engine CADILLAC ESCALADE 2010 3.G Repair Manual

If the system fails to turn on or activate, the StabiliTraklight along with one of the following messages will bedisplayed on the Driver Information Center (DIC):TRACTION CONTROL OFF, SERVICE TRACTIONCONTROL, STABILITRAK OFF, SERVICESTABILITRAK. If these DIC messages appear, makesure the StabiliTrak system has not been turned offusing the StabiliTrak on/off button. Then turn thesteering wheel clockwise from the nine o'clock positionto the three o'clock position. If this clears themessage(s), the vehicle does not need servicing.If this does not clear the message(s), then turn thevehicle off, wait 15 seconds, and then turn it back onagain to reset the system. If any of these messagesstill appear on the Driver Information Center (DIC), thevehicle should be taken in for service. For moreinformation on the DIC messages, seeDriverInformation Center (DIC) on page 4!41.
The StabiliTrak light willflash on the instrumentpanel cluster when thesystem is both onand activated.
The system may be heard or felt while it is working; thisis normal.
The traction controldisable button is locatedon the instrument panelbelow the climatecontrols.
The traction control part of StabiliTrak can be turnedoff by pressing and releasing the StabiliTrak button ifboth systems (traction control and StabiliTrak) werepreviously on. To disable both traction control andStabiliTrak, press and hold the button for five seconds.
Traction control and StabiliTrak can be turned on bypressing and releasing the StabiliTrak button if notautomatically shut off for any other reason.
When the TCS or StabiliTrak system is turned off,the StabiliTrak light and the appropriate TCS off orStabiliTrak off message will be displayed on the DIC towarn the driver. The vehicle will still have brake-tractioncontrol when traction control is off, but will not be ableto use the engine speed management system. See“Traction Control Operation”next for more information.
When the traction control system has been turned off,system noises may still be heard as a result of thebrake-traction control coming on.
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It is recommended to leave the system on for normaldriving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn thesystem off if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice orsnow, and you want to“rock”the vehicle to attempt tofree it. It may also be necessary to turn off the systemwhen driving in extreme off-road conditions where highwheel spin is required. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck inSand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 6!30.
Traction Control Operation
The traction control system is part of the StabiliTraksystem. Traction control limits wheel spin by reducingengine power to the wheels (engine speedmanagement) and by applying brakes to each individualwheel (brake-traction control) as necessary.
The traction control system is enabled automaticallywhen the vehicle is started. It will activate and theStabiliTrak light will flash if it senses that any of thewheels are spinning or beginning to lose tractionwhile driving. If traction control is turned off, only thebrake-traction control portion of traction control willwork. The engine speed management will be disabled.In this mode, engine power is not reduced automaticallyand the driven wheels can spin more freely. This cancause the brake-traction control to activate constantly.
Notice:If the wheel(s) of one axle is allowed to spinexcessively while the StabiliTrak, ABS and brakewarning lights and any relevant DIC messages aredisplayed, the transfer case could be damaged.The repairs would not be covered by the vehiclewarranty. Reduce engine power and do not spin thewheel(s) excessively while these lights andmessages are displayed.
The traction control system may activate on dry orrough roads or under conditions such as heavyacceleration while turning or abrupt upshifts/downshiftsof the transmission. When this happens, a reduction inacceleration may be noticed, or a noise or vibration maybe heard. This is normal.
If cruise control is being used when the systemactivates, the StabiliTrak light will flash and cruisecontrol will automatically disengage. Cruise control maybe reengaged when road conditions allow. SeeCruiseControl on page 4!8.
StabiliTrak may also turn off automatically if itdetermines that a problem exists with the system.If the problem does not clear itself after restarting thevehicle, see your dealer/retailer for service.
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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.
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Steering
Power Steering
If the vehicle is a Two!mode Hybrid, see the Two!modeHybrid manual for more information.
If power steering assist is lost because the engine stopsor the system is not functioning, the vehicle can besteered but it will take more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
Traction in a curve depends on the condition of the tiresand the road surface, the angle at which the curve isbanked, and vehicle speed. While in a curve, speed isthe one factor that can be controlled.
If there is a need to reduce speed, do it before enteringthe curve, while the front wheels are straight.
Try to adjust the speed so you can drive through thecurve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait toaccelerate until out of the curve, and then accelerategently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
There are times when steering can be more effectivethan braking. For example, you come over a hill andfind a truck stopped in your lane, or a car suddenly pullsout from nowhere, or a child darts out from betweenparked cars and stops right in front of you. Theseproblems can be avoided by braking—if you can stopin time. But sometimes you cannot stop in time becausethere is no room. That is the time for evasiveaction—steering around the problem.
The vehicle can perform very well in emergencieslike these. First, apply the brakes. SeeBrakingonp a g e 6!4. It is better to remove as much speed aspossible from a collision. Then steer around theproblem, to the left or right depending on thespace available.
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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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.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.
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Driving Uphill
Once you decide it is safe to drive up the hill:
.Use a low gear and get a firm grip on thesteering wheel.
.Get a smooth start up the hill and try to maintainspeed. Not using more power than needed canavoid spinning the wheels or sliding.
{WARNING:
Turning or driving across steep hills can be
dangerous. You could lose traction, slide
sideways, and possibly roll over. You could be
seriously injured or killed. When driving up hills,
always try to go straight up.
.Try to drive straight up the hill if at all possible.If the path twists and turns, you might want to findanother route.
.Ease up on the speed as you approach the top ofthe hill.
.Attach a flag to the vehicle to be more visible toapproaching traffic on trails or hills.
.Sound the horn as you approach the top of the hillto let opposing traffic know you are there.
.Use headlamps even during the day to make thevehicle more visible to oncoming traffic.
{WARNING:
Driving to the top (crest) of a hill at full speed can
cause an accident. There could be a drop-off,
embankment, cliff, or even another vehicle. You
could be seriously injured or killed. As you near
the top of a hill, slow down and stay alert.
If the vehicle stalls, or is about to stall, and you cannotmake it up the hill:
.Push the brake pedal to stop the vehicle andkeep it from rolling backwards and apply theparking brake.
.If the engine is still running, shift the transmissionto R (Reverse), release the parking brake, andslowly back down the hill in R (Reverse).
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.If the engine has stopped running, you need torestart it. With the brake pedal pressed and theparking brake still applied, shift the transmissionto P (Park) and restart the engine. Then, shift toR (Reverse), release the parking brake, andslowly back down the hill as straight as possiblein R (Reverse).
.While backing down the hill, put your left handon the steering wheel at the 12 o'clock positionso you can tell if the wheels are straight and canmaneuver as you back down. It is best to backdown the hill with the wheels straight rather thanin the left or right direction. Turning the wheel toofar to the left or right will increase the possibilityof a rollover.
Things not to do if the vehicle stalls, or is about to stall,when going up a hill:
.Never attempt to prevent a stall by shifting intoN (Neutral) to rev-up the engine and regain forwardmomentum. This will not work. The vehicle can rollbackward very quickly and could go out of control.
.Never try to turn around if about to stall whengoing up a hill. If the hill is steep enough to stallthe vehicle, it is steep enough to cause it to rollover. If you cannot make it up the hill, back straightdown the hill.
If, after stalling, you try to back down the hill and decideyou just cannot do it, set the parking brake, put yourtransmission in P (Park), and turn off the engine. Leavethe vehicle and go get some help. Exit on the uphill sideand stay clear of the path the vehicle would take if itrolled downhill.
Driving Downhill
When off-roading takes you downhill, consider:
.How steep is the downhill? Will I be able tomaintain vehicle control?
.What is the surface like? Smooth? Rough?Slippery? Hard-packed dirt? Gravel?
.Are there hidden surface obstacles? Ruts? Logs?Boulders?
.What is at the bottom of the hill? Is there a hiddencreek bank or even a river bottom with largerocks?
If you decide you can go down a hill safely, try to keepthe vehicle headed straight down. Use a low gear soengine drag can help the brakes so they do not have todo all the work. Descend slowly, keeping the vehicleunder control at all times.
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{WARNING:
Heavy braking when going down a hill can cause
your brakes to overheat and fade. This could
cause loss of control and a serious accident.
Apply the brakes lightly when descending a
hill and use a low gear to keep vehicle speed
under control.
Things not to do when driving down a hill:
.When driving downhill, avoid turns that take youacross the incline of the hill. A hill that is not toosteep to drive down might be too steep to driveacross. The vehicle could roll over.
.Never go downhill with the transmission inN (Neutral), called free-wheeling. The brakes willhave to do all the work and could overheatand fade.
Vehicles are much more likely to stall when going uphill,but if it happens when going downhill:
1. Stop the vehicle by applying the regular brakesand apply the parking brake.
2. Shift to P (Park) and, while still braking, restartthe engine.
3. Shift back to a low gear, release the parking brake,and drive straight down.
4. If the engine will not start, get out and get help.
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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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