tow CADILLAC ESCALADE 2010 3.G Repair Manual

Weight!Distributing Hitch Adjustment
A:Body to Ground Distance
B:Front of Vehicle
When using a weight-distributing hitch, the spring barsshould be adjusted so the distance (A) is the sameafter coupling the trailer to the tow vehicle and adjustingthe hitch.
Hitch Cover
The vehicle may have a hitch cover. To remove thehitch cover:
1. Turn the fasteners on the lower tabs 90 degreescounterclockwise.
2. Lift the lower edge of the cover about 45 degrees.
3. Pull the cover downward to disengage the upperattachments.
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To reinstall the hitch cover:
1. Hold the cover at a 45 degree angle to the vehicleand push the upper tabs in the hitch cover into thechrome slots in the fascia.
2. Move the bottom of the cover forward until thelower tabs line up with the lower fascia slots.
3. Snap the hitch cover into place by pushing theupper corners forward.
4. Turn the fasteners on the lower tabs 90 degreesclockwise to lock the cover in place.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the vehicle and thetrailer. Cross the safety chains under the tongue of thetrailer to help prevent the tongue from contacting theroad if it becomes separated from the hitch. Instructionsabout safety chains may be provided by the hitchmanufacturer or by the trailer manufacturer. If the trailerbeing towed weighs up to 5,000 lbs (2 271 kg) with afactory-installed step bumper, safety chains may beattached to the attaching points on the bumper,otherwise, safety chains should be attached to holes onthe trailer hitch platform. Always leave just enoughslack so the combination can turn. Never allow safetychains to drag on the ground.
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Tow/Haul Mode
Pressing this button at the end of the shift lever turns onand off the tow/haul mode.
This indicator light on theinstrument panel clustercomes on when thetow/haul mode is on.
Tow/Haul is a feature that assists when pulling a heavytrailer or a large or heavy load. SeeTow/Haul Modeonpage 3!36for more information.
Tow/Haul is designed to be most effective when thevehicle and trailer combined weight is at least75 percent of the vehicle's Gross Combined WeightRating (GCWR). See“Weight of the Trailer”earlier inthe section. Tow/Haul is most useful under the followingdriving conditions:
.When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavyload through rolling terrain.
.When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavyload in stop and go traffic.
.When pulling a heavy trailer or a large or heavyload in busy parking lots where improved lowspeed control of the vehicle is desired.
Operating the vehicle in Tow/Haul when lightly loadedor with no trailer at all will not cause damage. However,there is no benefit to the selection of Tow/Haul when thevehicle is unloaded. Such a selection when unloadedmay result in unpleasant engine and transmissiondriving characteristics and reduced fuel economy.Tow/Haul is recommended only when pulling a heavytrailer or a large or heavy load.
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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.
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During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that theload is secure and the lamps and any trailer brakesstill work.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead asyou would when driving the vehicle without a trailer.This can help to avoid heavy braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when towing a trailer.The combination will not accelerate as quickly and islonger so it is necessary to go much farther beyond thepassed vehicle before returning to the lane.
Backing Up
Hold the bottom of the steering wheel with one hand.Then, to move the trailer to the left, move that hand tothe left. To move the trailer to the right, move your handto the right. Always back up slowly and, if possible,have someone guide you.
Making Turns
Notice:Making very sharp turns while traileringcould cause the trailer to come in contact with thevehicle. The vehicle could be damaged. Avoidmaking very sharp turns while trailering.
When turning with a trailer, make wider turns thannormal. Do this so the trailer will not strike softshoulders, curbs, road signs, trees or other objects.Avoid jerky or sudden maneuvers. Signal wellin advance.
If the trailer turn signal bulbs burn out, the arrowson the instrument panel will still flash for turns. It isimportant to check occasionally to be sure the trailerbulbs are still working.
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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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Trailer Wiring Harness
Heavy-Duty Trailer Wiring Harness Package
The vehicle has a seven-pin universal heavy-duty trailerconnector attached to the rear bumper beam next to theintegrated trailer hitch.
The seven-wire harness contains the followingtrailer circuits:
.Yellow: Left Stop/Turn Signal
.Dark Green: Right Stop/Turn Signal
.Brown: Taillamps
.White: Ground
.Light Green: Back-up Lamps
.Red: Battery Feed*
.Dark Blue: Trailer Brake*
*The fuses for these two circuits are installed in theunderhood electrical center, but the wires are notconnected. They should be connected by yourdealer/retailer or a qualified service center.
If charging a remote (non-vehicle) battery, press thetow/haul mode button located at the end of the shiftlever. This will boost the vehicle system voltage andproperly charge the battery. If the trailer is too light fortow/haul mode, turn on the headlamps as a second wayto boost the vehicle system and charge the battery.
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Electric Brake Control Wiring
Provisions
These wiring provisions are included with the vehicle aspart of the trailer wiring package. These provisions arefor an electric brake controller. The instrument panelcontains blunt cut wires near the data link connector forthe trailer brake controller. The harness contains thefollowing wires:
.Dark Blue: Brake Signal to Trailer Connector
.Red/Black: Battery
.Light Blue/White: Brake Switch
.White: Ground
It should be installed by your dealer/retailer or aqualified service center.
Trailer Recommendations
Subtract the hitch loads from the Cargo Weight Rating(CWR). CWR is the maximum weight of the load thevehicle can carry. It does not include the weight of thepeople inside, but you can figure about 150 lbs. (68 kg)for each passenger. The total cargo load must not bemore than the vehicles CWR.
Weigh the vehicle with the trailer attached, so theGVWR or GAWR are not exceeded. If using aweight-distributing hitch, weigh the vehicle without thespring bars in place.
The best performance is obtained by correctlyspreading out the weight of the load and choosing thecorrect hitch and trailer brakes.
For more information seeTowing a Traileronpage 6!42.
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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.
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