check engine CADILLAC ESCALADE 2010 3.G User Guide

When the Light Flashes First and Then is
On Steady
This indicates that there may be a problem with the TirePressure Monitor System. The light flashes for about aminute and stays on steady for the remainder of theignition cycle. This sequence repeats with every ignitioncycle. SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operationonpage 7!68for more information.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Check Engine Light
A computer system called OBD II (On-BoardDiagnostics-Second Generation) monitors operationof the fuel, ignition, and emission control systems.It ensures that emissions are at acceptable levels forthe life of the vehicle, helping to produce a cleanerenvironment.
This light should come onwhen the ignition is on,but the engine is notrunning, as a check toshow it is working. If itdoes not, have the vehicleserviced by your dealer/retailer.
If the check engine light comes on and stays on, whilethe engine is running, this indicates that there is anOBD II problem and service is required.
Malfunctions often are indicated by the system beforeany problem is apparent. Being aware of the light canprevent more serious damage to the vehicle. Thissystem assists the service technician in correctlydiagnosing any malfunction.
Notice:If the vehicle is continually driven with thislight on, after a while, the emission controls mightnot work as well, the vehicle's fuel economy mightnot be as good, and the engine might not run assmoothly. This could lead to costly repairs thatmight not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Notice:Modifications made to the engine,transmission, exhaust, intake, or fuel system of thevehicle or the replacement of the original tires withother than those of the same Tire PerformanceCriteria (TPC) can affect the vehicle's emissioncontrols and can cause this light to come on.Modifications to these systems could lead to costlyrepairs not covered by the vehicle warranty. Thiscould also result in a failure to pass a requiredEmission Inspection/Maintenance test. SeeAccessories and Modifications on page 7!4.
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This light comes on during a malfunction in one oftwo ways:
Light Flashing :A misfire condition has been detected.A misfire increases vehicle emissions and coulddamage the emission control system on the vehicle.Diagnosis and service might be required.
To prevent more serious damage to the vehicle:
.Reduce vehicle speed.
.Avoid hard accelerations.
.Avoid steep uphill grades.
.If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargobeing hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to flash, when it is safe to do so,stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle.Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restartthe engine. If the light is still flashing, follow theprevious steps and see your dealer/retailer for serviceas soon as possible.
Light On Steady :An emission control systemmalfunction has been detected on the vehicle.Diagnosis and service might be required.
An emission system malfunction might be corrected bydoing the following:
.Make sure the fuel cap is fully installed. SeeFillingthe Tankon page 7!11. The diagnostic systemcan determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel capallows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A fewdriving trips with the cap properly installed shouldturn the light off.
.If the vehicle has been driven through a deeppuddle of water, the vehicle's electrical systemmight be wet. The condition is usually correctedwhen the electrical system dries out. A few drivingtrips should turn the light off.
.Make sure to fuel the vehicle with quality fuel.Poor fuel quality causes the engine not to run asefficiently as designed and can cause: stalling afterstart-up, stalling when the vehicle is changed intogear, misfiring, hesitation on acceleration,or stumbling on acceleration. These conditionsmight go away once the engine is warmed up.
If one or more of these conditions occurs, changethe fuel brand used. It will require at least one fulltank of the proper fuel to turn the light off.
SeeGasoline Octane on page 7!8.
If none of the above have made the light turn off, yourdealer/retailer can check the vehicle. The dealer/retailerhas the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to fixany mechanical or electrical problems that might havedeveloped.
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Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs
Some state/provincial and local governments have ormight begin programs to inspect the emission controlequipment on the vehicle. Failure to pass thisinspection could prevent getting a vehicle registration.
Here are some things to know to help the vehicle passan inspection:
.The vehicle will not pass this inspection if thecheck engine light is on with the engine running,or if the key is in ON/RUN and the light is not on.
.The vehicle will not pass this inspection if theOBD II (on-board diagnostic) system determinesthat critical emission control systems have notbeen completely diagnosed by the system.The vehicle would be considered not ready forinspection. This can happen if the battery hasrecently been replaced or if the battery has rundown. The diagnostic system is designed toevaluate critical emission control systems duringnormal driving. This can take several days ofroutine driving. If this has been done and thevehicle still does not pass the inspection for lack ofOBD II system readiness, your dealer/retailer canprepare the vehicle for inspection.
Oil Pressure Light
{WARNING:
Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
The engine can become so hot that it catches fire.
Someone could be burned. Check the oil as soon
as possible and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Lack of proper engine oil maintenance candamage the engine. The repairs would not becovered by the vehicle warranty. Always follow themaintenance schedule in this manual for changingengine oil.
This light comes on briefly while starting the engine.If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by yourdealer/retailer. If the system is working normally theindicator light then goes off.
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You should take any messages that appear on thedisplay seriously and remember that clearing themessages will only make the messages disappear,not correct the problem.
The following are the possible messages that can bedisplayed and some information about them.
BATTERY LOW START VEHICLE
When the vehicle’s battery is severely discharged, thismessage will display and four chimes will sound. Startthe vehicle immediately. If the vehicle is not started andthe battery continues to discharge, the climate controls,heated seats, and audio systems will shut off and thevehicle may require a jump start. These systems willfunction again after the vehicle is started.
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
This message displays when the engine oil needs to bechanged. When you change the engine oil, be sure toreset the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message. SeeEngine Oil Life Systemon page 7!20for informationon how to reset the message. SeeEngine Oilonpage 7!17andScheduled Maintenanceo n p a g e 8!3for more information.
DRIVER DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chime sounds if the driverdoor is not fully closed and the vehicle is shifted out ofP (Park). Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the doorfor obstructions, and close the door again. Check to seeif the message still appears on the DIC.
ENGINE HOT A/C (Air Conditioning)
TURNED OFF
This message displays when the engine coolantbecomes hotter than the normal operating temperature.SeeEngine Coolant Temperature Gageon page 4!35.To avoid added strain on a hot engine, the airconditioning compressor automatically turns off.When the coolant temperature returns to normal,the air conditioning compressor turns back on. You cancontinue to drive your vehicle.
If this message continues to appear, have the systemrepaired by your dealer/retailer as soon as possible toavoid damage to the engine.
ENGINE OIL HOT IDLE ENGINE
This message displays when the engine oil becomeshotter than the normal operating temperature. Stop andallow the vehicle to idle until it cools down. SeeEngineCoolant Temperature Gageon page 4!35.
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ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine isoverheating, severe engine damage may occur. If anoverheat warning appears on the instrument panelcluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon aspossible. SeeEngine Overheatingon page 7!34formore information.
This message displays when the engine coolanttemperature is too hot. Stop and allow the vehicle toidle until it cools down. SeeEngine CoolantTemperature Gage on page 4!35.
SeeOverheated Engine Protection Operating Modeonpage 7!37for information on driving to a safe place inan emergency.
ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine isoverheating, severe engine damage may occur. If anoverheat warning appears on the instrument panelcluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon aspossible. SeeEngine Overheatingon page 7!34formore information.
This message displays and a chime sounds if theengine cooling system reaches unsafe temperatures foroperation. Stop and turn off the vehicle as soon as it issafe to do so to avoid severe damage. This messageclears when the engine has cooled to a safe operatingtemperature.
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED
This message displays and a chime sounds when thecooling system temperature gets too hot and the enginefurther enters the engine coolant protection mode.SeeEngine Overheatingon page 7!34for furtherinformation.
This message also displays when the vehicle's enginepower is reduced. Reduced engine power can affect thevehicle's ability to accelerate. If this message is on, butthere is no reduction in performance, proceed to yourdestination. The performance may be reduced the nexttime the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven ata reduced speed while this message is on, butacceleration and speed may be reduced. Anytime thismessage stays on, the vehicle should be taken to yourdealer/retailer for service as soon as possible.
FUEL LEVEL LOW
This message displays and a chime sounds if the fuellevel is low. Refuel as soon as possible. SeeFuel Gageon page 4!40andFuelo n p a g e 7!7for moreinformation.
HOOD OPEN
This message displays and a chime sounds if the hoodis not fully closed. Stop and turn off the vehicle, checkthe hood for obstructions, and close the hood again.Check to see if the message still appears on the DIC.
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ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE WITH CARE
This message displays when ice conditions arepossible.
LEFT REAR DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chime sounds if the driverside rear door is not fully closed and the vehicle isshifted out of P (Park). Stop and turn off the vehicle,check the door for obstructions, and close the dooragain. Check to see if the message still appears onthe DIC.
OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP ENGINE
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine oilpressure is low, severe engine damage may occur.If a low oil pressure warning appears on the DriverInformation Center (DIC), stop the vehicle as soonas possible. Do not drive the vehicle until the causeof the low oil pressure is corrected. SeeEngine Oilon page 7!17for more information.
This message displays if low oil pressure levels occur.Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and do notoperate it until the cause of the low oil pressure hasbeen corrected. Check the oil as soon as possible andhave your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.SeeEngine Oil on page 7!17.
PARKING ASSIST BLOCKED SEE
OWNERS MANUAL
If your vehicle has the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist(URPA) system, this message displays if there issomething interfering with the park assist system.SeeUltrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA)onpage 3!46for more information.
PARKING ASSIST OFF
After the vehicle has been started, this messagedisplays to remind the driver that the Ultrasonic RearParking Assist (URPA) system has been turned off.Press the set/reset button to acknowledge this messageand clear it from the DIC display. To turn the URPAsystem back on, seeUltrasonic Rear Parking Assist(URPA) on page 3!46.
PASSENGER DOOR OPEN
This message displays and a chime sounds if the frontpassenger door is not fully closed and the vehicle isshifted out of P (Park). Stop and turn off the vehicle,check the door for obstructions, and close the dooragain. Check to see if the message still appears onthe DIC.
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SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEM
UNAVAILABLE
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)system, this message displays when the SBZA systemis disabled because the sensor is blocked and cannotdetect vehicles in your blind zone. The sensor may beblocked by mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush. This messagemay also display during heavy rain or due to road spray.It may also come on when driving in isolated areas withno guardrails, trees, or road signs and light traffic.Your vehicle does not need service. For cleaninginstructions, seeWashing Your Vehicleon page 7!102.SeeSide Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)on page 3!48formore information.
STABILITRAK OFF
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message displayswhen you turn off StabiliTrak, or when the stabilitycontrol has been automatically disabled. To limit wheelspin and realize the full benefits of the stabilityenhancement system, you should normally leaveStabiliTrak on. However, you should turn StabiliTrak offif your vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow andyou want to rock your vehicle to attempt to free it, or if
you are driving in extreme off-road conditions andrequire more wheel spin. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck inSand, Mud, Ice, or Snowon page 6!30. To turn theStabiliTrak system on or off, seeStabiliTrak®Systemo n p a g e 6!6.
There are several conditions that can cause thismessage to appear.
.One condition is overheating, which could occur ifStabiliTrak activates continuously for an extendedperiod of time.
.The message also displays if the brake systemwarning light is on. SeeBrake System WarningLight on page 4!33.
.The message could display if the stability systemtakes longer than usual to complete its diagnosticchecks due to driving conditions.
.The message displays if an engine or vehiclerelated problem has been detected and the vehicleneeds service. See your dealer/retailer.
The message turns off as soon as the conditions thatcaused the message to be displayed are no longerpresent.
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TIGHTEN GAS CAP
This message may display along with the check enginelight on the instrument panel cluster if the vehicle's fuelcap is not tightened properly. SeeMalfunction IndicatorLampon page 4!36. Reinstall the fuel cap fully. SeeFilling the Tankon page 7!11. The diagnostic systemcan determine if the fuel cap has been left off orimproperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap allowsfuel to evaporate into the atmosphere. A few drivingtrips with the cap properly installed should turn this lightand message off.
TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System(TPMS), this message displays when the TPMS isre-learning the tire positions on your vehicle. The tirepositions must be re-learned after rotating the tires orafter replacing a tire or sensor. SeeTire Inspection andRotationon page 7!71,Tire Pressure Monitor Systemon page 7!67, andInflation - Tire Pressureonpage 7!65for more information.
TIRE LOW ADD AIR TO TIRE
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System(TPMS), this message displays when the pressure inone or more of the vehicle's tires is low. This messagealso displays LEFT FRONT, RIGHT FRONT, LEFTREAR, or RIGHT REAR to indicate which tire needs tobe checked. The low tire pressure warning light will alsocome on. SeeTire Pressure Lighton page 4!35. Youcan receive more than one tire pressure message at atime. To read the other messages that may have beensent at the same time, press the set/reset button. If atire pressure message appears on the DIC, stop assoon as you can. Have the tire pressures checked andset to those shown on the Tire Loading Informationlabel. SeeTireson page 7!58,Loading the Vehicleonpage 6!32, andInflation - Tire Pressureon page 7!65.The DIC also shows the tire pressure values. SeeDICOperation and Displays on page 4!41.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message displayswhen the Traction Control System (TCS) is turned off.Adjust your driving accordingly. SeeStabiliTrak®
Systemo n p a g e 6!6for more information.
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Navigation Audio System
Notice:Before adding any sound equipment tothe vehicle, such as an audio system, CD player,CB radio, mobile telephone, or two-way radio, makesure that it can be added by checking with yourdealer/retailer. Also, check federal rules coveringmobile radio and telephone units. If soundequipment can be added, it is very important todo it properly. Added sound equipment can interferewith the operation of the vehicle's engine, radio,or other systems, and even damage them. Thevehicle's systems can interfere with the operationof sound equipment that has been added.
Notice:The chime signals related to safety belts,parking brake, and other functions of the vehicleoperate through the navigation system. If thatequipment is replaced or additional equipment isadded to the vehicle, the chimes may not work.Make sure that replacement or additional equipmentis compatible with the vehicle before installing it.See“Accessories and Modifications”in the Index ofthe vehicle's owner manual.
Playing the Radio
O/n(Power/Volume):Press to turn the audiosystem on and off. Turn to increase or to decreasethe volume.
Press and hold for more than two seconds to turn offthe navigation system, the Rear Seat Entertainment(RSE) video screen, and Rear Seat Audio (RSA). If thevehicle has not been turned off, press this knob to turnRSE and RSA back on and to continue playback of thelast active source.
w(Tuning Knob):Turn to go to the next or previousfrequency or disc track or chapter. SeeCD Playeronpage 5!68orDVD Playeron page 5!75for moreinformation.
AUDIO :Press to display the audio screen. Press toswitch between AM, FM, or XM, if equipped, DISC,or AUX (Auxiliary), or touch the screen button. SeeCDPlayeron page 5!68,DVD Playeron page 5!75, andAuxiliary Deviceson page 5!85for more information.
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Antilock Brake System (ABS)
This vehicle has the Antilock Brake System (ABS), anadvanced electronic braking system that helps preventa braking skid.
When the engine is started and the vehicle begins todrive away, ABS checks itself. A momentary motor orclicking noise might be heard while this test is going on.This is normal.
If there is a problem withABS, this warning lightstays on. SeeAntilockBrake System (ABS)Warning Lightonpage 4!34.
Along with ABS, the vehicle has a Dynamic RearProportioning (DRP) system. If there is a DRP problem,both the brake and ABS warning lights come onaccompanied by a 10!second chime. The lights andchime will come on each time the ignition is turned onuntil the problem is repaired. See your dealer/retailerfor service.
Let us say the road is wet and you are driving safely.Suddenly, an animal jumps out in front of you. You slamon the brakes and continue braking. Here is whathappens with ABS:
A computer senses that the wheels are slowing down.If one of the wheels is about to stop rolling, thecomputer will separately work the brakes at each frontwheel and at both rear wheels.
ABS can change the brake pressure to each wheel, asrequired, faster than any driver could. This can help thedriver steer around the obstacle while braking hard.
As the brakes are applied, the computer keepsreceiving updates on wheel speed and controls brakingpressure accordingly.
Remember: ABS does not change the time needed toget a foot up to the brake pedal or always decreasestopping distance. If you get too close to the vehicle infront of you, there will not be enough time to apply thebrakes if that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Alwaysleave enough room up ahead to stop, even with ABS.
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