transmission CADILLAC ESCALADE 2009 3.G Owner's Guide

Trailering is different than just driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes in handling, acceleration,
braking, durability and fuel economy. Successful, safe
trailering takes correct equipment, and it has to be used
properly.
The following information has many time-tested,
important trailering tips and safety rules. Many of these
are important for your safety and that of your passengers.
So please read this section carefully before pulling a
trailer.
Pulling A Trailer
Here are some important points:
There are many different laws, including speed limit
restrictions, having to do with trailering. Make sure
the rig will be legal, not only where you live but
also where you will be driving. A good source for
this information can be state or provincial police.
Consider using a sway control. See “Hitches” later
in this section.
Do not tow a trailer at all during the rst 500 miles
(800 km) the new vehicle is driven. The engine,
axle or other parts could be damaged.
Then, during the rst 500 miles (800 km) that a
trailer is towed, do not drive over 50 mph (80 km/h)
and do not make starts at full throttle. This helps
the engine and other parts of the vehicle wear in at
the heavier loads.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission
to a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often
under heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
Three important considerations have to do with weight:
The weight of the trailer
The weight of the trailer tongue
And the weight on the vehicle’s tires
5-43

Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul when lightly loaded
or with no trailer at all will not cause damage. However,
there is no benet to the selection of Tow/Haul when
the vehicle is unloaded. Such a selection when unloaded
may result in unpleasant engine and transmission
driving characteristics and reduced fuel economy.
Tow/Haul is recommended only when pulling a heavy
trailer or a large or heavy load.
The vehicle is equipped with Autoride
®which further
improves the vehicle’s ride while towing. SeeAutoride®
on page 5-42for more information.
Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more than 2,000 lbs
(900 kg) needs to have its own brake system that is
adequate for the weight of the trailer. Be sure to read
and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so
they are installed, adjusted and maintained properly.
Since the vehicle is equipped with StabiliTrak
®,
the trailer brakes cannot tap into the vehicle’s hydraulic
system.
Driving with a Trailer
{CAUTION:
When towing a trailer, exhaust gases may collect
at the rear of the vehicle and enter if the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most window is open.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
To maximize safety when towing a trailer:
Have the exhaust system inspected for
leaks and make necessary repairs before
starting a trip.
Never drive with the liftgate, trunk/hatch,
or rear-most window open.
Fully open the air outlets on or under the
instrument panel.
Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting
that brings in only outside air and set the fan
speed to the highest setting. See Climate
Control System in the Index.
For more information about carbon monoxide, see
Engine Exhaust on page 2-38.
5-50

Turn Signals When Towing a Trailer
The arrows on the instrument panel ash whenever
signaling a turn or lane change. Properly hooked up, the
trailer lamps also ash, telling other drivers the vehicle
is turning, changing lanes or stopping.
When towing a trailer, the arrows on the instrument
panel ash for turns even if the bulbs on the trailer are
burned out. For this reason you may think other
drivers are seeing the signal when they are not. It is
important to check occasionally to be sure the
trailer bulbs are still working.
Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforestarting
down a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission is
not shifted down, the brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no longer work well.Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission to
a lower gear if the transmission shifts too often under
heavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
The tow/haul mode may be used if the transmission
shifts too often. SeeTow/Haul Mode Light on page 3-45.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,
consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at a lower
temperature than at normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing at high altitude
on steep uphill grades, the vehicle may show signs
similar to engine overheating. To avoid this, let
the engine run while parked, preferably on level ground,
with the transmission in P (Park) for a few minutes
before turning the engine off. If the overheat warning
comes on, seeEngine Overheating on page 6-30.
5-52

Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling a
trailer. See this manual’s Maintenance Schedule
or Index for more information. Things that are especially
important in trailer operation are automatic transmission
uid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling system
and brake system. It is a good idea to inspect
these before and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and bolts
are tight.
Trailer Wiring Harness
Heavy-Duty Trailer Wiring Package
The vehicle is equipped with the seven-wire trailer
towing harness. This harness with a seven-pin universal
heavy-duty trailer connector is attached to the rear
bumper beam. It is located next to the integrated
trailer hitch.The seven-wire harness contains the following trailer
circuits:
Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal
Brown: Taillamps
White: Ground
Light Green: Back-up Lamps
Red w/ Black Stripe: Battery Feed*
Dark Blue: Trailer Brake*
*The fuses for these two circuits are installed in the
underhood electrical center, but the circuits are
not connected. They should be installed by your dealer
or a qualied service center.
If charging a remote (non-vehicle) battery, press the
Tow/Haul mode button, if equipped, located at the end
of the shift lever. This will boost the vehicle system
voltage and properly charge the battery. If the trailer is
too light for Tow/Haul mode, or the vehicle is not
equipped with Tow/Haul, turn on the headlamps as a
second way to boost the vehicle system and charge
the battery.
5-54

Service............................................................6-3
Accessories and Modications..........................6-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................6-4
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements.....6-4
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................6-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of the Vehicle.............................................6-5
Fuel................................................................6-5
Gasoline Octane............................................6-5
Gasoline Specications....................................6-6
California Fuel...............................................6-6
Additives.......................................................6-6
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)..................................6-7
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................6-8
Filling the Tank..............................................6-9
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................6-11
Checking Things Under
the Hood....................................................6-12
Hood Release..............................................6-12
Engine Compartment Overview.......................6-14
Engine Oil...................................................6-16
Engine Oil Life System..................................6-18
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................6-19
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................6-21
Cooling System............................................6-24
Engine Coolant.............................................6-26Engine Overheating.......................................6-30
Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode . . .6-33
Engine Fan Noise.........................................6-33
Power Steering Fluid.....................................6-34
Windshield Washer Fluid................................6-35
Brakes........................................................6-36
Battery........................................................6-39
Jump Starting...............................................6-40
All-Wheel Drive..............................................6-45
Rear Axle.......................................................6-46
Front Axle......................................................6-47
Headlamp Aiming...........................................6-48
Bulb Replacement..........................................6-50
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............6-51
LED Lighting................................................6-51
Back-Up Lamps............................................6-51
License Plate Lamp......................................6-53
Replacement Bulbs.......................................6-53
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............6-54
Tires..............................................................6-56
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................6-57
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................6-59
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................6-61
High-Speed Operation...................................6-63
Tire Pressure Monitor System.........................6-63
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
6-1

A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-19.
B. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. SeeCooling
System on page 6-24.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Starting on
page 6-40.
D.Battery on page 6-39.
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 6-16.
F. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (Out of View).
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 6-21.
G. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (GND) (Out of View).
SeeJump Starting on page 6-40.H. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See “Checking
Engine Oil” underEngine Oil on page 6-16.
I. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). SeeCooling
System on page 6-24.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View).
SeePower Steering Fluid on page 6-34.
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 6-36.
L.Underhood Fuse Block on page 6-106.
M. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 6-35.
6-15

{CAUTION:
Operating the engine with the air cleaner/lter off
can cause you or others to be burned. The air
cleaner not only cleans the air; it helps to stop
ames if the engine backres. If it is not there and
the engine backres, you could be burned. Do not
drive with it off, and be careful working on the
engine with the air cleaner/lter off.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check the transmission uid
level. The only reason for uid loss is a transmission leak
or overheating the transmission. If you suspect a small
leak, then use the following checking procedures to check
the uid level. However, if there is a large leak, then it
may be necessary to have the vehicle towed to a dealer/
retailer service department and have it repaired before
driving the vehicle further.Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmission
uid may damage the vehicle, and the damages
may not be covered by the vehicle’s warranty.
Always use the automatic transmission uid listed
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on
page 7-13.
Change the uid and lter at the intervals listed in the
Maintenance Schedule. SeeScheduled Maintenance on
page 7-4. Be sure to use the transmission uid listed
inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-13.
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
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
parts 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.
Before checking the uid level, prepare the vehicle as
follows:
1. Start the engine and park the vehicle on a level
surface. Keep the engine running.
2. Apply the parking brake and place the shift lever
in P (Park).
6-21

3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift
lever through each gear range, pausing for about
three seconds in each range. Then, move the
shift lever back to P (Park).
4. Allow the engine to idle (500 – 800 rpm) for at least
one minute. Slowly release the brake pedal.
5. Keep the engine running and press the Trip/Fuel
button or trip odometer reset stem until TRANS
TEMP (Transmission Temperature) displays on the
Driver Information Center (DIC).
6. Using the TRANS TEMP reading, determine and
perform the appropriate check procedure. If the
TRANS TEMP reading is not within the required
temperature ranges, allow the vehicle to cool,
or operate the vehicle until the appropriate
transmission uid temperature is reached.
Cold Check Procedure
Use this procedure only as a reference to determine if
the transmission has enough uid to be operated
safely until a hot check procedure can be made. The
hot check procedure is the most accurate method
to check the uid level. Perform the hot check procedure
at the rst opportunity. Use this cold check procedure
to check uid level when the transmission temperature is
between 80°F and 90°F (27°C and 32°C).1. Locate the transmission
dipstick at the rear of
the engine
compartment, on the
passenger side of
the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 6-14
for more information.
2. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick
and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
3. Install the dipstick by pushing it back in all the way,
wait three seconds, and then pull it back out again.
4. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the lower
level. Repeat the check procedure to verify the
reading.
6-22

5. If the uid level is below the COLD check band, add
only enough uid as necessary to bring the level into
the COLD band. It does not take much uid,
generally less than one pint (0.5L). Do not overll.
6. Perform a hot check at the rst opportunity after the
transmission reaches a normal operating
temperature between 160°F to 200°F (71°C to 93°C).
7. 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.
Hot Check Procedure
Use this procedure to check the transmission uid level
when the transmission uid temperature is between
160°F and 200°F (71°C and 93°C).
The hot check is the most accurate method to check the
uid level. The hot check should be performed at the rst
opportunity in order to verify the cold check. The uid
level rises as uid temperature increases, so it is
important to ensure the transmission temperature is
within range.
1. Locate the transmission
dipstick at the rear of
the engine
compartment, on the
passenger side of
the vehicle.
SeeEngine Compartment Overview on page 6-14
for more information.
2. Flip the handle up and then pull out the dipstick
and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
3. Install the dipstick by pushing it back in all the way,
wait three seconds, and then pull it back out again.
4. Check both sides of the dipstick and read the lower
level. Repeat the check procedure to verify the
reading.
6-23

5. Safe operating level is within the HOT cross hatch
band on the dipstick. If the uid level is not within
the HOT band, and the transmission temperature is
between 160°F and 200°F (71°C and 93°C), add
or drain uid as necessary to bring the level into the
HOT band. If the uid level is low, add only
enough uid to bring the level into the HOT band. It
does not take much uid, generally less than one
pint (0.5L). Do not overll.
6. 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.
Consistency of Readings
Always check the uid level at least twice using the
procedures described. Consistency (repeatable
readings) is important to maintaining proper uid level. If
uid is added, it may take 15 minutes or longer to
obtain an accurate reading because of residual uid
draining down the dipstick tube. If inconsistent readings
persist, check the transmission breather to be sure it
is clean and not clogged. If readings are still
inconsistent, contact your dealer/retailer.
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the engine to maintain the
correct working temperature.
6-24