ac system CADILLAC ESCALADE 2018 Owner's Manual

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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312 VEHICLE CARE
Tire Inspection
We recommend that the tires,
including the spare tire, if the
vehicle has one, be inspected for
signs of wear or damage at least
once a month.
Replace the tire if:
.The indicators at three or more
places around the tire can
be seen.
.There is cord or fabric showing
through the tire's rubber.
.The tread or sidewall is
cracked, cut, or snagged deep
enough to show cord or fabric.
.The tire has a bump, bulge,
or split.
.The tire has a puncture, cut,
or other damage that cannot
be repaired well because of the
size or location of the damage.
Tire Rotation
Tires should be rotated every
12 000 km (7,500 mi). See
Maintenance Schedule0347.
Tires are rotated to achieve a
uniform wear for all tires. The first
rotation is the most important.
Anytime unusual wear is noticed,
rotate the tires as soon as
possible, check for proper tire
inflation pressure, and check for
damaged tires or wheels. If the
unusual wear continues after the
rotation, check the wheel
alignment.
See When It Is Time for New Tires
0 313 and Wheel Replacement
0 317.
Use this rotation pattern when
rotating the tires.
Do not include the spare tire in
the tire rotation.
Adjust the front and rear tires to
the recommended inflation
pressure on the Tire and Loading
Information label after the tires
have been rotated.
See Tire Pressure 0305 and Vehicle
Load Limits 0193.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor
System. See Tire Pressure Monitor
Operation 0308.

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aging. This area should be free of
grease, gasoline, or other substances
that can deteriorate rubber.
Parking for an extended period can
cause flat spots on the tires that may
result in vibrations while driving.
When storing a vehicle for at least a
month, remove the tires or raise the
vehicle to reduce the weight from the
tires.
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specific tires for the vehicle. The
original equipment tires installed
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specification (TPC Spec) system
rating. When replacement tires are
needed, GM strongly recommends
buying tires with the same TPC
Spec rating.
GM's exclusive TPC Spec system
considers over a dozen critical
specifications that impact the
overall performance of the vehicle,
including brake systemperformance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire pressure
monitoring performance. GM's
TPC Spec number is molded onto
the tire's sidewall near the tire
size. If the tires have an all-season
tread design, the TPC Spec
number will be followed by MS for
mud and snow. See
Tire Sidewall
Labeling 0301 for additional
information.
GM recommends replacing worn
tires in complete sets of four.
Uniform tread depth on all tires
will help to maintain the
performance of the vehicle.
Braking and handling performance
may be adversely affected if all the
tires are not replaced at the same
time. If proper rotation and
maintenance have been done, all
four tires should wear out at
about the same time. See Tire
Rotation 0312 for information on
proper tire rotation. However, if it is necessary to replace only one
axle set of worn tires, place the
new tires on the rear axle.
{Warning
Tires could explode during
improper service. Attempting to
mount or dismount a tire could
cause injury or death. Only your
dealer or authorized tire service
center should mount or
dismount the tires.
{Warning
Mixing tires of different sizes,
brands, or types may cause loss
of control of the vehicle,
resulting in a crash or other
vehicle damage. Use the correct
size, brand, and type of tires on
all wheels.
(Continued)

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Warning (Continued)
This vehicle may have a
different size spare than the
road tires originally installed on
the vehicle. When new, the
vehicle included a spare tire and
wheel assembly with a similar
overall diameter as the road
tires and wheels, so it is all
right to drive on it. The spare
tire was developed for use on
this vehicle and will not affect
vehicle handling.
{Warning
Using bias-ply tires on the
vehicle may cause the wheel rim
flanges to develop cracks after
many miles of driving. A tire
and/or wheel could fail suddenly
and cause a crash. Use only
radial-ply tires with the wheels
on the vehicle. Winter tires with the same speed
rating as the original equipment
tires may not be available for H, V,
W, Y and ZR speed rated tires.
Never exceed the winter tires’
maximum speed capability when
using winter tires with a lower
speed rating.
If the vehicle tires must be
replaced with a tire that does not
have a TPC Spec number, make
sure they are the same size, load
range, speed rating, and
construction (radial) as the
original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire pressure
monitoring system could give an
inaccurate low-pressure warning if
non-TPC Spec rated tires are
installed. See
Tire Pressure Monitor
System 0307.
The Tire and Loading Information
label indicates the original
equipment tires on the vehicle.
See Vehicle Load Limits 0193 for the label location and more
information about the Tire and
Loading Information label.
Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that are
a different size than the original
equipment wheels and tires, vehicle
performance, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover
may be affected. If the vehicle has
electronic systems such as antilock
brakes, rollover airbags, traction
control, electronic stability control,
or All-Wheel Drive, the performance
of these systems can also be affected.
{Warning
If different sized wheels are used,
there may not be an acceptable
level of performance and safety if
tires not recommended for those
wheels are selected. This increases
the chance of a crash and serious
(Continued)

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Warning (Continued)
injury. Only use GM specific wheel
and tire systems developed for the
vehicle, and have them properly
installed by a GM certified
technician.
See Buying New Tires 0314 and
Accessories and Modifications 0265.
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading
The following information relates
to the system developed by the
United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), which grades tires by
treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This
applies only to vehicles sold in the
United States. The grades are
molded on the sidewalls of most
passenger car tires. The Uniform
Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)
system does not apply to deep tread, winter tires, compact spare
tires, tires with nominal rim
diameters of 10 to 12 inches
(25 to 30 cm), or to some
limited-production tires.
While the tires available on
General Motors passenger cars
and light trucks may vary with
respect to these grades, they must
also conform to federal safety
requirements and additional
General Motors Tire Performance
Criteria (TPC) standards.
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
All Passenger Car Tires Must
Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements In Addition To
These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded
150 would wear one and one-half
(1½) times as well on the
government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences
in road characteristics and
climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from highest
to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire's
ability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled
conditions on specified

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VEHICLE CARE 317
government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
performance. Warning: The
traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking
traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing
the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability
to dissipate heat when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified indoor laboratory test
wheel. Sustained high temperature
can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life,
and excessive temperature can
lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger
car tires must meet under theFederal Motor Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on
the laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade
for this tire is established for a tire
that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned and
balanced at the factory to provide the
longest tire life and best overall
performance. Adjustments to wheel
alignment and tire balancing are not
necessary on a regular basis. Consider
an alignment check if there is unusual
tire wear or the vehicle is significantly
pulling to one side or the other. Some
slight pull to the left or right,
depending on the crown of the road
and/or other road surface variations such as troughs or ruts, is normal.
If the vehicle is vibrating when driving
on a smooth road, the tires and
wheels may need to be rebalanced.
See your dealer for proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent,
cracked, or badly rusted or corroded.
If wheel nuts keep coming loose, the
wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts
should be replaced. If the wheel leaks
air, replace it. Some aluminum wheels
can be repaired. See your dealer if any
of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of
wheel that is needed.
Each new wheel should have the same
load-carrying capacity, diameter,
width, offset, and be mounted the
same way as the one it replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel
nuts, or Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) sensors with new GM original
equipment parts.

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Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North
America
For more information about the
vehicle battery, seeBattery - North
America 0280.
If the vehicle's battery has run down,
you may want to use another vehicle
and some jumper cables to start your
vehicle. Be sure to use the following
steps to do it safely.
{Warning
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds,
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
Batteries also contain other
chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer. WASH
HANDS AFTER HANDLING. For
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
more information go to
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See California Proposition 65 Warning
0 264 and the back cover.
{Warning
Batteries can hurt you. They can be
dangerous because:
. They contain acid that can
burn you.
. They contain gas that can
explode or ignite.
. They contain enough
electricity to burn you.
If you do not follow these steps
exactly, some or all of these things
can hurt you.
Caution
Ignoring these steps could result in
costly damage to the vehicle that
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Trying to start the vehicle
by pushing or pulling it will not
work, and it could damage the
vehicle.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery with a
negative ground system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have a
12-volt system with a negative
ground, both vehicles can be
damaged. Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. Get the vehicles close enough so the jumper cables can reach, but
be sure the vehicles are not
touching each other. If they are,
it could cause an unwanted

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ground connection. You would
not be able to start your vehicle,
and the bad grounding could
damage the electrical systems.
To avoid the possibility of the
vehicles rolling, set the parking
brake firmly on both vehicles
involved in the jump start
procedure. Put the automatic
transmission in P (Park) or a
manual transmission in Neutral
before setting the parking brake.
For vehicles with
four-wheel-drive with a
N (Neutral) transfer case
position, be sure the transfer
case is in a drive gear—not
N (Neutral).
Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump starting
procedure, they could be damaged.
The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Whenever
possible, turn off or unplug all
accessories on either vehicle when
jump starting. 3. Turn the ignition off on both
vehicles. Unplug unnecessary
accessories plugged into the
accessory power outlets. Turn off
the radio and all the lamps that
are not needed. This will avoid
sparks and help save both
batteries. And it could save the
radio!
4. Open the hood on the other vehicle and locate the positive (+)
and negative (−) terminal
locations on that vehicle.
The positive (+) terminal is under
a red plastic cover at the positive
battery post. To uncover the
positive (+) terminal, open the
red plastic cover.
For more information on the
location of the remote
positive (+) and remote negative
(−) terminals, see Engine
Compartment Overview 0267.
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running and
can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing, and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can
cause battery gas to explode. People
have been hurt doing this, and
some have been blinded. Use a
flashlight if you need more light.
Battery fluid contains acid that can
burn you. Do not get it on you.
If you accidentally get it in your
eyes or on your skin, flush the place
with water and get medical help
immediately.

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Caution (Continued)
that have been sprayed with
magnesium, calcium, or sodium
chloride. These chlorides are used
on roads for conditions such as ice
and dust. Always wash the chrome
with soap and water after exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage, do not
use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners, brushes,
or cleaners that contain acid on
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels.
Use only approved cleaners. Also,
never drive a vehicle with
aluminum or chrome-plated wheels
through an automatic car wash that
uses silicone carbide tire cleaning
brushes. Damage could occur and
the repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake
pads for wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect drum brake linings/
shoes for wear or cracks. Inspect all
other brake parts.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering, suspension,
and chassis components for damaged,
loose, or missing parts or signs of
wear at least once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
For 1500 Series vehicles, at least every
other oil change lubricate the outer tie
rod ends.
Control arm ball joints on 1500 Series
vehicles are maintenance-free.
Caution
Lubrication of applicable steering/
suspension points should not be
done unless the temperature is
−12 °C (10 °F) or higher, or damage
could result.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood
hinges, liftgate hinges, steel fuel door
hinge and power assist step hinges,
unless the components are plastic.
Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth will
make them last longer, seal better,
and not stick or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any corrosive
materials from the underbody. Take
care to thoroughly clean any areas
where mud and other debris can
collect. If equipped with power assist
steps, extend them and then use a
high pressure wash to clean all joints
and gaps.

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SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE 347
Cadillac Premium Care
Maintenance
This vehicle comes with Cadillac
Premium Care Maintenance. It is a
maintenance program that covers
select services, when scheduled in
accordance with the owner’s manual,
including:
.Oil changes based on the vehicle's
oil life monitor system.
. Tire rotation every 12 000 km
(7,500 mi).
. Passenger compartment air filter
replacement.
. Multi-point vehicle inspection
(MPVI) performed by a qualified
technician.
Cadillac requires that all Cadillac
Premium Care Maintenance services
be performed by a Cadillac authorized
service dealer.
Maintenance Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
. Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0268.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0305.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See Tire
Inspection 0312.
. Check the windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0278.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km/600 mi. If driven
under the best conditions, the engine
oil life system may not indicate the
need for vehicle service for up to a
year. The engine oil and filter must be
changed at least once a year and the
oil life system must be reset. Your
trained dealer technician can perform
this work. If the engine oil life system is reset accidentally, service the
vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since
the last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed. See
Engine Oil Life System
0270.
Power Take Off (PTO) and
Extended Idle Use
When the vehicle is used with the
PTO equipment or used in a way that
requires extended idle time, one hour
of use shall be deemed the same as
53 km (33 mi). See Driver Information
Center (DIC) 0145 for hourmeter.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the following
services. See Tire Rotation0312.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed, change
engine oil and filter, and reset oil
life system.
See Engine Oil 0268 and Engine Oil
Life System 0270.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0273.

Cadillac Escalade Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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348 SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
.Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0278.
. Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0337. Replace worn or
damaged wiper blades. See Wiper
Blade Replacement 0284.
. Check tire inflation pressures. See
Tire Pressure 0305.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0312.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0272.
. Inspect brake system. See Exterior
Care 0337.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear.
See Exterior Care 0337.
. Lubricate the suspension and
steering components at least every
other oil change (if equipped with
grease fittings). .
Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 083.
. Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for loose
or damaged parts.
. Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0337.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0283.
. Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
Control Function Check 0283.
. Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check 0284.
. Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed. .
Visually inspect gas strut for signs
of wear, cracks, or other damage.
Check the hold open ability of the
strut. If the hold open is low,
service the gas strut. See Gas
Strut(s) 0285.
. Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof056.
. Verify spare tire key lock operation
and lubricate as needed. See Tire
Changing 0320.