transmission CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV 2008 Owners Manual

Automatic Release Fold and Tumble
Feature The transmission must be in PARK (P) for this feature
to work.
Folding and Tumbling the Seat(s)
{ CAUTION: Automatically folding and tumbling the seat
when someone is sitting in the seat, could
cause injury to the person sitting there. Always
make sure there is no one sitting in the seat
before pressing the automatic seat release
button.
To fold and tumble the seat, do the following:
1. Make sure that there is nothing under, in front of, or
on the seat.
Notice: Folding a rear seat with the safety belts
still fastened may cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the safety belts
and return them to their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat. 2. From the front seats,
press one of the
automatic seat release
buttons located on
the overhead console.
When accessing the third row seats, if your vehicle
has them, from the outside of the vehicle, press
the button on the panel behind either rear door.
One press of the button automatically folds
the seatback at and tumbles the seat forward.
There will be a slight delay between the folding of
the seatback and the tumbling of the seat.Overhead Console
Buttons shown, Panel
Button similar
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Automatic Release Fold and Tumble
Feature The transmission must be in PARK (P) for this feature
to work.
Folding and Tumbling the Seat(s)
{ CAUTION: Automatically folding and tumbling the seat
when someone is sitting in the seat, could
cause injury to the person sitting there. Always
make sure there is no one sitting in the seat
before pressing the automatic seat release
button. To fold and tumble the seat, do the following:
1. Make sure that there is nothing under, in front of, or
on the seat.
Notice: Folding a rear seat with the safety belts
still fastened may cause damage to the seat or the
safety belts. Always unbuckle the safety belts
and return them to their normal stowed position
before folding a rear seat.
2. From the front seats,
press one of the
automatic seat release
buttons located on
the overhead console.
Overhead Console
Buttons shown
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Keys .............................................................. .2-3
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System ............... .2-4
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System
Operation .................................................. .2-4
Remote Vehicle Start ..................................... .2-7
Doors and Locks ........................................... .2-10
Door Locks ................................................. .2-10
Power Door Locks ....................................... .2-10
Delayed Locking .......................................... .2-11
Programmable Automatic Door Locks ............. .2-11
Rear Door Security Locks ............................. .2-11
Lockout Protection ....................................... .2-12
Liftgate/Liftglass ........................................... .2-13
Power Liftgate ............................................. .2-14
Power Running Boards ................................. .2-17
Windows ....................................................... .2-18
Power Windows ........................................... .2-19
Sun Visors .................................................. .2-20
Theft-Deterrent Systems ................................. .2-20
Content Theft-Deterrent ................................ .2-21
PASS-Key ®
III+ ........................................... .2-22
PASS-Key ®
III+ Operation ............................. .2-23 Starting and Operating Your Vehicle ............... .2-24
New Vehicle Break-In ................................... .2-24
Ignition Positions ......................................... .2-25
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) .................. .2-26
Starting the Engine ...................................... .2-26
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal ............... .2-28
Engine Coolant Heater ................................. .2-28
Automatic Transmission Operation .................. .2-30
Tow/Haul Mode ........................................... .2-34
Parking Brake ............................................. .2-35
Shifting Into PARK (P) .................................. .2-36
Shifting Out of PARK (P) .............................. .2-37
Parking Over Things That Burn ...................... .2-38
Engine Exhaust ........................................... .2-39
Running the Engine While Parked .................. .2-40
Mirrors .......................................................... .2-41
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
Intellibeam ®
, OnStar ®
, Compass, and
Temperature Display ................................. .2-41
Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror with
OnStar ®
, Compass and Temperature
Display ................................................... .2-43
Outside Power Foldaway Mirrors .................... .2-45Section 2 Features and Controls
2-1

If you shift the transmission out of PARK (P) while the
power function is in progress, the liftgate power function
will continue to completion. If you shift the transmission
out of PARK (P) and accelerate before the power
liftgate latches closed, the liftgate may reverse to the
open position. Cargo could fall out of the vehicle. Always
make sure the power liftgate is closed and latched
before you drive away.
If you power open the liftgate and the liftgate support
struts have lost pressure, the lights will ash and a
chime will sound. The liftgate will stay open temporarily,
then slowly close. See your dealer/retailer for service
before using the liftgate. Obstacle Detection Features If the liftgate encounters an obstacle during a power
open or close cycle, a warning chime will sound and the
liftgate will automatically reverse direction to the full
closed or open position. After removing the obstruction,
the power liftgate operation can be used again. If the
liftgate encounters multiple obstacles on the same power
cycle, the power function will deactivate, and you
must manually open or close the liftgate. The REAR
ACCESS OPEN warning message in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will indicate that the liftgate is
open. After removing the obstructions, manually
open the liftgate to the full open position or close the
liftgate to the fully closed and latched position. The
liftgate will now resume normal power operation.
Your vehicle has pinch sensors located on the side
edges of the liftgate. If an object is caught between the
liftgate and the body and presses against this sensor,
the liftgate will reverse direction and open fully.
The liftgate will remain open until it is activated again or
closed manually. Do not force the liftgate open or
closed during a power cycle.
2-16

Ignition Positions Use the key to turn the
ignition switch to four
different positions.
In order to shift out of PARK (P), ignition must be in the
ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake
pedal must be applied.
A (LOCK/OFF): This position locks the ignition and
transmission. It is a theft-deterrent feature. The key can
only be removed when the ignition is turned to
LOCK/OFF.
Notice: Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the
key. Use the correct key and turn the key only with
your hand. Make sure the key is all the way in. If it is, turn the steering wheel left and right while you
turn the key hard. If none of this works, then
your vehicle needs service.
B (ACC/ACCESSORY): This position lets things like
the radio and the windshield wipers operate while
the engine is off.
Lengthy operation of features such as the radio in the
ACC/ACCESSORY ignition position and the ON/RUN
position may drain the battery and prevent your vehicle
from starting. Do not operate your vehicle in the ACC/
ACCESSORY ignition position for a long period of time.
C (ON/RUN): This is the position for driving. It is the
position the ignition switch returns to after the engine
starts, and the key is released.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the
engine off. You may not be able to start your vehicle if
the battery is allowed to drain for an extended period
of time.
D (START): This position starts the engine.
2-25

Key In the Ignition Never leave your vehicle with the keys inside, as it is an
easy target for joy riders or thieves. If you leave the
key in the ignition and park your vehicle, a chime
will sound, when you open the driver’s door. Always
remember to remove your key from the ignition and take
it with you. This will lock your ignition and transmission.
Also, always remember to lock the doors.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in the
ignition while your vehicle is parked. You may not be
able to start your vehicle after it has been parked for an
extended period of time.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) The following vehicle accessories can be used for up to
10 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
Power Windows
OnStar ®
System (if equipped)
Sunroof (if equipped) These features work when the key is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from
ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF, the windows and sunroof
continue to work up to 10 minutes until any door
is opened. The radio continues to work for up to
10 minutes or until the driver’s door is opened.
Starting the Engine Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N).
Your engine will not start in any other position – this is a
safety feature. To restart when you are already
moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only.
Notice: Do not try to shift to PARK (P) if your
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the
transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your
vehicle is stopped.
2-26

Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn theignition key to START. When the engine starts,
let go of the key. The idle speed will go down as
your engine gets warm. Do not race the engine
immediately after starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently to allow the oil to warm up
and lubricate all moving parts.
Your vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the
engine and protects components. If the ignition key
is turned to the START position, and then
released when the engine begins cranking, the
engine will continue cranking for a few seconds or
until the vehicle starts. If the engine does not
start and the key is held in START for many
seconds, cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds
to prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent
gear damage, this system also prevents cranking if
the engine is already running. Engine cranking
can be stopped by turning the ignition switch to the
ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF position.
Notice: Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down. 2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or
−18°C), it could be ooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to
the oor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for up to a maximum of 15 seconds.
Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to allow
the cranking motor to cool down. When the
engine starts, let go of the key and accelerator. If
the vehicle starts briey but then stops again, do the
same thing. This clears the extra gasoline from
the engine. Do not race the engine immediately
after starting it. Operate the engine and
transmission gently until the oil warms up and
lubricates all moving parts.
Notice: The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in your vehicle. If you add electrical
parts or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, your
engine might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranty.
2-27
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Automatic Transmission Operation Your vehicle has a Hydra-Matic ®
6L80 automatic
transmission, and has an electronic shift position
indicator within the instrument panel cluster. The
electronic shift position indicator displays when the shift
lever is moved out of PARK (P).
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
PARK (P): This position locks your rear wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle cannot move easily.
When parked on a hill, especially when the vehicle has
a heavy load, you may notice an increase in the
effort to shift out of PARK (P). See Torque Lock
(Automatic Transmission) under Shifting Into PARK (P)
on page 2-36 for more information. { CAUTION: It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not leave your 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 your vehicle will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P). See Shifting Into PARK (P) on
page 2-36 . If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-44 .
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle
is moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is
stopped.
2-30

To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice, or sand without damaging your transmission,
see If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow
on page 4-33 .
NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
{ CAUTION: Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless
your foot is rmly on the brake pedal, your
vehicle could move very rapidly. You could
lose control and hit people or objects. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.
Notice: Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting your vehicle. DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. It
provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle. If you
need more power for passing, and you are:
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
By doing this, the vehicle shifts down to the next gear
and has more power.
DRIVE (D) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, driving on steep hills, or for off-road
driving. You may want to shift the transmission to a
lower gear selection if the transmission shifts too often.
Downshifting the transmission in slippery road
conditions could result in skidding, see Skidding under
Loss of Control on page 4-11 .
2-31

MANUAL MODE (M): This position lets drivers select
the range of gears appropriate for current driving
conditions. See Driver Shift Control (DSC) later in this
section.
Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator
pedal may damage the transmission. The repair will
not be covered by your warranty. If you are stuck,
do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill,
use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
Your vehicle has a shift stabilization feature that adjusts
the transmission shifting to the current driving
conditions in order to reduce rapid upshifts and
downshifts. This shift stabilization feature is designed to
determine, before making an upshift, if the engine
will be able to maintain vehicle speed by analyzing
things such as vehicle speed, throttle position and
vehicle load. If the shift stabilization feature determines
that a current vehicle speed cannot be maintained,
the transmission does not upshift and instead holds the
current gear. In some cases, this may appear to be
a delayed shift, however the transmission is operating
normally. Your vehicle’s transmission uses adaptive shift controls
that compares key shift parameters to pre-programmed
ideal shifts stored in the transmissions computer.
The transmission constantly makes adjustments to
improve vehicle performance according to how
the vehicle is being used, such as with a heavy load or
when temperature changes. During this adaptive
shift controls process, shifting may feel different as the
transmission determines the best settings.
When temperatures are very cold, the Hydra-Matic ®
6L80 automatic transmission’s gear shifting may
be delayed providing more stable shifts until the engine
warms up. Shifts may be more noticeable with a cold
transmission. This difference in shifting is normal.
2-32