height CADILLAC ESCALADE 2010 3.G User Guide

The system is activated when the ignition key
is turned to RUN and will automatically adjust
vehicle height thereafter. The system may exhaust
(lower vehicle height) for up to 10 minutes after
the ignition key has been turned to LOCK. You
may hear the air compressor operating when the
height is being adjusted.
If a weight-distributing hitch is being used, it is
recommended to allow the shocks to inflate,
thereby leveling the vehicle prior to adjusting the
height. See“Weight distributing Hitches and
Weight Carrying Hitches”underTowing a Trailer
on page 6!42.
Towing
Towing Your Vehicle
To avoid damage, the disabled vehicle should betowed with all four wheels off the ground. Consult yourdealer/retailer or a professional towing service if thedisabled vehicle must be towed. SeeRoadside Serviceo n p a g e 9!8.
To tow the vehicle behind another vehicle forrecreational purposes (such as behind a motorhome),see“Recreational Vehicle Towing”following.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
If the vehicle has a two–mode hybrid engine, see theTwo–mode Hybrid manual for more information.
Recreational vehicle towing means towing the vehiclebehind another vehicle–such as behind a motorhome.The two most common types of recreational vehicletowing are known as“dinghy towing”(towing the vehiclewith all four wheels on the ground) and“dolly towing”(towing the vehicle with two wheels on the ground andtwo wheels up on a device known as a“dolly”).
Here are some important things to consider beforerecreational vehicle towing:
.What is the towing capacity of the towing vehicle?Be sure to read the tow vehicle manufacturer'srecommendations.
.What is the distance that will be travelled? Somevehicles have restrictions on how far and how longthey can tow.
.Is the proper towing equipment going to be used?See your dealer/retailer or trailering professionalfor additional advice and equipmentrecommendations.
.Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as preparingthe vehicle for a long trip, make sure the vehicle isprepared to be towed. SeeBefore Leaving on aLong Trip on page 6!26.
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Two-wheel-drive vehicles should not be towed withthe rear wheels on the ground. Two-wheel-drivetransmissions have no provisions for internal lubricationwhile being towed.
Dolly Towing (Rear Wheels Off the Ground)
Use the following procedure to dinghy tow atwo-wheel-drive vehicle from the rear:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following thedolly manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the dolly.
3. Firmly set the parking brake. SeeParking Brakeon page 3!38.
4. Put the transmission in P (Park).
5. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following themanufacturer's instructions.
6. Use an adequate clamping device designed fortowing to ensure that the front wheels are lockedinto the straight position.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Level Control
Automatic Level Control
The automatic level control rear suspension is availableon light!duty vehicles and comes as a part of theAutoride®suspension, if equipped.
This type of level control is fully automatic and willprovide a better leveled riding position as well as betterhandling under a variety of passenger and loadingconditions. An air compressor connected to the rearshocks will raise or lower the rear of the vehicle tomaintain proper vehicle height. The system is activatedwhen the ignition key is turned to ON/RUN and willautomatically adjust vehicle height thereafter. Thesystem may exhaust (lower vehicle height) for up toten minutes after the ignition key has been turned off.You may hear the air compressor operating when theheight is being adjusted.
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Brake Wear
This vehicle has disc brakes. Disc brake pads havebuilt-in wear indicators that make a high-pitchedwarning sound when the brake pads are worn and newpads are needed. The sound can come and go or beheard all the time the vehicle is moving, except whenapplying the brake pedal firmly.
{WARNING:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
the brakes will not work well. That could lead to
an accident. When the brake wear warning sound
is heard, have the vehicle serviced.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out brakepads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates can cause a brakesqueal when the brakes are first applied or lightlyapplied. This does not mean something is wrong withthe brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to helpprevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspectbrake pads for wear and evenly tighten wheel nuts inthe proper sequence to torque specifications inCapacities and Specifications on page 7!115.
Brake linings should always be replaced as completeaxle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake pedal does notreturn to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase inpedal travel. This could be a sign that brake servicemight be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every brake stop, the disc brakes adjust for wear.
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4. At a wall, measure from the ground upward (A) tothe recorded distance from Step 3 and mark it.
5. Draw or tape a horizontal line (B) on the wall thewidth of the vehicle at the height of the mark inStep 4.
Notice:Do not cover a headlamp to improve beamcut-off when aiming. Covering a headlamp maycause excessive heat build-up which may causedamage to the headlamp.
6. Turn on the low-beam headlamps and place apiece of cardboard or equivalent in front of theheadlamp not being adjusted. This allows only thebeam of light from the headlamp being adjusted tobe seen on the flat surface.
7. Locate the vertical headlamp aiming screws, whichare under the hood near each headlamp assembly.
The adjustment screw can be turned with aE8 Torx®socket.
8. Turn the vertical aiming screw until the headlampbeam is aimed to the horizontal tape line. Turn itclockwise or counterclockwise to raise or lower theangle of the beam.
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Tire Sidewall Labeling
Useful information about a tire is molded into the
sidewall. The following illustration is an example
of a typical P!Metric tire sidewall.
Passenger (P!Metric) Tire
(A) Tire Size:The tire size code is a combination
of letters and numbers used to define a particular
tire's width, height, aspect ratio, construction type,
and service description. See the“Tire Size”
illustration later in this section for more detail.
(B) TPC Spec (Tire Performance Criteria
Specification):Original equipment tires designed
to GM's specific tire performance criteria have a
TPC specification code molded onto the sidewall.
GM's TPC specifications meet or exceed all
federal safety guidelines.
(C) DOT (Department of Transportation):The
Department of Transportation (DOT) code
indicates that the tire is in compliance with the
U.S. Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards.
(D) Tire Identification Number (TIN):The letters
and numbers following DOT code are the Tire
Identification Number (TIN). The TIN shows the
manufacturer and plant code, tire size, and date
the tire was manufactured. The TIN is molded
onto both sides of the tire, although only one side
may have the date of manufacture.
(E) Tire Ply Material:The type of cord and
number of plies in the sidewall and under the
tread.
(F) Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG):Tire
manufacturers are required to grade tires based
on three performance factors: treadwear, traction,
and temperature resistance. For more information,
seeUniform Tire Quality Gradingon page 7!76.
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(G) Maximum Cold Inflation Load Limit:
Maximum load that can be carried and the
maximum pressure needed to support that load.
For information on recommended tire pressure
seeInflation - Tire Pressureon page 7!65and
Loading the Vehicleon page 6!32.
Tire Size
The following examples show the different parts of
a tire size.
Passenger (P!Metric) Tire
(A) Passenger (P!Metric) Tire:The United
States version of a metric tire sizing system. The
letter P as the first character in the tire size means
a passenger vehicle tire engineered to standards
set by the U.S. Tire and Rim Association.
(B) Tire Width:The three!digit number indicates
the tire section width in millimeters from sidewall
to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio:A two!digit number that
indicates the tire height!to!width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is 75, as
shown in item C of the light truck (LT!Metric) tire
illustration, it would mean that the tire's sidewall is
75% as high as it is wide.
(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:These characters
represent the load index and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents the load carry
capacity a tire is certified to carry. The speed
rating is the maximum speed a tire is certified to
carry a load.
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Tire Terminology and Definitions
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 Tire 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. SeeInflation - Tire Pressureon
page 7!65.
Curb Weight: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.
DOT Markings:A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance
with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification Number (TIN), an
alphanumeric designator which can also identify
the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR:Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. See
Loading the Vehicleon page 6!32.
GAWR FRT:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
front axle. SeeLoading the Vehicleon page 6!32.
GAWR RR:Gross Axle Weight Rating for the rear
axle. SeeLoading the Vehicleon page 6!32.
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If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts,wheel nuts, or Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)sensors, replace them only with new GM originalequipment parts. This way, you will be sure to havethe right wheel, wheel bolts, wheel nuts, and TPMSsensors for your vehicle.
{WARNING:
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts,
or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous.
It could affect the braking and handling of your
vehicle, make your tires lose air and make you
lose control. You could have a collision in which
you or others could be injured. Always use the
correct wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for
replacement.
Notice:The wrong wheel can also cause problemswith bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer orodometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper height,vehicle ground clearance, and tire or tire chainclearance to the body and chassis.
SeeChanging a Flat Tireon page 7!80for moreinformation.
Used Replacement Wheels
{WARNING:
Putting a used wheel on the vehicle is dangerous.
You cannot know how it has been used or how
far it has 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
{WARNING:
Do not use tire chains. There is 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 the
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 the
(Continued)
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