maintenance CADILLAC ESCALADE 2010 3.G User Guide

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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Before You Go Off-Roading
.Have all necessary maintenance and servicework done.
.Make sure there is enough fuel, that fluid levels arewhere they should be, and that the spare tire, if thevehicle has one, is fully inflated.
.Be sure to read all the information aboutall-wheel-drive vehicles in this manual.
.Make sure all underbody shields, if the vehicle hasthem, are properly attached.
.Know the local laws that apply to off-roading whereyou will be driving or check with law enforcementpeople in the area.
.Be sure to get the necessary permission if you willbe on private land.
If you think you will need some more ground clearanceat the front of your vehicle, you can remove the frontfascia lower air dam. The air dam is held in place bytwo bolts and 10 snaps accessible from underneaththe front fascia.
To remove the air dam:
1. Remove the two outboard air dam bolts.
2. With a flat!blade tool, disengage the snaps.
3. After the bolts are removed and the snaps aredisengaged, push forward on the air dam untilit is free.
Notice:Operating your vehicle for extended periodswithout the front fascia lower air dam installed cancause improper air flow to the engine. Always besure to replace the front fascia air dam when youare finished off-road driving.
After off-roading, be sure to reinstall the air dam:
1. Line up the snaps and push the air dam rearwardto engage the snaps.
2. Install the two outboard bolts.
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Driving in Water
{WARNING:
Driving through rushing water can be dangerous.
Deep water can sweep your vehicle downstream
and you and your passengers could drown. If it is
only shallow water, it can still wash away the
ground from under your tires, and you could lose
traction and roll the vehicle over. Do not drive
through rushing water.
Heavy rain can mean flash flooding, and flood watersdemand extreme caution.
Find out how deep the water is before driving throughit. Do not try it if it is deep enough to cover the wheelhubs, axles, or exhaust pipe—you probably will not getthrough. Deep water can damage the axle and othervehicle parts.
If the water is not too deep, drive slowly through it.At faster speeds, water splashes on the ignition systemand the vehicle can stall. Stalling can also occur if youget the tailpipe under water. If the tailpipe is underwater, you will never be able to start the engine. Whengoing through water, remember that when the brakesget wet, it might take longer to stop. SeeDriving in Rainand on Wet Roads on page 6!25.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris that has collectedon the underbody, chassis, or under the hood.These accumulations can be a fire hazard.
After operation in mud or sand, have the brake liningscleaned and checked. These substances can causeglazing and uneven braking. Check the body structure,steering, suspension, wheels, tires, and exhaust systemfor damage and check the fuel lines and cooling systemfor any leakage.
The vehicle requires more frequent service due tooff-road use. Refer to the Maintenance Schedule foradditional information.
Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day drivingbecause some drivers are likely to be impaired—byalcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or byfatigue.
Night driving tips include:
.Drive defensively.
.Do not drink and drive.
.Reduce headlamp glare by adjusting the insiderearview mirror.
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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
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . 7-57
Tires. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-58Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-60Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-62Inflation - Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-65High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-66Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-67Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-68Tire Inspection and Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-71When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-73Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-73Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-75Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-76Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-77Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-77Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-78If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-79Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-80Removing the Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-81Removing the Flat Tire and Installing theSpare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-86Secondary Latch System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-91Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and Tools . . . . . . . . . 7-94Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-98
Appearance Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-98Interior Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-98Fabric/Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-99Leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-100Instrument Panel, Vinyl, and Other PlasticSurfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-101Wood Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-101Speaker Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-101Care of Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-102Weatherstrips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-102Washing Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-102Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-103Finish Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-103Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades . . . . 7-104Aluminum or Chrome-Plated Wheelsand Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-104Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-105Sheet Metal Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-105Finish Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-106Underbody Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-106Chemical Paint Spotting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-106
Vehicle Identification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-107Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) . . . . . . . . . . . 7-107Service Parts Identification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-107
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Doing Your Own Service Work
If this vehicle is a Two!mode Hybrid, see the Two!modeHybrid manual for more information.
{WARNING:
You can be injured and the vehicle could be
damaged if you try to do service work on a
vehicle without knowing enough about it.
.Be sure you have sufficient knowledge,
experience, the proper replacement parts,
and tools before attempting any vehicle
maintenance task.
.Be sure to use the proper nuts, bolts, and
other fasteners. English and metric fasteners
can be easily confused. If the wrong fasteners
are used, parts can later break or fall off.
You could be hurt.
If doing some of your own service work, use the properservice manual. It tells you much more about how toservice the vehicle than this manual can. To order theproper service manual, seeService PublicationsOrdering Information on page 9!17.
This vehicle has an airbag system. Before attemptingto do your own service work, seeServicing YourAirbag-Equipped Vehicle on page 2!89.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list the mileageand the date of any service work performed. SeeMaintenance Record on page 8!14.
Adding Equipment to the Outside
of the Vehicle
Things added to the outside of the vehicle can affectthe airflow around it. This can cause wind noise andcan affect fuel economy and windshield washerperformance. Check with your dealer/retailer beforeadding equipment to the outside of the vehicle.
7-6

Fuel
Use of the recommended fuel is an important part of theproper maintenance of this vehicle. To help keep theengine clean and maintain optimum vehicleperformance, we recommend the use of gasolineadvertised as TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline.
Look for the TOP TIER label on the fuel pump to ensuregasoline meets enhanced detergency standardsdeveloped by auto companies. A list of marketersproviding TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline can be foundat www.toptiergas.com.
This vehicle can use either unleaded gasoline orethanol fuel containing up to 85% ethanol (E85).SeeGasoline Octaneo n p a g e 7!8andFuel E85(85% Ethanol) on page 7!9.
7-7

Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
SeeEngine Compartment Overviewon page 7!16forthe location of the engine air cleaner/filter.
Inspect the air cleaner/filter every other oil change andreplace it at the first oil change after each 50,000 mile(80 000 km) interval. SeeScheduled Maintenanceonp a g e 8!3for more information. If driving on dusty/dirtyconditions, inspect the filter at each engine oil change.
How to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
To inspect the air cleaner/filter, remove the engine aircleaner/filter from the vehicle by following Steps 1through 6. When the engine air cleaner/filter isremoved, lightly shake it to release loose dust and dirt.If the engine air cleaner/filter remains caked with dirt, anew filter is required. Never use compressed air toclean the filter.
Replacing the Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
1. Locate the air cleaner/filter assembly . SeeEngine CompartmentOverviewonpage 7!16.
2. Loosen the four screws on the cover of thehousing and lift up the cover.
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Automatic Transmission Fluid
When to Check and Change Automatic
Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check the transmissionfluid level. The only reason for fluid loss is atransmission leak or overheating the transmission.If you suspect a small leak, then use the followingchecking procedures to check the fluid level. However,if there is a large leak, then it may be necessary to havethe vehicle towed to a dealer/retailer service departmentand have it repaired before driving the vehicle further.
Notice:Use of the incorrect automatic transmissionfluid may damage the vehicle, and the damages maynot be covered by the vehicle's warranty. Alwaysuse the automatic transmission fluid listed inRecommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 8!10.
Change the fluid and filter at the intervals listed in theMaintenance Schedule. SeeScheduled Maintenanceo n p a g e 8!3. Be sure to use the transmission fluidlisted inRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsonpage 8!10.
How to Check Automatic Transmission
Fluid
Notice:Too much or too little fluid can damage yourtransmission. Too much can mean that some of thefluid could come out and fall on hot engine parts orexhaust system parts, starting a fire. Too little fluidcould cause the transmission to overheat. Be sureto get an accurate reading if you check yourtransmission fluid.
Before checking the fluid level, prepare the vehicle asfollows:
1. Start the engine and park the vehicle on a levelsurface. Keep the engine running.
2. Apply the parking brake and place the shiftlever in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shiftlever through each gear range, pausing for aboutthree seconds in each range. Then, move the shiftlever back to P (Park).
7-24

Brakes
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinderreservoir is filled with DOT3 brake fluid. SeeEngineCompartment Overviewon page 7!16for thelocation of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level inthe reservoir might go down:
.The brake fluid level goes down because ofnormal brake lining wear. When new linings areinstalled, the fluid level goes back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system can alsocause a low fluid level. Have the brake hydraulicsystem fixed, since a leak means that sooner orlater the brakes will not work well.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid does notcorrect a leak. If fluid is added when the linings areworn, there will be too much fluid when new brakelinings are installed. Add or remove brake fluid, asnecessary, only when work is done on the brakehydraulic system.
{WARNING:
If too much brake fluid is added, it can spill on the
engine and burn, if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and the vehicle could
be damaged. Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system. See
“Checking Brake Fluid”in this section.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level, the brakewarning light comes on. SeeBrake System WarningLight on page 4!33.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine whento check the brake fluid. SeeScheduled Maintenanceo n p a g e 8!3.
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