coolant CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV 2009 Owner's Manual

You may decide not to lift the hood when this warning
appears, but instead get service help right away.
See Roadside Service on page 8-7 .
If you do decide to lift the hood, make sure the vehicle
is parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine cooling fans are
running. If the engine is overheating, both fans should
be running. If they are not, do not continue to run
the engine and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice: Engine damage from running your engine
without coolant is not covered by your warranty.
See Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
on page 6-33 for information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
Notice: If the engine catches re while driving with
no coolant, the vehicle can be badly damaged.
The costly repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. See Overheated Engine
Protection Operating Mode on page 6-33 for
information on driving to a safe place in an
emergency. If Steam Is Coming From The Engine
Compartment
{ CAUTION: Steam from an overheated engine can burn you
badly, even if you just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear steam coming
from it. Turn it off and get everyone away from the
vehicle until it cools down. Wait until there is no sign
of steam or coolant before you open the hood.
If you keep driving when the vehicles engine is
overheated, the liquids in it can catch re. You or
others could be badly burned. Stop the engine if it
overheats, and get out of the vehicle until the
engine is cool.
See Overheated Engine Protection Operating Mode
on page 6-33 for information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
6-31

If No Steam Is Coming From The
Engine Compartment The ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE or the
ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE message, along
with a low coolant condition, can indicate a serious
problem.
If you get an engine overheat warning, but see or
hear no steam, the problem may not be too serious.
Sometimes the engine can get a little too hot when you:
Climb a long hill on a hot day.
Stop after high-speed driving.
Idle for long periods in traffic.
Tow a trailer. See Towing a Trailer on page 5-44 .
If you get the ENGINE OVERHEATED STOP ENGINE or
the ENGINE OVERHEATED IDLE ENGINE message
with no sign of steam, try this for a minute or so:
If the overheat warning is displayed with no sign of
steam:
1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and
to the highest fan speed. Open the windows as
necessary. 3. In heavy traffic, let the engine idle in N (Neutral)
while stopped. If it is safe to do so, pull off the
road, shift to P (Park) or N (Neutral) and let
the engine idle.
If the temperature overheat gage is no longer in the
overheat zone or an overheat warning no longer displays,
the vehicle can be driven. Continue to drive the vehicle
slow for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe vehicle distance
from the car in front of you. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over, stop, and park the
vehicle right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the engine for
ve minutes while parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it cools down.
Also, see “Overheated Engine Protection Operating
Mode” later in this section.
6-32

Overheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode If an overheated engine condition exists and the
ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED message is displayed,
an overheat protection mode which alternates ring
groups of cylinders helps prevent engine damage.
In this mode, you will notice a loss in power and engine
performance. This operating mode allows the vehicle
to be driven to a safe place in an emergency. Driving
extended miles (km) and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be avoided.
Notice: After driving in the overheated engine
protection operating mode, to avoid engine damage,
allow the engine to cool before attempting any repair.
The engine oil will be severely degraded. Repair the
cause of coolant loss, change the oil and reset the oil
life system. See Engine Oil on page 6-15 .Engine Fan Noise The vehicle has electric cooling fans. You might hear
the fans spinning at low speed during most everyday
driving. The fans can turn off if no cooling is required.
Under heavy vehicle loading, trailer towing, and/or
high outside temperatures, or if you are operating the
air conditioning system, the fans can change to
high speed and you might hear an increase in fan noise.
This is normal and indicates that the cooling system
is functioning properly. The fans change to low speed
when additional cooling is no longer required.
Power Steering Fluid See Engine Compartment
Overview on page 6-14 for
reservoir location.
6-33

Adding Washer Fluid The vehicle has a low washer uid message in the DIC
that comes on when the washer uid is low. The message
is displayed for 15 seconds at the start of each ignition
cycle. When the WASHER FLUID LOW ADD FLUID
message displays, you will need to add washer uid to
the windshield washer uid reservoir.
Open the cap with the
washer symbol on it.
Add washer uid until the
tank is full. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 6-14 for reservoir
location. Notice:
When using concentrated washer uid, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions for adding
water.
Do not mix water with ready-to-use washer uid.
Water can cause the solution to freeze and
damage your washer uid tank and other parts
of the washer system. Also, water does not
clean as well as washer uid.
Fill the washer uid tank only three-quarters
full when it is very cold. This allows for uid
expansion if freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is completely full.
Do not use engine coolant (antifreeze) in your
windshield washer. It can damage the vehicle’s
windshield washer system and paint.
6-35

Tire Terminology and Denitions Air Pressure :
The amount of air inside the
tire pressing outward on each square inch of the
tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight :
This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission,
power steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio :
The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.
Belt :
A rubber coated layer of cords that is located
between the plies and the tread. Cords may be
made from steel or other reinforcing materials.
Bead :
The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire :
A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread. Cold Tire Pressure :
The amount of air pressure
in a tire, measured in pounds per square inch (psi)
or kilopascals (kPa) before a tire has built up heat
from driving. See Inflation - Tire Pressure on
page 6-62 .
Curb Weight :
The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard and optional equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil, and coolant, but
without passengers and cargo.
DOT Markings :
A code molded into the sidewall
of a tire signifying that the tire is in compliance
with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
motor vehicle safety standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identication Number (TIN),
an alphanumeric designator which can also identify
the tire manufacturer, production plant, brand,
and date of production.
GVWR :
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
See Loading the Vehicle on page 5-33 .
GAWR FRT :
Gross Axle Weight Rating for the
front axle. See Loading the Vehicle on page 5-33 .
6-59

When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
appears, the following services, checks, and inspections
are required:
❑ Change engine oil and lter. See Engine Oil on
page 6-15 . Reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil Life System on page 6-18 . An Emission
Control Service.
❑ Lubricate chassis components. See footnote #.
❑ Visually check for any leaks or damage.
See footnote (j).
❑ Inspect engine air cleaner lter or change indicator
(if equipped). If necessary, replace lter. See Engine
Air Cleaner/Filter on page 6-19 . See footnote (k).
❑ Rotate tires and check ination pressures and wear.
See Tire Inspection and Rotation on page 6-69 and
“Tire Wear Inspection” in At Least Once a Month on
page 7-10 . ❑ Inspect brake system. See footnote (a).
❑ Check engine coolant and windshield washer uid
levels and add uid as needed.
❑ Perform any needed additional services.
See “Additional Required Services” in this section.
❑ Inspect suspension and steering components.
See footnote (b).
❑ Inspect engine cooling system. See footnote (c).
❑ Inspect wiper blades. See footnote (d).
❑ Inspect restraint system components.
See footnote (e).
❑ Lubricate body components. See footnote (f).
❑ Check transmission uid level and add uid as
needed.
7-5

(f) Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood latch assembly,
secondary latch, pivots, spring anchor, release pawl, rear
compartment hinges, outer tailgate handle pivot points,
latch bolt, fuel door hinge, and folding seat hardware.
More frequent lubrication may be required when exposed
to a corrosive environment. Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.
(g) Inspect system. Check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper hook-up, routing, and condition.
Check that the purge valve works properly, if equipped.
Replace as needed.
(h) Change automatic transmission fluid and filter if the
vehicle is mainly driven under one or more of these
conditions:
In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature
regularly reaches 90°F (32°C) or higher.
In hilly or mountainous terrain.
When doing frequent trailer towing.
Uses such as found in taxi, police, or delivery
service.
(i) Drain, flush, and refill cooling system. This service
can be complex; you should have your dealer/retailer
perform this service. See Engine Coolant on page 6-25
for what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator,
condenser, pressure cap, and filler neck. Pressure
test the cooling system and pressure cap. (j) A fluid loss in any vehicle system could indicate a
problem. Have the system inspected and repaired and
the fluid level checked. Add fluid if needed.
(k) If driving regularly under dusty conditions, inspect
the filter at each engine oil change.
(l) Visually inspect belt for fraying, excessive cracks, or
obvious damage. Replace belt if necessary.
(m) Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and
proper installation. Check to be sure vent hose is
unobstructed, clear, and free of debris. During any
maintenance, if a power washer is used to clean mud
and dirt from the underbody, care should be taken to
not directly spray the transfer case output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals and
contaminate the transfer case fluid. Contaminated fluid
will decrease the life of the transfer case and should
be replaced.
(n) Severe Service: Change transfer case fluid if the
vehicle is mainly used for trailer towing or driven in city
traffic, wet environment, or high ambient temperatures.
7-9

Owner Checks and Services These owner checks and services should be performed
at the intervals specied to help ensure vehicle
safety, dependability, and emission control performance.
Your dealer/retailer can assist with these checks and
services.
Be sure any necessary repairs are completed at once.
Whenever any uids or lubricants are added to the
vehicle, make sure they are the proper ones, as shown
in Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 7-13 .
At Each Fuel Fill It is important to perform these underhood checks at
each fuel fill.
Engine Oil Level Check Notice: It is important to check the engine oil
regularly and keep it at the proper level. Failure to
keep the engine oil at the proper level can cause
damage to the engine not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Check the engine oil level and add the proper oil if
necessary. See Engine Oil on page 6-15 . Engine Coolant Level Check Check the engine coolant level and add DEX-COOL ®
coolant mixture if necessary. See Engine Coolant
on page 6-25 .
Windshield Washer Fluid Level Check Check the windshield washer uid level in the
windshield washer uid reservoir and add the proper
uid if necessary.
At Least Once a Month
Tire Ination Check Inspect the vehicle’s tires and make sure they are
inated to the correct pressures. Do not forget to check
the spare tire, if the vehicle has one. See Inflation - Tire
Pressure on page 6-62 . If the vehicle has a spare tire,
check to make sure it is stored securely. See Changing
a Flat Tire on page 6-78 .
Tire Wear Inspection Tire rotation may be required for high mileage highway
drivers prior to the Engine Oil Life System service
notication. Check the tires for wear and, if necessary,
rotate the tires. See Tire Inspection and Rotation on
page 6-69 .
7-10

Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants Fluids and lubricants identied below by name, part
number, or specication can be obtained from your
dealer/retailer.
Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil The engine requires a special engine
oil meeting GM Standard GM4718M.
Oils meeting this standard can be
identied as synthetic, and should
also be identied with the American
Petroleum Institute (API) Certied for
Gasoline Engines starburst symbol.
However, not all synthetic API oils
with the starburst symbol will meet
this GM standard. Look for and use
only oil that meets GM Standard
GM4718M. For the proper viscosity,
see Engine Oil on page 6-15 .
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and use only DEX-COOL ®
Coolant. See Engine Coolant on
page 6-25 . Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Hydraulic Brake
System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377967,
in Canada 89021320).
Windshield
Washer Optikleen ®
Washer Solvent.
Power Steering
System GM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. U.S. 89021184,
in Canada 89021186).
Automatic
Transmission DEXRON ®
-VI Automatic
Transmission Fluid.
Key Lock
Cylinders Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. U.S. 12346241,
in Canada 10953474).
Chassis
Lubrication Chassis Lubricant
(GM Part No. U.S. 12377985, in
Canada 88901242) or lubricant
meeting requirements of NLGI #2,
Category LB or GC-LB.
7-13

Cleaning (cont.)
Weatherstrips ............................................ 6-100
Windshield, Backglass, and Wiper Blades ...... 6-102
Wood Panels ............................................ 6-100
Climate Control System
Outlet Adjustment ........................................ 3-31
Rear Air Conditioning and Heating System,
Electronic ................................................ 3-32
Climate Control Systems
Dual Automatic ............................................ 3-27
Clock ............................................................ 3-26
Collision Damage Repair .................................. 8-12
Compass ....................................................... 3-53
Content Theft-Deterrent .................................... 2-21
Control of a Vehicle .......................................... 5-3
Coolant
Engine ....................................................... 6-25
Engine Temperature Gage ............................ 3-41
Cooled Seats ................................................... 1-6
Cooling System .............................................. 6-24
Courtesy Transportation Program ...................... 8-10
Cruise Control ................................................ 3-13
Light .......................................................... 3-46
Cupholders .................................................... 2-62 Customer Assistance ......................................... 8-6
Offices ......................................................... 8-6
Text Telephone (TTY) Users ........................... 8-6
Customer Information
Service Publications Ordering Information ........ 8-15
Customer Satisfaction Procedure ........................ 8-2
D Damage Repair, Collision ................................. 8-12
Data Recorders
Event ......................................................... 8-17
Database Coverage Explanations ...................... 4-62
Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) ......................... 3-21
Defensive Driving ............................................. 5-2
Delayed Locking ............................................. 2-10
DIC Compass ................................................. 3-53
Doing Your Own Service Work ........................... 6-4
Dome Lamp Override ...................................... 3-23
Dome Lamps ................................................. 3-23
Door
Delayed Locking .......................................... 2-10
Locks ........................................................ 2-10
Power Locks ............................................... 2-10
Programmable Automatic Door Locks ............. 2-11
Rear Door Security Locks ............................. 2-11
4