check engine CADILLAC ESCALADE 2010 3.G Owner's Manual

Magnetic Ride Control™
The vehicle may have the MagneRide control system.MagneRide constantly checks speed, wheel position,lift/dive and steering of the vehicle. The damping forcefor each shock absorber and adjustment level is chosenfor the best ride and handling.
MagneRide also works with the tow/haul switch that,when engaged, will provide more firmness from theshock absorbers. This added control gives better rideand handling when carrying heavy loads or towinga trailer. SeeTow/Haul Modeon page 3!36formore information.
Road Sensing Suspension
The Road Sensing Suspension (RSS) feature providessuperior vehicle ride and handling under a variety ofpassenger and loading conditions.
The system is fully automatic and uses a computercontroller to continuously monitor vehicle speed, wheelto body position, lift/dive and steering position of thevehicle. The controller then sends signals to each shockabsorber to independently adjust the damping level toprovide the optimum vehicle ride.
RSS also interacts with the tow/haul mode that, whenengaged, will provide additional control of the shockabsorbers. This additional control results in better rideand handling characteristics when the vehicle is loadedor towing a trailer. See“Tow/Haul Mode”underTowing aTrailer on page 6!42.
Locking Rear Axle
Vehicles with a locking rear axle can give more tractionon snow, mud, ice, sand or gravel. It works like astandard axle most of the time, but when traction is low,this feature will allow the rear wheel with the mosttraction to move the vehicle.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System
If the vehicle has this feature, engine power is sent toall four wheels when extra traction is needed. This islike four-wheel drive, but there is no separate lever orswitch to engage or disengage the front axle. It is fullyautomatic, and adjusts itself as needed for roadconditions.
If the vehicle is a Two-mode Hybrid, see“Four-WheelDrive”in the Two-mode Hybrid Supplement.
6-9

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.
6-14

.Always carry a litter bag and make sure all refuseis removed from any campsite before leaving.
.Take extreme care with open fires (wherepermitted), camp stoves, and lanterns.
.Never park your vehicle over dry grass or othercombustible materials that could catch fire from theheat of the vehicle's exhaust system.
Traveling to Remote Areas
It makes sense to plan your trip, especially when goingto a remote area. Know the terrain and plan your route.Get accurate maps of trails and terrain. Check to see ifthere are any blocked or closed roads.
It is also a good idea to travel with at least one othervehicle in case something happens to one of them.
For vehicles with a winch, be sure to read the winchinstructions. In a remote area, a winch can be handyif you get stuck but you will want to know how to useit properly.
Getting Familiar with Off-Road Driving
It is a good idea to practice in an area that is safe andclose to home before you go into the wilderness.Off-roading requires some new and different skills.
Tune your senses to different kinds of signals.Your eyes need to constantly sweep the terrain forunexpected obstacles. Your ears need to listen forunusual tire or engine sounds. Use your arms, hands,feet, and body to respond to vibrations and vehiclebounce.
Controlling the vehicle is the key to successful off-roaddriving. One of the best ways to control the vehicle is tocontrol the speed. At higher speeds:
.You approach things faster and have less timeto react.
.There is less time to scan the terrain for obstacles.
.The vehicle has more bounce when driving overobstacles.
.More braking distance is needed, especially on anunpaved surface.
6-16

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.
6-24

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.
6-26

Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is differentthan driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving inthese conditions include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
.Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, coolingsystem, and transmission.
.Going down steep or long hills, shift to alower gear.
{WARNING:
If you do not shift down, the brakes could get so
hot that they would not work well. You would then
have poor braking or even none going down a hill.
You could crash. Shift down to let the engine
assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{WARNING:
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the
ignition off is dangerous. The brakes will have to
do all the work of slowing down and they could
get so hot that they would not work well. You
would then have poor braking or even none going
down a hill. You could crash. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle in gear when
going downhill.
.Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cutacross the center of the road. Drive at speeds thatlet you stay in your own lane.
.Top of hills: Be alert—something could be in yourlane (stalled car, accident).
.Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocksarea, winding roads, long grades, passing orno-passing zones) and take appropriate action.
SeeOff-Road Drivingon page 6!13for informationabout driving off-road.
6-27

{WARNING:
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle.
This may cause exhaust gases to get inside.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in the snow:
.Clear away snow from around the base of
your vehicle, especially any that is blocking
the exhaust pipe.
.Check again from time to time to be sure
snow does not collect there.
.Open a window about 5 cm (two inches) on
the side of the vehicle that is away from the
wind to bring in fresh air.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under the
instrument panel.
.Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting
that circulates the air inside the vehicle and
set the fan speed to the highest setting.
See Climate Control System in the Index.
(Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
For more information about carbon monoxide, see
Engine Exhaust on page 3!41.
Snow can trap exhaust gases under your vehicle.
This can cause deadly CO (carbon monoxide) gas
to get inside. CO could overcome you and kill you.
You cannot see it or smell it, so you might not
know it is in your vehicle. Clear away snow from
around the base of your vehicle, especially any
that is blocking the exhaust.
Run the engine for short periods only as needed tokeep warm, but be careful.
To save fuel, run the engine for only short periods asneeded to warm the vehicle and then shut the engineoff and close the window most of the way to save heat.Repeat this until help arrives but only when you feelreally uncomfortable from the cold. Moving about tokeep warm also helps.
If it takes some time for help to arrive, now and thenwhen you run the engine, push the accelerator pedalslightly so the engine runs faster than the idle speed.This keeps the battery charged to restart the vehicleand to signal for help with the headlamps. Do this aslittle as possible to save fuel.
6-29

Trailer Brakes
A loaded trailer that weighs more than 2,000 lbs(900 kg) needs to have its own brake system that isadequate for the weight of the trailer. Be sure to readand follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so theyare installed, adjusted and maintained properly.
Since the vehicle is equipped with StabiliTrak®, thetrailer brakes cannot tap into the vehicle's hydraulicsystem.
Driving with a Trailer
{WARNING:
When towing a trailer, exhaust gases may collect
at the rear of the vehicle and enter if the liftgate,
trunk/hatch, or rear-most window is open.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. It can cause
unconsciousness and even death.
To maximize safety when towing a trailer:
.Have the exhaust system inspected for
leaks and make necessary repairs before
starting a trip.
(Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
.Never drive with the liftgate, trunk/hatch,
or rear-most window open.
.Fully open the air outlets on or under the
instrument panel.
.Adjust the Climate Control system to a setting
that brings in only outside air and set the fan
speed to the highest setting. See Climate
Control System in the Index.
For more information about carbon monoxide, see
Engine Exhaust on page 3!41.
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount ofexperience. The combination you are driving is longerand not as responsive as the vehicle itself. Getacquainted with the handling and braking of the rigbefore setting out for the open road.
Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts andattachments, safety chains, electrical connectors,lamps, tires and mirrors. If the trailer has electricbrakes, start the combination moving and then applythe trailer brake controller by hand to be sure thebrakes work.
6-50

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.
6-53

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