towing CADILLAC ESCALADE 2010 3.G Owners Manual

2010 Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV Owner ManualM
Navigation System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2Features and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12Navigation Audio System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-60Voice Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-86
Driving Your Vehicle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1Your Driving, the Road, and the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 6-2Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-38
Service and Appearance Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7Checking Things Under the Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14All-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-49Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-50Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-51
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-52Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-54Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . 7-57Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-58Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-98Vehicle Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-107Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-108Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-115
Maintenance Schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2
Customer Assistance Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1Customer Assistance and Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-16Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-18
Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i-1

Additional Factors Affecting System
Operation
Safety belts help keep the passenger in position on theseat during vehicle maneuvers and braking, which helpsthe passenger sensing system maintain the passengerairbag status. See“Safety Belts”and“Child Restraints”in the Index for additional information about theimportance of proper restraint use.
If the shoulder portion of the belt is pulled out all theway, the child restraint locking feature will be engaged.This may unintentionally cause the passenger sensingsystem to turn the airbag off for some adult sizeoccupants. If this happens, let the belt go back all theway and start again.
A thick layer of additional material, such as a blanket orcushion, or aftermarket equipment such as seat covers,seat heaters, and seat massagers can affect how wellthe passenger sensing system operates. We
recommend that you not use seat covers or otheraftermarket equipment except when approved byGM for your specific vehicle. SeeAdding Equipment toYour Airbag-Equipped Vehicleon page 2!89for moreinformation about modifications that can affect how thesystem operates.
The on indicator may be lit if an object, such as abriefcase, handbag, grocery bag, laptop or otherelectronic device, is put on an unoccupied seat.If this is not desired remove the object from the seat.
{WARNING:
Stowing of articles under the passenger seat or
between the passenger seat cushion and
seatback may interfere with the proper operation
of the passenger sensing system.
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Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:The vehicle does not need an elaboratebreak-in. But it will perform better in the long runif you follow these guidelines:
.Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less
for the first 500 miles (805 km).
.Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast
or slow, for the first 500 miles (805 km).
Do not make full-throttle starts. Avoid
downshifting to brake or slow the vehicle.
.Avoid making hard stops for the first
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
the new brake linings are not yet broken in.
Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in guideline every time
you get new brake linings.
.Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See
Towing a Traileron page 6!42for the trailer
towing capabilities of the vehicle and more
information.
Following break!in, engine speed and load can begradually increased.
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When parked on a hill, especially when the vehicle hasa heavy load, you may notice an increase in the effortto shift out of P (Park). See Torque Lock (AutomaticTransmission) underShifting Into Parkon page 3!39for more information.
{WARNING:
It is 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.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly
level ground, always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Parkon page 3!39. If you are pulling a trailer,
seeTowing a Trailer on page 6!42.
R (Reverse) :Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle ismoving forward could damage the transmission.The repairs would not be covered by the vehiclewarranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicleis stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,ice, or sand without damaging the transmission, seeIfYour Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snowonpage 6!30.
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N (Neutral) :In this position, the engine does notconnect with the wheels. To restart when you arealready moving, use N (Neutral) only. Also, useN (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed.
{WARNING:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your
foot is firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear
while the engine is running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) withthe engine running at high speed may damage thetransmission. The repairs would not be covered bythe vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is notrunning at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive) :This position is for normal driving. It providesthe best fuel economy. If you need more power forpassing, and you are:
.Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push theaccelerator pedal about halfway down.
.Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push theaccelerator all the way down.
By doing this, the vehicle shifts down to the next gearand has more power.
D (Drive) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying aheavy load, driving on steep hills, or for off-road driving.You may want to shift the transmission to a lower gearselection if the transmission shifts too often.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery roadconditions could result in skidding, see Skidding underLoss of Control on page 6!12.
M (Manual Mode) :This position lets drivers selectthe range of gears appropriate for current drivingconditions. See Driver Shift Control (DSC) later inthis section.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle inone place on a hill using only the accelerator pedalmay damage the transmission. The repair will not becovered by the vehicle warranty. If you are stuck, donot spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use thebrakes to hold the vehicle in place.
The vehicle has a shift stabilization feature thatadjusts the transmission shifting to the currentdriving conditions in order to reduce rapid upshiftsand downshifts. This shift stabilization feature isdesigned to determine, before making an upshift, ifthe engine will be able to maintain vehicle speed by
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analyzing things such as vehicle speed, throttle positionand vehicle load. If the shift stabilization featuredetermines that a current vehicle speed cannot bemaintained, the transmission does not upshift andinstead holds the current gear. In some cases, this mayappear to be a delayed shift, however the transmissionis operating normally.
The vehicle's transmission uses adaptive shift controlsthat compares key shift parameters to pre-programmedideal shifts stored in the transmissions computer. Thetransmission constantly makes adjustments to improvevehicle performance according to how the vehicle isbeing used, such as with a heavy load or whentemperature changes. During this adaptive shift controlsprocess, shifting may feel different as the transmissiondetermines the best settings.
When temperatures are very cold, the Hydra-Matic®
6L80 automatic transmission's gear shifting may bedelayed providing more stable shifts until the enginewarms up. Shifts may be more noticeable with a coldtransmission. This difference in shifting is normal.
Driver Shift Control (DSC)
The vehicle has Driver Shift Control (DSC). DSCcontrols the vehicle's transmission and vehicle speedwhile driving down hill or towing a trailer by allowing youto select a desired range of gears.
To use this feature, do the following:
1. Move the shift lever to the M (Manual Mode).
2. Press the plus/minus button, to upshift or downshiftselecting the desired range of gears for currentdriving conditions.
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The DIC display will show the message MANUALSHIFT on the first line and the current gear will bedisplayed on the second line. SeeDriver InformationCenter (DIC)on page 4!41andDIC Operation andDisplayson page 4!41for more information. Thenumber displayed in the DIC is the highest gear thatcan be used. However, the vehicle can automaticallyshift to lower gears as it adjusts to driving conditions.This means that all gears below that number areavailable. When 5 (Fifth) is selected, 1 (First) through5 (Fifth) gears are automatically shifted by the vehicle,but 6 (Sixth) cannot be used until the plus/minus buttonlocated on the steering column lever is used to changeto the gear.
Grade Braking is not available when the Driver ShiftControl is active. SeeTow/Haul Modeon page 3!36formore information.
While using the DSC, cruise control and the tow/haulmode can be used.
Tow/Haul Mode
The vehicle has a tow/haul mode. The tow/haul modeadjusts the transmission shift pattern to reduce shiftcycling, providing increased performance, vehiclecontrol, and transmission cooling when towing orhauling heavy loads.
Press the button located on the end of the shift lever toturn the tow/haul on or off. When the tow/haul is on, alight on the instrument panel cluster will come on.
SeeTow/Haul Mode Lighton page 4!40for moreinformation.
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Also see“Tow Haul Mode”underTowing a Traileronpage 6!42for more information.
The tow/haul mode works with the Autoride®feature,if the vehicle has this, to enhance the ride whentrailering or with a loaded vehicle. SeeAutoride®onpage 6!42.
Grade Braking
The Grade Braking shift modes can be activated bypressing the button on the end of the shift control lever.While in Range Selection Mode , Grade Braking isdeactivated allowing the driver to select a desired rangeof gears.
Grade Braking is only active while the Tow/Haul Modeis selected and you are not in the Range SelectionMode. See“Tow/Haul Mode listed previously andAutomatic Transmission Operationon page 3!32formore information on the Range Selection Mode. GradeBraking assists in maintaining desired vehicle speedswhen driving on downhill grades by automaticallyimplementing a shift schedule that utilizes the engineand transmission to slow the vehicle. This reduces wearon the braking system and increases control of thevehicle. Grade Braking monitors vehicle speed,acceleration, engine torque and brake pedal usage.
Using this information, it detects when the vehicle is ona downhill grade and the driver desires to slow thevehicle by pressing the brake.
Also seeTowing a Traileron page 6!42for moreinformation.
Cruise Grade Braking
Cruise Grade Braking assists when driving on adownhill grade. It maintains vehicle speed byautomatically implementing a shift schedule that usesthe engine and the transmission to slow the vehicle.Cruise Grade Braking operates while Cruise Control isengaged in Tow/Haul mode to assist in maintainingvehicle speed under loaded vehicle conditions.It utilizes vehicle acceleration and deviation fromdesired speed to determine the correct gear for theoperating condition. If vehicle speed is above thedesired speed the transmission will downshift to slowthe vehicle. If vehicle speed is near or below desiredspeed the trans will upshift, allowing vehicle speedto increase.
While in the Range Select Mode (RSM) mode, cruisegrade braking is not available.
SeeAutomatic Transmission Operation on page 3!32.
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Parking Brake
Set the parking brake by holding the regular brakepedal down, then pushing down the parking brakepedal.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light willcome on. SeeBrake System Warning Lightonpage 4!33.
Notice:Driving with the parking brake on canoverheat the brake system and cause prematurewear or damage to brake system parts. Make surethat the parking brake is fully released and thebrake warning light is off before driving.
To release the parking brake, hold the regular brakepedal down, then push down momentarily on theparking brake pedal until you feel the pedal release.Slowly pull your foot up off the park brake pedal. If theparking brake is not released when you begin to drive,the brake system warning light will flash and a chimewill sound warning you that the parking brake is still on.
If you are towing a trailer and are parking on a hill, seeTowing a Trailer on page 6!42.
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Shifting Into Park
{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 you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow.
If you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Traileron
page 6!42.
1. Hold the brake pedal down, then set theparking brake.
2. Move the shift lever into the P (Park) position bypulling the shift lever toward you and moving it upas far as it will go.
3. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
4. Remove the key and take it with you. If you canleave the vehicle with the ignition key in your hand,the vehicle is in P (Park).
Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the
engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly
if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the
parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the
vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat
and even catch fire. You or others could be
injured. Do not leave the vehicle with the
engine running.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running,be sure the vehicle is in P (Park) and the parking brakeis firmly set. After the shift lever is moved into P (Park),hold the regular brake pedal down. Then, see if you canmove the shift lever away from P (Park) without firstpulling it toward you. If you can, it means that the shiftlever was not fully locked into P (Park).
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