service CADILLAC ESCALADE ESV 2009 Owner's Guide

This light comes on during a malfunction in one of
two ways:
Light Flashing: A misre condition has been detected.
A misre increases vehicle emissions and could
damage the emission control system on the vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required.
To prevent more serious damage to the vehicle:
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard accelerations.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
If towing a trailer, reduce the amount of cargo being
hauled as soon as it is possible.
If the light continues to ash, when it is safe to do so,
stop the vehicle. Find a safe place to park the vehicle.
Turn the key off, wait at least 10 seconds, and restart
the engine. If the light is still ashing, follow the previous
steps and see your dealer/retailer for service as soon
as possible.
Light On Steady: An emission control system
malfunction has been detected on the vehicle.
Diagnosis and service might be required. An emission system malfunction might be corrected by
doing the following:
Make sure the fuel cap is fully installed. See Filling
the Tank on page 6-9 . The diagnostic system
can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or
improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap
allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed
should turn the light off.
If the vehicle has been driven through a deep puddle
of water, the vehicle’s electrical system might be wet.
The condition is usually corrected when the electrical
system dries out. A few driving trips should turn the
light off.
Make sure to fuel the vehicle with quality fuel. Poor
fuel quality causes the engine not to run as efficiently
as designed and can cause: stalling after start-up,
stalling when the vehicle is changed into gear,
misring, hesitation on acceleration, or stumbling
on acceleration. These conditions might go away
once the engine is warmed up.
If one or more of these conditions occurs, change the
fuel brand used. It will require at least one full tank of
the proper fuel to turn the light off.
See Gasoline Octane on page 6-5 .
If none of the above have made the light turn off, your
dealer/retailer can check the vehicle. The dealer/retailer
has the proper test equipment and diagnostic tools to
x any mechanical or electrical problems that might have
developed.
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Emissions Inspection and Maintenance
Programs Some state/provincial and local governments have or
might begin programs to inspect the emission control
equipment on the vehicle. Failure to pass this inspection
could prevent getting a vehicle registration.
Here are some things to know to help the vehicle pass
an inspection:
The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the check
engine light is on with the engine running, or if the
key is in ON/RUN and the light is not on.
The vehicle will not pass this inspection if the
OBD II (on-board diagnostic) system determines
that critical emission control systems have not been
completely diagnosed by the system. The vehicle
would be considered not ready for inspection.
This can happen if the battery has recently
been replaced or if the battery has run down.
The diagnostic system is designed to evaluate
critical emission control systems during normal
driving. This can take several days of routine driving.
If this has been done and the vehicle still does
not pass the inspection for lack of OBD II system
readiness, your dealer/retailer can prepare the
vehicle for inspection. Oil Pressure Light
{ CAUTION: Do not keep driving if the oil pressure is low.
The engine can become so hot that it catches re.
Someone could be burned. Check the oil as soon
as possible and have the vehicle serviced.
Notice: Lack of proper engine oil maintenance
can damage the engine. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always follow
the maintenance schedule in this manual for
changing engine oil.
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This light comes on briey while starting the engine.
If it does not, have the vehicle serviced by your
dealer/retailer. If the system is working normally
the indicator light then goes off.
If the light comes on and stays on, it means that oil is
not owing through the engine properly. The vehicle
could be low on oil and it might have some other system
problem.
Security Light For information regarding
this light and the vehicle’s
security system, see
Content Theft-Deterrent
on page 2-21 .Fog Lamp Light The fog lamp light comes
on when the fog lamps are
in use.
The light goes out when the fog lamps are turned off.
See Fog Lamps on page 3-22 for more information.
Lights On Reminder This light comes on
whenever the parking
lamps are on.
See Exterior Lamps on page 3-16 for more information.
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Tire Pressure On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), the pressure for each tire can
be viewed in the DIC. The tire pressure will be
shown in either pounds per square inch (psi) or
kilopascals (kPa). Press the vehicle information
button until the DIC displays FRONT TIRES PSI (kPa)
LEFT ## RIGHT ##. Press the vehicle information button
again until the DIC displays REAR TIRES PSI (kPa)
LEFT ## RIGHT ##.
If a low or high tire pressure condition is detected by the
system while driving, a message advising you to check
the pressure in a specic tire will appear in the display.
See Inflation - Tire Pressure on page 6-62 and DIC
Warnings and Messages on page 3-56 for more
information.
If the tire pressure display shows dashes instead of
a value, there may be a problem with your vehicle. If this
consistently occurs, see your dealer/retailer for service. Battery Voltage This display shows the current battery voltage. If the
voltage is in the normal range, the value will display.
For example, the display may read BATTERY VOLTAGE
13.2 VOLTS. If the voltage is low, the display will show
LOW. If the voltage is high, the display will show HIGH.
Your vehicle’s charging system regulates voltage based
on the state of the battery. The battery voltage may
uctuate when viewing this information on the DIC.
This is normal. See Charging System Light on page 3-38
for more information. If there is a problem with the
battery charging system, the DIC will display a message.
See DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-56 .
Oil Pressure This display will show the oil pressure in either pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa).
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ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED This message displays and a chime sounds when the
cooling system temperature gets too hot and the engine
further enters the engine coolant protection mode. See
Engine Overheating on page 6-30 for further information.
This message also displays when the vehicle’s engine
power is reduced. Reduced engine power can affect the
vehicle’s ability to accelerate. If this message is on, but
there is no reduction in performance, proceed to your
destination. The performance may be reduced the next
time the vehicle is driven. The vehicle may be driven at a
reduced speed while this message is on, but acceleration
and speed may be reduced. Anytime this message stays
on, the vehicle should be taken to your dealer/retailer for
service as soon as possible.
FUEL LEVEL LOW This message displays and a chime sounds if the fuel
level is low. Refuel as soon as possible. See Fuel Gage
on page 3-46 and Fuel on page 6-5 for more information.
HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM OFF This message displays when the heated windshield
washer has been turned off. See Windshield Washer
on page 3-11 for more information. HEATING WASH FLUID WASH WIPES
PENDING This message displays when the heated windshield
washer system is heating the uid. See Windshield
Washer on page 3-11 for more information.
HOOD OPEN This message displays and a chime sounds if the hood
is not fully closed. Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the
hood for obstructions, and close the hood again. Check to
see if the message still appears on the DIC.
ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE WITH CARE This message displays when ice conditions are possible.
LEFT REAR DOOR OPEN This message displays and a chime sounds if the driver
side rear door is not fully closed and the vehicle is shifted
out of P (Park). Stop and turn off the vehicle, check the
door for obstructions, and close the door again. Check to
see if the message still appears on the DIC.
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OIL PRESSURE LOW STOP ENGINE Notice: If you drive your vehicle while the engine
oil pressure is low, severe engine damage may
occur. If a low oil pressure warning appears on the
Driver Information Center (DIC), stop the vehicle
as soon as possible. Do not drive the vehicle until
the cause of the low oil pressure is corrected.
See Engine Oil on page 6-15 for more information.
This message displays if low oil pressure levels
occur. Stop the vehicle as soon as safely possible and
do not operate it until the cause of the low oil pressure
has been corrected. Check the oil as soon as possible
and have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
See Engine Oil on page 6-15 .
PARKING ASSIST OFF After the vehicle has been started, this message
displays to remind the driver that the Ultrasonic
Rear Parking Assist (URPA) system has been turned
off. Press the set/reset button to acknowledge this
message and clear it from the DIC display. To turn
the URPA system back on, see Ultrasonic Rear
Parking Assist (URPA) on page 2-42 . PASSENGER DOOR OPEN This message displays and a chime sounds if the front
passenger door is not fully closed and the vehicle is
shifted out of P (Park). Stop and turn off the vehicle,
check the door for obstructions, and close the door
again. Check to see if the message still appears on
the DIC.
REAR ACCESS OPEN This message displays and a chime sounds if the
liftgate or liftglass is open while the ignition is in
ON/RUN. Turn off the vehicle and check the liftgate
and liftglass. Restart the vehicle and check for the
message on the DIC display.
REMOTE KEY LEARNING ACTIVE This message displays while you are matching a
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter to your vehicle.
See “Matching Transmitter(s) to Your Vehicle” under
Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
on page 2-5 and DIC Operation and Displays on
page 3-48 for more information.
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REPLACE BATTERY IN REMOTE KEY This message displays if a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
transmitter battery is low. The battery needs to be
replaced in the transmitter. See “Battery Replacement”
under Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) System Operation
on page 2-5 .
RIGHT REAR DOOR OPEN This message displays and a chime sounds if the
passenger side rear door is not fully closed and the
vehicle is shifted out of P (Park). Stop and turn off the
vehicle, check the door for obstructions, and close
the door again. Check to see if the message still
appears on the DIC.
SERVICE AIR BAG This message displays if there is a problem with the
airbag system. Have your dealer/retailer inspect the
system for problems. See Airbag Readiness Light on
page 3-36 and Airbag System on page 1-79 for more
information. SERVICE BATTERY CHARGING
SYSTEM On some vehicles, this message displays if there is a
problem with the battery charging system. Under certain
conditions, the charging system light may also turn on in
the instrument panel cluster. See Charging System Light
on page 3-38 . Driving with this problem could drain the
battery. Turn off all unnecessary accessories. Have the
electrical system checked as soon as possible. See your
dealer/retailer.
SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM This message displays along with the brake system
warning light if there is a problem with the brake system.
See Brake System Warning Light on page 3-39 . If this
message appears, stop as soon as possible and turn
off the vehicle. Restart the vehicle and check for
the message on the DIC display. If the message is still
displayed or appears again when you begin driving,
the brake system needs service as soon as possible.
See your dealer/retailer.
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SERVICE BRAKES SOON This message displays if there is a problem with the
brake system. If this message appears, stop as soon as
possible and turn off the vehicle. Restart the vehicle and
check for the message on the DIC display. If the message
is still displayed or appears again when you begin driving,
the brake system needs service. See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE LEFT HEADLAMP
ASSEMBLY On some models, this message will be displayed when
the left headlamp is out and needs to be serviced.
See LED Lighting on page 6-51 for more information.
SERVICE PARKING ASSIST This message displays if there is a problem with the
Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) system. Do not
use this system to help you park. See Ultrasonic
Rear Parking Assist (URPA) on page 2-42 for more
information. See your dealer/retailer for service.
SERVICE RIGHT HEADLAMP
ASSEMBLY On some models, this message will be displayed when
the right headlamp is out and needs to be serviced.
See LED Lighting on page 6-51 for more information. SERVICE SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system and this message displays, both SBZA displays
will remain on indicating there is a problem with the
SBZA system. If these displays remain on after continued
driving, the system needs service. See your dealer/
retailer. See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) on page 2-44
for more information.
SERVICE STABILITRAK If your vehicle has StabiliTrak ®
and this message
displays, it means there may be a problem with the
StabiliTrak system. If you see this message, try to
reset the system. Stop; turn off the engine for at least
15 seconds; then start the engine again. If this message
still comes on, it means there is a problem. You should
see your dealer/retailer for service. The vehicle is safe to
drive, however, you do not have the benet of StabiliTrak,
so reduce your speed and drive accordingly.
SERVICE SUSPENSION SYSTEM This message displays when the Road Sensing
Suspension (RSS) system is not operating properly.
Have your vehicle serviced by your dealer/retailer.
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SERVICE THEFT DETERRENT SYSTEM This message displays when there is a problem
with the theft-deterrent system. The vehicle may
or may not restart so you may want to take the vehicle
to your dealer/retailer before turning off the engine.
See PASS-Key ®
III+ Electronic Immobilizer Operation
on page 2-23 for more information.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR SYSTEM On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS), this message displays if a part on
the TPMS is not working properly. The tire pressure
light also ashes and then remains on during the same
ignition cycle. See Tire Pressure Light on page 3-41 .
Several conditions may cause this message to appear.
See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation on page 6-65
for more information. If the warning comes on and stays
on, there may be a problem with the TPMS. See your
dealer/retailer.
SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message displays
when there is a problem with the Traction Control
System (TCS). When this message displays, the system
will not limit wheel spin. Adjust your driving accordingly.
See your dealer/retailer for service. See StabiliTrak ®
System on page 5-6 for more information. SIDE BLIND ZONE ALERT
SYSTEM OFF If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system, this message displays when the SBZA system
has been turned off. See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) on
page 2-44 and DIC Operation and Displays on page 3-48
for more information.
SIDE BLIND ZONE SYSTEM
UNAVAILABLE If your vehicle has the Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
system, this message displays when the SBZA system
is disabled because the sensor is blocked and cannot
detect vehicles in your blind zone. The sensor may be
blocked by mud, dirt, snow, ice, or slush. This message
may also display during heavy rain or due to road spray.
It may also come on when driving in isolated areas with
no guardrails, trees, or road signs and light traffic.
Your vehicle does not need service. For cleaning
instructions, see Washing Your Vehicle on page 6-100 .
See Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) on page 2-44 for more
information.
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STABILITRAK OFF If your vehicle has StabiliTrak, this message displays
when you turn off StabiliTrak, or when the stability control
has been automatically disabled. To limit wheel spin and
realize the full benets of the stability enhancement
system, you should normally leave StabiliTrak on.
However, you should turn StabiliTrak off if your vehicle
gets stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow and you want to
rock your vehicle to attempt to free it, or if you are driving
in extreme off-road conditions and require more wheel
spin. See If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or
Snow on page 5-31 . To turn the StabiliTrak system on
or off, see StabiliTrak ®
System on page 5-6 .
There are several conditions that can cause this
message to appear.
One condition is overheating, which could occur if
StabiliTrak activates continuously for an extended
period of time.
The message also displays if the brake system
warning light is on. See Brake System Warning
Light on page 3-39 . The message could display if the stability system
takes longer than usual to complete its diagnostic
checks due to driving conditions.
The message displays if an engine or vehicle
related problem has been detected and the vehicle
needs service. See your dealer/retailer.
The message turns off as soon as the conditions that
caused the message to be displayed are no longer
present.
TIGHTEN GAS CAP This message may display along with the check engine
light on the instrument panel cluster if the vehicle’s
fuel cap is not tightened properly. See Malfunction
Indicator Lamp on page 3-42 . Reinstall the fuel cap
fully. See Filling the Tank on page 6-9 . The diagnostic
system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off
or improperly installed. A loose or missing fuel cap
allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
A few driving trips with the cap properly installed
should turn this light and message off.
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