automatic transmission CADILLAC ESCALADE 2010 3.G Owner's Manual

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

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.
7-17

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).
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Notice:Ignoring these steps could result in costlydamage to the vehicle that would not be covered bythe warranty.
Trying to start the vehicle by pushing or pulling itwill not work, and it could damage the vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-voltbattery with a negative ground system.
Notice:If the other vehicle's system is not a 12-voltsystem with a negative ground, both vehicles canbe damaged. Only use vehicles with 12-volt systemswith negative grounds to jump start your vehicle.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumpercables can reach, but be sure the vehicles are nottouching each other. If they are, it could cause aground connection you do not want. You would notbe able to start your vehicle, and the badgrounding could damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the vehicles rolling, setthe parking brake firmly on both vehicles involvedin the jump start procedure. Put the automatictransmission in P (Park) or a manual transmissionin Neutral before setting the parking brake. If youhave a four-wheel-drive vehicle, be sure thetransfer case is in a drive gear, not in Neutral.
Notice:If you leave the radio or other accessorieson during the jump starting procedure, they couldbe damaged. The repairs would not be covered bythe warranty. Always turn off the radio and otheraccessories when jump starting the vehicle.
3. Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Unplugunnecessary accessories plugged into thecigarette lighter or the accessory power outlets.Turn off the radio and all the lamps that are notneeded. This avoids sparks and helps save bothbatteries. And it could save the radio!
4. Open the hood on the other vehicle and locate thepositive (+) and negative (!) terminal locations onthat vehicle.
Your vehicle has a remote positive (+) jump startingterminal and a remote negative (!) jump startingterminal. You should always use these remoteterminals instead of the terminals on the battery.
If the vehicle has a remote positive (+) terminal, itis located under a red plastic cover at the positivebattery post. To uncover the remote positive (+)terminal, open the red plastic cover.
7-45

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.
7-62

FusesUsage
1Right Trailer Stop/Turn Lamp
2Electronic Stability SuspensionControl, Automatic Level ControlExhaust
3Left Trailer Stop/Turn Lamp
4Engine Controls
5Engine Control Module, ThrottleControl
6Trailer Brake Controller
7Front Washer
8Oxygen Sensors
9Antilock Brakes System 2
10Trailer Back-up Lamps
11Driver Side Low-Beam Headlamp
12Engine Control Module (Battery)
13Fuel Injectors, Ignition Coils(Right Side)
14Transmission Control Module(Battery)
15Vehicle Back-up Lamps
16Passenger Side Low-Beam Headlamp
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ApplicationCapacities
EnglishMetric
Transmission Fluid (Pan Removal and Replacement)6.0 qt5.7 L
Transfer Case Fluid1.5 qt1.4 L
Wheel Nut Torque140 lb ft190Y
All capacities are approximate. When adding, be sure to fill to the approximate level, as recommended in this manual.Recheck fluid after filling.†Oil filter should be changed at every oil change.
Engine Specifications
EngineVIN CodeTransmissionSpark Plug Gap
6.2L V8FAutomatic0.040 in (1.02 mm)
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Every Engine Oil Change
.Change engine oil and filter. SeeEngine Oilonpage 7!17.An Emission Control Service.
.Engine coolant level check. SeeEngine Coolanton page 7!29.
.Windshield washer fluid level check. SeeWindshield Washer Fluid on page 7!39.
.Tire inflation check. SeeInflation - Tire Pressureon page 7!65.
.Tire wear inspection. SeeTire Inspection andRotation on page 7!71.
.Rotate tires. SeeTire Inspection and Rotationonpage 7!71.
.Fluids visual leak check (or every 12 months,whichever occurs first). A leak in any system mustbe repaired and the fluid level checked.
.Engine air cleaner filter inspection. SeeEngine AirCleaner/Filter on page 7!22.
.Brake system inspection (or every 12 months,whichever occurs first).
.Lubricate the front suspension, steering linkage,and parking brake cable guides. Control arm balljoints are maintenance!free.
.Steering and suspension inspection. Visualinspection for damaged, loose, or missing parts orsigns of wear.
.Engine cooling system inspection. Visualinspection of hoses, pipes, fittings, and clamps andreplacement, if needed.
.Windshield wiper blade inspection for wear,cracking, or contamination and windshield andwiper blade cleaning, if contaminated. SeeWindshield, Backglass, and Wiper Bladesonpage 7!104. Worn or damaged wiper bladereplacement. SeeWindshield Wiper BladeReplacement on page 7!57.
.Body hinges and latches, key lock cylinders, rearcompartment hinges, outer tailgate handle pivotpoints, and folding seat hardware lubrication. SeeRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsonpage 8!10. More frequent lubrication may berequired when vehicle is exposed to a corrosiveenvironment. Applying silicone grease onweatherstrips with a clean cloth makes them lastlonger, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
.Restraint system component check. SeeCheckingthe Restraint Systems on page 2!91.
.Automatic transmission fluid level check andadding fluid, if needed. SeeAutomaticTransmission Fluid on page 7!24.
8-4