engine oil CADILLAC ESCALADE 2010 3.G User Guide

Remember, you must reset the OIL LIFE displayyourself after each oil change. It will not reset itself.Also, be careful not to reset the OIL LIFE displayaccidentally at any time other than when the oil has justbeen changed. It cannot be reset accurately until thenext oil change. To reset the engine oil life system,seeEngine Oil Life System on page 7!20.
Side Blind Zone Alert
If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)system, this display allows the system to be turned onor off. Once in this display, press the set/reset button toselect between ON or OFF. If you choose ON, thesystem will be turned on. If you choose OFF, the systemwill be turned off. When the SBZA system is turned off,the DIC will display the SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERTSYSTEM OFF message as a reminder that the systemhas been turned off. SeeDIC Warnings and Messageson page 4!48andSide Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)onpage 3!48for more information.
Units
Press the vehicle information button until UNITSdisplays. This display allows you to select betweenEnglish or Metric units of measurement. Once in thisdisplay, press the set/reset button to select betweenENGLISH or METRIC units. All of the vehicleinformation will then be displayed in the unit ofmeasurement selected.
Tire Pressure
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System(TPMS), the pressure for each tire can be viewed in theDIC. The tire pressure will be shown in either poundsper square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa). Press thevehicle information button until the DIC displays FRONTTIRES PSI (kPa) LEFT ## RIGHT ##. Press the vehicleinformation button again until the DIC displays REARTIRES PSI (kPa) LEFT ## RIGHT ##.
If a low tire pressure condition is detected by thesystem while driving, a message advising you toadd air to a specific tire will appear in the display.SeeInflation - Tire Pressureon page 7!65andDICWarnings and Messageson page 4!48for moreinformation.
If the tire pressure display shows dashes instead of avalue, there may be a problem with your vehicle. If thisconsistently occurs, see your dealer/retailer for service.
Battery Voltage
This display shows the current battery voltage. If thevoltage is in the normal range, the value will display.For example, the display may read BATTERYVOLTAGE 13.2 VOLTS. If the voltage is low, thedisplay will show LOW. If the voltage is high, thedisplay will show HIGH. Your vehicle's charging
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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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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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Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet weather drivingtips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
.Pass with caution.
.Keep windshield wiping equipment in good shape.
.Keep the windshield washer fluid reservoir filled.
.Have good tires with proper tread depth.SeeTires on page 7!58.
.Turn off cruise control.
Before Leaving on a Long Trip
To prepare your vehicle for a long trip, consider havingit serviced by your dealer/retailer before departing.
Things to check on your own include:
.Windshield Washer Fluid:Reservoir full?Windows clean—inside and outside?
.Wiper Blades:In good shape?
.Fuel, Engine Oil, Other Fluids:All levels checked?
.Lamps:Do they all work and are lenses clean?
.Tires:Are treads good? Are tires inflated torecommended pressure?
.Weather and Maps:Safe to travel?Have up-to-date maps?
Highway Hypnosis
Always be alert and pay attention to your surroundingswhile driving. If you become tired or sleepy, find a safeplace to park your vehicle and rest.
Other driving tips include:
.Keep the vehicle well ventilated.
.Keep interior temperature cool.
.Keep your eyes moving—scan the roadahead and to the sides.
.Check the rearview mirror and vehicleinstruments often.
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Driving On Grades
Reduce speed and shift to a lower gearbeforestartingdown a long or steep downgrade. If the transmission isnot shifted down, the brakes might get hot and nolonger work well.
Vehicles can tow in D (Drive). Shift the transmission toa lower gear if the transmission shifts too often underheavy loads and/or hilly conditions.
The tow/haul mode may be used if the transmissionshifts too often. SeeTow/Haul Mode on page 3!36.
When towing at high altitude on steep uphill grades,consider the following: Engine coolant will boil at alower temperature than at normal altitudes. If the engineis turned off immediately after towing at high altitude onsteep uphill grades, the vehicle may show signs similarto engine overheating. To avoid this, let the engine runwhile parked, preferably on level ground, with theautomatic transmission in P (Park) for a few minutesbefore turning the engine off. If the overheat warningcomes on, seeEngine Overheating on page 7!34.
Parking on Hills
{WARNING:
Parking the vehicle on a hill with the trailer
attached can be dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move. People can be
injured, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always park the rig on
a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift intoP (Park) yet. Turn the wheels into the curb if facingdownhill or into traffic if facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailerwheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release theregular brakes until the chocks absorb the load.
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4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parkingbrake and shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
If the engine has been left running, the vehicle
can move suddenly. You or others could be
injured. To be sure the vehicle will not move, even
when on fairly level ground, always put the shift
lever fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine
3. Shift into a gear
4. Release the parking brake
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
7. Stop and have someone pick up and storethe chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer Towing
The vehicle needs service more often when pulling atrailer. See this manual's Maintenance Schedule orIndex for more information. Things that are especiallyimportant in trailer operation are automatic transmissionfluid, engine oil, axle lubricant, belts, cooling systemand brake system. It is a good idea to inspect thesebefore and during the trip.
Check periodically to see that all hitch nuts and boltsare tight.
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Section 7 Service and Appearance Care
Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6Adding Equipment to the Outside of theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6
Fuel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7Gasoline Octane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8California Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13
Checking Things Under the Hood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14Hood Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-24Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-28Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-29Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34Overheated Engine ProtectionOperating Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-37Engine Fan Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-37Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-38Windshield Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-39Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-40Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-43Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-44
All-Wheel Drive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-49
Rear Axle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-50
Front Axle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-51
Headlamp Aiming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-52
Bulb Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-54High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . 7-54LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-55Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-55License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-56Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-56
7-1

Additives
To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United Statesare now required to contain additives that help preventengine and fuel system deposits from forming, allowingthe emission control system to work properly. In mostcases, nothing should have to be added to the fuel.However, some gasolines contain only the minimumamount of additive required to meet U.S. EnvironmentalProtection Agency regulations. To help keep fuelinjectors and intake valves clean, or if the vehicleexperiences problems due to dirty injectors or valves,look for gasoline that is advertised as TOP TIERDetergent Gasoline.
For customers who do not use TOP TIER DetergentGasoline regularly, one bottle of GM Fuel SystemTreatment PLUS, added to the fuel tank at every engineoil change, can help clean deposits from fuel injectorsand intake valves. GM Fuel System Treatment PLUS isthe only gasoline additive recommended by GeneralMotors.
Also, your dealer/retailer has additives that will helpcorrect and prevent most deposit!related problems.
Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers andethanol, and reformulated gasolines might be availablein your area. We recommend that you use thesegasolines, if they comply with the specifications
described earlier. However, E85 (85% ethanol) andother fuels containing more than 10% ethanol mustnot be used in vehicles that were not designed forthose fuels.
Notice:This vehicle was not designed for fuel thatcontains methanol. Do not use fuel containingmethanol. It can corrode metal parts in the fuelsystem and also damage plastic and rubber parts.That damage would not be covered under thevehicle warranty.
Some gasolines that are not reformulated for lowemissions can contain an octane-enhancing additivecalled methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl(MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasolinewhether the fuel contains MMT. We recommend againstthe use of such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT canreduce the life of spark plugs and the performance ofthe emission control system could be affected. Themalfunction indicator lamp might turn on. If this occurs,return to your dealer/retailer for service.
Fuel E85 (85% Ethanol)
This vehicle can use either unleaded gasoline or85% ethanol fuel (E85). We encourage the use ofE85 in vehicles that are designed to use it. The ethanolin E85 is a“renewable”fuel, meaning it is made fromrenewable sources such as corn and other crops.
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Checking Things Under
the Hood
{WARNING:
An electric fan under the hood can start up and
injure you even when the engine is not running.
Keep hands, clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{WARNING:
Things that burn can get on hot engine parts and
start a fire. These include liquids like fuel, oil,
coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer and other
fluids, and plastic or rubber. You or others could
be burned. Be careful not to drop or spill things
that will burn onto a hot engine.
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A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on page 7!22.
B. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap.SeeCooling System on page 7!28.
C. Remote Positive (+) Terminal. SeeJump Startingon page 7!44.
D.Battery on page 7!43.
E. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See“When to Add Engine Oil”underEngine Oil on page 7!17.
F. Automatic Transmission Dipstick (Out of View).See“Checking the Fluid Level”underAutomaticTransmission Fluid on page 7!24.
G. Remote Negative (!) Terminal (GND) (Out ofView). SeeJump Starting on page 7!44.
H. Engine Oil Dipstick (Out of View). See“CheckingEngine Oil”underEngine Oil on page 7!17.
I. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). SeeCoolingSystem on page 7!28.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir (Out of View).SeePower Steering Fluid on page 7!38.
K. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See“BrakeFluid”underBrakes on page 7!40.
L.Underhood Fuse Block on page 7!111.
M. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See“AddingWasher Fluid”underWindshield Washer Fluidonpage 7!39.
Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil
It is a good idea to check the engine oil level at eachfuel fill. In order to get an accurate reading, the oil mustbe warm and the vehicle must be on level ground.
The engine oil dipstick handle is a yellow loop. SeeEngine Compartment Overviewon page 7!16for thelocation of the engine oil dipstick.
1. Turn off the engine and give the oil several minutesto drain back into the oil pan. If this is not done, theoil dipstick might not show the actual level.
2. Pull out the dipstick and clean it with a paper towelor cloth, then push it back in all the way. Remove itagain, keeping the tip down, and check the level.
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