important that the rst tire rotation service
be performed when the vehicle has 5,000 to 8,000 miles
(8 000 to 13 000 km). Check tires for ination pressures
and wear. SeeTires on page 5-54. Rotate tires.
SeeTire Inspection and Rotation on page 5-67and
“Tire Wear Inspection” inAt Least Once a Month
on page 6-10.
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
comes on, it means that service is required for your
vehicle. Have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible
within the next 600 miles (1 000 km). It is possible
that, if you are driving under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system may not indicate that vehicle
service is necessary for over a year. However,
the engine oil and lter must be changed at least once
a year and at this time the system must be reset.
Your dealer/retailer has trained service technicians who
will perform this work using genuine parts and reset
the system.
6-4

Maintenance Record
After the scheduled services are performed, record the date, odometer reading, who performed the service, and the
type of services performed in the boxes provided. SeeMaintenance Requirements on page 6-2. Any additional
information fromOwner Checks and Services on page 6-10can be added on the following record pages. You should
retain all maintenance receipts.
Maintenance Record
DateOdometer
ReadingServiced By Maintenance Stamp Services Performed
6-17